Hardwood Glossary

Acrylic Impregnated
Wood treated with acrylic resin to significantly increase its hardness and durability.

Better
A grade of oak flooring with smaller knots and more pronounced, darker graining than other grades.

Buckle
The warping or lifting of wood planks due to expansion caused by increased humidity levels.

Clear
A premium grade of oak that is free from blemishes or knots, typically more expensive due to its high quality.

Janka Hardness Test
A method of measuring wood hardness by embedding a .444-inch steel ball halfway into the wood and recording the force required.

Number 1 Common
A grade of oak characterized by more frequent knots and darker, varied graining patterns.

Number 2 Common
A lower grade of oak with even more knots and darker graining than Number 1 Common.

Rotary Cut
A wood-cutting technique that produces bold and varied grain patterns.

Select
A high-quality grade of oak featuring smaller knots and lighter, more uniform graining.

Sliced Cut
A wood-cutting method that results in a uniform and consistent grain pattern.

Stapled Down
An installation technique where 1-1/2 to 2-inch staples are used with a pneumatic gun to secure the wood floor to the subfloor.