DD1A - GLOSSARY - FLOORING
DD1A Flooring
DD1B Finishing
DD1C Installation tools
Scope:
This list of definitions and technical terms for hardwood flooring and related materials has been compiled from accepted trade and industry standards and technical literature and is provided for reference purposes.
Note:
For terms used in "wood" laminate flooring refer to Laminate Flooring - Part EE1.
A
above grade
Refer to "grade".
abrasion resistance
That property of a surface that resists being worn away by a rubbing or friction process. Abrasion resistance is more closely related to toughness than hardness. This term usually applies to the finish applied on hardwood flooring.
acclimation
Adaptation of hardwood flooring materials to their installed temperature and humidity environment (i.e., not work site environment which may be different). Such materials should be unpacked and allowed enough time (generally 48 hours) to equalize to these requirements.
acoustical properties
Absorbance, reflection, or transmission of sound waves.
acrylic impregnated wood flooring
A pre-finished solid or engineered wood flooring product composed of strip, plank or parquet material that has been impregnated throughout the thickness of the material or wear layer with acrylic and colour, resulting in material with an extremely hard surface that is highly resistant to abrasion and moisture.
acrylic resin
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
acrylic wood
The generic name for wood-plastic composites utilizing wood impregnated with acrylic monomers and polymerized within the wood cells by gamma irradiation. Some versions are cured by heat radiation. In the case of acrylic / wood parquet, a semi-built-in finish is developed.
additives (finishes)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
additives (in engineered flooring)
Special materials incorporated during the manufacturing / finishing process to impart special properties. These include additives for wood preservation, moisture resistance, and fire retardance, but not adhesives.
adhesion
The property that causes one material to stick to another. Adhesion is affected by the condition of the surface to be coated and by the closeness of contact, as well as by the molecular forces of unlike substances. Contact surfaces should be chemically clean, and not too smooth, hard, or nonporous for good adhesion. In coatings it is the union between a coating film and the material with which it is in contact. The latter may be another film of paint (inter-coat adhesion) or any other material such as wood.
adhesive
A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. It is a general term and includes cements, mucilage, paste, and glue. Adhesives are normally applied with a trowel but in some instances they may be applied with a roller, airless spray, or by other means acceptable to the manufacturer.
adhesive transfer
Amount or percentage of adhesive applied to the floor substrate that adheres or transfers to the back of a flooring material to be installed (or alternately from the flooring to the substrate when the adhesive is applied to the flooring instead). A 100% transfer implies that there is total adhesive contact between the flooring material and the substrate surface.
adhesive types
There are a variety of adhesives used in hardwood flooring. These are:
adsorption
A type of adhesion that occurs at the surface of a solid or liquid in contact with another medium, thus allowing an increased number of molecules of the gas or liquid to become attached to the surface of the solid at the point of contact.
air dried
Process of drying or seasoning lumber naturally by exposure to air in a yard or shed without artificial heat, i.e., not kiln dried.
alkali
A soluble substance with basic properties and having a pH of more than 7.
alkaline salts
Occurs in concrete subfloors when water carries dilutedalkaline salts to the surface of the slab. Its presence will cause adhesive bonding and/ or material failure.
alkalinity
A measurement of alkaline rated above 7 on the pH scale.
alkyds
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
alligatoring
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
aluminum oxide
A finish component. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
amber
A yellowish colour change caused by either the wood or aging of the finish.
analine colours
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
annual growth ring
The layer of wood growth added to the diameter of a tree during a single growing season (spring and summer). In the temperate zone the annual growth rings of many species such as oaks and pines are readily distinguished because of differences in the cells formed during the early and late parts of the seasons.
antistatic
Ability to limit the accumulation of static electricity on a surface.
applicator marks or streaks
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
axial force
A push (compression) or pull (tension)·acting along the length of a component / member, expressed in kilonewtons (pounds).
axial stress
The axial force acting at a point along the length of a member divided by the cross-sectional area of a member, expressed in kilopascals (pounds per square inch).
This list of definitions and technical terms for hardwood flooring and related materials has been compiled from accepted trade and industry standards and technical literature and is provided for reference purposes.
Note:
For terms used in "wood" laminate flooring refer to Laminate Flooring - Part EE1.
A
above grade
Refer to "grade".
abrasion resistance
That property of a surface that resists being worn away by a rubbing or friction process. Abrasion resistance is more closely related to toughness than hardness. This term usually applies to the finish applied on hardwood flooring.
acclimation
Adaptation of hardwood flooring materials to their installed temperature and humidity environment (i.e., not work site environment which may be different). Such materials should be unpacked and allowed enough time (generally 48 hours) to equalize to these requirements.
acoustical properties
Absorbance, reflection, or transmission of sound waves.
acrylic impregnated wood flooring
A pre-finished solid or engineered wood flooring product composed of strip, plank or parquet material that has been impregnated throughout the thickness of the material or wear layer with acrylic and colour, resulting in material with an extremely hard surface that is highly resistant to abrasion and moisture.
acrylic resin
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
acrylic wood
The generic name for wood-plastic composites utilizing wood impregnated with acrylic monomers and polymerized within the wood cells by gamma irradiation. Some versions are cured by heat radiation. In the case of acrylic / wood parquet, a semi-built-in finish is developed.
additives (finishes)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
additives (in engineered flooring)
Special materials incorporated during the manufacturing / finishing process to impart special properties. These include additives for wood preservation, moisture resistance, and fire retardance, but not adhesives.
adhesion
The property that causes one material to stick to another. Adhesion is affected by the condition of the surface to be coated and by the closeness of contact, as well as by the molecular forces of unlike substances. Contact surfaces should be chemically clean, and not too smooth, hard, or nonporous for good adhesion. In coatings it is the union between a coating film and the material with which it is in contact. The latter may be another film of paint (inter-coat adhesion) or any other material such as wood.
adhesive
A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. It is a general term and includes cements, mucilage, paste, and glue. Adhesives are normally applied with a trowel but in some instances they may be applied with a roller, airless spray, or by other means acceptable to the manufacturer.
adhesive transfer
Amount or percentage of adhesive applied to the floor substrate that adheres or transfers to the back of a flooring material to be installed (or alternately from the flooring to the substrate when the adhesive is applied to the flooring instead). A 100% transfer implies that there is total adhesive contact between the flooring material and the substrate surface.
adhesive types
There are a variety of adhesives used in hardwood flooring. These are:
- cold-setting: An adhesive that sets at temperatures below 20°C (68°F).
- construction: Any adhesive used to assemble primary building materials such as floor sheathing into components during building construction. The term is most commonly applied to elastomer-based, mastic-type adhesives.
- contact: An adhesive that, while apparently dry to the touch, will adhere instantaneously to itself upon contact. The terms contact bond adhesive, or dry bond adhesive, are also used.
- gap-filling: Adhesive suitable for use where the surfaces to be joined may not be in close or continuous contact owing either to the impossibility of applying adequate pressure or to slight inaccuracies in matching mating surfaces.
- room-temperature setting: An adhesive that sets in the temperature range of 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F).
adsorption
A type of adhesion that occurs at the surface of a solid or liquid in contact with another medium, thus allowing an increased number of molecules of the gas or liquid to become attached to the surface of the solid at the point of contact.
air dried
Process of drying or seasoning lumber naturally by exposure to air in a yard or shed without artificial heat, i.e., not kiln dried.
alkali
A soluble substance with basic properties and having a pH of more than 7.
alkaline salts
Occurs in concrete subfloors when water carries dilutedalkaline salts to the surface of the slab. Its presence will cause adhesive bonding and/ or material failure.
alkalinity
A measurement of alkaline rated above 7 on the pH scale.
alkyds
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
alligatoring
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
aluminum oxide
A finish component. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
amber
A yellowish colour change caused by either the wood or aging of the finish.
analine colours
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
annual growth ring
The layer of wood growth added to the diameter of a tree during a single growing season (spring and summer). In the temperate zone the annual growth rings of many species such as oaks and pines are readily distinguished because of differences in the cells formed during the early and late parts of the seasons.
antistatic
Ability to limit the accumulation of static electricity on a surface.
applicator marks or streaks
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
axial force
A push (compression) or pull (tension)·acting along the length of a component / member, expressed in kilonewtons (pounds).
axial stress
The axial force acting at a point along the length of a member divided by the cross-sectional area of a member, expressed in kilopascals (pounds per square inch).
B
backer
(engineered hardwood flooring). A non-decorative material bonded to the back of an engineered hardwood composite panel assembly that is designed to balance and protect the assembly from environmental changes (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.). May also be referred to as "counter-acting layer".
backer
(solid hardwood flooring). A material or coating applied to the back of hardwood strip, plank, or parquet members to "protect the wood from environmental changes (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.). May also be referred to as "counter-acting layer".
balanced construction
(engineered flooring). A composite panel construction designed to resist change (warping, etc.) due to differential movement of its component parts and to protect it from environmental change (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.).
banana
Refer to "crook"
bark
A non-technical term used to describe all the tissues outside the wood (xylem) cylinder.
bark pocket
An opening between annual growth rings that contains bark generally caused by a wound around which normal wood has grown. Bark pockets appear as dark streaks on radial surfaces and as rounded areas on tangential surfaces.
base or baseboard
Flat or shaped, extruded or moulded vinyl or rubber, or wood board skirting / attached to the wall or counter base unit surfaces only (i.e. not to floor) to cover the expansion gap between applied flooring and a vertical surface.
base shoe
A moulding designed to be attached to a base or baseboard to cover expansion space. Similar to quarter round in profile.
bastard sawn
Refer to "rift sawn under sawn lumber".
below grade
Refer to "grade".
bevelled edge
The chamfered, or bevelled edge, of strip flooring, plank, block, and parquet at approximately a 45 degree angle.
binder
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
birdseye
Small localized circular or elliptical figures on the tangential surface of wood resembling a bird's eye that may be considered decorative depending on design requirements. Sometimes found in sugar maple but only rarely in other hardwood species.
bird peck
A small hole or patch of distorted grain or bark resulting from birds pecking through the growing cells of a tree. In shape, bird peck usually resembles a carpet tack with the point towards the bark. Bird pecks are usually accompanied by discoloration extending a considerable distance along the grain and to a much lesser extent, across the grain.
biscuits
Compressed wood or plastic wafers that fit into the plate joiner slots or grooves, joining the two wood pieces together for stability.
bleaching
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
bleed back
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bleeding
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
blind nailing
Method of fastening hardwood with nails or staples driven at an angle through the tongue. The fasteners will be hidden when next piece of flooring is installed.
blistering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
blushing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
board foot
A unit of lumber measurement represented by a board one (1) foot long by twelve (12) inches wide by one (1) inch thick or its cubic equivalent. In practice, the board foot calculation for lumber one inch or more in thickness is based on its nominal thickness and width and the actual length. Lumber with a nominal thickness of less than one inch is calculated as one inch.
body
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bond
The adhesion between two dissimilar materials.
bond failure
Rupture of adhesive bond.
bond strength
The unit load applied in tension, compression, flexure, cleavage, or shear, required to break an adhesive assembly, with failure occurring in or near the plane of the bond.
borders
Simple or intricate decorative trim (usually thin strips of contrasting coloured wood) set (inlayed) around the perimeter of a flooring field to frame and customize a flooring installation. See also "inlay or insert" for decorative field elements.
bow / bowing
The deviation from absolute flatness along the length of a strip or plank. Specific types of bowing are horns up (the ends of the strip or plank are pointing upward, sometimes called end lift) and horns down (the ends of the strip or plank are pointing downward.). Crook on the other hand is a distortion perpendicular to the edge.
brashness
Condition of wood characterized by low resistance to shock and by abrupt failure across the grain without splintering.
bright
(Unstained) The term is applied to wood that is free from discolorations.
bright sapwood
The term bright describes the natural un-stained colour of sapwood.
broad-leaved trees
Trees that shed their leaves in the autumn. Most broad-leaved or deciduous trees are hardwoods and have broad leaves.
broken knot
A knot with a crack or check through the centre.
brown streak
A linear brown discoloration.
brush marks
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
brushability
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bubbling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
buckling
Flooring surface under stress or exhibiting bulging or other deviations preventing it from lying flat.
build coat
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bullnose
Common term used for step return.
bundle
A group of flooring strips or planks assembled and bound together.
burl (tree)
A hard, woody outgrowth on a tree, more or less rounded in form, usually resulting from the entwined growth of a cluster of adventitious buds. Such burls are the source of the highly figured burl veneers used for purely ornamental purposes.
burl (in lumber or veneer)
A localized severe distortion of the grain generally rounded in outline, usually resulting from overgrowth of dead branch stubs, varying from 13 mm (1/2") to several millimetres or inches in diameter; frequently includes one or more clusters of several small contiguous conical protuberances, each usually having a core or pith but no appreciable amount of end grain (in tangential view) surrounding it.
C
calliper
An instrument for measuring diameters or thickness. Also used to describe board thickness.
cambium
A thin layer of tissue between the bark and the wood in a tree which repeatedly subdivides to form a new wood and bark cells.
catalyst
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing. catalyzed lacquer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
cell
General term for the minute units of wood structure, including wood fibres, vessel segments and other elements.
cellulose
The carbohydrate that is the principal constituent of wood. It forms the framework of wood cells.
characteristics
Distinguishing features which, by their extent, number and character, determine the visual appearance (and at times the quality or grade) of a piece of lumber.
chatter marks
Slight indentations or ripple marks on installed flooring usually caused by defective sanding. The marks are most noticeable on gloss finishes, in direct light areas or at eye level. checks
Longitudinal separation of the fibres in wood that usually extends across annual growth rings but does not go through the whole cross section. Checks commonly result from tension stresses during air or kiln drying or overly dry environments.
checking
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
chemical resistance
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
chip load
The amount of material removed by each cutting tooth as the saw blade moves through the material being cut.
chip out
Defect created when fines or flakes are removed or torn out of the surface along the top or bottom face edges.
chipping
A condition that occurs when a dried finish film separates from the surface that it is applied to in the form of flakes or chips. It is usually caused by insufficient elasticity of the coating material or improper adhesion to the base material.
cleat
A barbed fastener commonly used as a mechanical device to conceal-fasten hardwood flooring through tongue.
colour change
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
colourfastness
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
compression or compressive set
Caused when wood strips or parquet slats absorb excess moisture and expand so much that the cells along the edges of adjoining pieces in the floor are crushed. This causes them to loose resiliency and creates cracks when the floor returns to its nominal moisture content.
compression failure
Deformation of the wood fibres resulting from excessive compression along the grain either in direct end compression or in bending. In surfaced lumber, compression failures may appear as fine wrinkles across the face of the piece.
compression wood
Abnormal wood formed on the lower side of branches and inclined trunks of softwood trees. Compression wood is identified by its relatively wide annual rings (usually eccentric when viewed on cross section of branch or trunk), relatively large amount of summerwood, sometimes more than 50 percent of the width of the annual rings in which it occurs, and its lack of demarcation between earlywood and latewood in the same annual rings. Compression wood shrinks excessively lengthwise, as compared with normal wood.
compressive strength
concentrated load
Loading centred on a certain point (such as from the leg of a unit of heavy furniture) as opposed to being equally distributed along the length of a member.
conditioning
The exposure of hardwood flooring materials to the design temperature and humidity of the installation area for a stipulated period of time, or until a stipulated relation is reached between the material and atmosphere prior to installation.
coniferous
Refer to "Softwoods".
conversion varnish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
core
The centre of an engineered flooring panel that consists of a surface layer (hardwood slice or veneer), composition board or plywood core, and a backer). May also be referred to as core ply.
core separation
Delamination of the core of an enginered panel, normally at the centreline, caused by steam pops or poor internal bond.
cork
the bark off a cork tree that is also used as an acoustical and/or cushioning underlayment or a flooring material.
cratering
Refer to "fish eyes".
crazing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
crook
A distortion / deviation from a straight line from end to end of a board or panel in a direction perpendicular to the edge (e.g. like a banana). Bow on the other hand is a distortion perpendicular to the face.
cross band (or cross direction)
To place layers of wood with each layers grain direction at right angles to that below it in order to minimize shrinking and swelling. In plywood of three or more plies, each ply is laid up with the ply grain at right angles to that of the next ply.
cross pull
A condition occurring at an end joint with the ends of flooring strips pulled in opposite directions.
crowfooting
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
crowning
A convex or crowned condition or appearance in installed hardwood flooring where the centre of individual strips or planks is higher than the long edges (the opposite to "cupping") due to the 'rapid' loss of excess moisture through the top surface while the underside has a lower moisture content. Refer to Part D04B - Installation Guide for additional information on causes and corrective measures.
crowned boards
A warp condition where the centre of a board is higher than its two long edges.
cull
Selection and discarding of boards with unacceptable variations in colour, grain, and straightness in regard to milling grades.
cup
Deviation from a straight line stretched across the width of the panel.
cupping
A concave or "U-shaped" condition or appearance in installed hardwood flooring where the centre of individual strips of planks is lower than the long edges (the opposite of "crowning") due to the expansion of the underside surface because of moisture absorption. This results in the top edges being lower than centre of plank. This condition can also be caused by an impervious surface finish that cuts off evaporation through surface of hardwood resulting in an accumulation of moisture on the underside. Refer to Part D04B - Installation Guide for additional information on causes and corrective measures.
cure
To change the properties of an adhesive by chemical reaction (which may be condensation, polymerization, or vulcanization) and thereby develop maximum strength. Generally accomplished by the action of heat or a catalyst, with or without pressure.
curing / agents
Used on concrete substrates to aid in curing and to prevent dusting. The residue of concrete curing and sealing agents is generally incompatible with most floor covering adhesives and must be removed prior to adhesive / flooring installation.
cushion
Resilient material placed under hardwood or engineered flooring for cushioning purposes. Cushion may also contribute to acoustical, thermal, and/or moisture barrier performance. Type must be as recommended by flooring manufacturer.
custom floor
A wood floor that is made to order with complete flexibility allowed for in design, species, grade, etc.
cut
To sand a floor. As a noun, cut refers to one pass over a floor area with sanding equipment. Usually, two or more cuts with progressively finer grit sand paper are made to achieve the desired results.
cut stock
A term of softwood stock comparable to dimension parts in hardwoods. (Refer to "dimension parts").
cuttings
In hardwoods, portions of a board having the quality required by a specific grade or for a particular use. Obtained from a board by crosscutting or ripping.
backer
(engineered hardwood flooring). A non-decorative material bonded to the back of an engineered hardwood composite panel assembly that is designed to balance and protect the assembly from environmental changes (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.). May also be referred to as "counter-acting layer".
backer
(solid hardwood flooring). A material or coating applied to the back of hardwood strip, plank, or parquet members to "protect the wood from environmental changes (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.). May also be referred to as "counter-acting layer".
balanced construction
(engineered flooring). A composite panel construction designed to resist change (warping, etc.) due to differential movement of its component parts and to protect it from environmental change (i.e. changes in humidity, moisture, etc.).
banana
Refer to "crook"
bark
A non-technical term used to describe all the tissues outside the wood (xylem) cylinder.
bark pocket
An opening between annual growth rings that contains bark generally caused by a wound around which normal wood has grown. Bark pockets appear as dark streaks on radial surfaces and as rounded areas on tangential surfaces.
base or baseboard
Flat or shaped, extruded or moulded vinyl or rubber, or wood board skirting / attached to the wall or counter base unit surfaces only (i.e. not to floor) to cover the expansion gap between applied flooring and a vertical surface.
base shoe
A moulding designed to be attached to a base or baseboard to cover expansion space. Similar to quarter round in profile.
bastard sawn
Refer to "rift sawn under sawn lumber".
below grade
Refer to "grade".
bevelled edge
The chamfered, or bevelled edge, of strip flooring, plank, block, and parquet at approximately a 45 degree angle.
binder
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
birdseye
Small localized circular or elliptical figures on the tangential surface of wood resembling a bird's eye that may be considered decorative depending on design requirements. Sometimes found in sugar maple but only rarely in other hardwood species.
bird peck
A small hole or patch of distorted grain or bark resulting from birds pecking through the growing cells of a tree. In shape, bird peck usually resembles a carpet tack with the point towards the bark. Bird pecks are usually accompanied by discoloration extending a considerable distance along the grain and to a much lesser extent, across the grain.
biscuits
Compressed wood or plastic wafers that fit into the plate joiner slots or grooves, joining the two wood pieces together for stability.
bleaching
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
bleed back
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bleeding
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing
blind nailing
Method of fastening hardwood with nails or staples driven at an angle through the tongue. The fasteners will be hidden when next piece of flooring is installed.
blistering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
blushing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
board foot
A unit of lumber measurement represented by a board one (1) foot long by twelve (12) inches wide by one (1) inch thick or its cubic equivalent. In practice, the board foot calculation for lumber one inch or more in thickness is based on its nominal thickness and width and the actual length. Lumber with a nominal thickness of less than one inch is calculated as one inch.
body
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bond
The adhesion between two dissimilar materials.
bond failure
Rupture of adhesive bond.
bond strength
The unit load applied in tension, compression, flexure, cleavage, or shear, required to break an adhesive assembly, with failure occurring in or near the plane of the bond.
borders
Simple or intricate decorative trim (usually thin strips of contrasting coloured wood) set (inlayed) around the perimeter of a flooring field to frame and customize a flooring installation. See also "inlay or insert" for decorative field elements.
bow / bowing
The deviation from absolute flatness along the length of a strip or plank. Specific types of bowing are horns up (the ends of the strip or plank are pointing upward, sometimes called end lift) and horns down (the ends of the strip or plank are pointing downward.). Crook on the other hand is a distortion perpendicular to the edge.
brashness
Condition of wood characterized by low resistance to shock and by abrupt failure across the grain without splintering.
bright
(Unstained) The term is applied to wood that is free from discolorations.
bright sapwood
The term bright describes the natural un-stained colour of sapwood.
broad-leaved trees
Trees that shed their leaves in the autumn. Most broad-leaved or deciduous trees are hardwoods and have broad leaves.
broken knot
A knot with a crack or check through the centre.
brown streak
A linear brown discoloration.
brush marks
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
brushability
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bubbling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
buckling
Flooring surface under stress or exhibiting bulging or other deviations preventing it from lying flat.
build coat
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
bullnose
Common term used for step return.
bundle
A group of flooring strips or planks assembled and bound together.
burl (tree)
A hard, woody outgrowth on a tree, more or less rounded in form, usually resulting from the entwined growth of a cluster of adventitious buds. Such burls are the source of the highly figured burl veneers used for purely ornamental purposes.
burl (in lumber or veneer)
A localized severe distortion of the grain generally rounded in outline, usually resulting from overgrowth of dead branch stubs, varying from 13 mm (1/2") to several millimetres or inches in diameter; frequently includes one or more clusters of several small contiguous conical protuberances, each usually having a core or pith but no appreciable amount of end grain (in tangential view) surrounding it.
C
calliper
An instrument for measuring diameters or thickness. Also used to describe board thickness.
cambium
A thin layer of tissue between the bark and the wood in a tree which repeatedly subdivides to form a new wood and bark cells.
catalyst
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing. catalyzed lacquer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
cell
General term for the minute units of wood structure, including wood fibres, vessel segments and other elements.
cellulose
The carbohydrate that is the principal constituent of wood. It forms the framework of wood cells.
characteristics
Distinguishing features which, by their extent, number and character, determine the visual appearance (and at times the quality or grade) of a piece of lumber.
chatter marks
Slight indentations or ripple marks on installed flooring usually caused by defective sanding. The marks are most noticeable on gloss finishes, in direct light areas or at eye level. checks
Longitudinal separation of the fibres in wood that usually extends across annual growth rings but does not go through the whole cross section. Checks commonly result from tension stresses during air or kiln drying or overly dry environments.
checking
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
chemical resistance
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
chip load
The amount of material removed by each cutting tooth as the saw blade moves through the material being cut.
chip out
Defect created when fines or flakes are removed or torn out of the surface along the top or bottom face edges.
chipping
A condition that occurs when a dried finish film separates from the surface that it is applied to in the form of flakes or chips. It is usually caused by insufficient elasticity of the coating material or improper adhesion to the base material.
cleat
A barbed fastener commonly used as a mechanical device to conceal-fasten hardwood flooring through tongue.
colour change
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
colourfastness
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
compression or compressive set
Caused when wood strips or parquet slats absorb excess moisture and expand so much that the cells along the edges of adjoining pieces in the floor are crushed. This causes them to loose resiliency and creates cracks when the floor returns to its nominal moisture content.
compression failure
Deformation of the wood fibres resulting from excessive compression along the grain either in direct end compression or in bending. In surfaced lumber, compression failures may appear as fine wrinkles across the face of the piece.
compression wood
Abnormal wood formed on the lower side of branches and inclined trunks of softwood trees. Compression wood is identified by its relatively wide annual rings (usually eccentric when viewed on cross section of branch or trunk), relatively large amount of summerwood, sometimes more than 50 percent of the width of the annual rings in which it occurs, and its lack of demarcation between earlywood and latewood in the same annual rings. Compression wood shrinks excessively lengthwise, as compared with normal wood.
compressive strength
- parallel to grain: Maximum stress sustained by a compression parallel-to-grain specimen having a ratio of length to least dimension of less than 11.
- perpendicular to grain: Reported as stress at proportional limit. There is no clearly defined ultimate stress for this property.
concentrated load
Loading centred on a certain point (such as from the leg of a unit of heavy furniture) as opposed to being equally distributed along the length of a member.
conditioning
The exposure of hardwood flooring materials to the design temperature and humidity of the installation area for a stipulated period of time, or until a stipulated relation is reached between the material and atmosphere prior to installation.
coniferous
Refer to "Softwoods".
conversion varnish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
core
The centre of an engineered flooring panel that consists of a surface layer (hardwood slice or veneer), composition board or plywood core, and a backer). May also be referred to as core ply.
core separation
Delamination of the core of an enginered panel, normally at the centreline, caused by steam pops or poor internal bond.
cork
the bark off a cork tree that is also used as an acoustical and/or cushioning underlayment or a flooring material.
cratering
Refer to "fish eyes".
crazing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
crook
A distortion / deviation from a straight line from end to end of a board or panel in a direction perpendicular to the edge (e.g. like a banana). Bow on the other hand is a distortion perpendicular to the face.
cross band (or cross direction)
To place layers of wood with each layers grain direction at right angles to that below it in order to minimize shrinking and swelling. In plywood of three or more plies, each ply is laid up with the ply grain at right angles to that of the next ply.
cross pull
A condition occurring at an end joint with the ends of flooring strips pulled in opposite directions.
crowfooting
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
crowning
A convex or crowned condition or appearance in installed hardwood flooring where the centre of individual strips or planks is higher than the long edges (the opposite to "cupping") due to the 'rapid' loss of excess moisture through the top surface while the underside has a lower moisture content. Refer to Part D04B - Installation Guide for additional information on causes and corrective measures.
crowned boards
A warp condition where the centre of a board is higher than its two long edges.
cull
Selection and discarding of boards with unacceptable variations in colour, grain, and straightness in regard to milling grades.
cup
Deviation from a straight line stretched across the width of the panel.
cupping
A concave or "U-shaped" condition or appearance in installed hardwood flooring where the centre of individual strips of planks is lower than the long edges (the opposite of "crowning") due to the expansion of the underside surface because of moisture absorption. This results in the top edges being lower than centre of plank. This condition can also be caused by an impervious surface finish that cuts off evaporation through surface of hardwood resulting in an accumulation of moisture on the underside. Refer to Part D04B - Installation Guide for additional information on causes and corrective measures.
cure
To change the properties of an adhesive by chemical reaction (which may be condensation, polymerization, or vulcanization) and thereby develop maximum strength. Generally accomplished by the action of heat or a catalyst, with or without pressure.
curing / agents
Used on concrete substrates to aid in curing and to prevent dusting. The residue of concrete curing and sealing agents is generally incompatible with most floor covering adhesives and must be removed prior to adhesive / flooring installation.
cushion
Resilient material placed under hardwood or engineered flooring for cushioning purposes. Cushion may also contribute to acoustical, thermal, and/or moisture barrier performance. Type must be as recommended by flooring manufacturer.
custom floor
A wood floor that is made to order with complete flexibility allowed for in design, species, grade, etc.
cut
To sand a floor. As a noun, cut refers to one pass over a floor area with sanding equipment. Usually, two or more cuts with progressively finer grit sand paper are made to achieve the desired results.
cut stock
A term of softwood stock comparable to dimension parts in hardwoods. (Refer to "dimension parts").
cuttings
In hardwoods, portions of a board having the quality required by a specific grade or for a particular use. Obtained from a board by crosscutting or ripping.
D
Danish oil
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
decay
The decomposition of wood caused by the action of wood-destroying fungi, resulting in softening, loss of strength, weight, and often, in change of texture and colour. Decay can take a number of forms and types:
Refer to "hardwood".
decor layer
The layer of laminate flooring providing visual aesthetic properties.
defect
A defect or irregularity resulting from knots and other growth conditions or abnormalities or from insect or fungus attack (natural imperfection) or due to milling, drying, machining, or other processing procedures (man-made). Either may reduce quality, appearance, durability, or strength. Refer also to "unsound defect".
deflection
The bending of a material between supports when a load is applied.
degrades
Wood flooring that is not of the grade being inspected. Also called "outs."
delamination or delaminating
The separation of component part layers of engineered / laminated flooring, i.e. separation of plies or face veneer from backing material due to adhesive or bond failure (i.e. either within the adhesive itself or at the interface between the adhesive and the wood).
density
Weight per unit volume. Density of wood is influenced by rate of growth, percentage of late wood and in individual pieces, the proportion of heartwood. It is variously expressed as kilograms per cubic metre, grams per cubic centimetre, or pounds per cubic foot at a specified moisture content.
density profile
Gradient density of a laminate panel from face to face.
depression
A dent or concave area in the surface of a panel.
dew point
The temperature at which atmospheric water vapour condenses to a liquid state.
diffuse / porous woods
Certain hardwoods in which the pores tend to be uniform in size and distributed throughout each annual growth ring. Pores may also decrease in size slightly and gradually toward the outer border of the annual growth ring. An example of this type of wood is Hard Maple.
dimension parts
A term largely superseded by the term "hardwood dimension lumber." It is hardwood stock processed to a point where the maximum waste is left at the mill, and the maximum utility is delivered to the user. It is stock of a specified thickness, width, and length or multiples thereof. According to specification it may be solid or glued-up material, rough or surfaced, semi-fabricated or completely fabricated.
dimensional stability
A term that describes the ability of wood (e.g. hardwood flooring) to resist changes in volume with variation in moisture content over the service life of the material or product. It may also refer to performance or movement of installed flooring. Wood is hydroscopic, and is not dimensionally stable with changes in moisture content below the fibre saturation point. Some products are more dimensionally stable than others.
discolourations
Stains in wood substances. Common veneer stains are sap stains, blue stains, stains produced by chemical action caused by iron in the cutting knife coming in contact with the tannic acid of the wood, and those resulting from the chemical action of the glue.
dispersed
In reference to finishing materials; finely divided or colloidal in nature.
distressed
An artificial texture in which the floor has been scraped, scratched, or gouged to give it a time-worn appearance or antique look. A common distressing method is wire brushing. Others include "hand scraping" and "hit-and-miss" (leaving saw kerf marks). It may also be done by chemical means to create special effects.
double mitre cut
A piece of wood with mitre cuts at both ends.
doze
A form of incipient decay characterized by dull and lifeless appearance of the wood.
dressed size
The cross-sectional dimensions of lumber after planing.
drier
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dry
The state where a material has reached a moisture content level acceptable for working and applying finishes without damage to the material or applied finish during manufacture or application, or after installation. Refer to "moisture content".
dry (finishes)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dry lay
Laying out flooring using materials from various bundles to determine grain pattern, colour mix, and general layout without gluing or mechanically fastening (e.g. nailing) them in place prior to actual installation. This may also involve measuring, cutting, and aligning flooring pieces. Also referred to as "racking".
drying
The act of reducing the moisture content within a material or changing a coating film from a liquid to a solid state by the evaporation of solvents, oxidation, polymerization, or by a combination of these processes.
durability
The ability of a wood species or finish to withstand conditions or destructive agents that it comes in contact with in actual usage without any appreciable change in appearance or other important properties.
dust
Small particles of solid matter. Also, a grading or size of natural resin.
dust-free
An environment that is kept free from dust by means of sealing and/or filtration, also, the stage in solidification of an applied finish film when dust won't penetrate or stick to the film.
dye lot
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dyeing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
E
earlywood
The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed during the early part of the growing season. It is usually less dense and weaker mechanically than latewood.
eased edge
A slight easing or rolling of an edge to remove sharp corners usually done by light sanding versus a bevelled edge which cuts off corners, usually at 450. Also referred to as a micro bevel. This is done to prefinished engineered wood flooring as a protective measure so there is no chance of a crisp edge of wood splintering or compromising the finish where installed adjacent flooring pieces may be slightly higher. Micro bevels are very slight due to the increased precision of manufacturing equipment and greater quality control procedures.
edge distance
The distance from the edge of a member to the centre of the nearest fastening.
edge grain
Refer to "grain".
edge trim
Edging material (wood, metal or rubber/ vinyl) installed at exposed edges of hardwood or laminate flooring to protect them from damage.
embossing
A process by which the surface of a laminate panel is given a relief effect. This can be accomplished with a pressure plate or a patterned caul in a hot press.
emission classification
A rating determined by a standard testing method to rate the amount of off-gassing of flooring material or assembly.
end distance
The distance measured parallel to the axis of a piece from the centre of a fastening to the square-cut end of the member (if the end of the member is not square-cut, a formula is used to calculate the end distance).
end joint
The place where two pieces of flooring are joined or butted together end-to-end.
end matched
In strip, plank, or engineered / laminated flooring, the ends of individual pieces have a tongue milled on one end and groove milled on the opposite end, so that when the individual strips or planks are butted together with the tongue of one piece engaging the groove of the next piece.
or
Grain or pattern matching at joining ends of strips, planks, slats, or units.
engineered wood flooring
A flooring assembly consisting of a top layer of wood strips, planks, or parquet fully adhesive bonded or laminated to a composite or sandwich panel assembly consisting of a medium density (MDF) or high density (HDF) fibreboard, or plywood core (with plies in alternating grain directions for dimensional stability and strength), and a backer or 'balancing" layer. This minimum three ply "laminated" flooring is designed to be dimensionally stable and not twist and warp, and is available in pre-finished and unfinished form. This type of flooring should not be confused with photo faced (wood grain) plastic laminate assemblies or "laminate flooring".
epoxy / epoxy ester
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
equilibrium moisture content (EMC)
The moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture whensurrounded by air at a given relative humidity and temperature.
expansion cork
A cork product used to fill the expansion space in a hardwood floor installation.
expansion space or gap
An allowance or gap separating hardwood or engineered flooring material from any fixed vertical interfaces such as walls, base cabinets, pipes, etc. that allows the flooring to expand and contract due to changes in humidity. The width of the gap shall be as recommended by the flooring material manufacturer.
extender
A substance added to an adhesive to reduce the amount of primary binder required per unit area.
extender pigment
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
F
face
The top-side (or edges) of flooring that is exposed to view after installation.
face blisters
A dark, identified area on the face layer that flakes off or delaminates. It represents a weak area in the face that may or may not be ruptured or broken, but will usually separate upon cutting.
face nail
Face nailing means the nail goes through the surface of the wood perpendicular to the exposed surface. This is recommended for any solid wood floor over 8" in width or when the flooring is too close to a wall or obstruction to use a floor nailer. Usually, the first and last rows of flooring require face nailing. The nail heads are then covered with a moulding (baseboard, quarter-round, or shoe) or are set and covered with a matching wood putty.
fading
Loss of colour caused by sunlight, artificial light, atmospheric gases including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, industrial and household cleaning and bleaching chemicals and products such as sodium hypochlorite. Areas where such exposure occurs warrant care in the proper selection finishes and maintenance products.
feather edge
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
feathering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
feature strips
Contrasting strips or shapes of hardwood flooring material used as borders or to delineate pattern for decorative or functional purpose. Also a moulding accessory for parquet flooring available in various widths and lengths that is utilized to separate squares into larger patterns than the individual parquet units.
fibre
A long narrow, tapering wood cell closed at both ends.
fibreboard
A wood by-product produced from wood chips which are reduced to cellulose fibre, mixed with moisture-retarding resins, and formed under heat and pressure to create material with various levels of density and stability (usually designated as low (LDF), medium (MDF), or high density (HDF) fibreboard (see below). The term may also refer to the "core" in laminated products, although some manufacturers use particleboard which is a low-level density board material. Refer also to "panel board".
fibre saturation point
The stage in drying or wetting wood at which the cell walls are saturated with water and the cell cavities are free from water. It is usually taken as approximately 25 to 30% moisture content, based on oven dry weight.
field
The area of hardwood floor covering that is contained within the limits of the borders or walls.
figure
The pattern produced in a wood surface by annual growth rings, rays, knots, deviations from regular grain, such as interlocked and wavy, and irregular colouration.
filler (adhesive)
A substance added to an adhesive to improve its working strength or other properties.
filler (finishing)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
filler (voids)
Any substance used to fill in cracks, knot and worm holes, or other irregularities in planed or sanded surfaces. It is usually a commercial wood putty, plastic wood, or other material mixed to the consistency of putty. A wood filler may also be mixed on the job using sander dust from the final sanding, or other suitable material, mixed with sealer, or finish.
fillets
The small component pieces (also called fingers or slats) which comprise parquet, or an individual component piece or board in a multi-strip engineered panel (plank) assembly.
fine finish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
fine woodwork
Products such as base trim used for architectural woodwork to provide a high quality decorative appearance to rooms.
finger-block
Parquet made from small strips of wood assembled together. Refer to "fillets".
finger joint
An end joint made up of several meshing wedges or fingers of wood bonded together with an adhesive. Fingers are sloped and may be cut parallel to either the wide or narrow face of the piece.
finished flooring
This is solid or engineered hardwood flooring that is factory sanded and finished before installation. Refer also to "unfinished flooring".
finishing
Processing of applying finishes (dyes, stain, sealers, etc.) during manufacturing or after installation. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing for types.
fire resistance
The property of a material or assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it. Certain species naturally provide greater fire resistance than others. Classes are I, II, or III or A, B, or C with Class I or A being the most fire resistant.
fire resistance rating
The time in hours or minutes that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance. (It can also be determined by extension or interpretation of information derived from fire test results, as prescribed in the building code.).
fire resistant chemical
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard the spread of a fire over the surface of a material.
fire resistant coating
A fluid (applied by brush, roller, or sprayer) which reduces the burning characteristics of the surface of a material, such as wood.
fire resistant treated wood
Wood or a wood product that has had its surface-burning characteristics and characteristics, such as flame- spread, rate of fuel contribution and density of smoke developed, reduced by pressure treating with fire retardant chemicals.
fire retardant
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard the spread of a fire over a surface.
fish eyes
Also called cratering, crawling, holes, spots, or flow marks. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flag
A heavy dark mineral streak shaped like a banner.
flag worm hole
One or more worm holes surrounded by a mineral streak, most often shaped like a banner or flag.
flakeboard
A panel product composed of particle board flakes.
flaking
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flame spread
The propagation of a flame away from the source of ignition across the surface of a liquid or solid, or through the volume of a gaseous mixture.
flame spread rating
An index or classification indicating the extent of flame spread on the surface of a material, or an assembly of materials, as determined in a standard fire test prescribed in building codes. Flame spread is expressed in numbers or letters. Most wood species have a C Flame Spread rating unless the wood has been pressure treated or coated with a flame resistance treatment or coating.
flattening agent
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flecks
The wide irregular conspicuous figure in quarter sawn oak flooring occurring across the width resulting from a radially cut wood ray (also called "angel wings"). Refer also to "rays".
floating floor
An installation method wherein the hardwood flooring itself (strip, plank, parquet, engineered floor panels) is glued or mechanically attached together but not secured to the substrate or sub-floor.
floor patch
Material used to fill imperfections in the substrate before wood flooring is installed. Refer to Part A13 - Patching and Filling.
flow
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flow back
The degree a material will compress before being penetrated by a cutting tool.
foils
Untreated or impregnated (with melamine thermoplastic resins) cellulose paper weighing between 40 and 140 grams per square metre.
FSC
Forestry Stewardship Council.
full spread Installation
A procedure for installing hardwood flooring using adhesive that is spread over the entire substrate surface area. (The use of correct spread rates and trowel size is critical).
furnish
Blended wood fibres and binders used in the board-forming process, such as whole chips, sawmill residuals, and plywood plan trimmings.
G
gap
Open space between strips, planks, or panels due to improper installation, drying of material or panellizing. See also "expansion space or gap" and "open joint".
gloss
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
glossing up
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
gloss meter
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
glue-down
An installation method whereby hardwood flooring is adhered to the substrate.
glue-less
Flooring installation using a mechanical connection between boards or panels only (i.e., without the use of an adhesive).
grade (level)
The relationship of a sub-floor to exterior ground or grade levels.
A degree of quality or classification in regard to natural characteristics, strength, finish quality, etc. The following are "general" descriptions of grades by the National Wood Flooring Association (USA).
grade stamp
A stamp placed on lumber to denote its grade.
grain
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of fibres in sawn wood or veneer. To have a specific meaning the term must be qualified.
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
grain popping
Refer to "water popping".
green (unseasoned)
Freshly sawed lumber, or lumber that has received no intentional drying. Wood that has become completely wet after immersion in water would not be considered green, but may be said to be in the green condition.
growth rings
Increments of growth which appear as figures in the floor. Seen in cross section of a log as rings around the centre of the log. When only one growth ring is formed during a year, it is called an annual ring. Viewing the end of a parquet slat, they appear in bands or layers.
grub worm hole
A 6 mm (1/4") diameter or larger hole caused by a wood boring insect.
gum
A comprehensive term for non-volatile viscous plant exudates, which either dissolve or swell up in contact with water. Many substances referred to as gums, such as pine and spruce gum, are actually oleoresins.
gum / pitch pocket
Well defined openings between annual growth rings containing an excessive local accumulation of resin or gum or the evidence of prior accumulations.
H
hardness
Generally defined as the resistance to indentation using a modified Janka hardness test, measured by the load required to embed a nominal 10 mm (3/8") diameter ball to one-half its diameter, i.e. 5 mm (3/16"). Values presented are the average of radial and tangential penetrations.
hardwood
A description applied to woods from deciduous broad-leafed trees (Angiosperms) that produce a fruit or nut and generally go dormant in the winter in contrast to that from evergreen / conifer trees or softwoods. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood. Hardwood varieties, or species, include Oak, Ash, Cherry, Maple and Poplar as well as tropical species such as Mahogany, Rosewood, Teak, and Wenge and there are some that aren't recommended for flooring because they're not hard enough to withstand heavy wear and tear.
HDF
High Density Fibreboard. Refer to "fibreboard".
heartwood
The inner layers of wood in growing trees extending from the true centre to the sapwood, and whose cells no longer participate in the life processes of the tree, i.e. have ceased to contain living cells. Heartwood may contain gums, resins, and other materials that usually make it darker and more decay resistant than sapwood, but the two are not always clearly differentiated.
heart rot
Refer to "decay".
heavy streaks
Spots and streaks of sufficient size and density that they affect the appearance of the wood. These may either severely mar or enhance the look of the wood.
herringbone
A style or pattern of floor installation using short lengths of hardwood strips in a zig-zag configuration.
high solids
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
honeycombing
Checks often not visible at the surface, that occur in the interior of a piece of wood, usually along the wood rays or grain as the result of internal stress. This cellular separation normally occurs during kiln drying, particularly in white or red oak, when too much heat is applied too rapidly.
humidity
The amount of water vapour in the air. Refer to "Relative Humidity".
hydrostatic pressure
Rising water forced under pressure through below grade or on grade concrete slabs due to high (ground) water table or tide, flooding, etc.
hygrometer
An instrument for measuring the degree of humidity or relative humidity of the atmosphere.
hygroscopic
A substance that can absorb and retain moisture, or lose or throw off moisture. Wood and wood products are hygroscopic as they expand with the absorption of moisture and become smaller when moisture is lost or thrown off.
I
impact bending
In the impact bending test, a hammer of given weight is dropped upon a beam from successively increased heights until rupture occurs or the beam deflects 150 mm (6") or more. The height of the maximum drop, or the drop that causes failure, is a comparative value that represents the ability of wood to absorb shocks that cause stress beyond the proportional limit.
impact indentation
Tests the degree to which a floor covering recovers from indentation created by dropped objects or foot traffic.
impact insulation class (IIC/ FIIC)
An acoustical rating or classification determined by a standard testing method in the laboratory (IIC) or in the field (FIIC) to rate noise transmission due to impact of falling objects, foot traffic, and the like. Refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
impact noise
This is noise resulting from dropped objects, foot traffic, and the like. The reduction of impact noise is becoming increasingly important in residential construction where minimum noise levels are being regulated by municipal zoning ordinances.
impact noise rating
An older acoustical rating or classification system for impact noise. Refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
impact resistance
Ability to resist fracture or damage from a falling object.
impact test
A test for determining the resistance to shattering of a dried film by dropping a weight onto the finish.
incompatible
Not capable of being mixed together without impairing the original properties of the materials being mixed. Mixing incompatible materials usually results in a separation of solid particles, cloudiness, or turbidity.
indoor air quality (IAQ)
The quality of air (and environment) within a building that is dependent on good building design, implementation of effective building systems, operation and maintenance programs, and the appropriate selection of low VOC and odour emitting interior products such as adhesives, finishes, sealants, etc.
inlaid flooring
Hardwood flooring material inset into hardwood flooring to create borders or other patterns.
inlay or insert (also inset)
Custom or standard shape flooring elements / pieces of contrasting colour, pattern, or material set into the field of flooring for special purposes or decorative effects. See also "borders" for edge trim.
insulation value
The thermal resistance of a material, stated as an RSI or R-value.
intensity
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
intumesce
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
J
Janka test or rating
The name of the test used to determine the intrinsic hardness of a wood. It is a number representing the pounds per square inch of pressure required to sink a 0.444" steel ball one half its diameter into the surface of the wood. A higher number denotes a harder wood.
joint
The line between the edges or ends of two adjacent sheets of veneer or strips of lumber in the same plane. See also open joint.
jointed flooring
Strip flooring, generally Birch, Beech, Hard Maple or Pecan, manufactured with square edges and no tongue and groove, and usually end-matched. Used principally for factory floors where the square edges make replacing strips easier.
joist
One of a series of parallel beams used to support floor loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls.
K
kiln
A chamber having controlled air flow, temperature, and relative humidity used for drying wood products such as framing and finish lumber, veneer, panels, etc., to a pre-determined moisture content level.
kiln dried
Process of drying or seasoning wood material (such as hardwood flooring) by placing the lumber in a kiln and exposing it to heat for a prescribed period of time.
knot
That portion of a branch or limb that has been surrounded by subsequent growth of the stem. The shape of the knot as it appears on a cut surface depends on the angle of the cut relative to the long axis of the knot.
L
lacquer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
laminate flooring
(Not laminated) A rigid floor covering consisting of a surface wear layer, a thin décor or image layer, a processed wood core layer of plywood, medium density fibreboard (MDF) or high density fibreboard (HDF), and a bottom balancing / moisture resistant layer. This type of flooring should not be confused with "engineered or laminated flooring".
laminated or engineered wood
An wood assembly made by bonding layers of veneer or lumber with an adhesive. The term may also refer to edge-glued lumber such as treads.
lap
A condition where one piece of veneer in the same ply overlaps that of an adjacent piece.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Refer to Part A09 – Environmental Issues for LEED requirements.
leveling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
light fastness
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
lignin
The second most abundant constituent of wood after cellulose. It is the thin cementing layer between the wood celIs.
linear expansion
Stated as a percent, it is a measure of increase along the length and width of a hardwood strip or plank when exposed to conditions from low to high humidity.
loose-lay installation
A procedure of temporarily installing a portion of hardwood flooring to review its appearance and/or to check fitment prior to actual installation. This process may also be referred to as a dry-lay installation. Refer also to "floating floor".
lumber
A product of the saw and planing mill that is not further manufactured. Material may be re-sawn, passed lengthwise through a standard planing machine, cross-cut to length, and graded.
For metric measure, lumber size is based on actual or dressed size rounded to the nearest millimetre. For Imperial measure, lumber size is usually expressed in terms of the nominal or dimension size which is the size before surfacing.
M
machine burn
A darkened area across the width of flooring caused by a machine.
manufacturing defects
Includes all defects or blemishes that are produced in manufacturing, such as chipped grain, torn grain, skips in dressing, hit and miss (a series of surfaces areas with skips between them), variation in sawing, miscut lumber, machine burn, machine gouge, mismatching, and insufficient tongue-and-groove. Refer also to "defects".
mastic
A petroleum based adhesive compound used in adhering wood flooring to an acceptable substrate. Their use may now be limited due environmental concerns (VOC's and off-gassing).
matching
A matching of grain pattern in adjacent widths to present overall or similar grain pattern.
MDF
Medium density fibreboard. Refer to "fibreboard".
mechanic
A flooring installer, a term used in some Provincial jurisdictions.
medullary rays
Strips of cells extending radially within a tree and varying in height from a few cells in some species to four or more inches in Oak. The rays serve primarily to store food and transport it horizontally in the tree. On quarter sawn Oak, the rays form a conspicuous figure, sometimes referred to as flecks.
milky
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
mill run
(run of the mill) Flooring that is milled from one grade of lumber, without being further separated by flooring grades.
millwork
Planed and patterned lumber for finish work in buildings, including items such as sash, doors, cornices, panel work, and other items of interior and exterior trim which does not include flooring.
milling defects
Refer to "defects".
mineral spirits
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
mineral streaks
Wood containing an accumulation of mineral matter introduced by sap flow, causing a different colour ranging from greenish brown to black.
mitre cut
A cross grain cut at an angle other than 90o, usually 45o.
mitre joint
A junction of two pieces of flooring (or other material) at an angle. Most mitre joints involve pieces at right angles to one another with their ends cut at 45 o to form the joint.
mixed media
A wood floor that is predominately of wood but incorporates other materials such as slate, stone, ceramic, marble or metal.
modified wood
Wood processed by chemical treatment, compression, or other means (with or without heat) to impart properties quite different from those of the original wood such as impregnated wood flooring.
modular
A term used to describe components in a "standard" component size such as parquet floor tile or laminated plank assemblies.
modulus of elasticity
An imaginary stress necessary to stretch a piece of material to twice its length or compress it to half its length. Values for the individual species are given in megapascals (MPa - equivalent to N/m²), and are based on testing small clear pieces of dry wood.
modulus of rupture
Reflects the maximum load-carrying capacity of a piece of material when bending. It is proportional to the maximum moment borne by the specimen. Modulus of rupture is an accepted criterion of strength, although it is not a true stress because the formula by which it is computed is valid only to the elastic limit.
moisture content (MC)
The weight of water contained in a material (wood flooring, substrate surfaces such as concrete, etc.) expressed as a percentage of the weight of dry material. For acceptable moisture levels in hardwood flooring species / materials refer to various flooring Associations (NOFMA, APA, MFMA, etc.) for requirements.
moisture-cured urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
moisture meter
A tool used to measure moisture content.
moisture retarder
A material that inhibits moisture transmission. Types used under hardwood flooring installations must be acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction and be as recommended by or acceptable to the hardwood flooring manufacturer.
moisture test
A test performed to determine the moisture content (level) of a substrate or flooring materials prior to the installation.
mosaic parquet
Parquet flooring made up of small pieces of wood (slats) assembled in units that may consist of individual squares, units with slats arranged in single or double herring bone design, or units or squares bordered with slats of the same or contrasting species.
mottling effect
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
moulding
A wooden quarter round or shoe moulding, attached to the bottom of a baseboard or wall to cover the joint between wall and flooring material. Also metal or vinyl mouldings used to cover edges of flooring at doorways or where it abuts another type of floor covering. There are two basic types: (1) applied-before, i.e., secured in place before flooring is installed with floor material fitted to them allowing for expansion and (2), applied-after, i.e., installed on top of flooring after it has been installed.
muratic acid
A diluted acid used to neutralize alkalinity of concrete subfloors.
N
nail down
The traditional method of installing hardwood flooring using nails or staples over a wood substrate. All solid flooring and many engineered floors can be installed this way. The nails or staples are driven at an angle through the tongue and are hidden by the next piece of flooring. This is called "blind nailing."
natural colour
The natural variation of wood colour may be light, dark or variable.
nominal size
As applied to timber or lumber, the size by which it is known and sold on the market, often differing from the actual size.
non-volatile
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
nosing
The formed front edge of a hardwood stair tread or separate stair nosing trim of stairs with carpet or tile treads, or the edge trim of hardwood flooring at stair landings and open balconies.
O
odour
That property of a substance which is perceptible by the sense of smell; the smell, scent or fragrance of a material.
oil-modified urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
old growth
Timber in or from a mature, established forest. When the trees have grown during most if not their entire individual lives in active competition with their companions for sunlight and moisture, this timber is usually straight and relatively free of knots.
on-grade subfloor
Refer to "grade".
open character
An open blemish on the face of a piece of flooring.
open grain (finish)
A failure of finish to form a film over areas of low density, normally associated with the softer spring wood. The finish is absorbed into the softer grain failing to form a film and causing a loss of sheen. While not considered a finish defect it can often be concealed by application of an additional coat of finish.
open joint
A joint in which two adjacent pieces of veneer or wood strip flooring do not fit tightly together.
open time
The time interval between the spreading of adhesive on a substrate and the appropriate placement of a hardwood flooring material into the adhesive for bonding.
orange peel
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
ornamental floors
Refer to "patterned flooring".
out-of-square
A condition where material (e.g. hardwood flooring strips, planks, parquet) is not at a right angles to line of installation.
overlay
A thin veneer or layer of paper, plastic, film, metal foil, or other material bonded to engineered hardwood lumber or a panel product to provide a decorative or a protective / wear-resistant layer.
overwood
A flooring condition in which some wood pieces are raised above adjacent pieces leaving a slightly uneven surface.
P
panel board or underlayment panel sub-floor panel
A modular panel of type approved by the manufacturer and acceptable to the flooring manufacturer, and by authorities having jurisdiction (Building Code) for use either as an underlayment under flooring materials or as a sub-floor over joists. Panel sizes of 1220 x 2440 mm (48" x 96") are standard with longer lengths and various thicknesses available. Plywood panels may also have T&G edges. Various panel products are available and their suitability should be verified with the product manufacturer. Refer to "underlayment" for types.
panels
Finished sections of flooring, e.g. planks, tiles, or squares.
panellizing
Also known as side bonding - An unnatural condition in installed hardwood strip and plank flooring where random groups of planks or boards shrink as a unit resulting in large noticeable and objectionable cracks on either side of the "panel". This aggregate shrinkage may be due to a numwber of causes that are outlined in Part D04E - Material Guide.
parquet
A patterned floor consisting of the following:
parquetry
Also know as marquetry. Design feature used in flooring such as borders, medallions, panels, and parquet inlays.
particleboard
A core material primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibres. The cellulosic material is combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.
patching
Process of repairing holes, cracks, breaches, etc. in a floor substrate prior to installation of hardwood flooring.
pattern end matched
When the ends of the flooring panels, typically similar patterns, are matched end to end to yield a continuous linear effect. See also "side-matched."
patterned flooring
Hardwood flooring using pieces (strips, planks, parquet) laid out in a patterned arrangement such as alternating parquet tiles, strips in a herringbone pattern or using insets around the field or other design elements within the field.
peck
Pockets or areas of disintegrated wood caused by advanced stages of localized decay in the living tree. It is usually associated with cypress and incense cedar. There is no further development of peck once the lumber is seasoned.
peeling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
penetrating stain
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
petroleum spirits
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pH
A value representing the concentration of hydrogen ions in gram equivalents per litre used to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale from 0 to 14 with 7 representing neutrality, numbers less than 7 increasing acidity, and numbers greater than 7 increasing alkalinity. Laboratory and field testing for pH must be done with distilled water.
The property of some wood species that causes them to lighten or darken when exposed to light. Refer to "colour change".
pigment
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pigment stain
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pin holes / pin lines (finish)
Normally caused by finish flowing into low lying or less dense areas such as spring wood. This thicker film of finish allows gasses formed during curing to freeze in the film leaving a small crater. The finish fails to form a film in these areas as the finish is in the wood instead of on it. While not considered a finish defect it can often be corrected by application of an additional coat of finish.
pin worm hole
In hardwood flooring, a small round hole not over 1.5 mm (1/16") in diameter, made by a small wood boring insect.
pistol grip
A board (strip or plank) tapered in width or on one end due to mis-manufacturing.
pitch
The accumulation of resin in wood.
pitch pocket
An opening between growth rings which usually contains or has contained resin or bark or both.
pitch streaks
A well-defined accumulation of pitch in a more or less regular streak in the wood of certain conifers.
pith
The small, soft core occurring near the centre of a tree trunk, branch, twig, or log.
pith flecks
Pith-like irregular discoloured streaks of tissue in wood (usually brownish and up to several millimetres or inches in length), due to insect attack (burrowing larvae) on the growing tree.
plain-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
planer bite
A deeper groove cut by planer knives in the surface of a piece than intended.
planks
In solid and engineered hardwood flooring: nominal 75 to 200 mm (3" to 8") wide boards with square, eased, or bevelled top edges and tongue and groove side and end edges designed to be installed in parallel rows. Planks may also be pre-drilled for surface screw and plug fastening.
and
planks
In engineered flooring: a panel or tile that is approximately five or six times longer than it is wide designed to be installed in parallel rows and usually produced in a variety of widths up to 200 mm (8").
plugs
Dowels that simulate plugged or pegged fastened plank flooring. Sometimes used to cover countersunk screw fasteners.
ply
A single sheet of veneer, or several pieces laid with adjoining edges which form one layer of a laminated material or one layer in a piece of engineered flooring.
plywood
A glued wood panel made up of relatively thin layers of veneer with the grain of adjacent layers at right angles, or of veneer in combination with a core of lumber or of reconstituted wood. The usual constructions have an odd number of layers.
polyurethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
porosity
The openness of wood cell structure to absorb liquids such as water, stains, sealers, finishes, etc. A "tight" cell structure may not readily absorb stains / finishes and may have to be "conditioned".
pot life
(in regard to adhesives) The period of time during which an adhesive once opened or mixed (as in those requiring a catalyst) remains suitable for use before it "sets". Refer to Part A14 - Adhesives and Fasteners for information.
prefinished
Completely (factory) finished flooring materials that require installation only and no site finishing.
preservative
Any substance effective in preventing the development and action of wood-rotting fungi, borers of various kinds, and harmful insects that cause the deterioration of wood.
pressing
(in engineered / laminated flooring) A manufacturing process whereby material layers are consolidated using pressure.
primer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
puckering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pure
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
Q
quarter-round
Wooden moulding with a cross section comprising a 90o arc of a circle. It is used as joints between walls and floors, or between larger mouldings and floors. Refer also to "shoe moulding".
quarter-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
R
racking
refer to "dry lay".
radial
Coincident with a radius from the axis of the tree or log to the circumference. A radial section is a lengthwise section in a plane that passes through the centreline of the tree trunk.
radiant heating
Refers to a heating system within (e.g. in cementitious topping) or under a floor that raises the temperature of a floor surface by radiation. This creates a macro climate of dry air that can put undue stress on a wood floor if not properly designed and regulated. Engineered flooring is routinely warranted for radiant heat as long as correct installation procedures are followed, the temperature of the water does not exceed 32°C (89°F), and the surface temperature of the wood flooring does not exceed 27°C (80°F). Solid wood flooring over radiant heat is endorsed by the National Wood Flooring Association only with a specially prepared floating subfloor system involving two layers of 13 mm (1/2") plywood.
raised grain
A roughened or fuzzy condition on the face of dressed lumber (e.g. wood flooring) due to milling in which the dense summer wood is raised above the softer spring wood, but not torn or separated from it. Refer also to Finish Glossary.
random lengths and/or widths
Lumber or flooring tally containing various lengths and/or widths.
rays
A strip of cells extending radially within a tree and varying in height from a few cells in some species to 100 mm (4") in others which cause an appealing grain pattern. Refer also to "medullary rays".
ray fleck
A part of a ray appearing very distinctly on the face of a quarter sawn slat.
reaction wood
Wood with more or less distinctive anatomical characters, formed typically in parts of leaning and crooked stems and in branches. In hardwoods this consists of tension wood and in softwoods of compression wood.
reclaimed flooring
Salvaged / reclaimed existing antique lumber (timbers, lumber, flooring) re-manufactured / re-milled into hardwood strip or plank flooring.
recycled flooring
Salvaged existing hardwood flooring removed, reinstalled (and refinished) in a new location.
reduce
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
reducer strips / protective edgings
Hardwood or other material used to protect the exposed edges of hardwood flooring at doorways, and to other flooring types. They are normally grooved on one edge and tapered, or feathered, on the other edge, with various lengths available.
refinish
Sanding a previously finished floor to bare wood and applying new finish.
re-groove
Creating a new (T&G) groove on the cut end or side of a board using a cutting tool.
relative humidity
The ratio of the amount of water vapour present in the air to that which would be held at the saturation point at the same temperature. It is usually considered on the basis of the weight of the vapour, but should be considered on the basis of vapour pressure.
residual indentation
The difference between the initial thickness and the final thickness after performing a static load test or after a heavy load (such as furniture) is removed.
resin (natural)
Inflammable, water- soluble, vegetable substances secreted by certain plants or trees, and characterizing the wood of many coniferous species.
resin (synthetic)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
retarder
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
rift-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
ring porous
A group of hardwoods in which the pores are comparatively large at the beginning of each annual growth ring and decrease in size, more or less abruptly, toward the outer portion of the annual growth ring. The large pores are spring wood and the smaller pores are summer wood.
ring shank nail
A headed nail for underlayment panel installation with rings on the shaft (shank) to improve the holding characteristics.
rip cut / ripping
Cutting a piece of wood lengthwise (parallel with the grain) to fit a desired space.
riser
The vertical face or upright part of a step between two stair treads.
rot
The decomposition of wood by fungi producing a generally whitish residue that may be spongy or stringy. Refer also to "decay".
rough cut
Irregular shaped areas of generally uneven corrugation on the surface of a veneer, differing from the surrounding smooth veneer and occurring as the veneer is cut by the lathe or slicer.
run
A single strip or more than one strip of flooring laid end-to-end. Material is from a packaged bundle of flooring. Multiple runs make up the bundle.
run / lot number
Finish or packaging numbers used to identify wood floorin.
S
sand and finish
The process of finishing hardwood flooring insitu.
sanding sealer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
sap
The watery fluid that circulates through a tree carrying the chemical food that enables the tree to grow.
sapwood
The outer zone of wood in a tree, next to the bark. Sapwood is generally lighter than heartwood. Under most conditions sapwood is more susceptible to decay than heartwood.
saw kerf
(1) Grooves or notches made in cutting with a saw; (2) that portion of a log, timber, or other piece of wood removed by the saw in parting the material into two pieces.
sawn
Hardwood lumber is cut from logs in a variety of ways for economic reasons and/or to produce various grain and texture patterns required to meet design (appearance and wear) requirements.
Danish oil
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
decay
The decomposition of wood caused by the action of wood-destroying fungi, resulting in softening, loss of strength, weight, and often, in change of texture and colour. Decay can take a number of forms and types:
- incipient decay: The early stage of decay that has not proceeded far enough to soften or otherwise perceptibly impair the hardness of the wood. It is usually accompanied by a slight discolouration or bleaching of the wood.
- advanced decay: The older stage of decay in which destruction is readily recognized by soft, pitted, or crumbly areas. Decided discolouration or bleaching of the rotted wood is often apparent.
- brown rot decay: Wood decay in which the attack concentrates on the cellulose and associated carbohydrates rather than on the lignin, producing a light to dark brown pliable residue and sometimes referred to as dry rot.
- heart rot decay: Any rot characteristically confined to the heartwood originating in the living tree.
- soft rot decay: A special type of decay developing under very wet conditions (as in cooling towers and boat timbers) in the outer wood layers, caused by cellulose-destroying micro fungi that attack the secondary cell walls and not the intercellular layer.
- white-rot decay: Decay attacking both the cellulose and the lignin, producing a generally whitish residue that may be spongy or stringy.
Refer to "hardwood".
decor layer
The layer of laminate flooring providing visual aesthetic properties.
defect
A defect or irregularity resulting from knots and other growth conditions or abnormalities or from insect or fungus attack (natural imperfection) or due to milling, drying, machining, or other processing procedures (man-made). Either may reduce quality, appearance, durability, or strength. Refer also to "unsound defect".
deflection
The bending of a material between supports when a load is applied.
degrades
Wood flooring that is not of the grade being inspected. Also called "outs."
delamination or delaminating
The separation of component part layers of engineered / laminated flooring, i.e. separation of plies or face veneer from backing material due to adhesive or bond failure (i.e. either within the adhesive itself or at the interface between the adhesive and the wood).
density
Weight per unit volume. Density of wood is influenced by rate of growth, percentage of late wood and in individual pieces, the proportion of heartwood. It is variously expressed as kilograms per cubic metre, grams per cubic centimetre, or pounds per cubic foot at a specified moisture content.
density profile
Gradient density of a laminate panel from face to face.
depression
A dent or concave area in the surface of a panel.
dew point
The temperature at which atmospheric water vapour condenses to a liquid state.
diffuse / porous woods
Certain hardwoods in which the pores tend to be uniform in size and distributed throughout each annual growth ring. Pores may also decrease in size slightly and gradually toward the outer border of the annual growth ring. An example of this type of wood is Hard Maple.
dimension parts
A term largely superseded by the term "hardwood dimension lumber." It is hardwood stock processed to a point where the maximum waste is left at the mill, and the maximum utility is delivered to the user. It is stock of a specified thickness, width, and length or multiples thereof. According to specification it may be solid or glued-up material, rough or surfaced, semi-fabricated or completely fabricated.
dimensional stability
A term that describes the ability of wood (e.g. hardwood flooring) to resist changes in volume with variation in moisture content over the service life of the material or product. It may also refer to performance or movement of installed flooring. Wood is hydroscopic, and is not dimensionally stable with changes in moisture content below the fibre saturation point. Some products are more dimensionally stable than others.
discolourations
Stains in wood substances. Common veneer stains are sap stains, blue stains, stains produced by chemical action caused by iron in the cutting knife coming in contact with the tannic acid of the wood, and those resulting from the chemical action of the glue.
dispersed
In reference to finishing materials; finely divided or colloidal in nature.
distressed
An artificial texture in which the floor has been scraped, scratched, or gouged to give it a time-worn appearance or antique look. A common distressing method is wire brushing. Others include "hand scraping" and "hit-and-miss" (leaving saw kerf marks). It may also be done by chemical means to create special effects.
double mitre cut
A piece of wood with mitre cuts at both ends.
doze
A form of incipient decay characterized by dull and lifeless appearance of the wood.
dressed size
The cross-sectional dimensions of lumber after planing.
drier
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dry
The state where a material has reached a moisture content level acceptable for working and applying finishes without damage to the material or applied finish during manufacture or application, or after installation. Refer to "moisture content".
dry (finishes)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dry lay
Laying out flooring using materials from various bundles to determine grain pattern, colour mix, and general layout without gluing or mechanically fastening (e.g. nailing) them in place prior to actual installation. This may also involve measuring, cutting, and aligning flooring pieces. Also referred to as "racking".
drying
The act of reducing the moisture content within a material or changing a coating film from a liquid to a solid state by the evaporation of solvents, oxidation, polymerization, or by a combination of these processes.
durability
The ability of a wood species or finish to withstand conditions or destructive agents that it comes in contact with in actual usage without any appreciable change in appearance or other important properties.
dust
Small particles of solid matter. Also, a grading or size of natural resin.
dust-free
An environment that is kept free from dust by means of sealing and/or filtration, also, the stage in solidification of an applied finish film when dust won't penetrate or stick to the film.
dye lot
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
dyeing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
E
earlywood
The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed during the early part of the growing season. It is usually less dense and weaker mechanically than latewood.
eased edge
A slight easing or rolling of an edge to remove sharp corners usually done by light sanding versus a bevelled edge which cuts off corners, usually at 450. Also referred to as a micro bevel. This is done to prefinished engineered wood flooring as a protective measure so there is no chance of a crisp edge of wood splintering or compromising the finish where installed adjacent flooring pieces may be slightly higher. Micro bevels are very slight due to the increased precision of manufacturing equipment and greater quality control procedures.
edge distance
The distance from the edge of a member to the centre of the nearest fastening.
edge grain
Refer to "grain".
edge trim
Edging material (wood, metal or rubber/ vinyl) installed at exposed edges of hardwood or laminate flooring to protect them from damage.
embossing
A process by which the surface of a laminate panel is given a relief effect. This can be accomplished with a pressure plate or a patterned caul in a hot press.
emission classification
A rating determined by a standard testing method to rate the amount of off-gassing of flooring material or assembly.
end distance
The distance measured parallel to the axis of a piece from the centre of a fastening to the square-cut end of the member (if the end of the member is not square-cut, a formula is used to calculate the end distance).
end joint
The place where two pieces of flooring are joined or butted together end-to-end.
end matched
In strip, plank, or engineered / laminated flooring, the ends of individual pieces have a tongue milled on one end and groove milled on the opposite end, so that when the individual strips or planks are butted together with the tongue of one piece engaging the groove of the next piece.
or
Grain or pattern matching at joining ends of strips, planks, slats, or units.
engineered wood flooring
A flooring assembly consisting of a top layer of wood strips, planks, or parquet fully adhesive bonded or laminated to a composite or sandwich panel assembly consisting of a medium density (MDF) or high density (HDF) fibreboard, or plywood core (with plies in alternating grain directions for dimensional stability and strength), and a backer or 'balancing" layer. This minimum three ply "laminated" flooring is designed to be dimensionally stable and not twist and warp, and is available in pre-finished and unfinished form. This type of flooring should not be confused with photo faced (wood grain) plastic laminate assemblies or "laminate flooring".
epoxy / epoxy ester
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
equilibrium moisture content (EMC)
The moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture whensurrounded by air at a given relative humidity and temperature.
expansion cork
A cork product used to fill the expansion space in a hardwood floor installation.
expansion space or gap
An allowance or gap separating hardwood or engineered flooring material from any fixed vertical interfaces such as walls, base cabinets, pipes, etc. that allows the flooring to expand and contract due to changes in humidity. The width of the gap shall be as recommended by the flooring material manufacturer.
extender
A substance added to an adhesive to reduce the amount of primary binder required per unit area.
extender pigment
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
F
face
The top-side (or edges) of flooring that is exposed to view after installation.
face blisters
A dark, identified area on the face layer that flakes off or delaminates. It represents a weak area in the face that may or may not be ruptured or broken, but will usually separate upon cutting.
face nail
Face nailing means the nail goes through the surface of the wood perpendicular to the exposed surface. This is recommended for any solid wood floor over 8" in width or when the flooring is too close to a wall or obstruction to use a floor nailer. Usually, the first and last rows of flooring require face nailing. The nail heads are then covered with a moulding (baseboard, quarter-round, or shoe) or are set and covered with a matching wood putty.
fading
Loss of colour caused by sunlight, artificial light, atmospheric gases including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, industrial and household cleaning and bleaching chemicals and products such as sodium hypochlorite. Areas where such exposure occurs warrant care in the proper selection finishes and maintenance products.
feather edge
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
feathering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
feature strips
Contrasting strips or shapes of hardwood flooring material used as borders or to delineate pattern for decorative or functional purpose. Also a moulding accessory for parquet flooring available in various widths and lengths that is utilized to separate squares into larger patterns than the individual parquet units.
fibre
A long narrow, tapering wood cell closed at both ends.
fibreboard
A wood by-product produced from wood chips which are reduced to cellulose fibre, mixed with moisture-retarding resins, and formed under heat and pressure to create material with various levels of density and stability (usually designated as low (LDF), medium (MDF), or high density (HDF) fibreboard (see below). The term may also refer to the "core" in laminated products, although some manufacturers use particleboard which is a low-level density board material. Refer also to "panel board".
- medium density fibreboard (MDF): A fibreboard with a density between 640 to 800 kg/m3 (40 to 50 lbs/ft3).
- high density fibreboard (HDF): A fibreboard with a density over 800 kg/m3 (50 lb/ft3).
fibre saturation point
The stage in drying or wetting wood at which the cell walls are saturated with water and the cell cavities are free from water. It is usually taken as approximately 25 to 30% moisture content, based on oven dry weight.
field
The area of hardwood floor covering that is contained within the limits of the borders or walls.
figure
The pattern produced in a wood surface by annual growth rings, rays, knots, deviations from regular grain, such as interlocked and wavy, and irregular colouration.
filler (adhesive)
A substance added to an adhesive to improve its working strength or other properties.
filler (finishing)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
filler (voids)
Any substance used to fill in cracks, knot and worm holes, or other irregularities in planed or sanded surfaces. It is usually a commercial wood putty, plastic wood, or other material mixed to the consistency of putty. A wood filler may also be mixed on the job using sander dust from the final sanding, or other suitable material, mixed with sealer, or finish.
fillets
The small component pieces (also called fingers or slats) which comprise parquet, or an individual component piece or board in a multi-strip engineered panel (plank) assembly.
fine finish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
fine woodwork
Products such as base trim used for architectural woodwork to provide a high quality decorative appearance to rooms.
finger-block
Parquet made from small strips of wood assembled together. Refer to "fillets".
finger joint
An end joint made up of several meshing wedges or fingers of wood bonded together with an adhesive. Fingers are sloped and may be cut parallel to either the wide or narrow face of the piece.
finished flooring
This is solid or engineered hardwood flooring that is factory sanded and finished before installation. Refer also to "unfinished flooring".
finishing
Processing of applying finishes (dyes, stain, sealers, etc.) during manufacturing or after installation. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing for types.
fire resistance
The property of a material or assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it. Certain species naturally provide greater fire resistance than others. Classes are I, II, or III or A, B, or C with Class I or A being the most fire resistant.
fire resistance rating
The time in hours or minutes that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance. (It can also be determined by extension or interpretation of information derived from fire test results, as prescribed in the building code.).
fire resistant chemical
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard the spread of a fire over the surface of a material.
fire resistant coating
A fluid (applied by brush, roller, or sprayer) which reduces the burning characteristics of the surface of a material, such as wood.
fire resistant treated wood
Wood or a wood product that has had its surface-burning characteristics and characteristics, such as flame- spread, rate of fuel contribution and density of smoke developed, reduced by pressure treating with fire retardant chemicals.
fire retardant
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce flammability or to retard the spread of a fire over a surface.
fish eyes
Also called cratering, crawling, holes, spots, or flow marks. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flag
A heavy dark mineral streak shaped like a banner.
flag worm hole
One or more worm holes surrounded by a mineral streak, most often shaped like a banner or flag.
flakeboard
A panel product composed of particle board flakes.
flaking
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flame spread
The propagation of a flame away from the source of ignition across the surface of a liquid or solid, or through the volume of a gaseous mixture.
flame spread rating
An index or classification indicating the extent of flame spread on the surface of a material, or an assembly of materials, as determined in a standard fire test prescribed in building codes. Flame spread is expressed in numbers or letters. Most wood species have a C Flame Spread rating unless the wood has been pressure treated or coated with a flame resistance treatment or coating.
flattening agent
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flecks
The wide irregular conspicuous figure in quarter sawn oak flooring occurring across the width resulting from a radially cut wood ray (also called "angel wings"). Refer also to "rays".
floating floor
An installation method wherein the hardwood flooring itself (strip, plank, parquet, engineered floor panels) is glued or mechanically attached together but not secured to the substrate or sub-floor.
floor patch
Material used to fill imperfections in the substrate before wood flooring is installed. Refer to Part A13 - Patching and Filling.
flow
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
flow back
The degree a material will compress before being penetrated by a cutting tool.
foils
Untreated or impregnated (with melamine thermoplastic resins) cellulose paper weighing between 40 and 140 grams per square metre.
FSC
Forestry Stewardship Council.
full spread Installation
A procedure for installing hardwood flooring using adhesive that is spread over the entire substrate surface area. (The use of correct spread rates and trowel size is critical).
furnish
Blended wood fibres and binders used in the board-forming process, such as whole chips, sawmill residuals, and plywood plan trimmings.
G
gap
Open space between strips, planks, or panels due to improper installation, drying of material or panellizing. See also "expansion space or gap" and "open joint".
gloss
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
glossing up
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
gloss meter
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
glue-down
An installation method whereby hardwood flooring is adhered to the substrate.
glue-less
Flooring installation using a mechanical connection between boards or panels only (i.e., without the use of an adhesive).
grade (level)
The relationship of a sub-floor to exterior ground or grade levels.
- above grade: a substrate with more than 450 mm (18") of well ventilated space between the lower side of the floor structure and exterior grade level. Where an interior slab-on-grade is more than 200 mm (8") above the exterior grade level it may be considered as above grade.
- on grade: a substrate in direct contact with ground or structural fill, as in a slab-on-grade. This substrate may be located above or below the exterior grade level as in suspended subfloor in contact at some point with fill or ground.
- below grade: a substrate located below exterior grade (as in a basement slab-on-grade) or a substrate with less than 450 mm (18") of well ventilated space between the lower side of the floor structure (e.g. wood joists and subfloor) and interior grade (as in a crawl space).
A degree of quality or classification in regard to natural characteristics, strength, finish quality, etc. The following are "general" descriptions of grades by the National Wood Flooring Association (USA).
- clear: wood is free of defects, though it may have minor imperfections.
- select: wood is almost clear, but contains some natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.
- common: wood (No. 1 and No. 2) has more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than either clear or select grades, and often is chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to an area. No. 1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags, and wormholes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasize all wood characteristics of the species.
- first: wood has the best appearance, natural color variations, and limited character marks.
- second: wood is variegated in appearance with varying sound wood characteristics of species.
- third: wood is rustic in appearance allowing all wood characteristics of the species.
grade stamp
A stamp placed on lumber to denote its grade.
grain
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of fibres in sawn wood or veneer. To have a specific meaning the term must be qualified.
- close-grained: Wood, such as birch and maple, with narrow, inconspicuous annual rings. The term is sometimes used to designate wood having small and closely spaced pores and little difference in space between springwood (early wood) and summerwood (late wood), but in this sense the term "fine textured" is more often used.
- coarse-grain: Wood with wide conspicuous annual rings in which there is considerable difference between springwood and summerwood. The term is sometimes used to designate wood with large pores; such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut, but in this sense the term "coarse textured" is more often used.
- cross grain: A pattern in wood in which the fibre and other longitudinal elements deviate from a line parallel to the sides of the piece as a result of sawing or as a result of inconsistent grain direction as a growth characteristic.
- edge grain: Term referring to lumber or veneer cut in a plane approximately at right angles to the annual rings as in quarter-sawn and quarter-cut material. Lumber is considered edge grained when the rings form an angle of 45° to 90° with the wide surface of the piece.
- end grain: The grain (exposed fibre ends) as seen on a cut made at a right angle to the direction of the fibres, i.e., when wood is cut parallel to annual rings.
- flat grain: Lumber that has been sawn parallel to the length of the log and approximately tangent to the growth rings, as in flat-sawn and plain-sawn material.
- mixed grain: Term referring to a mixture of flat and edge grain wood resulting from milling.
- open-grained: Wood Structure of some hardwoods such as oak, chestnut and ash in which there is a distinctive difference in the pore sizes between springwood (early wood) and summerwood (late wood). The term coarse is also sometimes used to describe open grain woods.
- spiral grain: An arrangement of the fibres in a piece of timber or veneer which results from their growth in a spiral direction around the trunk of the tree.
- straight grain: Term used to describe lumber where the fibres and other longitudinal elements run parallel to the axis of the piece.
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
grain popping
Refer to "water popping".
green (unseasoned)
Freshly sawed lumber, or lumber that has received no intentional drying. Wood that has become completely wet after immersion in water would not be considered green, but may be said to be in the green condition.
growth rings
Increments of growth which appear as figures in the floor. Seen in cross section of a log as rings around the centre of the log. When only one growth ring is formed during a year, it is called an annual ring. Viewing the end of a parquet slat, they appear in bands or layers.
grub worm hole
A 6 mm (1/4") diameter or larger hole caused by a wood boring insect.
gum
A comprehensive term for non-volatile viscous plant exudates, which either dissolve or swell up in contact with water. Many substances referred to as gums, such as pine and spruce gum, are actually oleoresins.
gum / pitch pocket
Well defined openings between annual growth rings containing an excessive local accumulation of resin or gum or the evidence of prior accumulations.
H
hardness
Generally defined as the resistance to indentation using a modified Janka hardness test, measured by the load required to embed a nominal 10 mm (3/8") diameter ball to one-half its diameter, i.e. 5 mm (3/16"). Values presented are the average of radial and tangential penetrations.
hardwood
A description applied to woods from deciduous broad-leafed trees (Angiosperms) that produce a fruit or nut and generally go dormant in the winter in contrast to that from evergreen / conifer trees or softwoods. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood. Hardwood varieties, or species, include Oak, Ash, Cherry, Maple and Poplar as well as tropical species such as Mahogany, Rosewood, Teak, and Wenge and there are some that aren't recommended for flooring because they're not hard enough to withstand heavy wear and tear.
HDF
High Density Fibreboard. Refer to "fibreboard".
heartwood
The inner layers of wood in growing trees extending from the true centre to the sapwood, and whose cells no longer participate in the life processes of the tree, i.e. have ceased to contain living cells. Heartwood may contain gums, resins, and other materials that usually make it darker and more decay resistant than sapwood, but the two are not always clearly differentiated.
heart rot
Refer to "decay".
heavy streaks
Spots and streaks of sufficient size and density that they affect the appearance of the wood. These may either severely mar or enhance the look of the wood.
herringbone
A style or pattern of floor installation using short lengths of hardwood strips in a zig-zag configuration.
high solids
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
honeycombing
Checks often not visible at the surface, that occur in the interior of a piece of wood, usually along the wood rays or grain as the result of internal stress. This cellular separation normally occurs during kiln drying, particularly in white or red oak, when too much heat is applied too rapidly.
humidity
The amount of water vapour in the air. Refer to "Relative Humidity".
hydrostatic pressure
Rising water forced under pressure through below grade or on grade concrete slabs due to high (ground) water table or tide, flooding, etc.
hygrometer
An instrument for measuring the degree of humidity or relative humidity of the atmosphere.
hygroscopic
A substance that can absorb and retain moisture, or lose or throw off moisture. Wood and wood products are hygroscopic as they expand with the absorption of moisture and become smaller when moisture is lost or thrown off.
I
impact bending
In the impact bending test, a hammer of given weight is dropped upon a beam from successively increased heights until rupture occurs or the beam deflects 150 mm (6") or more. The height of the maximum drop, or the drop that causes failure, is a comparative value that represents the ability of wood to absorb shocks that cause stress beyond the proportional limit.
impact indentation
Tests the degree to which a floor covering recovers from indentation created by dropped objects or foot traffic.
impact insulation class (IIC/ FIIC)
An acoustical rating or classification determined by a standard testing method in the laboratory (IIC) or in the field (FIIC) to rate noise transmission due to impact of falling objects, foot traffic, and the like. Refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
impact noise
This is noise resulting from dropped objects, foot traffic, and the like. The reduction of impact noise is becoming increasingly important in residential construction where minimum noise levels are being regulated by municipal zoning ordinances.
impact noise rating
An older acoustical rating or classification system for impact noise. Refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
impact resistance
Ability to resist fracture or damage from a falling object.
impact test
A test for determining the resistance to shattering of a dried film by dropping a weight onto the finish.
incompatible
Not capable of being mixed together without impairing the original properties of the materials being mixed. Mixing incompatible materials usually results in a separation of solid particles, cloudiness, or turbidity.
indoor air quality (IAQ)
The quality of air (and environment) within a building that is dependent on good building design, implementation of effective building systems, operation and maintenance programs, and the appropriate selection of low VOC and odour emitting interior products such as adhesives, finishes, sealants, etc.
inlaid flooring
Hardwood flooring material inset into hardwood flooring to create borders or other patterns.
inlay or insert (also inset)
Custom or standard shape flooring elements / pieces of contrasting colour, pattern, or material set into the field of flooring for special purposes or decorative effects. See also "borders" for edge trim.
insulation value
The thermal resistance of a material, stated as an RSI or R-value.
intensity
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
intumesce
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
J
Janka test or rating
The name of the test used to determine the intrinsic hardness of a wood. It is a number representing the pounds per square inch of pressure required to sink a 0.444" steel ball one half its diameter into the surface of the wood. A higher number denotes a harder wood.
joint
The line between the edges or ends of two adjacent sheets of veneer or strips of lumber in the same plane. See also open joint.
- butt joint: An end joint formed by abutting the squared ends of two pieces.
- end joint: A joint made by bonding two pieces of wood together end to end, usually by finger or scarf joint.
- scarf joint: An end joint formed by joining with adhesive the ends of two pieces that have been tapered or bevelled to form sloping plane surfaces.
jointed flooring
Strip flooring, generally Birch, Beech, Hard Maple or Pecan, manufactured with square edges and no tongue and groove, and usually end-matched. Used principally for factory floors where the square edges make replacing strips easier.
joist
One of a series of parallel beams used to support floor loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls.
K
kiln
A chamber having controlled air flow, temperature, and relative humidity used for drying wood products such as framing and finish lumber, veneer, panels, etc., to a pre-determined moisture content level.
kiln dried
Process of drying or seasoning wood material (such as hardwood flooring) by placing the lumber in a kiln and exposing it to heat for a prescribed period of time.
knot
That portion of a branch or limb that has been surrounded by subsequent growth of the stem. The shape of the knot as it appears on a cut surface depends on the angle of the cut relative to the long axis of the knot.
- encased knot: A knot whose rings of annual growth are not intergrown with those of the surrounding wood.
- Inter-grown knot: A knot whose rings of annual growth are completely intergrown with those of the surrounding wood.
- loose knot: a knot that is not held firmly in place by growth or position and which cannot be relied upon to remain in place.
- pin knot: a knot that is not more than 1.5 mm (1/16") in diameter. Refer also to "pin hole worm".
- small knot: in hardwood strip flooring a knot not over 13 mm (1/2") in diameter.
- sound knot: a knot that is solid across its face, at least as hard as the surrounding wood, and shows no indication of decay. Also a knot cut approximately parallel to its long axis so that the exposed section is definitely elongated.
- spike knot: a knot cut across its long axis so that the exposed section is definitely elongated.
- knot hole: a hole previously occupied by a knot.
L
lacquer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
laminate flooring
(Not laminated) A rigid floor covering consisting of a surface wear layer, a thin décor or image layer, a processed wood core layer of plywood, medium density fibreboard (MDF) or high density fibreboard (HDF), and a bottom balancing / moisture resistant layer. This type of flooring should not be confused with "engineered or laminated flooring".
laminated or engineered wood
An wood assembly made by bonding layers of veneer or lumber with an adhesive. The term may also refer to edge-glued lumber such as treads.
lap
A condition where one piece of veneer in the same ply overlaps that of an adjacent piece.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Refer to Part A09 – Environmental Issues for LEED requirements.
leveling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
light fastness
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
lignin
The second most abundant constituent of wood after cellulose. It is the thin cementing layer between the wood celIs.
linear expansion
Stated as a percent, it is a measure of increase along the length and width of a hardwood strip or plank when exposed to conditions from low to high humidity.
loose-lay installation
A procedure of temporarily installing a portion of hardwood flooring to review its appearance and/or to check fitment prior to actual installation. This process may also be referred to as a dry-lay installation. Refer also to "floating floor".
lumber
A product of the saw and planing mill that is not further manufactured. Material may be re-sawn, passed lengthwise through a standard planing machine, cross-cut to length, and graded.
- board lumber: lumber that is less than 38mm (2" nom.) thick and 38mm (2" nom.) or more wide.
- dressed lumber: lumber that has been surfaced by a planing machine.
- matched lumber: lumber that is edge dressed and shaped to make a close tongue and groove joint at the edges or ends, when laid edge to edge, or end to end.
- patterned lumber: lumber that is shaped to a pattern or to a moulded form in addition to being surface planed
- rough lumber: lumber that has not been dressed (surfaced) but which has been sawed, edged, and trimmed.
- shiplapped lumber: Lumber that is edge dressed to make a lapped joint.
- visually stress graded lumber: lumber that has been graded for strength based on visual appearance, as opposed to machine stress rated (MSR) lumber which is evaluated mechanically and checked visually.
For metric measure, lumber size is based on actual or dressed size rounded to the nearest millimetre. For Imperial measure, lumber size is usually expressed in terms of the nominal or dimension size which is the size before surfacing.
- nominal size: the size of lumber after sawing and prior to surface finishing by planing.
- dressed size: actual size after surface planning (usually 13 to 19 mm (1/2" to 3/4") less than the nominal or rough size). For example, a 2" x 4" stud after dressing measures about 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" (38 x 89 mm).
- dimension size: nominal thickness of from 50 mm (2") up to but not including 125 mm (5") and a nominal width of 50 mm (2") or more.
M
machine burn
A darkened area across the width of flooring caused by a machine.
manufacturing defects
Includes all defects or blemishes that are produced in manufacturing, such as chipped grain, torn grain, skips in dressing, hit and miss (a series of surfaces areas with skips between them), variation in sawing, miscut lumber, machine burn, machine gouge, mismatching, and insufficient tongue-and-groove. Refer also to "defects".
mastic
A petroleum based adhesive compound used in adhering wood flooring to an acceptable substrate. Their use may now be limited due environmental concerns (VOC's and off-gassing).
matching
A matching of grain pattern in adjacent widths to present overall or similar grain pattern.
MDF
Medium density fibreboard. Refer to "fibreboard".
mechanic
A flooring installer, a term used in some Provincial jurisdictions.
medullary rays
Strips of cells extending radially within a tree and varying in height from a few cells in some species to four or more inches in Oak. The rays serve primarily to store food and transport it horizontally in the tree. On quarter sawn Oak, the rays form a conspicuous figure, sometimes referred to as flecks.
milky
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
mill run
(run of the mill) Flooring that is milled from one grade of lumber, without being further separated by flooring grades.
millwork
Planed and patterned lumber for finish work in buildings, including items such as sash, doors, cornices, panel work, and other items of interior and exterior trim which does not include flooring.
milling defects
Refer to "defects".
mineral spirits
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
mineral streaks
Wood containing an accumulation of mineral matter introduced by sap flow, causing a different colour ranging from greenish brown to black.
mitre cut
A cross grain cut at an angle other than 90o, usually 45o.
mitre joint
A junction of two pieces of flooring (or other material) at an angle. Most mitre joints involve pieces at right angles to one another with their ends cut at 45 o to form the joint.
mixed media
A wood floor that is predominately of wood but incorporates other materials such as slate, stone, ceramic, marble or metal.
modified wood
Wood processed by chemical treatment, compression, or other means (with or without heat) to impart properties quite different from those of the original wood such as impregnated wood flooring.
modular
A term used to describe components in a "standard" component size such as parquet floor tile or laminated plank assemblies.
modulus of elasticity
An imaginary stress necessary to stretch a piece of material to twice its length or compress it to half its length. Values for the individual species are given in megapascals (MPa - equivalent to N/m²), and are based on testing small clear pieces of dry wood.
modulus of rupture
Reflects the maximum load-carrying capacity of a piece of material when bending. It is proportional to the maximum moment borne by the specimen. Modulus of rupture is an accepted criterion of strength, although it is not a true stress because the formula by which it is computed is valid only to the elastic limit.
moisture content (MC)
The weight of water contained in a material (wood flooring, substrate surfaces such as concrete, etc.) expressed as a percentage of the weight of dry material. For acceptable moisture levels in hardwood flooring species / materials refer to various flooring Associations (NOFMA, APA, MFMA, etc.) for requirements.
moisture-cured urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
moisture meter
A tool used to measure moisture content.
moisture retarder
A material that inhibits moisture transmission. Types used under hardwood flooring installations must be acceptable to authorities having jurisdiction and be as recommended by or acceptable to the hardwood flooring manufacturer.
moisture test
A test performed to determine the moisture content (level) of a substrate or flooring materials prior to the installation.
mosaic parquet
Parquet flooring made up of small pieces of wood (slats) assembled in units that may consist of individual squares, units with slats arranged in single or double herring bone design, or units or squares bordered with slats of the same or contrasting species.
mottling effect
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
moulding
A wooden quarter round or shoe moulding, attached to the bottom of a baseboard or wall to cover the joint between wall and flooring material. Also metal or vinyl mouldings used to cover edges of flooring at doorways or where it abuts another type of floor covering. There are two basic types: (1) applied-before, i.e., secured in place before flooring is installed with floor material fitted to them allowing for expansion and (2), applied-after, i.e., installed on top of flooring after it has been installed.
muratic acid
A diluted acid used to neutralize alkalinity of concrete subfloors.
N
nail down
The traditional method of installing hardwood flooring using nails or staples over a wood substrate. All solid flooring and many engineered floors can be installed this way. The nails or staples are driven at an angle through the tongue and are hidden by the next piece of flooring. This is called "blind nailing."
natural colour
The natural variation of wood colour may be light, dark or variable.
nominal size
As applied to timber or lumber, the size by which it is known and sold on the market, often differing from the actual size.
non-volatile
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
nosing
The formed front edge of a hardwood stair tread or separate stair nosing trim of stairs with carpet or tile treads, or the edge trim of hardwood flooring at stair landings and open balconies.
O
odour
That property of a substance which is perceptible by the sense of smell; the smell, scent or fragrance of a material.
oil-modified urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
old growth
Timber in or from a mature, established forest. When the trees have grown during most if not their entire individual lives in active competition with their companions for sunlight and moisture, this timber is usually straight and relatively free of knots.
on-grade subfloor
Refer to "grade".
open character
An open blemish on the face of a piece of flooring.
open grain (finish)
A failure of finish to form a film over areas of low density, normally associated with the softer spring wood. The finish is absorbed into the softer grain failing to form a film and causing a loss of sheen. While not considered a finish defect it can often be concealed by application of an additional coat of finish.
open joint
A joint in which two adjacent pieces of veneer or wood strip flooring do not fit tightly together.
open time
The time interval between the spreading of adhesive on a substrate and the appropriate placement of a hardwood flooring material into the adhesive for bonding.
orange peel
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
ornamental floors
Refer to "patterned flooring".
out-of-square
A condition where material (e.g. hardwood flooring strips, planks, parquet) is not at a right angles to line of installation.
overlay
A thin veneer or layer of paper, plastic, film, metal foil, or other material bonded to engineered hardwood lumber or a panel product to provide a decorative or a protective / wear-resistant layer.
overwood
A flooring condition in which some wood pieces are raised above adjacent pieces leaving a slightly uneven surface.
P
panel board or underlayment panel sub-floor panel
A modular panel of type approved by the manufacturer and acceptable to the flooring manufacturer, and by authorities having jurisdiction (Building Code) for use either as an underlayment under flooring materials or as a sub-floor over joists. Panel sizes of 1220 x 2440 mm (48" x 96") are standard with longer lengths and various thicknesses available. Plywood panels may also have T&G edges. Various panel products are available and their suitability should be verified with the product manufacturer. Refer to "underlayment" for types.
panels
Finished sections of flooring, e.g. planks, tiles, or squares.
panellizing
Also known as side bonding - An unnatural condition in installed hardwood strip and plank flooring where random groups of planks or boards shrink as a unit resulting in large noticeable and objectionable cracks on either side of the "panel". This aggregate shrinkage may be due to a numwber of causes that are outlined in Part D04E - Material Guide.
parquet
A patterned floor consisting of the following:
- parquet floor square: Basically a 'tile' composed of individual slats or fillets held in place by adhesive or mechanical fastening. A square may or may not possess tongues and grooves to interlock, and is not necessarily 'square' or regular in dimension.
- parquet floor units: A unit consisting of four (sometimes) three or more squares or 'tiles' fastened together.
parquetry
Also know as marquetry. Design feature used in flooring such as borders, medallions, panels, and parquet inlays.
particleboard
A core material primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibres. The cellulosic material is combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.
patching
Process of repairing holes, cracks, breaches, etc. in a floor substrate prior to installation of hardwood flooring.
pattern end matched
When the ends of the flooring panels, typically similar patterns, are matched end to end to yield a continuous linear effect. See also "side-matched."
patterned flooring
Hardwood flooring using pieces (strips, planks, parquet) laid out in a patterned arrangement such as alternating parquet tiles, strips in a herringbone pattern or using insets around the field or other design elements within the field.
peck
Pockets or areas of disintegrated wood caused by advanced stages of localized decay in the living tree. It is usually associated with cypress and incense cedar. There is no further development of peck once the lumber is seasoned.
peeling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
penetrating stain
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
petroleum spirits
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pH
A value representing the concentration of hydrogen ions in gram equivalents per litre used to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale from 0 to 14 with 7 representing neutrality, numbers less than 7 increasing acidity, and numbers greater than 7 increasing alkalinity. Laboratory and field testing for pH must be done with distilled water.
- acid: any substance which when dissolved in water yields a pH below 7.
- alkali: (or Base) any substance which when dissolved in water yields a pH above 7.
- buffer: chemical agents that are used to maintain a constant pH level.
The property of some wood species that causes them to lighten or darken when exposed to light. Refer to "colour change".
pigment
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pigment stain
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pin holes / pin lines (finish)
Normally caused by finish flowing into low lying or less dense areas such as spring wood. This thicker film of finish allows gasses formed during curing to freeze in the film leaving a small crater. The finish fails to form a film in these areas as the finish is in the wood instead of on it. While not considered a finish defect it can often be corrected by application of an additional coat of finish.
pin worm hole
In hardwood flooring, a small round hole not over 1.5 mm (1/16") in diameter, made by a small wood boring insect.
pistol grip
A board (strip or plank) tapered in width or on one end due to mis-manufacturing.
pitch
The accumulation of resin in wood.
pitch pocket
An opening between growth rings which usually contains or has contained resin or bark or both.
pitch streaks
A well-defined accumulation of pitch in a more or less regular streak in the wood of certain conifers.
pith
The small, soft core occurring near the centre of a tree trunk, branch, twig, or log.
pith flecks
Pith-like irregular discoloured streaks of tissue in wood (usually brownish and up to several millimetres or inches in length), due to insect attack (burrowing larvae) on the growing tree.
plain-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
planer bite
A deeper groove cut by planer knives in the surface of a piece than intended.
planks
In solid and engineered hardwood flooring: nominal 75 to 200 mm (3" to 8") wide boards with square, eased, or bevelled top edges and tongue and groove side and end edges designed to be installed in parallel rows. Planks may also be pre-drilled for surface screw and plug fastening.
and
planks
In engineered flooring: a panel or tile that is approximately five or six times longer than it is wide designed to be installed in parallel rows and usually produced in a variety of widths up to 200 mm (8").
plugs
Dowels that simulate plugged or pegged fastened plank flooring. Sometimes used to cover countersunk screw fasteners.
ply
A single sheet of veneer, or several pieces laid with adjoining edges which form one layer of a laminated material or one layer in a piece of engineered flooring.
plywood
A glued wood panel made up of relatively thin layers of veneer with the grain of adjacent layers at right angles, or of veneer in combination with a core of lumber or of reconstituted wood. The usual constructions have an odd number of layers.
polyurethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
porosity
The openness of wood cell structure to absorb liquids such as water, stains, sealers, finishes, etc. A "tight" cell structure may not readily absorb stains / finishes and may have to be "conditioned".
pot life
(in regard to adhesives) The period of time during which an adhesive once opened or mixed (as in those requiring a catalyst) remains suitable for use before it "sets". Refer to Part A14 - Adhesives and Fasteners for information.
prefinished
Completely (factory) finished flooring materials that require installation only and no site finishing.
preservative
Any substance effective in preventing the development and action of wood-rotting fungi, borers of various kinds, and harmful insects that cause the deterioration of wood.
pressing
(in engineered / laminated flooring) A manufacturing process whereby material layers are consolidated using pressure.
primer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
puckering
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
pure
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
Q
quarter-round
Wooden moulding with a cross section comprising a 90o arc of a circle. It is used as joints between walls and floors, or between larger mouldings and floors. Refer also to "shoe moulding".
quarter-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
R
racking
refer to "dry lay".
radial
Coincident with a radius from the axis of the tree or log to the circumference. A radial section is a lengthwise section in a plane that passes through the centreline of the tree trunk.
radiant heating
Refers to a heating system within (e.g. in cementitious topping) or under a floor that raises the temperature of a floor surface by radiation. This creates a macro climate of dry air that can put undue stress on a wood floor if not properly designed and regulated. Engineered flooring is routinely warranted for radiant heat as long as correct installation procedures are followed, the temperature of the water does not exceed 32°C (89°F), and the surface temperature of the wood flooring does not exceed 27°C (80°F). Solid wood flooring over radiant heat is endorsed by the National Wood Flooring Association only with a specially prepared floating subfloor system involving two layers of 13 mm (1/2") plywood.
raised grain
A roughened or fuzzy condition on the face of dressed lumber (e.g. wood flooring) due to milling in which the dense summer wood is raised above the softer spring wood, but not torn or separated from it. Refer also to Finish Glossary.
random lengths and/or widths
Lumber or flooring tally containing various lengths and/or widths.
rays
A strip of cells extending radially within a tree and varying in height from a few cells in some species to 100 mm (4") in others which cause an appealing grain pattern. Refer also to "medullary rays".
ray fleck
A part of a ray appearing very distinctly on the face of a quarter sawn slat.
reaction wood
Wood with more or less distinctive anatomical characters, formed typically in parts of leaning and crooked stems and in branches. In hardwoods this consists of tension wood and in softwoods of compression wood.
reclaimed flooring
Salvaged / reclaimed existing antique lumber (timbers, lumber, flooring) re-manufactured / re-milled into hardwood strip or plank flooring.
recycled flooring
Salvaged existing hardwood flooring removed, reinstalled (and refinished) in a new location.
reduce
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
reducer strips / protective edgings
Hardwood or other material used to protect the exposed edges of hardwood flooring at doorways, and to other flooring types. They are normally grooved on one edge and tapered, or feathered, on the other edge, with various lengths available.
refinish
Sanding a previously finished floor to bare wood and applying new finish.
re-groove
Creating a new (T&G) groove on the cut end or side of a board using a cutting tool.
relative humidity
The ratio of the amount of water vapour present in the air to that which would be held at the saturation point at the same temperature. It is usually considered on the basis of the weight of the vapour, but should be considered on the basis of vapour pressure.
residual indentation
The difference between the initial thickness and the final thickness after performing a static load test or after a heavy load (such as furniture) is removed.
resin (natural)
Inflammable, water- soluble, vegetable substances secreted by certain plants or trees, and characterizing the wood of many coniferous species.
resin (synthetic)
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
retarder
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
rift-sawn
Refer to "sawn".
ring porous
A group of hardwoods in which the pores are comparatively large at the beginning of each annual growth ring and decrease in size, more or less abruptly, toward the outer portion of the annual growth ring. The large pores are spring wood and the smaller pores are summer wood.
ring shank nail
A headed nail for underlayment panel installation with rings on the shaft (shank) to improve the holding characteristics.
rip cut / ripping
Cutting a piece of wood lengthwise (parallel with the grain) to fit a desired space.
riser
The vertical face or upright part of a step between two stair treads.
rot
The decomposition of wood by fungi producing a generally whitish residue that may be spongy or stringy. Refer also to "decay".
rough cut
Irregular shaped areas of generally uneven corrugation on the surface of a veneer, differing from the surrounding smooth veneer and occurring as the veneer is cut by the lathe or slicer.
run
A single strip or more than one strip of flooring laid end-to-end. Material is from a packaged bundle of flooring. Multiple runs make up the bundle.
run / lot number
Finish or packaging numbers used to identify wood floorin.
S
sand and finish
The process of finishing hardwood flooring insitu.
sanding sealer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
sap
The watery fluid that circulates through a tree carrying the chemical food that enables the tree to grow.
sapwood
The outer zone of wood in a tree, next to the bark. Sapwood is generally lighter than heartwood. Under most conditions sapwood is more susceptible to decay than heartwood.
saw kerf
(1) Grooves or notches made in cutting with a saw; (2) that portion of a log, timber, or other piece of wood removed by the saw in parting the material into two pieces.
sawn
Hardwood lumber is cut from logs in a variety of ways for economic reasons and/or to produce various grain and texture patterns required to meet design (appearance and wear) requirements.
- plain-sawn: Plain-sawn hardwood boards are produced by cutting tangentially to a tree's growth rings, creating the familiar 'flame-shaped' or 'cathedral' grain pattern. This method also produces the most lumber from each log, making plain-sawn lumber a cost effective design choice.
- Plain-sawn lumber will expand and contract more than boards sawn by other methods. However, it performs just as well when properly kiln-dried, when the job site is properly prepared and when the hardwood products are acclimatized before installation. Refer to "acclimation".
- quarter-sawn: Quarter-sawing means cutting a log radially (at a 90-degree angle) to the growth rings to produce a vertical and uniform grain pattern. This method yields fewer and narrower boards per log than plain sawing, boosting their cost significantly. Quarter-sawn boards are popular for decorative applications such as cabinet faces or wainscoting. They will expand and contract less than boards sawn by other methods.
- rift-sawn (or bastard sawn): Rift-sawing at a 30-degree or greater angle to the growth rings produces narrow boards with an accentuated vertical or 'straight' grain pattern. Rift-sawn boards are often favoured for fine furniture and other applications where matching grain is important. This type of lumber is available in limited quantities and species.
- Refer also to "veneer"
A flooring piece where a thin portion does not completely surface on the back.
scratches
Slight incisions, breaks, tears or indentations on the surface caused by abrasive friction.
screeds / sleepers
Usually a pressure treated 2" x 4" laid flat (or wide face) side down and attached to a concrete subfloor to provide a nailing surface for tongue and groove strip flooring or a wood subfloor. Screeds are installed at right angles to the finished flooring or panel subflooring.
screening
A refinishing process. Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
screw and plug
A method of attaching solid wood flooring by screwing through the face of the flooring using countersunk screws and then concealing the screw heads with wood buttons or plugs.
sealer
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
sealer-wax finish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
seam adhesive
A specifically formulated adhesive for chemically securing tongue and groove edges of specialty hardwood flooring materials.
seams
Joint. In flooring installation, the line formed by joining, without gaps, the edge of two pieces of flooring.
seasoning
The process of drying lumber either naturally (air dried in a yard or shed without artificial heat), or in a kiln (i.e., with artificial heat), to a moisture content appropriate for the conditions and purposes for which it is to be used.
second growth
Timber that has grown after the removal (whether by cutting, fire, wind, or other means) of all or a large part of the previous stand.
separation
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
settling
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
set-to-touch
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
service condition
There are two conditions:- dry: A service condition in which the average equilibrium moisture content over a year is 15 percent or less and does not exceed 19 percent.
- wet: All service conditions other than dry.
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
shake
A separation along the grain, the greater part of which occurs between the annual growth rings.
shear strength parallel to grain
Ability to resist internal slipping of one part upon another along the grain. Values presented are average strength in radial and tangential shear planes.
sheen
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
shellac
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
shoe moulding
Wood or plastic strip with one corner edge rounded slightly. It is used to conceal joints between walls and floors or between larger mouldings and floors. Refer also to "quarter round".
shrinkage
The contraction of wood fibres caused by drying below the fibre saturation point (usually around 25 to 27% moisture content). Values are expressed as a percentage of the dimension of the wood when green.
side-matched
In tongue-and-groove strip and plank flooring, the individual pieces have a tongue milled on one side and a groove milled on the opposite side, so that when the individual strips or planks are placed side by side, the tongue of one piece fits into the groove of the next piece. Refer to "end-matched" and "tongue and groove".
skin
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
slats
The small solid strips of hardwood that form mosaic parquet squares. Refer to "fillets".
sleepers
Refer to "screeds".
slip-tongue
A spline or small strip of wood, plastic, or metal used to reverse or change direction in installing standard tongue and groove strip flooring. Sometimes used in laying 19 mm (3/4") solid tongue and groove parquet flooring.
smooth / tight cut
Veneer carefully cut to minimize lathe checks.
soft rot
Refer to "decay". A special type of decay developing under very wet conditions (as in cooling towers and boat timbers) in the outer wood layers, caused by cellulose-destroying micro fungi that attack the secondary cell walls and not the intercellular layer.
softwood
A description applied to woods from cone bearing trees (Conifers) that do not go dormant in the winter but remain "evergreen" and that in most cases have needle-like or scale-like leaves. Softwoods include Cedar, Fir, Hemlock, Pine, Redwood, and Spruce. The term also has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.
See also "Hardwood".
solid wood flooring
A flooring assembly consisting of solid pieces cut from a distinct species of wood and produced in unfinished and pre-finished strip, plank or parquet form.
solvents
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
sound wood
Flooring material that does not include soft wood (not Softwood) due to rot, loose pieces that will fall out, or splits throughout the piece.
sound transmission class (STC)
An acoustical rating or classification based on standardized test methods to determine sound transmission of airborne noise. Refer to A08C - Acoustical Issues.
species
A distinct sort or kind of tree (or wood) having some characteristics or qualities in common that distinguishes it from other groups.
species group
The combining of species into commercial groups because of their similarity in appearance and physical properties.
specific gravity
The relative weight of a substance compared with that of an equal volume of water. The specific gravity (SG) of wood is usually based on the green volume and oven dry weight.
split
Separation of the fibres in a piece of wood from face to face. Also refers to end-split.
spring-back
Tendency of a pressed / laminated / engineered panel to return to its original uncompressed state.
springwood (early wood)
The portion of the annual growth ring that is formed during the early part of the season's growth; it is usually less dense, lighter in colour, and weaker mechanically than summerwood.
squares
Parquet flooring units, usually composed of an equal number of slats.
square edge
Tongue and grooved strip or plank flooring with edges that are not eased or bevelled.
square joint
Flooring that is not tongue and grooved. Square edged strip flooring is face nailed when installed. Refer to "jointed flooring".
stain (finish)
Refer also to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
stain (natural)
A discolouration occurring in wood other than the natural colour of the species that may be caused by such diverse agencies as microorganisms, metal, or chemicals. There are a variety of such stains:- blue stain: A bluish or greyish discoloration of the sapwood caused by the growth of certain dark-coloured fungi on the surface and in the interior of the wood, or from residue damage of the pine beetle.
- brown stain: A rich brown to deep chocolate-brown discoloration of the sapwood of some pines caused by a fungus acting much like blue-stain fungi.
- chemical brown stain: A chemical discoloration of wood, which sometimes occurs during the air-drying or kiln drying of several species, apparently caused by the concentration and modification of extractives.
- sticker stain: A brown or blue stain about 25 to 50 mm (1 " to 2") wide occurring across the width of a strip or plank and spaced corresponding to sticker placement. Refer also to "stickers".
stain resistance
The degree that a material resists permanent discoloration from exposure to residential and commercial chemicals.
staining
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
stair nosing
The leading edge of a stair tread or material used to cover the nose of a stair when a stairway is not upholstered.
standard
A reference consensus standard (relating to flooring) developed by industry organizations. Refer to Part D02B - Reference Guide - Standards for standards appropriate to hardwood flooring.
starved glue lines
Insufficient adhesives spread between planks.
stickers
Strips or boards used to separate layers of lumber in a pile and thus improve air circulation during the air or kiln drying.
streaks
Refer to "mineral streaks".
strip flooring
Solid or engineered hardwood flooring nominally 75 mm (3") or less in width with square butt edges installed in parallel rows with strips usually nailed down directly to wood or plywood sub-flooring or to wood screeds on concrete substrates. Some types can also be glued directly to substrates surfaces.
stringer or Skirting material
A strip of hardwood or resilient flooring material installed on the sides of stairs.
subfloor / substrate
The floor surface to which flooring materials are applied/installed. Refer to "underlayment".
summerwood
The portion of the annual growth that is formed after the springwood (early wood) formation has ceased. It is usually more dense and stronger mechanically than springwood (early wood).
surface
The outside or exterior boundary of any substance. One is said to surface the work when it is rubbed or sanded to a smooth, level plane.
surface drying
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
surface finish
A milled finish. Refer also to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing for applied finishes.
surface layer
The outermost or top layer of engineered flooring designed to be the visible side when installed (e.g. wear layer).
surface tension
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
suspended floor
A sub-floor constructed over a minimum of 450 mm (18") of cross-ventilated air space.
swedish finish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
swell
Increased thickness in solid hardwood or an engineered hardwood assembly that can occur from excessive moisture absorption or wetting.
T
T-cap or -moulding
A transition trim used at edges of flooring (i.e. between hardwood and other flooring types.
Taber test
An abrasion test which measures the durability of a flooring surface finish by counting the number of rotations (or cycles) it takes a sandpaper-covered wheel to wear through it.
tack-free
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
tack rag
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
tensile strength perpendicular to grain
Resistance of wood to forces acting across the grain that tend to split a member. Values presented are the average of radial and tangential observations. Also, the ability of a film to withstand pulling stresses.
tension wood
Abnormal wood found in leaning trees of some hardwood species and characterized by the presence of gelatinous fibres and excessive longitudinal shrinkage. Tension wood fibres hold together tenaciously, so that sawed surfaces usually have projecting fibres, and planed surfaces often are torn or have raised grain. Tension wood may cause warping.
texture
Determined by relative size and distribution of or contrast between earlywood and latewood elements and described as coarse texture (large elements), fine texture (small elements) or even texture (uniform sized elements). A term often used interchangeably with grain (e.g., fine grained or textured).
thermofusing
A process where resins are consolidated under heat and pressure to create a permanent bonding.
thermoplastic
The property of softening when heated and hardening upon cooling.
thermoplastic glues and resins
Glues and resins that are capable of being repeatedly softened by heat and hardened by cooling.
thermosetting glues and resins
Glues and resins that are cured with heat / chemical reaction to form bonds but do not soften when subsequently subjected to high temperatures.
thickness of film
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
threshold
The raised material beneath a door, also known as a 'door sill' or 'saddle'.
tight check
A check with a imperceptible or slight opening.
tile
(in laminate and parquet flooring) A panel of geometric shapes (e.g. squares, rectangles, etc.).
tint
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
tongue and groove (T&G)
tongue milled on one edge or end and matching groove milled on opposite edge or end of strip, plank, and some parquet flooring for interlocking members together.
toughness
A quality of wood which permits the material to absorb a relatively large amount of energy, to withstand repeated shocks, and to undergo considerable deformation before breaking.
tread
The horizontal (walking surface) part of a stair or step.
trim
The final finishing material applied around openings (e.g. door and window casings) or around perimeter of walls at base and ceilings (e.g. base, and quarter round, shoe moulding, cornice and crown mouldings, etc.).
trowel
Hand implement used for metering and spreading adhesive over substrate.
trowel fill
Method to fill an entire floor or large area.
TSP
Tri Sodium Phosphate, a material that is commonly used to remove surface contaminates from substrate surfaces prior to glue-down installations of flooring.
twist
Warping or distortion of a board caused by turning or winding so one or more corners are out of plane with the others.
U
unbalanced construction
Condition seen when individual components or layers of an engineered flooring assembly do not respond equally to changes in moisture, thus causing warp.
underlayment
A material used between hardwood or engineered flooring and a substrate, sub-floor, or underlayment panel surface as a moisture barrier, for acoustical and/or thermal purposes, and/or for patching / levelling the substrate to provide a smooth level surface. Refer to D03E - Material Guide - Flooring for types.
underlayment felt
A compressed felt paper occasionally used as an underlayment under hardwood flooring installations.
underlayment panel
Generally separate hard surface panel board type underlayments are not required under hardwood or engineered flooring except where a wood substrate / structure is not rigid enough or to provide a smooth surface where the use of self-levelling or floor patching compounds are not an option. If such a panel is required, it must be of a type that is acceptable to the hardwood flooring manufacturer, and where required, by authorities having jurisdiction (Building Code). Various panel products are available in "standard" sizes of 1220 x 2440 mm (48" x 96") with longer lengths and various thicknesses available. Where off-gassing may be a concern in "green" buildings, the use of formaldehyde free panels should be considered. As well, consideration should be given to using panels that are water and moisture resistant where possible moisture penetration from above or below is an issue. Panels shall be properly secured to the substructure using approved fasteners that will not loosen or pop-up.
ultraviolet
Light rays that are outside the visible spectrum at its violet end. These rays have a chemical effect upon the dried film of finishing materials. Ultraviolet light is commonly used in curing finishes at the factory for pre-finished flooring. Ultraviolet light also causes woods to lighten or darken. Refer to "colour change".
undercoats
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
unfinished
A product which must be sanded and have stain and/or finish applied before or after installation.
unfinished flooring
This is solid or engineered hardwood flooring that must be job-site sanded and finished after installation. Refer also to "finished flooring".
units
Four or more mosaic parquet squares, or four or more slats in 19 mm (3/4") thick parquet, usually made from T&G strip flooring combined into a parquet unit.
unsound defect
Defects with a large opening, excessive movement, or an excessively soft area.
urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
UV-cured polyurethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
V
V-joint
Bevelled or eased edges used in plank flooring as a design feature.
vapour barrier
A material with a high resistance to vapour movement, such as foil, plastic film, or specially coated paper, that is used to control condensation or to prevent the migration of moisture.
varnish
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
veneer
A thin piece of wood that is sawn, sliced, or peeled from a timber or log for use as the top layer in engineered / laminated flooring. Refer to veneer descriptions at the end of this document. There are various methods of producing veneers:- rotary cut or slicing: Veneer is cut by centring a log in a lathe which rotates against a broad knife to produce a continuous piece the width of the log.
- quarter slicing: Veneer is cut perpendicular to the annual growth rings from a quarter log section to produce straight grain pieces the width of the slice by the length of the log.
- rift cut: Veneer is produced by saw cutting at a slight angle to the medullary rays which radiate from the centre of a log like the curved spokes of a wheel. This produces straight grain pieces the width of the slice by the length of the log.
- plain slicing (flat cut): Veneer is sliced parallel to the centre of the log to achieve a flat-cut piece resulting in cathedrals formed by the inner most annual growth rings.
- half-round slicing: Veneer is cut on an arc roughly parallel to the centre of a half-round log section to achieve flat-cut veneer. This results in a flitch with cathedrals with more rounded tops since the grain is formed by the inner most growth rings.
- length-wise slicing: A board of flat sawn lumber is passed flat over a stationary knife, and as it passes, a sheet of veneer is sliced from the bottom of the board. This produces a flitch with a variegated figure.
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
VOC
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
W
wall base
Refer to "base".
wane
Bark or lack of wood on the edge or corner of a piece of wood resulting from the piece being sawn from near the outer circumference of a saw log.
warp
Distortion in solid hardwood or an engineered panel assembly from its original milled or fabricated plane (includes cupping, bowing, crookedness, and twisting, or any combination of these) caused by excessive moisture pickup, wetting, poor bolstering, unbalanced construction, or other unfavourable conditions.
water-based urethane
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
water-based / water borne finishes
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
water-repellent preservative
A water repellent that contains a preservative, accomplishing the dual purpose of imparting resistance to attack by fungi or insects. It also retards changes in moisture content and in dimensions without adversely altering the desirable qualities of wood.
water popping
Water or grain popping is a procedure used to open up the harder grains in some open grain woods to allow a stain to absorb or penetrate more evenly.
wax
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
wear
Refer to "foot traffic".
wear layer
The top / wear surface of hardwood or engineered / laminated flooring. This may also be the finish coating, wax, etc. that protects the hardwood from wearing.
wear resistance
Ability of the flooring surface to resist wear.
weathering
The mechanical or chemical disintegration and discolouration of the surface of wood caused by exposure to light, the action of dust and sand carried by winds, and the alternate shrinking and swelling of the surface fibres with the continual variation in moisture content, brought by changes in the weather.
weight
The weight of dry wood depends upon the cellular space, the proportion of wood substance to air space.
wiping stains
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
wire brushing
Refer to Part DD1B - Glossary - Hardwood Finishing.
wood cells (vessels)
The basic units comprising wood having open ends and set one above the other so as to form continuous tubes. The openings of the vessels on the surface of a piece of wood are usually referred to as pores.
wood filler
Refer to "filler".
wood preservative
Refer to "preservative".
work to maximum load in bending
Ability to absorb shock with some permanent deformation and more or less injury to a specimen. Work to maximum load is a measure of the combined strength and toughness of wood under bending stresses.
workability
The degree of ease and smoothness with which wood can be worked.
worm holes
Holes made by worms or larvae boring into the wood.
Y
yellowing
Refer to "amber".
yield
The proportion of the log converted into lumber or other wood products of value. This involves many variables especially the skill of the sawyer.
The following is a further description of veneer slicing:
