Material Options

Hardwood

• Offers a naturally warm appearance.

• Must be seasoned, which is the process through which it loses its moisture.

• If wood is too moist, it shrinks. If too dry, it absorbs moisture and swells.

• Wood should be seasoned according to the environment in which it’ll be installed.

• Twelve items to consider before selecting wood:

  1) Species of wood

  a) Softwoods are less durable, but are warm, resilient, and inexpensive.
  b) Hardwoods are more expensive, but come in a greater variety of colors, textures, and patterns.
  c) Decay-resistant woods naturally resist rot.

2) Grading

a) Some species don’t have any grading system.
b) Others like oak, maple, and beech grade from highest to the lowest.
c) Check the rating system so you know what you’re buying.

3) Unfinished or Pre-finished?

a) Unfinished is less expensive.
b) Pre-finished is easier to install and eliminates odors and dust from sanding and sealant.
c) Pre-finished less affected by moisture, not prone to expand, and can be installed over concrete.
d) Pre-finished has color and pre-cut size choices available.
e) Pre-finished comes with a warranty.

4) Cut

a) Plain sawn - the most common cut. More patterning than the other two cuts.
b) Quarter sawn – more waterproof, but also more expensive.
c) Rift sawn – less figured grain, which makes it more attractive but also more expensive.

5) Pattern

a) Strip – solid wood that’s available in various thicknesses.
b) Plank - similar to strip, but wider.
c) Parquet or block flooring – solid wood that’s composed of small strips or blocks of hardwood that’s held together by adhesive or mechanical fasteners.
d) End-grain parquet – made from the short pieces left from the milling of wood for other purposes.
e) Engineered wood – multi-plied wood with four or five layers cross stacked and bonded together.
f) Acrylic impregnated – prefinished wood treated with acrylic, creating a very hard surface. Usually used in areas prone to abrasion or moisture.

8) Sealants

a) If not pretreated, wood should be sealed to waterproof it, as well as prevent dirt and chemical penetration.
b) Different finishes create different looks.
c) Environmentally friendly products include resin, oil, and wax, but these aren’t that durable.
d) If a more toxic sealant is used, make sure the area is well ventilated until it’s thoroughly dry.

9) Installing the Wood

a) Nail down – the wood is attached to the substrate with nails.
b) Floated – the planks are connected to each other but not to the substrate.
c) Glued – attached directly to the substrate with an adhesive.

10) Decorative Treatments

a) Bleaching and tinting – bleaching takes the color out, while tinting deepens the natural tone.
b) Color – stains and paints create a variety of colors.
c) Pattern – spattering or combing paints can create patterns.

11) Radiant Heating with Wood

a) Select a stable wood (cherry, walnut, teak).
b) Subfloor must be dry or wood will shrink and crack.
c) Strip flooring is preferable to plank flooring.

12) Heat Vents

a) Available in many species and sizes for those who want to match the look of wood flooring.

• Wood is resilient; things dropped on it won’t easily break.

• Wood is durable; if taken care of, it can last for the life of the house.

• It’s cooler on the feet than carpet, and warmer than stone or tile.

• Humidity and sharp pressure can damage wood.

• Requires professional installation and occasional maintenance.

We at Valerie Fitzgerald and Associates realize that you are in the information gathering stage of your purchase and we respect your privacy.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@valeriefitzgerald.com or call us directly at 310-285-7515.  If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, please note that we can provide detailed information and access to:

• Beverly Hills Homes for Sale
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You can count on the services of Valerie Fitzgerald and Associates to provide you with information you can trust.

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Tel: 310-285-7515
Fax: 310-271-9204

301 N. Canon Drive,
Suite 215,
Beverly Hills CA
90210

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