|
Hardwood flooring is a wonderful way to add warmth and a wonderful new look to any home or building. It can be installed on any level of a building, and it is available in multiple types of construction to allow for flexibility of installation over different subfloors, as well as the mitigation of moisture. It is important for consumers to identify the various construction details of their homes in order to determine which construction of hardwood is right for them. The three primary subfloors where installation can take place are basements below the ground level, concrete at the ground level, and plywood above the ground level. Moisture is always a significant consideration whenever hardwood flooring is installed because changes in moisture can create serious issues such as warping and gapping. In order to mitigate the effects of moisture, moisture levels must be kept within the recommendations of the manufacturer, and the proper installation materials must always be chosen. Moisture barriers can also be installed for an added layer of protection. Of course, even with all of these precautions in place, the wrong construction type can still result in disaster. The four types of constructions involved in hardwood flooring are known as ¾-inch solid, 5/16-inch solid, engineered, and locking. The ¾-inch solid is the most well-known construction type, and it can only be installed over a plywood subfloor. The 5/16-inch solid is a thinner version of the ¾-inch solid that is still incapable of basement installation, but certainly capable of ground-level concrete installation. An engineered type features cross-layer construction that counters moisture issues, allowing it to be installed anywhere in the building. As for the locking type, it has all of the advantages of the engineered type, plus a tongue-and-groove locking system that completely removes the need for nails or glue. Aesthetics can't ever be forgotten in the search for hardwood flooring, as a visually displeasing installation would leave a customer feeling sour. The species of wood is the first thing to decide in the looks department, and there are many lovely choices. One could spring for the familiarity and distinguished grain of a domestic species like the oak, for example. Of course, one could also go for a more adventurous species like the Brazilian cherry. It's all a matter of what the customer is looking for in terms of color and grain. The texture also matters, and it can be whitebrushed, hand-scraped, distressed, or smooth. The final factor to consider about hardwood flooring is hardness, which is measured using the Janka Hardness Rating. A Janka test figures out the relative hardness of a piece of wood by seeing how much force is needed to embed a steel ball (.444 inches in diameter) to half of its diameter. High ratings on this test mean that the piece in question is highly resistant to indentations. Ratings vary from species to species, so it is always a good idea to keep them in mind while shopping for your dream candidate. Considering hardwood flooring? Portland home and business owners, look no further than Macadam Floor and Design to remodel your place with ease. Learn more about our options and services at http://www.macadamfloors.com.
Related Articles -
hardwood, flooring, portland,
|
