Are you a big fan of the rustic look? If so, then you’re certainly not alone. Rustic is one of those interior design trends that add a personal touch to your home and will never go out of style. It’s truly timeless—and for a good reason. A rustic look provides a warm, lived-in feel that always works.
Rustic flooring is very affordable too. If you want to renovate your home on a budget, a rustic look is the way to go. So, if this is the direction you want to go, you’re in luck. We’re here to clue you in on what to look for in rustic hardwood flooring.

What Is Rustic Hardwood Flooring?
It’s challenging to define rustic hardwood floors due to their nature. You see, rustic refers to a look—not a composition. Therefore, nearly any type of hardwood floor could be categorized as rustic.
As such, understanding wood floor character grades is crucial. The rustic grade comes down to composition. It refers to hardwood flooring that’s beneath natural grade. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so affordable. While it’s on the cheaper side, rustic flooring still provides a fantastic look.
How To Select Rustic Hardwood Floors
How do you buy them now that you know what rustic hardwood floors are? Well, there are some specific things that you should look for the most. Since rustic grade floors are low-grade, there are lots of surface imperfections. There are many knots, holes, cracks, and more on these floors.
Yet, these imperfections are all part of the rustic charm. When looking for flooring, don’t focus on the flaws. Instead, imagine the bigger picture. What will this look like in your workshop, outbuilding, or home gym? That’s a much better way to determine if the flooring will work for you.
Where To Install Rustic Hardwood Floors
While rustic floors can be aesthetically pleasing, they’re not bedroom material. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to place rustic hardwood floors anywhere that you might walk with bare feet. Due to the number of surface imperfections, walking on rustic floors is uncomfortable without shoes. That’s why rustic floors are most popular for:
- Workshops
- Cabins
- Home gyms
- Outhouses and buildings
Closing Thoughts
That’s what to look for in rustic hardwood flooring. Remember that rustic floors come with many surface imperfections. While they’re very affordable, they’re best for outdoor areas where you’ll wear shoes. As long as you follow this guide, you won’t have any trouble finding suitable rustic floors for you.