All You Need to Know About Wood Grading For Flooring
What Are Timber Grades for Wood Flooring?
When choosing your ideal oak floor, the timber grade plays a key role in shaping the final look and feel of your space. Whether you’re renovating a Lisbon apartment or designing a rustic villa in the Algarve, understanding these grades helps you choose wisely and balance the character of the flooring to the space it is being installed into.
✦ Prime Grade (AB Grade)
- Look: Smooth, clean, and uniform
- Features: Very few knots, minimal variation in tone
- Best For: Modern, minimalist interiors and luxury finishes
- Note: Premium pricing reflects the flawless, elegant look
✦ Select Grade (ABC Grade)
- Look: Light variation with a natural feel
- Features: Small knots, some tonal shifts, subtle charm
- Best For: Balanced spaces with a mix of modern and natural design
- Note: A refined look without the premium of Prime
✦ Character Grade (CD Grade / Rustic)
- Look: Bold, rustic and expressive
- Features: Larger knots, rich colour variation, visible grain
- Best For: Country homes, heritage renovations, and warm, earthy interiors
- Note: Most affordable option with maximum natural character
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Home in Portugal
Your climate, interior style, and renovation goals all play a role in choosing timber grade — especially in Portugal, where warm weather and architectural diversity offer wide creative freedom.
- For sleek, contemporary Lisbon apartments → Prime or Select grades elevate modern design
- For rustic Algarve villas or countryside homes → Character grade brings texture and warmth
- For family homes and commercial spaces → Select grade balances beauty and practicality
Final Thought
No matter where in Portugal you live — from Porto to the Algarve — understanding timber grades gives you the power to choose wood flooring that speaks to your space. At Wood Flooring PT, we offer a curated range of oak floors in every grade, always sustainably sourced and built to last.