Good day,

We recently picked up a bundle of the hardwood flooring we purchased to help find a paint color, so we would have all of the painting finished before installing the flooring.

After opening the bundle and laying out the wood, we're noticing a lot of splintering along the edges. Never having installed unfinished wood before, it seems like the wood should be in better condition.

The wood is 3/4 x 5" White Oak, rift and quartered from Graf Brothers. It seems like about 50% of the boards have some type of splintering on one or both sides.

My question is; is this normally what this type of wood would look like, or is it a problem.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

(I took a couple of pictures, but don't see any way to upload them).

Select grade flooring should have no defective edges on the face. Square edge flooring will be sanded after installation so scuffed edges will be sanded off when the floor is ready for finishing. The square edge may have sone minor splintering and it seems that the splinters are just ready to poke you as the flooring is handled. Some people wear gloves, but being careful and having calloused hands is what comes with experience.
A loose bundle may have some minor damage from handling. Get a bundle from a pallet and it should be fine. Splintering from a fork lift is definitely not acceptable.

Thank you Pete.

Don't forget the 5% rule.