Knowledge is Power

Find the answers to your Flooring, Stairs and Railings, Kitchen, Bathroom or Basement Renovations here.

Category: Flooring

Alder

Botanical Name: Alnus Alder is generally found in North America, mostly in the Pacific Northwest, typically between California and Alaska. Hardwood harvested in North America is referred to as domestic, which is less expensive than the imported exotic hardwoods. There are many species of alder in the world and the most frequently used in woodworking today . . . Read more

Ash, White

Botanical Name: Fraxinus Americana The white ash group presents numerous species (for example: the American white ash, blue ash, green ash and Oregon ash). While the American white ash, blue ash and green ash can be find in the eastern United States, the Oregon ash grows mainly along the Pacific coast. . . . Read more

Beech

Botanical Name: Fagus grandifolia Beech trees grow throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The American Beech is found in North America where it generally grows in the eastern portion of the United States and in eastern Canadian provinces. The largest production of beech trees for lumber is in the Central and Middle . . . Read more

Travertine Tile Glossary

A Abrasion Resistance This refers to the resistance of a flooring surface when exposed to continuous contact of an abrasive material or consistent friction. Abrasive Finish This indicate a nonreflective or flat surface finish. Abrasive Hardness (HA) HA is a measurement of how a stone wears when subjected to abrasion. Absorbed . . . Read more

Kempas

Fast Facts Color: is very light, usually white to light yellow. Kempas sapwood is more orange to red or reddish brown. The floor will darken to a more reddish color, once with exposure to UV light. Grain: is generally rough and interlocked and/or spiraled. Variations within Species and Grades: There is little . . . Read more

Mesquite

Botanical Name: Prosopis glandulosa Mesquite is known for being the hardest North American wood. In addition to that, it is a common choice for hardwood floors, furniture, and even curing meat. Also, when mesquite is used for flooring, it is a strong and durable. It weighs in at more than three pounds . . . Read more

Red Oak

Fast Facts Color: Heartwood starts with a light to medium brown color and ends with a reddish tone. Sapwood is pale creamy white to light reddish tan. Grain: Open grain with a coarse, porous texture and a wide range of figuring. Quartersawn planks have a flake, or butterfly patterning. Variations . . . Read more

Oak, White

Fast Facts Color: Heartwood is light brown and can sometimes have a gray or pink cast. Sapwood is white to pale cream. Grain: Open grain long rays with occasional crotches, swirls and burls. Plainsawn boards have a plumed or flared grain appearance. Riftsawn has a tight grain pattern with low figuring. . . . Read more

Hardwood Buying Checklist

The following checklist will help you find out what you need to know before you buy whether you buy online or at your local store. This will help you get all your facts straight in order to make the most informed choice. Here’s a brief video that goes over some of the absolute . . . Read more

Hardwood Flooring Glossary

A Above Grade This term indicates a flooring installed above ground level, with a minimum of 18 inches of well-ventilated space. Abrasion This is a term which refers to the wearing away at a hardwood floor finish. Acclimation Acclimation points out to the hardwood’s improvement to the environment it is in, in . . . Read more