Thread: Utility Grade Flooring Timber?

Utility grade is often unsuitable for polished floors.

G'day.
It depends on the manufacturer.
We call our High Feature grade (as defined by AS 2796) Utility or Pioneer grade.

Other manufacturers may call their waste material "Utility grade".

Utility grade is a great floor with a lot of natural feature. Remember that Utility grade must still have accurate dimensions just the same as Select grade. The only difference is the feature in the wood.
So if you get a sling of utility grade, then the whole sling should be usable for your floor.

Also, the auctions are used to get rid of problem material. Watch moisture content, dimensions and specie. Also check that the tongue is about 6.5mm thick and the groove is about 6.9mm wide. if it is too close, you will not get the boards together.

Buyer beware.......

Thanks glock40sw and echnidna,
Your comments have left me plenty to think about, both my wife and myself love the natural features of timber and if it is as you stated glock40sw all within accurate dimensions (eg. board sizes and t&g dimensions) we would still look at the possiblilities of using the utility grade. I failed to mention that I had already contacted the producers of the floorboards, who had said that they are fine to use if i was prepared to put some blood, sweat and tears in or be prepared for 30%-40% waste.
If we do decide to go with this grade of boards, what is the best option for filled holes, gouges etc, is a clear exopy filler a possibility so the timber features/imperfections ares still visible or is wood putty/fill the norm to use.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

If they are telling you to expect to waste 30 to 40%, then it is NOT High feature as defined under AS 2796. It is what I would call "Waste"

We sell "Hippy" slings, which are waste and wood that does not meet AS 2796. It sounds as if this is the material you will be using.
So $1000 for 500 l/m is very expensive.
We sell our Hippy slings for about $250 for 1000 l/m.

Imaging paying $1000 for 500 l/m and throwing away almost 1/2 of it.
250 l/m of firewood for $500????? Expensive firewood!!!!!!!

They are marketing it as "Very High Feature", which when I spoke to the manufacturer he also described it as "Utility" grade, but you make a very good point glock40sw about expensive firewood, I think we might pass up on this auction and have a bit more of a look into other avenues. As from what you have said and what I have looked into this grade as does not comply or meet AS2796 standards. Again thank you for your advice.

why don't you go for a drive to grafton with atandem trailer

Echnidna,
Please excuse my ignorance, why Grafton?

have a look where Trevor is located

Thanks for pointing that out, Don't I feel like an idiot!

That is where I am.

Or Give Micheal a ring at Hardwood floors in Victoria road, Marrickville in Sydney.

They have lower grade material at good prices. and they can deliver. Tell him the ugliest man in Grafton send you there...

Thanks, I will look into calling them.

Grafton is a long way form Wollongong. Being a Victorian he probably thinks everything is 5 minutes down the road Comes from living in a state the size of a postage stamp..

I realise there is a lot of variation, but I've seen figured grade floors that looked like packing crate. I certainly wouldn't like it as my floor. I mention this because some people imagine figured to have all nice swirls and flame and stuff. Some of it might be pretty but there is a reason it's usually cheaper.

Trevor, just out of curiosity how much do you charge for a pack of select ? say iron bark or bluegum. I assume you don't deal in jarrah (my ladyfriend has a jarrah fetish..).

If you would prefer not to say on forum you can email me direct off the usename to left of screen. Thank you for your trouble.

Damian.
Give john a ring at our Brisbane yard.
Notaras Timbers
520 Seventeen mile rocks road, Jindalee.
07 33761311
He can give you current pricing for QLD on all species.
Thanks.