When either selecting or working with real wood flooring products, it is important to be familiar with the grading scale.

Real wood flooring is graded in accordance with its level of quality and performance (firmness, strength). These terms are used by wood flooring specialists on a regular basis. Therefore they are detailed below in ascending order of quality:

Grades (Ascending) Quality

1. Select/Better - Select/Prime
2. Pacific - 65% select & 35% rustic, available with longer lengths because of its grade
3. Character
4. Rustic/No.1
5. No. 2
6. Cabin/Colonial - low grade because it comes from the end of the factory line.
   

Species (Descending) - Performance (Strength)

• White Deal
• Red Deal
• Pine
• Honduras Pine
• Walnut
• Cherry
• Birch
• Red Oak
• Ash
• White Oak
• Maple
• Merbau / Jatoba
  
  
  Acclimatisation
  Term used when flooring is placed in the environment in which it is to be installed. This is a recommended procedure, which allows the wood flooring to adapt to the conditions and RH (Relative Humidity) levels prior to fitting.
  
  Relative Humidity
  This refers to humidity levels present within the environment that the wood flooring is either stored or installed. (Humidity is affected by temperature, dampness etc and it is recommended that ideal RH levels are the same as those suitable for occupant comfort).
  
  Moisture Content
  This term is used to refer to the level of moisture contained in wood flooring. Correct content between 8% - 10%.
  
  Expansion Gap
  Term which refers to the gap allowed around the outside of a room between flooring and walls during installation. Also refers to the gap, which is allowed between boards.
  
  Cleats
  This simply refers to nails.