Wood Flooring Cuts
The way a tree grows, how it is cut, dried, and manufactured all have a significant impact on the appearance and performance of a plank, even when sourced from the same species of tree. From obvious differences to subtle nuances, the experts at Wood Floor Refinishing Long Island NY LLC are trained and experienced with all types of flooring cuts and species. Below, we’ll touch on the characteristics of the various cuts and species that go into choosing the right flooring options for you.
Plain Sawn: It is the most common cut used for flooring and most hardwood lumber products, also referred to as flatsawn. These boards have end grain with growth rings of 0 – 35 degrees to the surface that produce “cathedral” grain pattern. The performance of plain sawn flooring typically has the greatest amount of lateral movement across the width of the board during seasonal changes. Depending on species, most ¾” solid hardwood plain sawn flooring move twice as much across the width compared to rift and quarter sawn.
Quarter Sawn: These boards have end grain with growth rings of 60 – 90 degrees to the surface where the medullary rays of the lumber are split during the cutting process causing a unique “fleck” pattern to emerge. This pattern is mostly pronounced in White Oak flooring creating a very unique look.
Rift Sawn: These boards have end grain with growth rings of 45 degrees to the surface, producing a very linear grain pattern. This lumber is produced from the outer wedge of the quarter sawing process as the sawyer works his way from the inside to the outside of the wedge.
Rift and quarter sawn flooring typically has the most dimensionally stability as most of the movement is through the thickness of the board. This cut is best solid choice for radiant heat flooring.
Live Sawn: Also known as “thru cut” lumber, contains all three cuts (plain sawn, rift and quarter sawn) and has end grain with growth rings of 0 – 90 degrees to the surface. This cut creates a distinctive stunning look as it contains cathedral, fleck and linear grain patterns in a single board. To get the most apparent look, boards should be at least 6” wide and at Peachey we provide widths up to 16”.
This cut combines the performance characteristics of all three cuts. It’s generally more stable during seasonal changes and shrinks less on average compared to plain sawn due to greater percentage of rift and quarter sawn material in the cut.
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Wood Flooring Species
Each species of wood has its own unique color, grain pattern, hardness, and other characteristics. Wood Floor Refinishing Long Island NY LLC works with all of the most popular choices:
Oak: Available in Red and White varieties, oak is prized for its durability and classic grain patterns. It takes stain very well and has been a longtime favorite in homes.
Red Oak has a warm, pinkish hue with a more pronounced grain pattern (than white oak). Its natural color ranges from light creamy reddish-pinks to shades of brown, adding a rich warmth to any room. The grain of Red Oak is open and slightly coarser than White Oak, which contributes to its traditional and inviting appearance.
White Oak tends to have a cooler tone, ranging from a pale yellow-brown to a medium brown, sometimes with a slightly grayish cast. Its color is generally more uniform than that of Red Oak. White Oak has a tighter, denser grain pattern compared to Red Oak, giving it a smoother appearance and making it slightly more versatile for a variety of decor styles, from rustic to contemporary. While Red is sufficiently durable for most residential applications, White Oak is more durable and offers slightly better resistance to dents and scratches. This makes White Oak a preferred choice for high traffic or commercial spaces.
Maple: Known for its light color and subtle grain pattern, maple is a hard species, making it resistant to dents and scratches.
Hickory: Distinguished by its contrasting light and dark patterns, hickory is extremely hard, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Walnut: Prized for its rich, dark tones and straight grain, walnut brings elegance to any setting.
Cherry: With its smooth grain and reddish-brown hue that deepens over time, cherry wood is a choice for those seeking a warm, luxurious look.
Bamboo: Technically a grass, bamboo flooring is eco-friendly, strong, and offers a modern aesthetic.
Pine: A softer wood, pine shows wear over time (like dents), but this can add to its rustic charm. Its knots and whirls give spaces a vintage feel.
Teak: Known for its golden color and durability, teak is often used in luxury settings and is resistant to moisture.
Exotics: Woods like Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, and Mahogany are sought after for their unique colors and grain patterns.
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Why Choose Us
Expertise and Experience: With a team of experienced hardwood flooring specialists, we have the expertise to handle any installation challenge. Our installers are trained to work with different types of hardwood, ensuring outstanding results every time.
Premium Materials: We source only the finest hardwood materials from trusted suppliers. Whether you’re seeking the classic elegance of oak or the unique character of walnut, our range of hardwood species offers endless possibilities.
Attention to Detail: From initial consultation to final inspection, we approach every step with meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to precision ensures that your hardwood floors are not only beautiful but also durable.
Timely and Professional Service: We value your time and aim to complete installations efficiently without compromising quality. Our team arrives punctually, adheres to the agreed-upon timeline, and maintains open communication throughout the project.
Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. We are dedicated to ensuring that you’re thrilled with your new hardwood floors. If any concerns arise, we’re here to address them promptly.
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Over 2o Years of 5 Star Service
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our floors look amazing!! We had natural wood floors under carpeting everywhere expect the kitchen in our new home. The flooring was matched perfectly in the kitchen and no one can tell where the old floors stop or the new floors begin 🙂
– Cassandra R.
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