II. SELECTION OF WOOD
While there are many species, or
types, of flooring wood, the vast majority used in this country is oak. Since all species of wood have similar
properties and behavior, the industry tends to use oak as the standard against
which other woods are compared.
NOTE:
Wood is a commodity and prices can change without warning.
If a client wants a certain color
wood floor, it is best to choose a wood that meets the need naturally. The palate nature provides is
wide: red oak is pink/tan, white
oak is golden/brown, walnut is chocolate/brown/gray, cherry is pink/red, maples
are white/yellow, ash, hickory, birch and beech are tan/white, teak is
orange/gold/brown, and there are over 70 other species with a full spectrum of
rich, natural colors, everything but blue and deep green.
One
of the reasons wood is valued over artificial flooring materials is that it has
unique variations in grain, featuring, and coloring. These variations occur among different types of wood as well
as within a single species of wood.
They can even be seen within the length of one piece of wood. Some woods can be very consistent
throughout, while others have bold and dramatic swirls, burls, fiddles,
featuring, and color changes. Keep
in mind that a wood sample provides a limited perspective of a particular
species and that there is always some degree of variation. Ask if a wood has dramatic differences
as well as how it ages. If you do
want a wood that is very closely matched throughout, this can sometimes be
done, but only if each board is hand-selected at the mill. There is a surcharge for select woods.
C.
Sap
wood - heart wood
Some
of the most marked variations in the coloring of a single species is the
difference between the sap wood and the heart wood.
1.
Sap
wood is the layers closest to the bark, ranging from 1/8" to several
inches and is usually much lighter in color.
2.
Heart
wood is the older wood inside the sap wood.
In time, all wood "ages",
developing a deep, rich patina.
This is mostly due to exposure, over time, to the ultra-violet in
sunlight. In some woods this change
is slow and slight, in others it can be more dramatic. Degree of exposure impacts on the rate
of change.
1.
There
are generally four grades or levels for classifying many of the more common
species of flooring wood. These
classifications are determined solely on appearance, as all grades are
structurally sound and equally serviceable.
a.
"Clear"
or "first-grade" must have the face practically free from all
imperfections, although there may be very minor pinholes, burling or light
streaking. Color variations and
slight sap wood are allowed.
b.
"Select"
or "second-grade" allows tight, sound knots ("knot marks")
and other slight defects. Color variations and minimal sap wood are allowed.
c.
"#1
Common" or "third-grade" may have more marks and defects and
larger knot marks, noticeably more streaking, with a much greater amount of sap
wood and variety in color.
d.
"#2
Common" or "fourth-grade", may have grain and surface
imperfections including knot holes, as well as considerable streaking, sap
wood, marking, and a great variety in color and tone. #2 is often described as "rustic".
2.
These
classifications, and the percentage of variation allowed, are national
standards established by various professional and trade associations for most
of the commonly available U.S. hardwoods.
Other U.S. woods and many imports may also be referred to by these
grades.
3.
Many
woods may also be ordered "select for color", although a client must not
be led to believe that a homogenous, monochromatic hardwood floor is possible.
4.
Woods
with markedly different colored sapwood and heartwood, such as cherry, walnut,
hickory and many imports, may be graded and ordered as mixed (includes sapwood
and heartwood), no-sap (heartwood only), or sap-only.
It is important to choose a wood
durable enough for the average use of the area where it will be installed. If there is any question, discuss
hardness ratings with your wood supplier.