Grading - Nature's Essence

Nature’s essence represents grains, mineral streaks, gum veins, knots and other natural character markings which occur organically within all Australian hardwoods and are one of the most cherished and diverse aspects of solid timber flooring. Although every board is naturally unique, AST skilled operators class each and every floor board into separate appearance grades to ensure the best possible uniformity is achieved.

At AST our flooring products are manufactured and graded by state of the art scanning technology operated by experienced graders. AST grades in accordance with Australian Standard 2796.2 -2006 “Timber – Hardwood – Sawn and Milled Products”. As well as applying its own precise specifications in the appearance grading of selected products.

Please Note: AST Tallowwood and Pearl Beech ® will continue to be graded to the Australian Standard (AS2796.2) with the exception of Stick marks. AST will continue to reject boards with visible stick marks at the time of production and packing, AST cannot guarantee that stick marks will not appear as they can be undetectable until after laying and finishing. AST therefore will not accept claims on stick marked flooring from the floor laying process onwards.

AST offers five distinct appearance grades

Light Feature As per Select grade description in AS 2796.2 -2006. Light Feature grade allows for a minimal amount of subtle character markings, and is ideal for use in formal living areas where a uniform and consistent appearance is required.
Moderate Feature As per Medium Feature grade in AS 2796.2 -2006. Moderate Feature allows for a moderate amount of natural growth characteristics like tight gum veins, tight knots and insect marks and provides a fine reminder of the timber’s natural forest origins. It is a popular and practical choice for family living areas and office spaces where the occasional scuffs and minor scratches caused by everyday living are better disguised among the random features in the timber.
Feature Grade As per High Feature grade in AS 2796.2 -2006. Feature Grade floors allows more natural timber ingredients and character markings. Feature Grade provide a unique looking floor which works well in high traffic areas as well as any room where a relaxed natural and rustic look is sought. In Feature Grade in 12mm and 14 mm profiles AST grade to their own specification similar to the above.
Light Moderate Feature As per Medium Feature grade in AS 2796.2 -2006. Light Moderate Feature is a blend of both Light Feature and Moderate Feature grades and is sometimes known as Standard & Better grade in the industry. This grade optimizes the uniformity of light feature with the random moderate markings found in Moderate feature to formulate flooring of contemporary style. It is only produced in certain species and profiles and products such as decking.
Rustique Grade AST Rustique grade is graded to our own specification. Signed by nature it allows for a very high amount of natural timber features, including knots, checks, holes, gum veins and stain and larger character markings. It is a unique AST grade which captures the pure natural essence and effects of nature in its makeup. It produces flooring combining structural strength, affordability and unique natural floor designs for those that appreciate and value very highly featured hardwood floors.