As small and mid-sized building materials stores are further pressured to compete with big-box stores and online sales, one option is to offer affordable B-Grade hardwood flooring options to local customers.
Should I Stock Cheaper Grades of Hardwood Flooring on my Retail Shelves?
Flooring retailers all struggle with the balance of quality products vs. affordable prices. These days, customers want the best bang for their buck. Stocking B-Grade hardwood flooring can be the answer for many of your customers.
What is B Grade flooring?
There are a number of agencies that certify flooring grades, including the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA), the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). They each focus on certain characteristics of the flooring, including appearance, quality, stability, and hardness. B-Grade flooring is a hardwood that exhibits various discrepancies over commonly accepted quality standards.
Characteristics of #2 Common and Cabin Grade flooring
The two most prevalent types of cheaper grade solid hardwood flooring are #2 Common and Cabin Grade. #2 Common is also known as Rustic Grade. Both types display more color variation and can include knots, burls, wormholes, and variable lengths.
Why Buy Downgraded Hardwood Flooring?
The primary reason your customers would be looking for one of these options is price. These grades can be significantly more affordable versions of prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring. Depending on the intended use, they can be a great option for many of your buyers.
But it’s not only price that attracts people to this type of discount wood flooring. The discrepancies shown in these grades are called “character marks”. More and more people are searching for unique looks and the variability in oak flooring becomes more attractive all the time.
Looking for affordable B-Grade hardwood flooring options for your business? Contact us for further information.
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