Wood Species
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
Description of wood species.
Wood floors come in a huge variety of tree species and colors and plank sizes, both real hardwood plus laminate and engineered wood. Then there is the popular bamboo, which is a fast growing, easily renewable species of giant grass. It comes from plants which are five years old and is mostly grown in China, although other countries have this resource as well. Some hardwoods have been used in the U.S. for hundreds of years, and a few species have been used for much longer in Europe. Pine has been used for flooring and it can last a a very long time, although considered a bit softer than true hardwoods. Our pioneers made a lot of things from pine, including planks for floors and furniture.
Domestic wood species.
Hardwood species for flooring can include beech, birch, hickory and cherry, oak and maple, walnut, white oak, and red oak and red maple. Naturally, the red woods are reddish in color and lend a warm tone to any floor. There are some exotic woods entering the marketplace, but if you have never heard of the name of the tree, it would be a good idea to study up a little on where it’s grown and how it is harvested and how long it lasts when used for flooring. You can’t just go into a forest and hack down a tree and use it for flooring. If it’s a relative unknown it could last for hundreds of years, or wear out in a few. Knowledge is power and understanding when you pay a good price for something that you hope will last for decades, and look good while you walk all over it.
Preparation of wood flooring.
Many species of trees used for flooring take differently to various methods of preparation. With some wide plank flooring perhaps prepared in a traditional looking way, oak is always a good choice. A log cabin needs a rustic or distressed floor and a traditional, perhaps renovated period home needs flooring that is in keeping, but easy to keep up, with the original concept for the home. Finishes for each wood should both protect and enhance that type of flooring and make it easier to keep clean. And they should protect against stains and wear as much as they can. If you have a high traffic area, choosing a wood flooring that looks good with wear and ages well, might be the best choice.
Grains and colors of wood flooring.
Natural woods from different types of trees have different grains and colors to them, Some trees have knots (pine has a lot) that will either look good, or not so good. Different grades of the same wood can produce different looks and the cost will vary, so keep that in mind. The way that the flooring is applied might factor into the cost also. Tongue and groove is easier but straight our nail down planks are more difficult, but give the most traditional look. Undersurface often is a factor on what can be applied over it, but should always be dry, clean and smooth.
