We answer a lot of questions about flooring everyday.  Here are some basic flooring terms that can help clarify many basic questions.

 

Wood

Wood is the hard fibrous material that forms from the main substance of the trunk or branches and beneath the bark of a tree. A wood floor is any flooring product that contains real wood as the top-most, wearable surface of the floor.

 

Wood flooring may be broken into three categories:

1. Solid wood flooring is made of one piece of wood from top to bottom and can be used in any room that is on or above ground. One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is it can be sanded and refinished many times.

2. Engineered wood floors are also made of real wood, but include multiple layers, with the top layer made of high-quality wood. Because engineered wood floors expand and contract less than solid wood flooring, they are ideal for basement installations. While this type of flooring can be sanded and refinished, it cannot be done as many times as solid wood flooring.

3. Composite engineered wood flooring contains real wood on the wearable surface only. The backing and core material may be made up of any type of composite material.

 

OPTIONS

Strip, Plank, Parquet, or end grain?

Hardwood floors are manufactured in four styles: strip, plank, parquet and end grain. Each style is available in a variety of species, colors, and widths, so choosing the right one is a matter of preference.  

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Strip flooring is less than 3” wide and often makes a room appear larger.

 

Plank flooring is equal to or greater than 3” wide and often creates a more casual look.

 

Parquet flooring varies in size and generates a geometric, non-linear look.

 

SPECIES

Wood flooring is made from hardwoods, softwoods, domestic lumber, and a variety of imported lumber. Each wood species has unique visual characteristics and maintenance needs.

 

APPEARANCE

Many factors impact the appearance of wood flooring, including its grade and saw cut. Wood grades are determined based on the physical characteristics of the wood. All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each looks different. Additionally, the angle at which a board is cut determines how the finished product looks and performs as well.

 

SURFACE FINISHES OR PENETRATING FINISHES

Surface finishes are film-forming finishes that remain on the surface of the wood to form a protective coating. There are several types of surface finishes available.

• Water-based finishes are normally clear, very durable, and dry quickly.

• Oil-based finishes are amber in color and are very durable.

• Moisture-cured finishes clear to amber in color, extremely durable and are more moisture-resistant than other surface finishes.

• Conversion varnish finishes are clear to slightly amber in color and are extremely durable.

• Wood floor wax hardens on the wood to form a penetrating protective seal, which will appear low luster and amber in color. They are durable but require a more-frequent maintenance schedule.

• UV-cured finishes are normally water-based finishes that are cured instantly using ultraviolet light. These finishes may be site-applied or applied during the manufacturing process.

• Aluminum oxide finishes are applied during the manufacturing process. These finishes are extremely durable.

 

Penetrating finishes include natural oil finishes, which can be penetrating oils or hard wax oil finishes. They penetrate the pores of the wood, hardening to achieve a durable, long-lasting finish.

 

FACTORY-FINISHED OR SITE-FINISHED

With factory-finished wood floors, the finish and color are applied at the factory, long before it reaches your home. You will be able to walk on the floors immediately after installation.

 

A site finish is applied at the job site, in the room where the flooring is being installed. This offers the most customization, with an unlimited palette of color and finish options, but also requires drying time during which you will not be able to walk on the floor.

 

SHEEN

The sheen of your wood floor finish is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.

Gloss finishes offer the most shine and reflect the most light.

 

Semi-gloss finishes offer some shine and reflect some light.

 

Satin finishes offer less light reflection.

 

Matte finishes offer the least shine and reflect the least light.

 

The less sheen, the less you will notice small scratches and other normal wear.

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COLOR

The natural colors of wood are often highlighted within each wood floor. These natural colors may be toned up or down to create darker or lighter versions of the wood itself. With the help of stains and a variety of color recipes, the color options for your floors are endless.

 

Solid vs Engineered

Solid wood flooring is made of one piece of wood from top to bottom and can be used in any room that is on or above ground. One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is it can be sanded and refinished many times.

 

Engineered wood floors are made using multiple layers, but include a top layer made of high-quality wood. Because engineered wood floors expand and contract less than solid wood flooring, they are ideal for any level, including basement installations. While this type of flooring usually can be sanded and refinished, it cannot always be done as many times as solid wood flooring.

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Janka Scale

The hardness of solid wood is measured according to a system called the Janka Scale. The Janka Scale gives a good indication of how well a wood species can be expected to withstand dents and dings. The scale is determined by the amount of pound-force required to push a .444-inch diameter steel ball halfway into the wood. 

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Oldfield Flooring Hardwood Processes

 

New Hardwood Installation

Just what it sounds like! Want to replace old carpeting or linoleum?  Building a new house?  New Hardwood Installation is for you. We create beautiful, long-lasting, and timeless floors in new construction and renovation projects.  We have a variety of wood types, widths, and finishes. We specialize in long-length, wide-width oak hardwood installation and fine finishes.




Hardwood Floor REVIVE

Our innovative deep cleaning power-scrub system is the safest, quickest and easiest way to remove the toughest dirt, grime and build-up on your hardwood floors.

• Quick, easy and affordable

• Removes dirt, grime and build-up

• Keeps floors looking their best

• Increases life of hardwood floor

• Ready Within Hours 

 

REVIVE Process

1. Simple Power-Scrub. No need to vacate

2. Safe! No harsh chemicals!

3. The most cost effective way to rejuvenate your floors

 

Hardwood: RECOAT

Over time the top layer of your hardwood floor's protective surface is slowly removed by the wear and tear of daily living. To maintain the life of your floor it's important to periodically apply a new finish layer that restores and protects its luster and beauty. Our sandless refinish:

• Removes dirt and grime

• Fills in surface scratches

• Restores sheen and luster of floor

• Creates a fresh protective wear layer

• Ready Overnight

• Cost effective

• Perfect for sellers wanting to increase home value prior to sale and new homeowners with a tight timeline to move in.




RECOAT Process

1. All dust, dirt and residue removed and floor is deep cleaned.

2. Floor is completely rinsed and prepped.

3. New finish is applied to refortify and protect the floor.




Hardwood: REFINISH

A complete renovation for your hardwood floors. Most damage and discoloration disappears with virtually dustless sanding and refinishing. It's also the perfect chance to update the look of your floors. Try out a few different sealer or stain colors to find the perfect complement for your home.

• Opportunity for design update

• Dustless and water-based for healthier indoor air

• Repairs all gouges, damage, discoloration and fading

• Ready In 3-5 Days




REFINISH Process

1. Sanded to bare wood

2. Sealer or stain applied

3. Finish applied in selected durability and sheen.

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