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A new classification system from engineered-timber flooring company Tongue & Groove sets a lofty standard for specificity, empowering designers to bring their vision to life with greater ease.
Tongue & Groove has launched a new classification system to categorise its engineered timber flooring. The company has long embraced the distinctive beauty of European oak, and the new grading system is a celebration of the unique features offered by its products. By splitting its flooring into three categories – Natural Grade, Classic Grade and Prime Grade – Tongue & Groove offers designers greater specificity when bringing their creative visions to life.
The new system gives designers more information to achieve their vision, whether that’s a clean, minimalist finish or a luxuriously textured, rustic look.
Every piece of timber sourced by Tongue & Groove comes from sustainable plantations in Europe that are recognised by the FSC Certification. These organic origins, and the unique qualities of each tree, infuse every piece of timber with its own identity. The new classification system is dictated by the prevalence of natural features, such as knots, grains and medullary rays, in each board. It gives designers more information to achieve what they’re envisioning for a project, whether that’s a clean, minimalist finish or a luxuriously textured, rustic look.
Despite the grading system, every board – no matter its grading – is of an industry-leading standard and made using Tongue & Groove’s unique three-layered structure, which guarantees durability and strength. Rather than categorising quality, the system is intended to celebrate the singular beauty of each piece of timber.
The Natural Grade category is applied to those boards with the greatest number of knots and notably textured grain, typical of the inherent beauty of European oak. The majority of the tree can be used for these boards, making them the most widely available of the company’s timbers. If applying the industry-wide categorisation, this board would fall under its ‘classic’ grade equivalent.
Meanwhile, Tongue & Groove’s own Classic Grade retains the dynamism of the Natural Grade boards, only with fewer knots. Buyers can expect plenty of the grain and character expected of European oak in these boards, which are ideal for more refined and elegant interior designs.
The selective approach results in boards that enhance minimalist spaces with their clean lines and appearance.
The most minimalist and smooth boards produced by Tongue & Groove fall into its Prime Grade category. These are made from timber sourced from just 5 per cent of the tree, making them the most valuable and precious in the range. This selective approach results in boards that enhance minimalist spaces with their clean lines and appearance.
Tongue & Groove’s new grading system arms the architecture and design community with more information than ever about the specific qualities and origin of its exquisite timber boards, further establishing the company’s reputation as a go-to for luxurious underfoot finishes.
