Everything You Need to Know About Hardwood Flooring

Hardness

The Janka hardness test helps categorize different wood species. Wood hardness is an important element to consider based on the space in which the floor will be installed. The lower the rating on the Janka scale, the more prone the floor will be to scratching. A wood species with a low Janka rating will therefore not be recommended in a high-traffic area.

Grade

The grade of wood gives us information on the wood’s appearance before stain or varnish. The grade gives us information on its colour, presence of knots, or other visual characteristics the wood may have. Consequently, the higher the grade of wood (which gives a more consistent look), the more expensive it is.

Plank Widths

Choose planks of the same width or mix them up to go with your decor style. If you choose wider planks, make sure they are longer as well to give the room a balanced look.

Edge Types

• Square Edges. Uniform, seamless, and easy to maintain, square edges line up flush against one another.
• Bevelled Edges. With their distinctive V-shaped groove, bevelled edges lend the room a rustic aesthetic. They can also help hide subfloor irregularities.
• Micro-Bevelled Edges. A shallower and less noticeable V-groove makes micro-bevelled edges a more versatile option for a variety of room styles.

Colour and Grain

The colour and grain of hardwood vary according to the species, the most popular being oak, maple, and birch. Yellow birch has been steadily gaining in popularity due to its affordable price and distinctive colour variation.

Surface Textures

• Sanded and factory-finished, smooth-textured floorboards enjoy the greatest popularity. The smooth finish has an elegant appeal, especially in darker shades. However, it can also show scratches and dents more easily.
• Go for the charming antique look with a distressed texture.
• Homes with children, pets, or many occupants should choose a scraped finish that will more easily hide scratches and dents.
• Wire-Brushed. For a balance between a smooth and scraped finish, go with wire-brushed flooring.

Gloss Level

Gloss is a reflection of how shiny the hardwood floor is, meaning how much light or lustre it reflects at a 60° angle.

In ascending gloss, the 4 levels are:

• Matte (25% lustre): The low sheen of matte flooring hides wear and tear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
• Satin (40% lustre): The slight shimmer, but excellent durability, of a satin finish makes it the most popular home flooring option.
• Semi-Gloss (50% lustre): The beautiful shine of a semi-gloss floor offers a good compromise between the maintenance of a higher gloss and the practicality of a lower one.
• Glossy (70% lustre): The gorgeous lustre of a glossy finish will show wear easily but is also great for making a striking statement in low-traffic areas like the dining room.