Hardwood Key Terms

Knock on wood with these hardwood key words

When diving into the world of hardwood floors, it can be overwhelming. Do you want to learn about plank flooring? Should you focus more on parquet? Before you determine what area you prefer, it's best to do some research. You should know the differences among all types of hardwood floors as well as the pros and cons of each. You should also know some common terms, such as moisture content, when dealing with any type of wood flooring. Investigate some of these key terms further before taking on the hardwood floor business, whether it's selling or installing.

 

Strip

Strip flooring is used to make a room look larger because it is installed in parallel rows. Solid or laminate boards can be used to achieve this look. The strips are side-matched or end-matched with tongue-and-groove marks to align the pieces together.
Try: Visit the Kitchen and Flooring Emporium to learn more about strip flooring and the most common types of wood used for it. Scroll down the page to find the term.

Plank

Similar to strip flooring, plank flooring is also installed in parallel rows, but the pieces are wider. Pine is one of the most common types of wood used for plank flooring.
Try: Visit HowStuffWorks to see pictures of what plank flooring looks like and learn more about its characteristics.

Parquet

Parquet flooring creates a geometric design once placed on the floor. These pieces are not necessarily square nor are the pieces the same size. Additionally, the pieces are either secured by mechanical fastening or an adhesive.
Try: Learn about the most common size of solid wood parquet flooring, as well as common patterns, at Wood Floor Doctor.com.

Decay

Decay is when the wood begins to decompose due to fungi. The two types of decay are advanced and incipient. Incipient decay is decay in the early stages. Advanced decay occurs over a long period of time.
Try: Learn more about the characteristics seen in advanced and incipient decay at Wood Floors Online.

Filler

Filler, or more specifically wood filler, is a basic commercial wood putty, which you use for cracks, worm holes or knot holes. The wood filler might also be used with sawdust from the final sanding, in order to blend in better with the floor's coloring.
Try: Learn more about when and how to apply the wood filler at Highway Flooring by scrolling down to the term in the glossary.

Moisture content

Moisture content is represented by a percentage of the weight of oven-dried wood. Different organizations and associations have their own moisture content limits and restrictions. Additionally, depending upon where the wood was cut, stored and even shipped from, the moisture content could vary. It's vital to know the wood's moisture content, as this can determine if the wood will shrink or expand once installed.
Try: Learn more about moisture content in hardwood floors, as well as how to test for it, at Hardwood Installer.Com.

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