Perhaps surprisingly, there is no definitive framework that can be used as an international standard for timber grades; standards differ from country to country, and even from species to species. In our own collections we deal with a number of mills who work to varying parameters, so we have established our own standards as shown here on oak boards. These are likely to be the “worst case”; many individual planks will fall well within this. But please do remember, since they are usually selected by eye, there is always scope for an occasional board to fall outside of these parameters. The branded collections which we carry all have their own grading criteria and you will find their own definitions featured opposite. Of course, each and every plank is unique, so all parameters should be taken simply as an indication, given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. Please be aware that Havwoods cannot accept rejection of an entire floor on the basis of a small number of boards. We strongly advise that our floors should only be fitted by a competent installer who will, as a matter of course, remove any defects within the normal cutting allowance. We cannot accept rejection of any flooring once it has been laid.
PRIME Typically, prime grade has few, if any knots, and these will be of minimal size. There will also be a minimal amount of sapwood defects and filler, if any at all. Where filler is used its colour is carefully selected to complement the wood rather than to match it exactly, and the colour of the filler may vary from batch to batch. There will be a relatively small amount of colour variation in the timber itself.
SELECT/CLASSIC Known as either select or classic grade, typically this will have a mix of almost prime boards with other planks which have more knots. Slightly larger knots are allowed in this grade. Heartwood and colour variation in the timber should be expected and there may be some checks (cracks across the growth ring), sapwood and filler. The colour of the filler is carefully selected to complement the wood rather than to match it exactly and it may vary from batch to batch.
CHARACTER Typically, character grade will include both heartwood and sapwood and allows a wider range of colour variation. Knots are larger and you should expect checks (cracks across the growth ring) and possibly some end shake (cracks between the rings). Filler will be used, the colour of which is carefully selected to complement the wood rather than to match it exactly, and it may vary from batch to batch.
NATURAL/RUSTIC Known as either natural or rustic grade this allows a virtually limitless size and number of knots. Heartwood will be used, there will be colour variation, sapwood and filler; you should also expect checks (cracks across the growth ring) and possibly some end shake (cracks between the rings). The colour of the filler is carefully selected to complement the wood rather than to match it exactly and it may vary from batch to batch.
info@havwoods.in | www.havwoods.in | T. 91 (0) 22 24938633
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