Hardwood and Softwood Flooring
Hard Wood
Hardwood is wood from dicot angiosperm trees. It have a more complex structure than softwoods and are often much slower growing as a result. The term may also be used for the trees from which the wood is derived; these are usually broad-leaved temperate and tropical forests. It is very resistant to scratches and dents. It should be placed in areas where there is high traffic such as galleries, receptions, bars, living rooms, gyms, etc. Hardwoods are usually more expensive then softwood. The following types of hardwood are the most commonly used for flooring:
Maple -is mostly distributed from the Eastern USA and Canada. Is creamy white to light reddish brown; It’s grain is closed, with medium figuring and uniform grain texture. Occasionally shows bird’s-eye figuring. Maple flooring is suitable for all domestic and most commercial projects and is a very popular woods, commonly used for high-end refurbishments and restorations.
Birch -Can range in colour from light yellow to dark brownish red. It’s softer than red oak, but is still a strong wood. Birch is no longer popular as a floor.
Beech -Beech flooring is suitable for all domestic (chopping board) and some light commercial projects, but is now less commonly used for flooring. Has a reddish brown colour and a very consistent grain. It is quite durable and has excellent shock resistance.
Oak -White oak is brown in colour but can have a grey cast. The grain is similar to red oak, with more burls and swirls. It is harder and more durable than red oak. The wood is very resistant to insect and fungal attacks because of its high tannin content. It also has a very appealing grain markings, particularly when quarter sawn.
Walnut -A sumptuous species with rich, chocolate hues, surprising purple undertones, and complex grain patterns, used for a spectacular floor with or without stain. It is suitable for all domestic and some light commercial projects, and is a very popular species commonly used for high-end refurbishments and new builds.
Bamboo -By nature is an extremely stable hardwood. Bamboo Floors outperform natural flooring due to its innate moisture resistance and stability with absolute minimal expansion and contraction. As a hard floor, it is also rated as suitable for installation for residential and commercial applications.
Soft Wood
Soft wood floors are less expensive than hardwood floors, but also less durable than hardwood floors. It is not suitable for:
- areas with high traffic
- rooms with heavy furniture (which can dig into the wood)
- kitchens where there is constant traffic and spills
- dining rooms, where chairs or other furniture will often be moved around.
Pine and Fir are the two types of soft woods that are commonly used for flooring. These floors are very delicate because they scratch very easily. So only use them if a distressed look is desired.
Pine -is a yellowish brown colour and contains a lot of swirls and knots. It has a natural resistance to insects and is about as hard as red oak. Pines are considered to be a fast growing trees.
Douglas Fir -is a yellowish tan colour. This wood is about half as soft as red oak and can dent easily. It is not commonly used for flooring, but as in the picture below, it can be used for walls, furniture.
