Which Wood is Good?

Diary of a Designer Girl:

Which Wood is Good?

Have an upcoming renovation that requires a new selection of hardwood flooring? Not sure where to start with all of the current trends and options in today's market? You're not alone and when it comes to paying the bill - you want to ensure the material you have selected ticks all of the requirements on the wish list prior to any commitment.

Let's chat wood,

Hardwood vs. Softwood: In the past it was indicative to walk into a home and see an oak floor and while often stain and colour options varied - the material was the same. Still today - woods like Oak, Walnut and Teak are stronger tiered and more geared towards flooring applications. That being said - they are grainy and have more definition in each board. Materials like Pine, Beech and Birch have different cell structures giving them a different interior make up - and while beautiful not always applicable to all applications of flooring installations.

What is FSC?: FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council. Why is this an important component when searching for lumber, flooring and any wood material really - because it specifies that this material has been sourced and manufactured responsibly.

New vs Reclaimed Wood: Often times it is difficult to replicate the character offered with reclaimed boards in a new timber. Reclaimed wood also is much denser and is generally cut from old growth tree's rather than a new generation forest...I guess it's really like they say - they don't make things like they used too. Including wood. The only shortfall is that new lumber prices out much more cost effective than reclaimed as their it may require additional stripping, sanding, staining etc.

(Fun Fact - Reclaimed oak can be reused up to 300 years. It continues to enhance it's patina over the course of those 3 centuries)

Canadian Maple: Now while our syrup is second to none - when it comes to the Maple tree Europe's forests possess Maple that had much more colouration and much less pattern than across the pond in Canada. Something to consider prior to starting your search.

Bamboo: Bamboo is actually a grass - it's contribution to the flooring world has been vastly recognized in recent years. It's durable, hard forming surface makes for a solid flooring option with a selection of colour options. Bamboo's natural re-growth at such a rapid rate also helps with this materials overall sustainability.

Engineered vs Solid: This is likely the most asked question when making a hardwood selection. Older generations are used to solid wood. Engineered is the way of the now. While solid is lovely it can run into issues here with our Canadian climates ranging from bitter cold to sweltering heat. Cupping and contracting can occur and your floor will warp and eventually not have a straight, flat flow to it anymore. Engineered flooring is built to withstand all of those concerns here in Canada - it's built to move and expand allowing the floor to do what it needs without damaging the overall look. Engineered products have a substrate attached to them and a wood veneer in virtually any material you can imagine - therefor refinishing them is not an option.

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