# Wood flooring grades

> Timbo's five wood flooring grades explained – A-Prime, AB, ABC, ABCD natural/rustic and CD rustic/character – with what each looks like and where it suits.

- URL: https://timbo.com.au/collections/wood-flooring-grades
- Publisher: Timbo (https://timbo.com.au) – trade supplier of European oak floorboards to partners in Australia and New Zealand
- Last updated: 2026-10-14
- Contact (email only): partnerships@timbo.com.au

## Key facts

- Timbo grades: A-Prime, AB, ABC, ABCD (natural/rustic) and CD (rustic/character).
- A-Prime is the cleanest: few if any knots and uniform colour.
- CD is the most characterful: knots, mineral streaks and strong colour variation.
- Grades describe appearance only – not strength, stability or durability.

## Timbo's five grades

- [A-Prime Grade](https://timbo.com.au/products/a-prime-grade) – A-Prime Grade floorboards from Timbo: the cleanest, most uniform look – few if any knots and consistent colour. Compare it with Timbo's other grades.
- [AB Grade](https://timbo.com.au/products/ab-grade) – AB Grade floorboards from Timbo: minimal knots and consistent colour – clean and. See how it compares with Timbo's other grades.
- [ABC Grade](https://timbo.com.au/products/abc-grade) – ABC Grade floorboards from Timbo: a mix of A, B and C grades – from clear sections to more. See how it compares with Timbo's other grades.
- [ABCD – Natural / Rustic Grade](https://timbo.com.au/products/abcd-natural-rustic-grade) – ABCD – Natural / Rustic Grade floorboards from Timbo: pronounced colour variation, knots and natural. See how it compares with Timbo's other grades.
- [CD – Rustic / Character Grade](https://timbo.com.au/products/cd-rustic-character-grade) – CD – Rustic / Character Grade floorboards from Timbo: distinctive knots, mineral streaks and strong colour. See how it compares with Timbo's other grades.

## Grades at a glance

| Grade | Knots | Colour variation | Typical look |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-Prime | Few, if any | Uniform | Clean, polished, contemporary |
| AB | Minimal | Consistent | Clean with a little warmth |
| ABC | Some to visible | Moderate | Natural mix of clear and character boards |
| ABCD – Natural / Rustic | Pronounced | Pronounced | Rustic, farmhouse, vintage |
| CD – Rustic / Character | Distinctive, plus mineral streaks | Strong | Aged, characterful, industrial |

**Grade is about appearance, not quality of construction.** All grades are the same timber, milled to the same specification – the difference is how much natural character shows. Timbo's herringbone and chevron parquet is supplied in **Prime grade**.

**See and feel the oak:** Free samples for trade partners and their clients. Tell us the product and where to send it. → https://timbo.com.au/samples

## Photos

- ![Wood Flooring Grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/collection-wood-flooring-grades.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/image-8-f61c3c.webp)
- ![A-Prime Grade](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/a-prime-grade.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/5555-1.webp)
- ![AB Grade](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/ab-grade.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/02grade-select-1.jpg)
- ![ABC Grade](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/abc-grade.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/image-1.webp)
- ![ABCD – Natural / Rustic Grade](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/abcd-natural-rustic-grade.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/image-8c39bcde-b97d-45bb-898d-8c7fd58a8fab.webp)
- ![CD – Rustic / Character Grade](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/cd-rustic-character-grade.webp)
- ![Wood flooring grades](https://timbo.com.au/assets/img/legacy/image-9e5f53dc-542d-46ac-bb08-6fdaafe0c634.webp)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which wood flooring grade is best?

There's no 'best' grade – only the right look for the space. A-Prime and AB suit contemporary and minimalist interiors and pattern floors; ABC, ABCD and CD suit relaxed, rustic and characterful interiors.

### Do grade names mean the same thing at every supplier?

No. Grade names vary between mills and suppliers, so always compare physical samples rather than names. See [oak flooring grades explained](https://timbo.com.au/guides/oak-flooring-grades).

### Can I mix grades?

ABC and ABCD already blend several grades in one product for a natural mix. Mixing separate grades yourself is possible but best planned with your installer.

## Related pages

- [Oak flooring grades explained](https://timbo.com.au/guides/oak-flooring-grades) – Oak flooring grades explained: what Prime, Select, Natur and Rustic mean, why grade names vary by mill, and how EN 13226 and AS 2796 fit in.
- [Solid oak wood flooring](https://timbo.com.au/collections/solid-oak-wood-flooring) – Solid European oak wood flooring from Timbo – Prime grade, 18mm herringbone, chevron and pattern parquet for trade partners in Australia and New Zealand.
- [Free floorboard samples](https://timbo.com.au/samples) – Request free samples of Timbo Prime grade European solid oak herringbone, chevron and pattern parquet, for trade partners and their clients in AU and NZ.