Solid strip oak floors:Solid strip oak floors are the most common type of hardwood floors and are constructed using
¾” by 2¼” boards. A correctly installed solid strip oak floor should last for the life of the home.
Engineered wood floors (sometimes referred to as laminated wood floors). Because
engineered floors do not require sub floors, they can be glued directly to concrete. Engineered floors may not be refinished
due to their thin wear layer, but generally are a lower-cost alternative to the solid strip oak floors.
Parquet floors. Parquet floors are patterned floors and are available as engineered
wood, tongue-and-groove strips, or 5/16” finger blocks.
Plank floors.
Plank floors are similar to solid strip oak floors, but the boards are wider. Plank floors are commonly available in 3-, 4-,
5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-inch widths.
Tips
for caring for your hardwood floors:
·Place rugs at entrances to protect floor from scratches.
·Sweep wood floors regularly with a soft bristle broom or vacuum
attachment.
·Never clean a hardwood floor with soaps or detergents.
·Clean spills promptly.
·Keep potted plants off a wood floor so condensation does not build
up.
·Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to
prevent scuffing and scratching.
Installing Hardwood Floors:
Solid strip flooring is pre-cut with tongues and grooves so
that each strip interlocks with its immediate neighbors. This design hides all surface nails, except for the ones in the first
line of strips and the last two or three lines of strips in the run.
Hardwood
Floor Finishes: Surface finishes and penetrating seals are the two main types
of hardwood floor finishes.
Surface finishes: Surface finishes, such
as polyurethane coatings, represent a major technological advance that has revolutionized hardwood floor care and has eliminated
waxing. Hardwood floors coated with polyurethane are highly water resistant and wear resistant. As a result, hardwood floors
have become popular in kitchens and eating areas. In addition to polyurethane, other similar synthetic coatings with different
properties are available. Vacuuming, dusting, and occasional damp mopping (as needed) keep these floors looking their best.
Penetrating seals: Penetrating seal finishes
are not water resistant and should not be used in kitchens or eating areas. An additional wax coating adds beauty to and increases
the wear resistance of these wood floors.
