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Solid wood
The
most common wood
flooring consists of solid, one-piece boards in
strips,
planks or as parquet. Solid wood flooring can be
sanded and refinished for years of use.
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Engineered Wood
Multiple
layers of wood are
fused together in cross-grain
configuration. Engineered
hardwoods are more stable and less susceptible to
moisture and therefore can be installed in areas
that
solids cannot, such as below-grade and over
concrete. |
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Strip Flooring
Linear
flooring that is usually 2-1/4", 1-1/2",
or 3-1/4" wide. It creates a linear effect
in a room, often promoting the illusion of larger
space.
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Plank Flooring
Plank
flooring is also linear, but wider in width. Typical
widths are 3", 4", 5" and 6".
Plank flooring is often used for a more traditional
or country look.
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Parquet Flooring
Parquet
flooing is a series of wood pieces that create a
dramatic geometric design. Parquet flooring comes
in standard patterns of 6" x 6" blocks.
Specialty patterns may range up to 36" square. |
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Square
The
edges of all the boards meet squarely creating a
uniform, smooth surface that blends the floor together
from board to board. Square edges create an overall
look that is contemporary or formal depending on
the wood style.
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Microbeveled
Each
board is slightly beveled along the board length.
Some styles also bevel the end joints. Eased edges
help hide minor and create a visually consistent
floor. Microbeveled edge is also called eased edge
depending on manufacturer.
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Beveled
This board
style has a very distinctive groove. The edges are
also completely sealed making dirt easy to be swept
or vacumed out. Beveled edges lend themselves to
an informal and country dEcor. |
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Nail
Typically
used with the 3/4" depth solid products, however
ther are sadapters available for thinner flooring
sizes. 2" nailing cleats are used with a wood
flooring nailer and mallet to attach the flooring
to the subfloor. Solid strip floors or plank floors
can only be installed on wooden subfloors on grade
or above grade.
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Solid wood
2-1/2
" to 2" staples are used versus nailing.
A pneumatic gun is used to drive the staple into
the wood flooring and subfloor. This procedure is
easier for do-it-youself installations. Not all
wood flooring manufacturers recommend the same staple
gun.
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Glue
A
recommended mastic or adhesive is spread on with
the proper sized trowel to adheree the wood flooring
to the subfloor. Engineered wood floors and parquet
can be glued down. Solid wood and plank floors must
be nailed or stapled.
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Engineered Wood
The
wood floor is not attached to the underlying subfloor.
There is a thin pad that is placed between the wood
flooring and the subfloor. A recommended glue is
then applied tot the tongue and groove of each plank
to hold the floor together. Some engineered floors
and all longstrip floors can be floated. |
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UV-Cured
Cured
with ultra violet lights versus heat making the
floor easier to maintain.
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Polyurethane
A
clear, tough and durable finish that is applied
as a wear layer.
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Acrylic-urethane
A
slightly different chemical make up than polurethane
with the same benefits.
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Ceramic
Uses
advanced ceramics to increase the abrasion resistance
of the wear layer.
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Aluminum Oxide
Added
to the urethane finish for incresed abrasion and
wear resistance.
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Acrylic impregnated
Acrylic
monomers are injected into the wood to give increased
hardness. Typically used in commercial grades.
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Burls
Rounded
growths on a tree produce curling, ornamental patterns
in lumber.
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Solid wood
Hard,
cylindrical regions marking locations of branches.
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Mineral Streaks
Olive
or grayish marks caused by trace elements in water
or soil.
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Grain
The
direction, size, appearance and quality of the fibers
that give strength and distinctive patterns.
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Growth Rings
Layers of wood added to a tree durig
a single growing season. |
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