Premium/Clear Grade flooring contains natural characteristics such as small knots and minor color variations. It has a more uniform color and longer average plank length compared to builder grade flooring products. Premium grade pre-finished flooring will be practically free of most finishing defects including debris, skips, streaks, blisters, chipping, or scratches. ALL Premium grade products are considered "first" quality. When purchasing this grade be sure to add 5%-7% to complete the project.
Builder Grade products will include variable amounts of milling, grading, and/or finishing defects; however, such imperfections should still provide a fully install-able floor. Plank lengths will be shorter as compared to premium grade. These product feature the same polyurethane finish as a premium grade product. Builder grade hardwood can provide a low-cost option in hardwood. Shaw builder grade products are considered factory seconds. When purchasing this grade be sure to add 10%-15% to complete the project.
Cabin Grade products will contain, but not limited to defects including milling, grading, finishing, splits, shake, larger tight knots and some open knots with alot of color variation. Shorter lengths can also be expected with this grade (15"-20" average length in most cases). When purchasing this grade be sure to add 20-25% waste to complete the project.
Utility Grade flooring is sold as-is. It is possible that the material may contain milling, grading, or finishing defects including mis-milled boards, mis-graded boards, and shorter lengths(12"-18" average length in most cases). Boards show a lot of natural character such as light and dark boards, knots and pinholes. Utility grade flooring is factory thirds and carries no warranty. All sales of utility grade flooring are final, product returns or exchanges are not permitted. When purchasing this grade be sure to add 25%-30% to complete the project. This is the lowest grade of flooring offered, please do not order extra (25-30%) and try to create a Builder or Premium grade floor.