Solid hardwood floors should neither be installed over a concrete slab nor below ground level because of high moisture sensitivity. Unsightly gaps appear when moisture dries and the floors contract in the winter heating months. The floors expand and gaps disappear during summers. The wood planks may buckle or cup because of excessive moisture. In view of these facts, enough space should be left for expansion and wood should be acclimated. Nail-down installations are most appropriate for these floors. The possibility of re-coating and refinishing increases the life and appearance of solid hardwood floors. Generally solid hardwood floors are made up of ash, maple, red oak and white oak.
Solid wood floorings are divided into three sub categories: strip flooring, plank flooring and parquet flooring. Thickness of strip flooring varies between 5/16 inch and ¾ inch. Available widths are 1 ½ inch, 2 inch and 2 ¼ inch. Though plank flooring is sold in two thicknesses, width can range between 3 inches and 8 inches. Parquet flooring has geometrical patterns that are created with wood slats.
Hand-scraped hardwood floors are hand crafted. Character markings on handscraped hardwood floors (hand sculptured floors) are a unique feature. These floors offer the best finishes for either the modern world look or the old reclaimed wood floor look. Both engineered and solid hand sculpted floors are sold. Beautiful handscraped hardwood floors are very expensive. Engineered handscraped hardwood floors are best suited for a structure erected on a concrete slab and in high humidity conditions. A few companies also market distressed hardwood flooring that has machine made markings unlike hand made markings in handscraped hardwood floor. Handscraped floor is costlier than distressed version, but both floorings offer a rich look.
Hardwood floors should be cleaned with products recommended by the manufacturer. Regular use of a vacuum cleaner will clean dirt, mud, grit and small stones that may spoil the finish. Welcome mats at the entrance for wiping feet before walking on the floor are of great help in protecting the finish. When choosing furniture for you home, do not buy products with sharp metal or wooden legs to prevent denting and scratching. Use of furniture coasters or felt protectors for all legs will prevent scratching. Non-staining and wide rubber cups are a must for heavy items like piano. The use of a paste wax on the hardwood floor with a polyurethane finish damages the finish. Spills on hardwood floors need immediate attention. Clean them with a paper towel or damp white cloth and dry the area.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Installing Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Hardwood floors can be secured using various installation methods such as floating, glue-down, nail-down, and staple-down. The ¾ inch solid floors can be nailed down. Adapters are used for thin flooring. The hardwood flooring can be stapled down over wood subfloor. The staple-down method is...
-
Long-Strip and Engineered Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Longstrip hardwood floors are wide and long, and each plank has 2 to 3 strips of thin hardwood. These planks can be floated, stapled and glued-down. The floors can be installed in all parts of the home and are made up of numerous wood plies...
-
How to Properly Clean Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its life and appearance. Solid hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, and a daily cleaning routine is a must in order to protect the floors from grit and dirt that are most damaging problems. They create...
-
Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Wooden flooring is durable, appealing to the eye, and famous for its versatility. Wooden flooring would suit any style of house. For an antique look, flooring of timber finish would be ideal. Flooring with a beech finish is ideal for a comfortable and warm feeling....
-
Hardwood Laminate Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Hardwood laminate floors are much valued for their being long-lasting, but also for their aesthetic appeal. They need no replacement over even a long time and their installment in a house can bring about an enhancement in the value of the house. A wide variety...
-
The Benefits of Pre-finished Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Pre-finished floors come with an extended factory finish warranty unlike unfinished floors. The heavy duty finishes are urethane-based. Within a few minutes, a number of urethane coatings can be applied on planks using ultra violet lights. However, you also have the option of unfinished hardwood...
-
Restoring Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Hardwood flooring adds warmth, texture, and charm to any room. The simplicity of the natural patterns and colors compliments any furniture. But while wood lasts generations, it also requires proper care. And even with constant polishing, the floor will eventually show some wear and tear....
-
The Allure of Exotic Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood that is not grown in North America. These wooden planks are imported from Africa, Australia, Brazil, and the Far East. They are known for distinct coloration and wood grain, and can be bought as solid...
-
How To Refinish Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
If you ordered prefabricated hardwood floors and had them installed by a contractor, you probably would have gotten the standard look and design, which is usually good. The standards for producing quality material are usually high, as manufacturers compete for the market. The floor you...
-
Unfinished Hardwood Floors
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
One of the joys of home ownership is the freedom it provides when it comes to interior design. Some do it with the help of professional interior decorators and architects. Others would prefer to get down and dirty sawing, sand papering, painting, nailing, and hammering...