Grading Explained
“Information about art and nature feels like the best stuff to have, and if you have it, it is powerful and excellent to pass it on. That is an act of power, showing what you know, giving it to another person, realizing that as you spread it, you get to keep it but watch it grow, and by watching others have it, you learn new things about the original thing.”
― Jenny Slate, Little Weirds
One of the most exceptional parts about working with a specific material is you come to appreciate all elements of that material from the inside out. With organic substances especially, there are endless stories and ways to tell them. Reflected in our approach to custom grading is our deep reverence for wood (and storytelling). The unique characteristics of wood flooring develop as the tree grows, but how the log is oriented and cut at the sawmill will determine how these characteristics are displayed.
Over 100 years ago, standardized language was developed to approach the myriad of traits displayed on wood surfaces. The resulting grading standards led to many misconceptions about wood and its characteristics. Sadly referred to as “defects,” we believe the knots, mineral streaks, flecking, heartwood cracks, etc., all paint a picture of the unique life cycle of a tree and its subsequent pieces. Wood is perfectly imperfect! Every MADERA wood floor is a unique expression of nature made from living material.
We disagree with the notion that character should be seen as an imperfection. On the contrary, we see the beauty in character and aim to celebrate it in our products. Characteristics such as knots, sapwood, or flecking (medullary rays) are natural to wood. Therefore, we don’t refer to the character as a “defect.” These things remind you that before being installed into your home, these trees themselves were homes. An entire ecosystem in and of itself.
While we have a plethora of in-depth information regarding each species and their grading options, the essential part is what exactly makes each grade special. From our clean, modern Prime Grade to our most dynamic Live Grade, full of striking, natural character, there is plenty of flexibility when choosing the right floor for your project. The meticulous curation of our collections considers which finishes are best presented on a particular grade, the true art of MADERA surfaces.
Photography: Jason Lewis, George Del Barrio