Hardwood is a type of wood which comes from trees with broad leaves, or trees which produce nuts. Hard woods include oak, walnut, maple, cherry trees and hickory. These are the commonly found in North America. The climate in these areas is perfect for the production of these types of woods. The lumber from these trees is always revered to as hardwood.
Different types of hardwood is different, it has been classified to some extent by strength and grade. These scores will help you to work out which material is best suited to your specific application.
One of the hardest hardwoods is the Pecan. This can handle 1,820 pounds of pressure before the wood is damaged.
Now take Aspen for example, this is still seen as a hardwood however it can only handle 350 pounds of pressure. Different trees have different scores. Cherry is about medium strength.
Hardwood can Change
Hardwood is a natural living product which can change depending on the environment. The temperature and moisture can affect this material. Trees still have a life of its own and can change a lot depending on the conditions. The wood is dried in a kiln in order to remove the moisture and stop it warping as easily. This helps to keep the finished product as stable as possible. This should help to keep the size and shape of the wood once it has been fitted.
Manufacturers of hardwood and lumber will consider these changes when designing and cutting the lumber. They will also consider what it will be used for so that it can be cut correctly.
Windsor plywood for example is normally used for a sub flooring material and so is treated to work well for this purpose. Other lumber is also available to cater for any job. Many online shops such as lumber liquidators are able to supply many different types of hardwood lumber which are mainly used for flooring applications.
You need to carefully consider the right type of lumber to use for your specific project. Different types of lumber are suitable for different types of project. It is also important to think about the look that you are striving to achieve. Many hardwoods may look very similar but they all have different durability's and strengths. You need to make sure that you choose the type of wood which is durable enough for your home. You need to make sure that you like the finish of the floor which you are installing. Consider the look more than the strength of the material.
Choosing Hard Wood Flooring
You have several choices in styles for the overall look of your hardwood floor.
o Plank style flooring material is wide and resembles several strips of wood together in one plank. The planks are between three and six inches wide. The benefit of planks is the installation is a bit faster, since the planks cover a wider area than individual strips.
o Strips are smaller, up to three inches wide at most. These are beneficial for making the room appear larger.
o Solid flooring is one large piece of wood. These vary in thickness and are a custom made floor. They can be refinished many times over the life of the floor.
o Parquet floors are squares of hardwood that resemble ceramic tiles in size. Some are glued and others are nailed down. The squares can be arranged in a geometric design for a unique look.
Your other major choice in hardwood flooring is to get one that is unfinished or come pre finished. Pre finished floors come with a factory finish. These are very popular and easier to install. However, they are more expensive. Many find the additional price worth the money, as it saves time in staining and sanding.
Unfinished flooring must be finished after the floor is installed. You stain and coat the wood with urethane to protect the finish. The sanding and finishing process takes several days. You need to allow sufficient time for the surface to cure at each stage in the process before sanding. The floor must be sanded after each stage of the finishing process. Floor sanders can be used for this process.
Installing Hard Wood Flooring
Proper measurement is essential when ordering materials for your room. You will need a saw to cut the planks of wood to fit around corners and through doorways. For a more professional look, remove all the baseboards and trim before you start. Replace these after the installation is complete. The seams should be staggered as the planks are laid.
Before the installation process is started, be sure the subfloor is level. This should be done for any floor including hardwood, bamboo flooring, cork flooring or pergo flooring. If the floor isn't level, use asphalt tiles to level it prior to beginning the installation.
Special paper can be used under the hardwood to avoid squeaking sounds when you walk on the floor. The planks should be nailed through the subfloor and into the joists for a stable floor that won't move. Start the installation in the center of the room and move outward for the best, most even look.
Once the floor is laid, it needs to be sanded. Floor sanders can be rented through home improvement centers or any store that rents tools. Sand the floor evenly and don't stay too long in any one area of the room. This can cause uneven spots.
Keeping Hard Wood Flooring Looking its Best
The care needed depends on the finish on your particular floor. Refer to the manufacturer's directions regarding the care of pre finished floors. If your floor is finished with urethane, sweep a few times each week to remove dirt and dust. Wipe spills with a damp towel, but don't use a very wet mop. This can damage the floor.
If the floors are waxed, you will need to buff occasionally and wax the floor. Using area rugs and door mats can help keep the floor from becoming very dirty. Protect the wood with pads on the legs of all your furniture. This will help prevent scratches and damage to the wood.
Both Peter Wilson & Rob Carlton are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Peter Wilson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Acai Berries and Insurance. Peter Wilson is publishing largely for , an online publication on the topic of hardwood lumber and hardwood lumber prices. His writ. Peter Wilson's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Rob Carlton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Install Flooring and Pregnancy. Rob Carlton is a freelance writer for a website with resources. T. Rob Carlton's top article generates over 1000000 views. to your Favourites.