Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice for adding a beautiful, warm and natural touch to your home. They can also increase the resale value of your home. There are several different species and constructions to choose from. Our Design Centers offer a wide range of hardwood types from the more common red oak, maple and pecan, to more exotic varieties such Brazilian cherry and bamboo. Each type of hardwood has its own natural characteristics that enhance the beauty of the product, so natural variations in color, texture, grain, and appearance are to be expected and are not considered defects. When looking at hardwood samples you will see that some species are more predisposed to this than others. For example, the more pronounced grain of oak would never be mistaken for the more subtle grain of maple.

Generally speaking, there are two types of hardwood floor construction. Solid wood is milled from one piece of wood. Solid wood construction is generally used when installing over a wood subfloor where the hardwood will be nailed to the subfloor. Engineered wood consists of three or more layers in a cross-ply construction and is generally used in basements or over slab concrete. Engineered hardwood planks contain two to five layers or "plies" that vary in thickness, which in turn give these products dimensional stability. They can be screened several times and sanded up to two times to rejuvenate your floor's appearance and performance.

Another hardwood floor expectation is that moisture and temperature changes will cause the floor to expand and contract depending on the season. These changes can sometimes produce hairline cracks. Additionally, slight height variations in the wood are also considered normal.

When you choose hardwood for your new home, your FrameWorks design consultant will provide you with manufacturer's care and warranty information.

  << Back