The Ultimate Guide to Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring: Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for affordable hardwood flooring that still provides the beauty and durability of traditional hardwood floors? Look no further than rustic grade hardwood flooring. Often overlooked and underrated, rustic grade hardwood flooring offers a cost-effective option for various spaces in your home. Whether you’re considering a new floor for your outbuilding, home gym, workshop, or mudroom, rustic grade hardwood could be the perfect choice for you.
What Is Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring?
Rustic grade hardwood flooring is solid hardwood that may contain more knots, pith, streaks, sharp color variations, and minor defects than higher grades of hardwood. It is the most affordable grade of hardwood flooring, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Despite its imperfections, rustic grade hardwood flooring still provides the natural beauty and warmth of hardwood at a fraction of the cost.
Grades of Hardwood
Before we delve deeper into rustic grade hardwood flooring, let’s understand the different grades of hardwood available in the market:
- FAS Grade: First and Seconds grade hardwood is top-tier, with long pieces free from most defects, making them ideal for trimwork and fine wood items.
- FAS1F or F1F Grade: One Face and Select boards are sourced from the best face of the wood and are clear with good color consistency, perfect for doors and cabinets.
- No. 1 Common Grade: This grade is versatile and can be used for a wide range of projects, with around two-thirds of the faces clear.
- No. 2A Common (or Rustic Grade): Rustic grade hardwood, also known as #2, tavern, or cabin grade flooring, has a poorer surface quality than natural grade hardwood, with around 50% of the cuttings being clear.
Quality of Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring
One of the key features that differentiates rustic grade hardwood from other grades of hardwood is its surface imperfections. Rustic grade hardwood typically has more knots, knot holes, and other open spaces, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. It may also have marks, dirt, and water stains that require heavy sanding to remove. Structurally, rustic grade hardwood flooring may have broken tongues, grooves, split ends, and warped boards. Due to these imperfections, it is recommended to purchase 20% more product than the area’s square footage to account for unusable boards.
Where to Install Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring
While rustic grade hardwood flooring offers a budget-friendly option, it may not be suitable for all areas of the house. It is commonly installed in spaces other than primary residences, such as outbuildings, workshops, or mudrooms. Due to its rustic appearance and potential surface imperfections, it may not be ideal for living rooms or bedrooms where a more polished look is desired. However, rustic grade hardwood flooring can add character and warmth to spaces where a more natural and relaxed vibe is preferred.
Appropriate locations and uses include:
- Outbuildings
- Workshops
- Mudrooms
- Home gyms
Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring Dimensions
Rustic grade hardwood flooring is available in various dimensions, similar to natural grade flooring. Common widths include 2 1/2-inch, 3 1/4-inch, 4-inch, and 4 1/4-inch. Plank-width rustic grade hardwood is also available, but the imperfections in wider boards may be more noticeable. Lengths of rustic grade hardwood floorboards can vary, with nested bundles containing a mix of short and long boards. It’s essential to ensure that there is a balanced mix of lengths in each bundle to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing floor installation.
Where to Buy Rustic Grade Hardwood Flooring
If you’re interested in purchasing rustic grade hardwood flooring, there are several retailers and sources where you can find this type of flooring. Search for terms such as rustic grade, tavern grade, utility grade, or cabin grade flooring to find the perfect option for your space. Some retailers may also refer to rustic grade flooring as character grade, highlighting its unique and rustic appearance. Lumber Liquidators is a popular source for rustic grade flooring, offering a variety of options for budget-conscious homeowners.
In conclusion, rustic grade hardwood flooring offers a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to add the warmth and beauty of hardwood to their spaces. While it may not be suitable for all areas of the house, it can be a great choice for outbuildings, workshops, mudrooms, and other spaces where a more rustic and natural look is desired. With its unique appearance and affordable price point, rustic grade hardwood flooring is worth considering for your next home improvement project.
