American Floor Contractors, LLC
73 Mix Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516
203-932-2323
Contractors ~ property management~ Residential
WAREHOUSE PRICES - HUGE INVENTORY - SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Hardwood
True Hardwood is flooring that is 100% wood throughout (as opposed to laminate, which is a combination of fiberboard and a visual). It is available as engineered or solid.
Once you select the construction type right for you, you need to think about color, wood type, finish and installation. It can be overwhelming, but our guides at right are designed to ease your decisions.
Construction Use Features & Benefits
Solid Hardwood On Grade Pre-Finish & Site Finish Available
Above Grade Very Durable
Almost Any Room Variety of Wood Species
Over Wood Subfloor Can be Refinished
Traditional to Modern Looks
Easy to Maintain
Engineered Hardwood On Grade Usually Less Money than Solid
Above Grade Moisture & Humidity Resistant
Below Grade Durable
Over Wood Can Often be Refinished
Over Concrete Glue Down Installation Styles
Over Existing Floor Floating Installation Styles
Easy to Maintain
Large Variety
Versatile & Stable
Prefinished Can be Walked on Immediately
No Worries about Vapors
No Worries about Dust Adhereing to Floor
Quicker Installation/Completion
Durable Finish
Great Warranties
Lower Project Costs
On Site Finish Greater Choice of Finishes
No Beveled Edges
Can be Finished to Mirror Like Surface
More Design Flexibility - Herringbone,
Inlay, Borders, etc
Greater Choice in color & finish
A Note About Color
The color of your floor will be the result of the natural color and graining of the type of wood you select, the stain it is finished in, and the lighting in which it will be installed. It is important to see samples of what you are considering, and view them in the light of your own home.
Species Janka Hardness Characteristics
Rating
Brazillian Cherry 2350 - Very Hard Golden Lustre, Texture from Medium to Coarse, Rich Color Throughout Helps to Hide
Wear, Exotic
Hickory 1820 - Very Hard Highly Resistant & Dense, Usually Straight but
Sometimes Wavy Grain, Often Features Character
Enhancing Knots.
Mahogany 800-2200 Range of Hardness depending on Variety. Exotic
Hard Maple 1450 Classic & Timeless, Features a close grain that results
in an even finish
White Oak 1360 Fine Graining & Warm Tones, Very Popular in
American Homes because of its combination of
Beauty & Durabilty.
Red Oak 1290 Even Grain & Growth Rings give this Wood Lots of Character. This Classic Style helps Hide Wear and the Rich & Deep Colors add Warmth
Walnut 1010-3680 Range of Hardness depending on Variety, with
Brazillian Walnut a very hard 3680 and American
Walnut a moderate 1010.
American Cherry 950 Close grain & Even Texture, results in lovely
Natural Highlights
Flooring Grades Characteristics
Select - also referred as First Grade Considered the best grade, for flooring, because there is little color variation, and few to none knots & pinholes.
Select or Better A little below Select Grade, but still very uniform in appearance.
Country More variation of color, and more likelyhood of pinholes
and knots.
Traditional or Antique Darker and lighter baords, more character and visible knots and pinholes.
Cabin or Rustic Much character and less uniformity.
A Note About Grades
There is no standardized grading system, different manufacturers may use different terminology and criteria. However, it is important to remember that grading is usually a better indication of look than quality. Depending on your taste, and where your floor is going to be installed, a lower grade might be prefereable. A good example of this is if you want a more rustic or country feel - then you might prefer more variation in the boards.