Q: I have been looking at quarter-sawn wood flooring vs. plain sawn wood flooring. The quarter-sawn is more expensive, but I’ve heard it’s better. Should I buy it? A: Yes, if your budget allows for it. Quarter-sawn wood flooring is considered a big deal (vs. plain-sawn wood). Quarter-sawn wood flooring is superior to plain-sawn...
Whether you’re dealing with solid hardwood or engineered wood flooring, there are a few common basics that all wood floors share. Solid hardwood is just that–solid from top to bottom. Engineered wood is a thin layer (a veneer) of hardwood laid atop a sandwich of other, lesser types of woods. So, when comparing solid...
Wood floors made their debut in the United States during the Colonial Era. The floors were practical and functional. Aesthetics at the time were not a primary concern for the pragmatic Colonists. During the 19th century, parquetry made its way over from the Continent and wood floors slowly became more than just planks laid...
Not all wood flooring is created equally. Wood hardness, as measured by the Janka scale, tells you whether a species of wood is appropriate for a house with 4 year-olds and elephants…or for slippered old folks! In any case, you should protect your wood floor by laying down area rugs, keeping long-clawed animals out,...
Find out how solid hardwood vs. engineered wood flooring compare. Solid hardwood is a solid piece of wood. No layering or lamination. Wood grain runs all in the same direction. An engineered floor is composed of between 5 and 7 layers of wood pressed together to form one piece of wood. On top is...
Even though the word “species” sounds like it comes from the world of animals, in the context of home remodeling, it actually applies to wood flooring as well. Species Color Grain Hardness on the Janka Scale Notes Ash, White Ranges from light-tan to brown Straight and moderately open Low to Medium Not easy to...
Here are a few basic wood flooring shapes and sizes for floorboards: Strip Strip is the conventional wood flooring we have become accustomed to; it has a timeless, elegant look. Each strip is long (usually at least 4 feet long) and is between 2 1/4″ and 3 1/4″ wide. Plank More popular in recent...
We hear a lot of questions about wood flooring, and here are a few of the most frequently asked: Can I install wood floor in bathrooms? Due to the high moisture content in bathrooms, most manufacturers do not recommend installing solid wood in bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. However, half-baths or powder rooms may...
Before you buy wood flooring, you’ll want to check out a few things, such as: 1. Is Your House Ready for Wood Flooring? Complete other home renovation projects, such as drywalling and painting, that could damage a finished floor. However, for aesthetic reasons, you may choose to lay wood floor before painting the room....
