The different hallmarks of hardwoodsEach species of wood has its own unique characteristics. Color is determined by what part of the tree the wood originally comes from. The grain pattern is determined by the species and how the wood is cut. Natural variations in the color and grain are normal and to be expected. Similar to natural stone, these variations create the beautiful and unique look of a wood floor. They make your floor close to one of a kind.
Understand that wood moves, naturallyWood floors will expand and contract due to moisture and temperature changes, causing hairline cracks, slight height variations or both. Hardwood does not expand or contract equally in all directions. This is not considered a defect but a natural result of nature. So, in dry climates, you may want to consider the use of a whole-house humidifier to help minimize shrinkage and hairline cracking.
Here are the facts about subfloors.
No subfloors are perfectly level. You may also hear hollow sounds where your subfloor’s surface dips and ridges. This does not affect the integrity or installation of the hardwood. Hollow sounds are normal and are not considered a product or installation defect. All hardwood floors will fade, darken or change shades over time. Exposure to sunlight will greatly increase this process. Window treatments are recommended as well as rotating area rugs and furniture regularly to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure.
Pre-finished hardwood pre-buying notes A work of natural art, the elegance of a pre-finished hardwood floor adds beauty and value to any home, easy care and durability to any lifestyle. Each species of wood has its own unique characteristics and the conditions of nature that the wood matured in making each floor exceptional and individual. Pre-finished hardwood floors are sanded, screened and stained in highly efficient manufacturing plants. Several coats of urethane are sprayed on the boards and then they are UV dried for a very durable finish. Pre-finished floors may be screened and recoated to rejuvenate the finish and revitalize the floor’s natural beauty.