D03B - MATERIALS SELECTION
D03B-1 General & Technical Information
D03B-2 Choosing hardwood flooring
D03B-3 Hardwood flooring selection criteria
D03B-4 Final appearance
D03B-5 Other considerations - Acoustical underlayment - Vapor Retarders - Radiant Heat
D03B-2 Choosing hardwood flooring
D03B-3 Hardwood flooring selection criteria
D03B-4 Final appearance
D03B-5 Other considerations - Acoustical underlayment - Vapor Retarders - Radiant Heat
Preface:
This study guide covers selection requirements for solid and engineered strip, plank, and parquet hardwood flooring and related materials.
This study guide does not cover selection requirements for laminate wood flooring which is included under Part E03B - Laminate Flooring or for bamboo flooring which is included under Part F03C1 - Bamboo Flooring.
This study guide covers selection requirements for solid and engineered strip, plank, and parquet hardwood flooring and related materials.
This study guide does not cover selection requirements for laminate wood flooring which is included under Part E03B - Laminate Flooring or for bamboo flooring which is included under Part F03C1 - Bamboo Flooring.
1 • GENERAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
.01 Hardwood flooring manufacturers and suppliers have samples as well as technical information on their products available to the design authority. Some caution should be exercised in reviewing this material so that a manufacturer's particular hardwood flooring type can be fairly compared to the same type from another manufacturer. This involves careful scrutiny of the material specifications and test data.
.02 Technical information regarding installation methods is also available from hardwood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in regard to their specific products. General information on product installation is also available to a degree, from Provincial Floor Covering Associations. |
2 • CHOOSING HARDWOOD FLOORING
.01 Why do people choose hardwood flooring? There are a number of reasons why they might, some of which may include the following:
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Whatever the reason or reasons for the desire to use hardwood flooring is a fact. |
.02 As a natural material, wood has great variation in both grain and colour within any species, and no two pieces of the same species cut from the same timber are the same. In addition, all wood to varying degrees is sensitive to light and oxygen and will change colour as it ages with some developing a patina. As well, different applied finishes will dramatically alter the look of any species of wood, especially imported ones. Because of this variety of appearances and the "warmth" of wood, hardwood has and still is being used as a floor covering in many different locations.
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.03 In choosing hardwood as a flooring material, Owners and Consultants (designers and specifiers) have a wide variety of species, patterns, and finishes as well as both solid and engineered hardwood flooring and a variety of installation methods from which to choose from. The selected hardwood flooring must not only be aesthetically pleasing to the owner (the end user) and the designer but must also retain an attractive appearance throughout its life expectancy. Paying careful attention to a number of factors in the initial selection process will ensure that a visually attractive and durable installation will be achieved.
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3 • HARDWOOD FLOORING SELECTION CRITERIA
Many factors enter into choosing the "right" type of hardwood flooring and system to meet a project's requirements. After considering general flooring selection criteria noted in Part A17, a number of other things should be considered:
.01 Hardwood Cost and Quality:
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.02 Hardwood Durability and Performance:
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.03 Hardwood Species:
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Ash
Beech Birch Cherry Mahogany Chestnut Cypress |
Douglas Fir
Elm Hickory Jarrah Jatoba Maple Merbau |
Oak
Paduk Pine Teak Walnut Wenge |
2. The cost of each species will vary due to availability, method of cutting to provide grain pattern, thickness and lengths required, and the final grade of the material selected.
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3. In addition, some species that are similar in grain, colour, and texture may even be substituted and dyed to appear the same as a more expensive variety.
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.04 Hardwood Grades and Variations:
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The selection of a premium grade / cut of hardwood will obviously increase the cost of the flooring installation.
.05 Appearance and Patterns:
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.06 Hardwood Flooring Types / Systems:
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.07 Style and Size:
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.08 Finishes:
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4 • FINAL APPEARANCE
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Note: In particular, Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) is known for it's darkening characteristics.
This picture gives an example of how this species of wood darkens when exposed to sun light. Areas that are hidden from light stay the original colour. This process happens over time, on average 3 to 6 months depending on the amount of exposure to sun light. |
5 • OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
There are a number of other items that must be considered when choosing hardwood flooring.
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As a general rule most hardwood flooring manufacturers do not recommend nor will they warrant the installation of solid hardwood flooring over radiant heated floors (due to excessive shrinkage) but will recommend and warrant engineered flooring over such heating.
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.03 Guarantees and Warranties:
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.04 Specifying Hardwood Flooring:
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.05 Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware):
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END OF PART D03B