#3 Common Hardwood Flooring in Louisville, KY & Florence
Shop unfinished #3 common red oak and white oak solid hardwood flooring in Louisville, KY and Florence — real 3/4" oak with rustic character, in stock and priced to save you 40–60% vs. big-box stores.
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Our #3 Common Hardwood Lineup
What Is #3 Common Hardwood?
To start, hardwood flooring is graded by appearance. #3 common is the most rustic grade: it shows more knots, mineral streaks, color variation, and shorter board lengths than select or #1 common. However, it is still the same solid 3/4" oak — the character marks are cosmetic — which makes it one of the most affordable ways to get a real hardwood floor. Learn more about hardwood grades from the National Wood Flooring Association.
- Real solid oak — can be sanded and refinished for decades.
- Rustic, one-of-a-kind look — perfect for farmhouse, cabin, and lived-in styles.
- Unfinished — stain it any color you want after installation.
- Budget-friendly — real hardwood for less than many premium vinyl floors.
Red Oak vs. White Oak
| Red Oak | White Oak | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Warm pink and red undertones | Cooler tan, brown, and gray tones |
| Grain | Bold, open grain | Tighter, straighter grain |
| Stain | Takes stain evenly; great for warm tones | Popular for natural, gray, and modern finishes |
| Hardness | Hard and durable | Slightly harder; more moisture resistant |
Planning a #3 Common Hardwood Floor
- Order extra. To begin, plan on 15–20% overage — #3 common has more short pieces and boards you may cull for appearance.
- Acclimate. Next, let the wood sit in the room for several days before installation.
- Install, sand, and finish. After that, unfinished hardwood is nailed down and then sanded, stained, and sealed on site.
- Not for wet areas. Instead, for kitchens, baths, and basements, consider waterproof LVP instead.
Financing for Your Hardwood Floors
Subject to credit approval. Terms vary; see store for details.
Get Help With Your Hardwood Project
Our team helps you choose between hardwood and LVP, estimate quantities, and plan installation — with friendly, no-pressure guidance.
#3 Common Hardwood — Frequently Asked Questions
What does #3 common hardwood mean?
#3 common is a hardwood appearance grade with more knots, mineral streaks, color variation, and shorter boards than higher grades. Even so, it is still solid hardwood, and because it costs less, it is popular for rustic and budget-friendly floors.
Is #3 common hardwood good quality?
Yes. In other words, the grade describes appearance, not strength. #3 common oak is the same solid 3/4 inch wood as higher grades; you will simply see more natural character and should plan on a little extra overage.
How much extra #3 common hardwood should I buy?
Plan on about 15 to 20 percent extra to allow for short pieces, cuts, and boards you may set aside for appearance.
Do you sell red oak and white oak?
Yes. In fact, we stock unfinished #3 common red oak and white oak solid hardwood flooring in 2-1/4 inch and 3-1/4 inch widths at our Louisville and Florence, KY stores.
Can hardwood go in a kitchen or basement?
In general, solid hardwood is not recommended for basements or areas with standing water. For kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, waterproof luxury vinyl plank is the better choice.
Do you install hardwood flooring?
Yes. Builders Surplus offers flooring installation through our trusted installers. Also, feel free to ask either store for details.
Flooring Guides & Ideas
See all flooring or shop luxury vinyl plank, and finish your project with trim & molding.
Visit Builders Surplus
Selection, pricing, and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Limited quantities — while supplies last. Call your nearest store to confirm current inventory.