Hardwood Terms
What is Above-Grade Flooring?
Above grade flooring means above ground level, leaving at least 18 inches of
well-ventilated space.
What is Below-Grade Flooring?
Below grade flooring is below ground level, i.e. a basement.
What is meant by Dimensional Stability?
The ability of flooring to keep its original dimensions throughout its life
span is termed as its dimensional stability. This ability enables the flooring
material to resist changes caused by environmental factors (e.g. moisture or
temperature). High dimensional stability means the floor does not significantly
warp, shrink or expand due to environmental changes.
What is meant by flooring finish?
The urethane or wax coating used on flooring is called the finish. Finish for
flooring is meant to give the flooring a certain aesthetic appearance, but also
serves as a protective layer against moisture.
What is distressed flooring?
Distressed flooring has an artificial texture created by scratching, scraping,
or gouging the flooring surface to give it an antique look. Distressing is a
technique for aging new furniture and enhancing its rustic appeal. Also known
as handscraped hardwood floors, these hand-worked floors add seasoned character
to an interior. Distressed finishes can easily hide finger marks and scratches
and prove to be an excellent choice for high traffic areas. The effect can also
be gained by wire brushing the surface of the hardwood, this being an
increasingly popular means of creating distressed flooring.
What is meant by Tongue and Groove?
This refers to the flooring board cuts of which one side (the tongue) slides
into the opposite side of another board (the groove). It allows easy
interlocking of the boards when it comes time to permanently fasten them to the
subfloor. Also referred as T&G in the flooring terms.
What is meant by Impact Resistance of the flooring?
The ability of a flooring material to resist fracture or damage from a falling
object is termed as its impact resistance.
What is meant by Stain Resistance of the flooring?
The degree to which a material resists permanent discoloration from exposure to
household items, most notably liquids, is termed as stain resistance.