Finding Out the Features of Hardwood Flooring  

Hardwood floors have a long history of popularity. First invented in Medieval times, they eventually gained popularity with multi-level buildings and homes. One of the earliest types of flooring used by Colonial settlers, the trend has never really gone away. Over the years, hardwood flooring has become easier to install, easier to clean and easier to maintain. The choices in wood types and finishes has grown to the point that hardwood floors can coordinate or match any décor in the home.

SizeSolid wood flooring is typically 2 1/4 to 5 inches wide, depending on the design. The standard thickness is 3/4 of an inch, although 5/16 thickness is used for installations directly on concrete surfaces. It can be any length, but each plank is milled from one piece of lumber. Engineered hardwood flooring is made from several layers of cross-grain wood. There may be as many as 10 layers or as few as 3. The top layer is usually between 1/16 and 1/6 of an inch wide. When all of the layers are bound together, the engineered hardwood floor boards are between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch thick. They can be installed over concrete if desired.

ExpansionBecause wood is porous, it breathes and expands with extreme heat and humidity. Engineered wood is less likely to be affected by weather changes and humidity than solid wood. Older wooden products have a tendency to warp and shrink with constant exposure to dampness and water. Due to better technology, newer floors have stronger protection and are less likely to warp and buckle.

FinishesFinishes can be applied either on-site or at the factory. A factory finish is also called a pre-finish. A durable poly urethane coating lasts between 20 and 25 years and can be reapplied when it begins to wear. Site-finished flooring features a square end and edge and can be sanded and fitted to perfection. Once the sanding and staining are done, the site must dry before the floor can be used. Poly urethane coatings finished on site last about 3 to 5 years. Both types of finishes have a wide array of colors to choose from to coordinate with the rest of the décor.

TypeThere are a few dozen different types of wood used in hardwood floor fabrication. Domestic types include ash, birch, cherry, hickory, maple, oak, maple and walnut. Some exotic woods used are Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba, Lapacho, Sapele, Santos Mahogany and Tigerwood. Different cuts and surface finishes alter the looks that can be achieved with various species to coordinate with room decor.

www.universalwood.com Certified inspector teaches differences and requirements for Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring in interview with WoodFloorGuru.

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