Why Tradline is the premium choice for timber flooring
Natural timber never repeats itself. That’s the magic—and why two floors, even in the same colour, won’t look identical. The “grade” of the timber and the natural colour variation between boards shape the overall look of your floor. Below we explain what those terms mean, how they show up on site, and how to choose confidently for your project.
What “grade” means
Grade describes the amount of natural character—things like knots, cracks, and streaks—you’ll see across your boards. Common industry grades include:
- Clear grade: Clean, near-uniform boards with minimal visible features; a refined, minimal look.
- Prime grade: Mostly uniform with small, infrequent knots—elegant but still recognisably timber.
- Light feature grade: A balanced mix—smaller knots, gentle variation, subtle filler work; adds texture without dominating.
- Feature grade: Larger knots, visible grain/colour shifts and occasional filled cracks for a warmer, more expressive look.
- Rustic grade: Big personality—pronounced knots, open checks, and strong colour/grain variation for a bold, organic aesthetic.
Note: These surface features are about appearance, not structural integrity, when manufactured correctly.
Where colour variation comes from
Colour and tone shift between planks is natural, and part of timber’s charm. You’ll see it more strongly in character grades. Typical causes include:
- Natural knotting: Round or oval features where branches once grew; can be “live” (sound) or “dead” (filled). More common as you move from prime to feature/rustic.
- Sapwood highlights: Paler bands from the outer part of the tree; can become more prominent with sunlight over time. Stains can soften, but not remove, the contrast.
- Ray fleck (medullary rays): Distinct “tiger-stripe” flecks you’ll sometimes see in quarter-sawn oak—highly prized by many designers.
- Checks & hairline splits: Naturally occurring splits that are typically filled at the mill (left more open in rustic looks).
- Pinhole specklingTiny specks from historical pinhole borer activity in stressed oak; the insects don’t survive kiln drying.
- Decorative figuring (e.g., tiger-stripe/cat’s-paw): Unique grain effects from the way the wood grew or was cut—adds movement and depth.
- Colour-matched filler repairs: Colour-matched (not identical) fillers are used on knots and checks; tone may vary slightly by batch for a balanced overall look.
How this translates on your project
- Expect variation across cartons and lots. Mixing boards from multiple cartons during install blends tones for a cohesive field of colour.
- Lighting matters. North-facing light, warm LEDs, and large glazed areas will shift perceived colour and sheen throughout the day.
- Finish influences appearance. Ultra-matt/matt hides reflections and emphasises texture; satin/semi-gloss brightens and can make colour read slightly lighter.
- Sample vs reality. A hand board shows range, not every possibility. Larger on-site sample layouts give the best read before full installation.
Choosing the right look with Tradline
- Minimal & contemporary: Choose Clear/Prime grades in lighter colours for calm, uniform spaces.
- Balanced character: Light Feature offers warmth without visual noise—ideal for family living zones.
- Textured & expressive: Feature/Rustic delivers standout personality for lodges, coastal homes, and statement interiors.
Construction you can trust
At Tradline, we match beautiful surfaces with a stable core:
- Entry range: Eucalyptus plywood core for dependable performance.
- Mid & premium ranges: Cross-directional birch plywood for benchmark stability and strength—our preferred backbone for demanding New Zealand conditions.
(Why birch? Cross-laminated birch cores resist movement and keep boards flatter over time—one reason they’re widely regarded as a premium engineered substrate.)
Finish & care
Our floors are factory finished with durable UV-cured lacquer for everyday resilience and easy maintenance. Choose your sheen and surface texture (e.g., brushed or handcrafted effects) to dial in the character level you want. Regular cleaning, felt pads, and entrance mats keep the surface looking its best for years.
Ordering tips
- Allow for wastage (offcuts, board selection) in your take-off—typically 8–12% depending on layout (more for herringbone/basketweave).
- Review a site-specific laydown of several cartons before fixing, especially for projects with strong lighting.
- If you’re mixing grades or colours across spaces, align expectations early with your builder/installer.
Email info@tradline.co.nz for expert advice, larger sample layouts, or to book a showroom consultation. We’ll help you balance grade, colour variation, and core construction to achieve the exact look—and performance—you’re after.