The Value & The Costs of
Unique Wood Flooring Species or Character Grade
The Value
Exotic wood flooring offers a unique alternative to traditional options like maple, oak, and hickory. These include lesser-known species such as Rosewood, Walnut, and Mahogany.
In flooring terminology, "character grade" refers to the distinctive visual features of the wood, encompassing texture, knots, wormholes, mineral streaks, and more. The grade of hardwood flooring chosen influences the level of visual consistency in the final product.
While aiming for uniformity with rare wood species across a large area may lead to excess waste, some mills across the country are dedicated to promoting sustainable lumber practices, even for premium products. Explore our Sustainable Home Design section on our website to learn more about environmentally responsible choices.
The Costs
Some wood species, such as Walnut, require longer maturation periods and intricate milling processes compared to more common options like Oak or Maple. Moreover, the limited geographic regions where these unique woods grow contribute to their higher material costs.
The grade of wood, particularly its character grade, also influences pricing due to its exceptional quality and visual uniformity. Premium hardwood grades often originate from the heartwood of trees, ensuring superior strength and minimal sap content, resulting in consistent grain patterns and colors.
Given that our modern home designs extensively feature wood flooring, even a slight increase in the cost per square foot of these specialty materials can significantly impact overall construction expenses. Consequently, such exclusive wood options are typically reserved for projects in our top-tier price range.