How To Identify Wood Floor Type [Find Out]
Are you remodeling your home and considering a new wood floor
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is what type of wood to use.
Different types of wood have different characteristics, such as color, grain, and hardness.
Knowing will help you make the best decision for your home.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of wood flooring and how to identify them.
We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right wood floor for your needs.
So How To Identify Wood Floor Type?
How to Identify Wood Floor Type
To identify the type of wood in your floor, you can:
Look for knots, grain patterns, and other distinctive features.
Scratch the surface with your fingernail. Hardwoods will have a smooth surface that does not indent, while softwoods will indent easily.
Test the weight of the board. Hardwoods are denser and heavier than softwoods.
Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Hardwoods typically have a lower moisture content than softwoods.
Once you have identified the type of wood in your floor, you can learn more about its properties and how to care for it.
How to Identify Wood Floor Type
Visual Inspection
The most obvious way to identify a wood floor type is by visually inspecting it. Look for the following characteristics:
Grain pattern:
The grain pattern of a wood floor can be straight, wavy, or interlocked.
Color:
The color of a wood floor can vary depending on the species of wood and the finish applied.
Texture:
The texture of a wood floor can be smooth, rough, or even slightly embossed.
Odor:
Some wood floors have a distinct odor, such as cedar or pine.
If you are not familiar with the different types of wood, you can compare your floor to pictures of different wood species online or in books. You can also take a sample of your floor to a lumberyard or home improvement store and have them identify it for you.
Physical Inspection
In addition to visual inspection, you can also identify a wood floor type by physically inspecting it. Here are a few things to look for:
Hardness:
Hardwood floors are typically harder than softwood floors. You can test the hardness of your floor by tapping it with a coin or a key. If the floor makes a high-pitched sound, it is likely a hardwood floor. If the floor makes a dull thud, it is likely a softwood floor.
Density:
Dense wood floors are heavier than less dense wood floors. You can test the density of your floor by picking up a small piece and feeling its weight. If the piece feels heavy, it is likely a dense wood floor. If the piece feels light, it is likely a less dense wood floor.
Shrinkage:
Wood floors will shrink and expand over time, depending on the climate. You can check for shrinkage by looking for gaps between the planks of your floor. If the gaps are wide, it is likely that your floor has shrunk. If the gaps are narrow, it is likely that your floor has expanded.
Chemical Testing
If you are still not sure how to identify your wood floor type, you can have it chemically tested. This type of testing involves taking a sample of your floor and sending it to a laboratory. The laboratory will then analyze the sample and identify the type of wood it is made from.
Chemical testing is the most accurate way to identify a wood floor type, but it is also the most expensive. If you are not sure whether or not you need to have your floor chemically tested, you can consult with a flooring professional.
Conclusion
Identifying a wood floor type can be done by visually inspecting it, physically inspecting it, or chemically testing it. The most accurate way to identify a wood floor type is by chemically testing it, but this is also the most expensive. If you are not sure whether or not you need to have your floor chemically tested, you can consult with a flooring professional.
Also Read This: How To Identify Wood Types In Antique Furniture
FAQs: How to Identify Wood Floor Type
What are the different types of wood flooring?
There are many different types of wood flooring, each with its own unique look and feel. Some of the most popular types include:
Hardwood floors: Hardwood floors are made from solid pieces of wood, and they are typically the most durable and long-lasting type of flooring. Hardwood floors are available in a wide variety of species, colors, and finishes.
Engineered wood floors: Engineered wood floors are made from a combination of solid wood and engineered materials, and they are typically less expensive than solid hardwood floors. Engineered wood floors are also more durable than laminate flooring, but they are not as durable as solid hardwood floors.
Laminate flooring: Laminate flooring is made from a thin layer of wood veneer that is bonded to a core of high-pressure laminate. Laminate flooring is the most affordable type of wood flooring, and it is also the most durable.
How can I tell what type of wood my floor is made of?
There are a few ways to tell what type of wood your floor is made of.
Look at the grain pattern: Each type of wood has a unique grain pattern, so you can often identify the type of wood by looking at the grain.
Feel the texture of the wood: Different types of wood have different textures, so you can often identify the type of wood by feeling the texture.
Sniff the wood: Some types of wood have a distinctive scent, so you can often identify the type of wood by sniffing it.
Check the manufacturer’s label: If your floor is new, the manufacturer’s label will usually indicate the type of wood that was used.
How do I care for my wood floor?
The best way to care for your wood floor is to:
Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly: This will remove dirt and dust that can scratch the surface of your floor.
Mop your floor with a mild detergent and water: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of your floor.
Wipe up spills immediately: This will prevent stains from setting in.
Use a floor conditioner to protect the finish of your floor: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the conditioner.
How can I repair a damaged wood floor?
Small scratches and dents can be repaired with a wood filler. Larger scratches and dents may require a professional repair. If your floor is badly damaged, you may need to replace it entirely.
How can I update my wood floor?
There are a few ways to update your wood floor.
Refinish your floor: This will give your floor a new look and feel.
Change the color of your floor: You can do this by staining or painting your floor.
Add a new floor covering: You can install a new carpet, tile, or laminate floor over your existing wood floor.