WOOD FLOORING

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring, as its name suggests, is prepared from wood that is one piece from top
to bottom. It takes stains and other finishes well and can be easily refinished. Because it is
prone to damage from water and moisture, this flooring should be used on the ground floor
and above only. It comes in several cuts.

Plainsawn: This most common cut of lumber provides the maximum yield. Plainsawn boards
have a great variation in grain, as the direction of the cut makes growth rings more obvious.
They add a unique texture to a wood floor.

Quartersawn: Cut at a 60- to 90-degree angle to center of the lumber, it yields less footage
than plainsawn. Quartersawn boards have more parallel grain. They hold stains and other
painted finishes well and create a homogenous wood floor.

Riftsawn: Cut at a 30- to 60-degree angle to center of the lumber, it is otherwise similar to
quartersawn.

plainsawn

quartersawn

Solid

Plainsawn Quartersawn
Other Wood Flooring

Engineered Acrylic-Impregnated

Engineered Flooring: Made of built-up layers with the wood grain running in opposite direc-
tions, engineered flooring is available in three-, five- and ten-ply. It is more dimensionally
stable than solid wood and, as such, is better suited for highly trafficked areas. It can also be
installed directly over a concrete subfloor. Engineered flooring is found in basements, kitch-
ens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.

Acrylic-Impregnated Flooring: Acrylic injected into the wood creates an extremely durable and
hard finish. It is used in restaurants and malls and sometimes in residential projects.

End Grain Flooring: Made of wood cut perpendicular to the grain and sized to specific dimen-
sions, end grain flooring is very resistant to damage and can be used in high-impact condi-
tions. The exposed grain provides a unique design element, but it is also easily stained to a
variety of colors. End grain is suitable to all applications, from residential to warehousing.

End Grain
Patterns

Wood flooring is dimensioned for installation. Options abound for patterns, but first floors are
categorized into three main types: strip—linear flooring that is 11/2, 21/4, or 31/4 inches (38, 57,
or 83 mm) wide; plank—linear flooring with widths of 3, 4, 5, and 6 inches (76, 102, 127, and
152 mm); and parquet—small pieces of wood aggregated to created a geometric pattern.

Parquet Patterns

Finishes

Oil-modified Urethane: Easy to apply, this finish also has a long drying time and VOC (volatile
organic compound) content. It tends to turn amber with age.

Moisture-cured Urethane: Solvent-based, this finish is difficult to apply and has a very long
drying time. It is more durable and moisture resistant than oil-based finishes, however, and
can be transparent.

Water-based Urethane: Requiring more coats than oil-based finishes, it has a lower VOC con-
tent. Multiple layers make it a more expensive finish. It is clear and nonyellowing.

Penetrating Stains and Waxes: Stains penetrate into the wood to provide a deep seal. Waxes
provide protection and a low-gloss sheen to floors, but must be reapplied at regular intervals.

Installation

Wood flooring can be installed in many ways, and designers should consider the location
before deciding on the type of flooring. A natural material, wood expands and contracts with
changes in climate and moisture. Allowing for ventilation under the floor and expansion at the
perimeters is essential.
Wood Flooring Locations

Solid, engineered, and floating

installations are acceptable
for above-grade installations of
wood flooring.

On grade, the same list is

applicable.

Below grade, solid wood

installations are inadvisable
due to moisture penetration.
Engineered floors are best.

Typical Installation

wall

baseboard

wood board

face nail

blind nail

plywood substrate

slab or structure below