Regardless of which grade of wood flooring you prefer, they all are equally durable in any application. (All swatches below are Northern Hard Maple.)

3
Select
Select
 Select grade flooring will have the most uniform color with no knots, and the longest average length planks.

Referred to as:
12 Select
11 Clear
10 First Grade
2
Natural
natural
 Natural grade flooring will have some color variation, mineral coloring and small pin knots. Natural grade flooring will contain 10-20% rustic grade material. Lighter woods will have a more drastic variation.

Referred to as:
9 Natural
8 #1 Grade
7 Second Grade
1
Rustic
rustic
 Rustic grade flooring will have larger tight knots and the most color variation. Rustic grades may take longer to obtain. Allow for extra delivery time.

Referred to as:
6 Rustic
5 #2 Grade
4 Third Grade