When it comes to selecting wooden flooring, most people focus on colour, plank size, or finish. But there’s a less obvious factor that plays a major role in the final look and feel of your floor: wood grading. Whether you prefer the subtle elegance of clean, minimal grains or the organic charm of rustic knots and colour variation, your choice of grade can dramatically affect how the floor complements your interior.
In engineered wood flooring, grading is a formal system that classifies the natural characteristics of wood, such as grain pattern, sapwood, knots, and surface texture, into clearly defined categories. These grades are not indicators of quality; rather, they reflect the wood’s visual tone and personality. From ultra-refined to ruggedly expressive, each grade creates a different aesthetic, offering architects and homeowners a rich palette of wood floor designs to explore.
Also Read: 5 Key Benefits of Engineered Wooden Flooring
Why Grading Matters in Wooden Flooring
When investing in wooden flooring, it’s easy to assume that all planks of the same species look alike. But even within the same batch of timber, the variation in grain, colour, and texture can be surprisingly vast. That’s where wood grading comes in, it helps bring order to this natural diversity and enables homeowners and designers to choose flooring that best suits their space.
Wood grading in engineered wood flooring is not about “better” or “worse”, it’s about style, consistency, and expression. A Classic-grade plank will have minimal knots and colour variation, making it perfect for modern interiors where clean lines and uniformity are desired. On the other hand, a Rustic or Feature grade may include visible knots, sapwood streaks, and dramatic colour shifts, ideal for creating warmth, depth, and a more natural, lived-in look.
Ultimately, grading empowers you to align your flooring choice with your design intent, whether you want a subdued backdrop or a bold design feature. This makes it a critical consideration, not just for aesthetics, but also for long-term satisfaction with your flooring investment.
The Four Key Grades Explained
Grading in wooden flooring is a visual classification, not a quality scale. Each grade brings a distinct personality to your space, whether calm and contemporary or rich with natural character. Mikasa Floors follows a four-grade system: Classic, Millrun, Rustic, and Feature. Let’s have a look at each.
1. Classic Grade (AB Grade Flooring)
Clean, minimal, and modern.
- Visuals: Less number of knots, sapwood, or colour variation
- Ideal for: Sleek, minimalist homes, corporate offices, and modern apartment interiors
- Design tip: Works exceptionally well in dark walnut wood finishes and uniform tones
This grade offers a refined, understated look, perfect for spaces where simplicity is the highlight. With its uniform texture, Classic-grade engineered wood flooring adds visual continuity and a sense of calm.
2. Rustic Grade (CD Grade Flooring)
Natural, warm, and inviting.
- Visuals: Medium to large knots, varied colour tones, visible grain
- Ideal for: Farmhouse-style homes, rustic cabins, and boutique retail spaces
- Design tip: Looks stunning in black wood flooring or medium-toned finishes for earthy, grounded interiors
Rustic grade celebrates the raw character of wood and imparts a vintage appeal. It’s perfect for spaces that aim to feel cosy, authentic, and full of visual interest.
3. Millrun Grade (ABCD Grade Flooring)
Balanced and versatile.
- Visuals: Some minor knots and sapwood streaks, limited variation
- Ideal for: Transitional interiors that blend classic and contemporary styles
- Design tip: Great middle-ground option for homeowners who want natural wood characteristics without strong contrast
Millrun grade features elements of classic and rustic grade flooring. It offers a subtle expression of nature, introducing slight variations that bring depth without dominating the room. It’s perfect for both bedrooms and living rooms that lean toward casual sophistication.
4. Feature Grade
Bold and expressive.
- Visuals: Large knots, cracks, splits, filler, high contrast in colour and pattern
- Ideal for: Accent walls, statement floors, commercial environments seeking a natural design identity
- Design tip: Best complemented with muted walls and simple furniture to let the flooring shine
Feature grade flooring is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re designing a space that’s artistic, edgy, or experimental, this grade offers unmatched visual drama using natural timber aesthetics.
How Grading Influences Wood Floor Designs
Choosing a wood floor isn’t just about picking a colour or finish, it’s about deciding how much natural character you want the floor to display. The grade you select shapes everything from your home’s ambience to how the space interacts with lighting, wall colours, and furniture.
For instance, if you’re after a luxurious, hotel-like vibe in your bedroom, Classic-grade engineered wood flooring in darker tones like dark walnut wood provides a seamless, refined look. The clean surface helps emphasise minimal décor and plush textiles. In contrast, Rustic-grade wooden flooring adds dimension to casual living areas or holiday homes. Its visible knots and variation create a relaxed, lived-in charm that complements eclectic or vintage interiors.
Want something bold? Feature-grade wood flooring can become a dramatic centrepiece, especially when contrasted with lighter walls or metal accents. For lighter, airier spaces, like Scandinavian-style kitchens or children’s rooms, Millrun or Classic-grade light wood floors offer the perfect canvas.
Grading also affects practical decisions like where to install the floor. A Rustic or Feature-grade may be better suited to spaces where scuffs or imperfections are less noticeable; think lounges, game rooms, or creative studios.
In essence, wood grading allows you to tailor not just the look, but also the feel of your space. Whether you’re designing a calm retreat or a bold visual statement, understanding grades gives you the vocabulary to match your flooring to your intent.
Also Read: Answering Commonly Asked Questions about Engineered Wood Floors
About Mikasa Floors
Mikasa Floors is a leading name among wooden flooring brands in India, offering premium engineered wood flooring crafted with precision, durability, and design in mind. With a carefully graded collection ranging from Classic to Feature, Mikasa empowers you to choose a wood floor design that perfectly reflects your taste, whether it’s bold black wood flooring or subtle dark walnut tones. Discover wood that’s not only beautiful but built to last. Explore Mikasa’s curated flooring solutions and elevate your space with character-rich, high-performance wood floors. To discover the ideal engineered wooden flooring for your next project or to discuss your specific requirements, call our toll-free number 1800-833-0004 or email us at info@mikasafloors.com. You can also visit our contact form and we will get back to you at the earliest.