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The appearance of the wood determines its "grade." All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each affords you a different look. The higher the grade the higher the price.

Clear
Clear wood is free of defects, though it may have minor imperfections.

Select and Better
Select wood is almost clear, but contains some natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.

Common
Common wood (No. 1 and No. 2) has more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than either clear or select grades, and often is chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and wormholes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasize all wood characteristics of the species.