Glossary of Terms

Wood Species

Hardwoods are deciduous, the botanical group of trees that have broad leaves, produce a fruit or nut, and generally go dormant in the winter. There are hundreds of hardwood species in the United States. Together, all the hardwood species represent 40 percent of the trees in the United States. In contrast, softwoods, or conifers, from the Latin word meaning "cone-bearing," have needles. Widely available softwoods include cedar, fir, hemlock, pine, redwood and spruce.


Wood Species News

Latest News

How to Choose the Best Plank Floor
...o install, and provides extreme scratch and indent resistance when compared to solid or engineered wood flooring. It also offers a wide range of design options because it isn't limited to traditional wood species. Its hybrid visuals, exotic species, colors, and textures go above and beyond anything traditional wood flooring can offer. Where can I install solid hardwood, engineered...
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood
...e it is solid through and through, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times during a lifetime. And solid construction holds up well over time. Solid hardwood durability mostly comes down to the wood species and wear-resistance of its protective finish. Harder woods such as Hickory and Oak are more dent resistant, and those with more resilient finishes — like our Lifetime Finish powered by al...
Borders/Accents
...ffering a distinct aesthetic appeal. The most common types include: Inlay Borders: These are intricate designs embedded into the flooring, often featuring contrasting wood species or colors. Feature Strips: Simple yet elegant, these strips are a single line of wood that contrasts with the main flooring. Medallions:
Engineered Longstrip Flooring
...is essential for crafting spaces that are both elegant and enduring. Types of Engineered Longstrip Hardwood FlooringEngineered Longstrip Hardwood Flooring comes in a variety of wood species, finishes, and sizes, allowing for a multitude of design possibilities. Popular wood species include oak, maple, and hickory, each bringing a unique texture and color to the design palett...
Vinyl Bonded Wood Flooring
...d laminate, ideal for high-traffic areas. Versatility and AestheticsOne of the standout features of VBWF is its incredible versatility. It can replicate the look of various hardwood species, from the classic oak to the exotic teak, without the high cost and maintenance typically associated with real wood. This versatility extends to a range of finishes, textures, and colors,...
Prefinished Solid Parquet
... Recent Trends and InnovationsRecent trends in prefinished solid parquet flooring have seen a shift towards more creative and bold patterns. Designers are experimenting with mixing wood species and finishes within a single floor design, creating unique, bespoke looks. Another innovation is the use of advanced, eco-friendly finishes that offer enhanced durability without compromi...
Prefinished Engineered Parquet
...that the wood has been sanded, stained, and sealed at the factory, saving installation time and hassle. Types and VersatilityPrefinished engineered parquet comes in an array of wood species, stains, and finishes. Common wood species include oak, walnut, and maple, each offering unique grain patterns and color tones. The versatility of engineered parquet is notable. It can be...
Unfinished Engineered Parquet
... for their projects. Types and Species of Unfinished Engineered ParquetUnfinished Engineered Parquet is not just a single entity but a spectrum of choices. It comprises various wood species, each offering unique grain patterns, colors, and textures. Popular species include oak, maple, walnut, and exotic woods like teak and mahogany. These choices enable designers to create a...
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
...terior design is not just a trend but a necessity. Engineered Wood Flooring offers an eco-friendly option, utilizing less slow-growing, fine hardwood than solid wood flooring. The use of fast-growing wood species for the core layers reduces the environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for eco-conscious designers and clients. Enhancing Interior SpacesEngineered Wo...
Unfinished Solid Plank
.../h5>Unfinished solid plank flooring is exactly what its name suggests - solid wood planks that are installed without any pre-applied finishes. This type of flooring is available in a variety of wood species, each offering its distinct texture, color, and grain patterns. Popular choices include oak, walnut, maple, and cherry, each bringing a unique character to the floor. Versatil...
Unfinished Engineered Plank
...nts, selecting the ideal Unfinished Engineered Plank Flooring involves a careful consideration of the project’s aesthetic, functional needs, and the client’s lifestyle. It’s important to consider the wood species, plank size, and the eventual finish that will best complement the space. Additionally, understanding the traffic and usage of the area helps in choosing the right grade and thickness for...
Crests/Medallions
...harm lies in their ability to infuse classical beauty into modern interiors, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary design. Types and Species of WoodThe variety of wood species used in crests and medallions is vast, each bringing its unique grain, color, and texture. Popular choices include oak, walnut, maple, and cherry. Exotic woods like teak or mahogany are s...
Parquet Flooring
...p> Tips for Interior Design ProfessionalsWhen selecting Parquet Flooring, consider the following: Room Usage: High-traffic areas may require harder wood species. Lighting: The wood's color can dramatically change under different lighting. Room Size and Ceiling Height: Larger patterns suit sp...
Wide Plank Flooring
... option is coveted for its ability to imbue spaces with a sense of history and warmth. Types and Species: Variety at Your FeetWide Plank Flooring is available in a multitude of wood species, each offering unique color, grain, and texture. Some of the popular choices include: Oak: Known for its durability and distinctive grain patterns. ...
Hand Scraped Wood Floors
...sculpted by skilled artisans, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike, adding a unique and personal touch to any space. The types of hand scraped wood floors vary primarily based on the wood species and the intensity of the scraping. Popular species include oak, hickory, maple, and walnut, each offering its distinct grain patterns and color variations. The degree of scraping can rang...
Engineered Plank Flooring
...h various design themes, from rustic to contemporary. The wide range of finishes and textures available allows designers to create custom looks tailored to specific spaces. Its ability to mimic other wood species makes it a versatile choice for achieving high-end looks without the corresponding price tag. Selection Tips for ProfessionalsFor interior designers, decorators, an...
Hardwood Plank Flooring
...mprises multiple layers of wood veneer, hardwood planks are known for their homogenous composition, which contributes to their strength and longevity. The types of hardwood flooring vary based on the wood species, plank size, color, grain pattern, and finish. Common types include: Strip Flooring: Narrow, linear planks that create a uniform, elegant look. Plank Flooring: ...
Prefinished Engineered Plank
... a high-quality plywood base. This structure provides stability, reducing the wood's natural tendency to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. The top layer, made from various wood species, is prefinished at the factory, offering a ready-to-install, hassle-free flooring solution. The Spectrum of Types and SpeciesThe market is rich with a variety of wo...
Hardwood Strip Flooring
...arker woods are ideal for larger, well-lit areas. Usage and Traffic: In high-traffic areas, harder woods like oak or maple are preferable for their durability. Design Theme: The wood species and finish should complement the room's overall design theme. Client Preferences: Understanding the client's lifestyle and maintenance willingness is crucial in selecting the a...
Random Width Plank Flooring
...f the log available, leading to a mix of different widths. Modern RWPF captures this essence of unpredictability and natural beauty. Types and SpeciesRWPF comes in a variety of wood species, each offering its unique grain, color, and texture. Popular choices include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. Exotic species like teak and mahogany are also used for more distinctive looks...
Solid Plank Flooring
... thereby extending their lifespan. Types and Species: A Spectrum of ChoicesSolid plank flooring is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers a spectrum of choices in terms of wood species, each with unique characteristics. The most popular species include oak, known for its durability and grain patterns; maple, with its lighter tones and subtle grain; and walnut, prized fo...
Solid Hardwood Flooring
...g the right solid hardwood flooring involves considering the project's specific needs. Factors such as the room's function, traffic levels, existing décor, and lighting should influence the choice of wood species and finish. Additionally, understanding the client's lifestyle and maintenance preferences is crucial, as some woods are more prone to scratching and require more care than others. <...
Specialty Wood Flooring
..., and the myriad ways it elevates modern interior spaces. What is Specialty Wood Flooring?Specialty wood flooring is a premium segment of hardwood flooring that includes exotic wood species, hand-scraped textures, distressed finishes, and bespoke design patterns. It stands out for its unique grain patterns, color variations, and textural depth, making each installation a pie...