White Oak Flooring Grades Explained

Where this guide applies: This guide applies to unfinished solid white oak flooring and focuses on visual grading rather than structural performance.

White oak flooring is available in several grading options, each offering a distinct balance of appearance, natural variation, and character. Understanding these grades helps homeowners, builders, and designers select material that aligns with both aesthetic goals and performance expectations.

While all white oak flooring meets structural standards for durability, grading focuses primarily on visual characteristics such as grain consistency, color variation, and the presence of natural wood features. Below is a breakdown of the most common white oak flooring grades and how they are typically used.

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Select & Better White Oak Flooring

Select & Better grade white oak flooring offers the most uniform appearance among standard grading options. Boards feature tighter grain patterns, minimal color variation, and very few natural markings.

This grade is commonly specified for projects where a clean, refined look is desired, such as modern interiors, custom homes, and light commercial spaces. Natural wood characteristics may still appear, but they are subtle and evenly distributed.

For projects using 5 inch widths, Select & Better grade provides a polished appearance while maintaining the natural warmth of white oak.

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#1 Common White Oak Flooring

#1 Common grade white oak flooring strikes a balance between consistency and natural variation. Boards display visible grain movement, mineral streaks, and color variation while maintaining an overall cohesive appearance.

This grade is widely used in residential settings and is often chosen for its ability to add warmth and character without appearing overly rustic. #1 Common is one of the most versatile options and works well across a wide range of design styles.

In 5 inch widths, #1 Common grade provides visual interest while remaining straightforward to install and finish consistently.

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Character Grade White Oak Flooring

Character grade white oak flooring is selected to showcase expressive natural features. Boards may include prominent grain variation, mineral streaks, color contrast, and naturally occurring marks that contribute to a more organic appearance.

This grade is popular in designs that emphasize texture, warmth, and authenticity, including farmhouse, transitional, and rustic inspired interiors. Character grade allows the natural personality of the wood to take center stage.

When used in 5 inch widths, Character grade white oak delivers a bold visual impact while maintaining consistent performance across the floor.

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#2 Common White Oak Flooring

#2 Common grade white oak flooring features the highest level of natural variation. Boards often display pronounced knots, heavier color movement, mineral streaks, and a wide range of grain patterns.

This grade is typically selected for rustic, reclaimed inspired, or design forward projects where variation is not only accepted but desired. Each floor has a one of a kind appearance, with no two installations looking exactly alike.

In 5 inch widths, #2 Common grade provides a bold, lived in aesthetic well suited for spaces that embrace natural character and visual depth.

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Choosing the Right White Oak Grade

Selecting the right white oak flooring grade depends on your design goals, tolerance for natural variation, and overall project vision. All grades offer the same species durability and structural performance, with differences primarily related to appearance.

• Select & Better for clean, uniform designs
• #1 Common for balanced character and consistency
• Character grade for expressive, natural texture
• #2 Common for rustic and high variation aesthetics

If you are shopping 5 inch widths and want to compare grade options side by side, start here: 5 inch white oak flooring collection.

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FAQ

What is the difference between Select & Better and #1 Common white oak? Select & Better is the most uniform option with minimal visual variation. #1 Common includes more natural color movement and character markings while still maintaining an overall cohesive look.

Does grade affect durability or performance? Grade primarily affects appearance. Durability and performance are driven more by species, milling quality, moisture control, installation, and finishing. White oak is a durable species across all grades when properly installed and maintained.

Which grade is best for a rustic look? For the most rustic, high variation appearance, #2 Common is typically the best fit. Character grade is also a strong choice if you want bold natural features with a slightly more controlled look than #2 Common.

Will natural variation show more after finishing? Finish choices can emphasize or soften variation. Darker stains tend to highlight grain and contrast, while lighter stains and clear finishes can preserve a more natural tone. Always test your finish system on sample boards before committing.