There are many hardwood species, domestic and imported, available to the consumer today.

The appearance of the wood determines how it is "graded." All grades are equally strong and serviceable, yet afford the consumer different looks. Oak and ash have four basic grades when it comes to classifying wood.

"Clear" is free of defects though it may have minor imperfections.Flooring in this category tends to be very consistent with little mineral streaking and knots.
"Select" is almost clear, but contains more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.
"Common" grades (No. 1 and No. 2) have more markings than either clear or select and are often chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and worm holes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and allow all wood characteristics of the species.
Hard maple, beech, birch and pecan have three grades:

"First" has the best appearance, natural color variations and limited character marks.
"Second" is variegated in appearance with varying sound wood characteristics of species.
"Third" is rustic in appearance allowing all wood characteristics of the species.

A definition of hardwood cuts

The angle at which a board is cut makes big differences in how the finished product looks. Bruce hardwood flooring is either plainsawn, quartersawn or riftsawn.

Plainsawn is the most common cut. The board contains more variation than the other two cuts because figure patterns resulting from the growth rings are more conspicuous.

Quartersawing produces less board feet per log than plainsawing and is therefore more expensive. Quartersawn wood twists and cups less and wears more evenly.

Riftsawn is similar to quartersawing, but the cut is made at a slightly different angle.