HARDWOOD
- Offers a naturally warm appearance.
- Must be seasoned, which is the process through which it loses its moisture.
- If wood is too moist, it shrinks. If too dry, it absorbs moisture and swells.
- Wood should be seasoned according to the environment in which it’ll be installed.
- Five items to consider before selecting wood:
1) Species of wood
a) Softwoods are less durable, but are warm, resilient, and inexpensive.
b) Hardwoods are more expensive, but come in a greater variety of colours, textures, and patterns.
c) Decay-resistant woods naturally resist rot.
2) Grading
a) Some species don’t have any grading system.
b) Others like oak, maple, and beech grade from highest to the lowest.
c) Check the rating system so you know what you’re buying.
3) Unfinished or Pre-finished?
a) Unfinished is less expensive.
b) Pre-finished is easier to install and eliminates odors and dust from sanding and sealant.
c) Pre-finished is less affected by moisture, not prone to expand, and can be installed over concrete.
d) Pre-finished has colour and pre-cut size choices available.
e) Pre-finished comes with a warranty.
4) Cut
a) Plain sawn - the most common cut. More patterning than the other two cuts.
b) Quarter sawn – more waterproof, but also more expensive.
c) Rift sawn – less figured grain, which makes it more attractive but also more expensive.
5) Pattern
a) Strip – solid wood that’s available in various thicknesses.
b) Plank - similar to strip, but wider.
c) Parquet or block flooring – solid wood that’s composed of small strips or blocks of hardwood that’s held together by adhesive or mechanical fasteners.
d) End-grain parquet – made from the short pieces left from the milling of wood for other purposes.
e) Engineered wood – multi-plied wood with four or five layers cross stacked and bonded together.
f) Acrylic impregnated – prefinished wood treated with acrylic, creating a very hard surface. Usually used in areas prone to abrasion or moisture.
LAMINATE
- Once mostly a cheap wood imitation, today laminate can convincingly mimic stone, brick, ceramic, and many other looks.
- Most laminate floors come with fifteen-year warranties.
- Laminate comes in four layers:
1) Surface is melamine impregnated with aluminum oxide.
2) Design layer can have any type of design or photo.
3) Substrate is the core material that gives it rigidity.
4) Backing paper balances the board and resists moisture.
- More costly laminates will reduce noise, prevent water infiltration, and resist denting, staining, and scratching.
- Some companies offer a surface treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Chemicals and UV rays won’t affect laminates.
- They’re easy to maintain.
- They’re made from recyclables, making them environmentally friendly.
- They’re comfortable underfoot.
- Self-installation possible; damaged panels can be easily replaced.
- They can’t be used in frequently moist areas.
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