The Definitive Guide to Solid Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring:
The term “Hardwood” applies to varieties of wood flooring that are made entirely of wood. Hardwood is the preferred choice for many homeowners since ages because of its natural warmth, aesthetics, and durability. There are two types of hardwood flooring:
- 1.Solid Hardwood Flooring
- 2.Engineered Hardwood Flooring
In this article, you can learn about Solid Hardwood Flooring. Link to Engineered Hardwood Flooring ishttps://thearchspace.com/2019/11/17/engineered-hardwood-flooring/
1.Solid Hardwood Flooring:
It is made from a single piece of hardwood species.
It is 100% natural wood. Machined or cut and available in various styles, finishes, sizes.
Offers elegant and luxurious appearance
Add character to any room
Pros of Solid Hardwood Flooring:
- Durable: few species of wood are durable and long-lasting
- Provide warmth and give authentic charm
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- Add resale value to the house
- Appealing and natural beauty
- Suitable for any style of interiors
Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring:
- Expensive
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Prone to expansion and contraction depending on weather conditions
Types of Wood Species
Many varieties of wood species are available as per location. Most common varieties are
- Ashwood
- Acacia
- Beech
- Birch
- Cherry
- Douglas fir
- Hickory
- Mahogany
- Maple
- Oak
- Pine
- Poplar
- Teak
- Walnut
Aesthetics
Colors:
- Available in light, medium and dark in various colors as per location and supplier.
- Light colors like white and grey create an airy and spacious atmosphere. It appears modern and sophisticated.
- Medium colors like light brown and brown offers natural look and suitable for varied styles.
- Dark colors like dark brown and black makes a difference with a natural look.
Sizes:
- WIDTH: They are available as strips and planks. Strips are less than 3”.
- Planks can be narrow, wide or long depending on the supplier. Planks width vary from 50mm to 250mm or more.
- LENGTH: Planks length vary differently on average being 3 ft.
- THICKNESS: Thickness of Solid Hardwood is ¾”
Shades:
Available in dark shade, light shade, medium/neutral shade.
Edge Detail
Edge details may vary according to manufacturer or supplier. Square, eased, micro-beveled, beveled, etc.
Texture
Texture may be smooth, embossed or hand scrapped.
Flooring Pattern
Different flooring patterns are available in the market. Herringbone, chevron, parquet, horizontal/vertical.
Finish Sheen/Gloss Level:
- Glossy, semi-gloss, satin, matte
- The more glosser, the light reflects off the floors, this, in turn, shows more dirt/dust as well as imperfections on the floor. Satin has some sheen and creates a classic and contemporary feel.
Grade
- According to no. and size of knots, amount of sapwood present in the wood and its color variations.
- PRIME GRADE(ab): cut from center of log, highly uniform, very few knots.
- SELECT GRADE: contains knots up to 20mm in size, sap up to 10% of plank and has slight color variation
- NATURAL GRADE: contains knots up to 30mm in size, some sap
- RUSTIC GRADE: contains knots up to 35mm in size, has sap
Installation and Finish
1.Flooring Type
A) PREFINISHED: satin/sanded and top layer is factory finished.
- Pros:
- Finish samples can be visualized before buying.
- Less time to install
- Less messy ad no smell
B) SITE FINISHED: sanded and finished on site
- Pros:
- Various options to choose finishes
- Control over stain and sheen
2.Installation Method
Solid Hardwood: Nailed to the subfloor
3.Type of Finish
- Type of finish can vary –
- UNFINISHED: It is available as a raw material in its natural state without any finish
- BRUSHED AND OILED: Brushed to reveal the natural grain of wood and finished with several layers of oil to prevent surface from wear and tear.
- LACQUERED: Adds strength and protects the surface from wear and tear
- HAND SCRAPPED: surface has been scraped by hand to give more texture and rustic effect
