AB, ABC & ABCD Timber Flooring Grades Explained

When you’re shopping for timber or engineered oak flooring, you might see terms like AB Grade, ABC Grade, or ABCD Grade. These aren’t about quality — all grades are made with the same durable European Oak. Instead, they describe the appearance of the boards: how many knots, veins, and colour variations you’ll see.

To make it easier, many factories compare these grades to the more familiar Prime, Select, and Natural Grades. Here’s what that means for your home.

AB Grade (Prime Grade) – Clean & Minimal

• Appearance: Very few, very small knots. Minimal gum veins. Almost no splits or checks.

• Colour: Very consistent, low variation.

• Best for: Modern, minimal, or luxury interiors where you want a clean and uniform look.

💡 Think of AB Grade as the most refined and sleek choice.

ABC Grade (Select Grade) – Balanced & Elegant

• Appearance: Small-to-medium knots appear occasionally. Fine gum veins or checks may be visible.

• Colour: Moderate variation — still harmonious, but more natural than AB.

• Best for: Homes that want a balance between clean lines and natural character.

💡 ABC Grade is the “middle ground” — stylish but with warmth and personality.

ABCD Grade (Natural Grade) – Rustic & Character-Rich

• Appearance: Frequent knots of different sizes, visible gum veins, natural checks (sometimes filled).

• Colour: High variation, every board has a unique look.

• Best for: Rustic, country, coastal, or statement interiors where you want lots of character and natural beauty.

💡 ABCD Grade celebrates nature in its rawest form.

Which Grade Should You Choose?

All grades are structurally strong — the difference is style, not quality.

• Love minimalism? → Choose AB (Prime).

• Want a balanced look? → Choose ABC (Select).

• Prefer rustic charm? → Choose ABCD (Natural).

It really comes down to the mood you want your home to have.

Visual Guide to Timber Grades

(Image: Timber Grade Comparison – Prime vs Select vs Natural)

This simple chart shows the differences in knots, colour variation, and finish appearance. Use it as a guide when selecting the grade that matches your style.