Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood or hardwood flooring uses blocks of wood milled from a single piece of timber. Its thickness generally ranges from ¾” to 5/16”.

Types of Saw Cut

1. Plain Sawn – also referred to as “flat-sawn” and is considered the standard method of cutting logs. Grain patterns are wider and more noticeable.
2. Quarter Sawn – method of cutting into the logs at right angles. Grain patterns are more decorative and planks are more stable in changing humidity levels
3. Rift Sawn – method of cutting from the center of the log at varying angles that exceed 30 degrees. Grain patterns are more uniform and each plank looks similar with subtle differences. Planks are more stable and generally hold up well at extreme temperatures and humidity. This is the most expensive milling method. 

Hardwood Flooring Colors

In their natural state, hardwood colors range from light to medium to dark but they can be stained to meet the owner’s preference to color or shade. It is best to note that it is easier to achieve the desired color with lighter-toned planks and dark woods can not be stained lighter.

1. Light Toned – Maple, Hickory, White Oak
2. Medium Toned – Teak and Brazilian Cherry
3. Dark Toned – North American Black Walnut, Wenge, Ipe

Finishing Techniques

1. Smooth – a finishing technique using a floor sander to create a mirror-like shine which ranges from matte to glossy. This is the traditional way of finishing wooden floors.
2. Distressed – a finishing technique that involves scooping, denting, creating wormholes, splits and cracks on wood planks either by hand or machine to convey a worn and aged look.
3. Hand Scraped – a finishing technique that uses a scraping tool to create a unique, hand-made, rustic texture. This textured finish hides the typical bumps, bruises and scratches on wood planks that other technique can not hide but is costlier.
4. Wire-Brushed – a finishing technique that uses a wired brush to remove the sapwood through continued brushing. This brushing opens the grain of the wood and brings out its natural texture.

Types of Edging

1. Micro-beveled: the edge of each plank is cut at a 45-degree angle which creates a slight dip or crevice between the planks.
2. Beveled: the edge of each plank is also cut at a 45-degree angle but a deep V is formed where the planks come together.
3. Square-Edged: the edge of each plank meets squarely, creating a uniform, smooth surface that blends the floor together from plank to plank.
4. Distressed: edges of all planks are cut irregularly to create an aged and worn-down look to match the distressed or hand-scraped flooring finish.

Types of Installation

1. Sleeper System – a coating of petroleum-based mastic is troweled onto the concrete slab followed by a polyurethane film on top. 2-1/4” wood studs are then laid on top of the vapor barrier followed by another polyurethane film. The planks are then nailed into the studs called sleepers.
2. Plywood Over Concrete Slab – a more popular method of installation where 5/8” CDX plywood is nailed or screwed down on top of the polyurethane film. The planks are then nailed into the plywood sub-flooring.