Hardwood Flooring FAQs

Q. Aside from differences in species, what accounts for the appearances in hardwoods?

A: Different appearances result from the different ways hardwoods are sawn. There is: 1) flat-sawn or plain-sawn; 2) rotary cut; 3) off-set rotary cut; 4) sliced-cut.

Flat -sawn can be a flat or vertical grain. The rotary cut method involves peeling the log with large lathes for dramatic, wilder graining. Off-set rotary cutting is a method of cutting wood which gives a sliced appearance with added cross-grain stability. Hardwoods are more dimensionally stable across the grain, so off-set rotary cutting takes advantage of this. Sliced cutting is where the hardwood layer is sawn like regular lumber which reveals finer graining.

Q: What is the Janka hardness test and what does it mean to me as a consumer?

A: The Janka hardness rating is the standard measurement for hardness. It is conducted by measuring the force needed to lodge a .444-inch steel ball in different wood species to a depth of half the ball's diameter. The higher the rating, the harder the species. The Janka rating is also useful when assessing how easy or difficult it is to hammer or saw the wood.

Q: How do I know my exotic wood floor does not come from illegally harvested timber?

A: The U.S. currently has no law that bans the import of illegal timber, though there currently are measures proposed to do so in both the House and Senate. Domestically harvested wood and wood that is sourced and certified under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) criteria are presently the safest options. There are many certification schemes on the market but FSC is considered to be the gold standard. Reclaimed wood is also a good choice. The choice of wood as a building material is also a wise one from an ecological point of view because the product is biodegradable and renewable.

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Q: What is an engineered hardwood floor?

A: There are generally two types of hardwood floors – solid and engineered. Solid flooring is a single piece of wood which can be re-sanded to change finishes. Engineered is made of three to five layered pieces of wood bonded together. Engineered looks like solid wood, but is actually considered to be structurally more stable and can be used in places with moistures problems such as basements.

Q. How many times can you sand a floor?

A: The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association (NOFMA) calculates that sanding operations should remove no more than 1/32-inch. A 1/16-inch hardwood layer on an engineered floor then could be sanded one or two times, if done correctly. Sanding a 1/32-inch thick hardwood layer is not recommended. Solid wood floors can only be sanded to 1/32-inch above the tongue to maintain the stability of the tongue and groove joint.

Q: What’s the difference between engineered and solid wood?

A: Solid wood products are milled from one piece of wood into boards that are 3/4-inch thick. They should not be installed below grade, as moisture makes them expand and contract. Typically, solid wood floors can be sanded and refinished several times. They also are offered a very wide selection of colors and stains. Made from real wood, engineered wood is constructed of multiple layers of crossgrain woods that are bonded together. They are designed for installation at any house level, including below grade, and are considered the most structurally sound wood flooring product.

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Q: I’m looking for a tough floor. What do you recommend?

A: Different species have different hardnesses that affect durability. If your floor is likely to take a lot of abuse, consider oak, maple, ash or Brazilian cherry for extra resistance to indentation. On the softer side are teak, cherry and pine woods.

Q: Why should I buy prefinished wood?

A: Factory-applied finishes are generally superior to on-site finishes in terms of both wearlayer performance and clarity. No fumes, no imperfections, no drying time, no dust, no fuss. Plus, prefinished floors are warranted for a longer time period than site-finished floors.

Q: How long will my wood floor last?

A: Both solid and engineered hardwoods are among the longest lasting flooring options and, with proper care, may never need replacement.

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Q: How much does wood flooring cost?

A: Wood flooring is one of the more expensive flooring options. The quality of the wood plays a large role in the price. At the lower price points, there will be more knots, color variations and natural imperfections. As prices increase, the wood may be more consistent in color, depending on the species. At the high end of the price spectrum, you’ll find more exotic types of wood, wider widths, specialty visuals and finishes. Generally, 3/4-inch solid wood runs from about $3 to $14 per square foot (engineered hardwood runs about the same), while thinner profiles in solid wood, such as 5/16-inch, go from $3 to $5 per square foot. For installation, add an average of $3 per square foot for prefinished wood and $7 per square for site-finished wood.

Q: I have children and pets. Is there a specific wood I should be looking for?

A: Different types of wood are more durable than others. If you want a floor that stands up to heavy use, you may want to choose a species equal to or harder than oak, such as maple, Brazilian cherry, or ash.

Q: Do I have to keep the room temperature and humidity controlled all year round?

A: Hardwood floors can be adversely affected by extreme changes in humidity. During the hot, humid weather a dehumidifier may be required. Although engineered wood floors are less affected than solid wood floors, in the dry, heated winter months humidification may be necessary to prevent surface checking.