What is hardwood flooring?
Hardwood flooring is a natural product, with inherent variations in color, grain pattern, and texture that will vary by species. Hardwood floors are made up of several individual boards that move independently of one another to varying degrees, depending on changes in temperature and humidity and movement of underlying structural components. Softer, more porous open grain wood will sand deeper and absorb more stain and finish.
Remember, nature’s imperfections are what give character and beauty to hardwood flooring and make each floor unique.
At Nantucket Custom Flooring we have the knowledge and expertise to help you find the perfect wood grade for your needs. We’ll show you options that complement both your lifestyle and budget. Our team of professionals will be honest in the advantages and disadvantages of each type of wood, and we won’t try to sell you anything you don’t need.
From bidding to scheduling to performing the onsite work, we have years of experience with all wood grades and species. We give each project the attention to detail necessary to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with the end result.
What should I know about different grades of flooring?
In addition to the species of wood, you can choose from various grades of flooring. The grade describes only the cosmetics of the wood—all grades exhibit the same strength and longevity throughout the species. The lower grades have a higher concentration of character marks such as knots, worm holes, mineral streaks, and light and dark contrast, for a more rustic look. As you move up in grade, the concentration of character marks decreases and the overall appearance and coloration becomes more uniform.
- Select – almost clear, but contains few natural characteristics such as knots and color variations
- No. 1 Common – has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, small knots, flags and worm holes
What types of materials are available?
- wood of various species and widths
- standard 1 to 7 foot lengths NWFA
- custom lengths 3 foot and longer
- fumed wood material
- solid or unfinished engineered
- hand-scraped material
- wire-brushed material
- pillow-edged material
- distressed material
- herringbone material
- chevron patterns
- parquet patterns
- French Oak
- antique materials
What are the different types of hardwood?
Solid Hardwoods
Traditional solid ¾” thick hardwoods that are installed and finished in your home. We offer hardwood in a variety of species: oak, hickory, cherry, walnut, reclaimed, exotic species and more. Click the thumbnails below to view examples of solid hardwoods.
Pre-finished Hardwoods
Solid ¾” thick hardwoods that are finished at the factory and then installed in your home. Pre-finishing at the factory allows for cost effective finishing options such as staining, hand-scraping, distressing, beveled edges and more unique finishes.
Engineered Hardwoods
Veneered layers of hardwoods which are adhered together and pre-finished at the factory. This technology allows for stability that is greater than a traditional hardwood floor, and hardwood floor use in applications where a traditional hardwood floor may not be preferred, such as on or below grade.
What are Antique Reclaimed Hardwoods?
This is wood that is 200 years or older that has been taken from already existing structures such as: barns, beams, and chateaus. We have long-term relationships with numerous suppliers/distributors, including private lines, of quality reclaimed products.
What is the difference between Exotic and Domestic Hardwood?
The two big categories of hardwood are domestic and exotic woods. Depending on where you live and the climate you may be able to use only specific types of wood. Domestic hardwoods are safer choice for most homes because they remain more stable but domestic woods still offer a lot of options and variety. An estimator will be able to discuss hardwood species with you and what domestic and exotic woods are good choices for your lifestyle, home and climate.
MORE INFORMATION
• Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring (PDF)
• Grading & Packaging Wood (PDF)
• Moisture and Wood (PDF)