Underfoot - Flooring Choices for Your New Home or Renovation

10 design tips to help make your flooring choices easier

"Should I use tiles or wood flooring for my main living area floor?"

I wish I was given a dollar for every time that I have been asked this question. The answer is not a simple yes or no. If you are struggling with this and other questions and want to make an informed choice and not a costly mistake then read on.

Flooring tips

Investment property or private home? - if the property is an investment property then the flooring chosen should be easy to maintain, have longevity and be practical for the space. In this case I would probably choose tiles as they are easy to maintain, have longevity and are very practical.

Ceramic/porcelain tiles?- there is a wide array of tiles on the market at the moment. You can choose porcelain, ceramic, polished porcelain with either a rectified edge or a nonrectified edge. It does not matter if you choose ceramic or porcelain providing that it is rated strong enough for the main traffic areas. The majority of floor tiles have a high enough rating for internal domestic use. A rectified edge just means that the grout line between the tiles only needs to be 1mm in width; a nonrectified edge tile means that the grout line between the tiles is larger at 3-5mm in width. Just be aware that it is generally more expensive to lay a tile with a rectified edge.

Polished Porcelain tiles - polished porcelain tiles have a very glossy look and may require sealing although some companies are now producing some of these tiles with a built in sealant. I would not recommend these tiles for an investment property unless it is explicitly for an expensive, luxurious home or apartment. You may be disappointed that you cannot use wood but if you want the look without the maintenance issues, why not choose wood look tiles.

Wood flooring- for the wood lovers among us just be aware that this flooring choice may be in conflict with the trend to building environmentally friendly homes. Bamboo is a fantastic wood choice that does not impact on existing forests and is a quick growing resource that is extremely hard wearing and available in many different colours and environmentally friendly. If you still wish to be environmentally conscious then why not consider recycled wood boards.

Finishes for wood flooring- there are many types of finishes for wood flooring. As a general rule the higher the gloss the more the scratches will show. A satin finish is the least likely to show scratches. There are also many environmentally friendly finishes available through a variety of stores along with the environmentally friendly cleaners. Taking the time to compare them is well worth the effort for your investment. If you have dogs you may also want to think about this choice carefully.

Wood laminates- a wood laminate gives a wood look without the same cost as solid wood flooring. Wood laminates are basically achieved by layering and compressing many sheets of paper with a polymer to produce a wood look. Wood laminates look good but the laying process can produce a floor that produces a noisy clicking sound when walked on in shoes.

Polished concrete- if you don't like any of these choices so far and you are building then why not consider polished concrete. If you do decide to go down this trail just be aware that the builder needs to know that you want polished concrete at the very early stages of the project. Polished concrete is a very practical floor covering which comes with many different colour choices. Just be aware that it can give a very industrial look unless softened with rugs and other natural elements such as wood.

Carpet- when thinking about this choice it is very important that the occupants of the home are taken into consideration. If you have asthma sufferers in the home studies have shown that it is better to consider smooth floor finishes such as concrete, tiles and wood rather than something that harbours dust mite. If you do not have to deal with these issues then carpet can provide a luxurious feeling while creating warmth underfoot. Carpets also provide sound absorbency and are best used in a theatre room situation.

Carpet types- carpet suppliers are generally producing carpets that are 100% wool, 80-20% mix of wool and synthetic or 100%synthetic carpets. With the advancement in technology there are some fantastic synthetic carpets available that are solution dyed and stain repellent.

Types of carpet pile- carpets come in a twist pile, loop, cut pile and many others. A cut pile gives a very luxurious look but just be aware that some cut loops can show "tracking" so road test the carpet sample before purchasing so that you are not continually vacuuming out footprints. Wherever possible use the best underlay that you can afford as this helps with the overall feel of the carpet when it is laid and its longevity.

In my article "Match or Mismatch - Creating a flow in your home", I suggest when you are renovating or building you should choose the largest area of the home first. In the majority of cases this is your living area floors. This should be the very first decision you make even before the kitchen and bathroom as it affects so many of your colour choices. A new home or renovation is a large investment for many people so make sure you do your homework and that you are well informed about the myriad of flooring choices that you can make. If possible have a large prefinished sample of your flooring when you make other colour and material choices. When completing a jigsaw puzzle, it is always best to have the biggest piece of the puzzle in place first.

What Can I Expect From Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring - also referred to as 'real wood flooring' or 'solid wood flooring' - is typically composed entirely of solid boards of hardwood, such as oak or pine. Unlike laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring that consist of a composition of different materials, hardwood is unique in that is the simplest most natural form of wood flooring on the market. The benefits of using this kind of floor solution in your home or business are numerous, and as experienced DIY enthusiasts and renovators will tell you, there are a number of things you can come to expect as a consumer with any high quality hardwood floor.

Firstly, there is the issue of value for money. Many consumers looking to replace the floor in their home or renovation property are cautious of using hardwood flooring predominantly because of the cost. Whilst in general, it is more expensive than most types of laminate flooring, the product itself is actually incredibly good value for money for a number of reasons. First of all, thanks to it being a natural material - like natural stone flooring - it improves with age and develops more and more character as its life progressives. This not only adds to its beauty, but also makes it a very desirable and popular flooring solution, and as an estate agent will tell you, a feature that adds value to any property. In addition to this, hardwood flooring is also very robust and hardwearing, so you can expect it to last for about as long as your house does!

Another unique benefit of hardwood flooring that is not shared amongst other wood flooring solutions is that it can be sanded down many times either by hand or with a professional sander. This is thanks to it being a natural, solid material with no composite layers (unlike engineered wood and laminate flooring). This again not only increases the product's value for money, but also adds to its potential life span. You may wish to sand down your floor for either cosmetic reasons or to perform useful maintenance in the event of surface damage such as scratches etc. Sanding down just 2-3mm will remove the top layer finish that gives the floor its aesthetic quality and feel. This is of tremendous benefit since you can quite easily and simply change the finish by applying a different stain, varnish or wax - and voilà! You have a brand new floor.

One extra very welcome benefit that you can expect from hardwood flooring is a very robust and stable floor. While it may sound obvious, some kinds of flooring including wood flooring can be more prone to warping, buckling and much worse depending on the material used and care with which it is maintained. Hardwood flooring is a very low-maintenance, endurable solution that can actually withstand more mistreatment than many other types of wood flooring, since there is less that can change with the material due to its solid nature. It is worth mentioning that hardwood flooring should not be used in areas where it is certain to be exposed to significant amounts of water or temperature changes, as this will undoubtedly push the flooring to its limits and possibly beyond.

To conclude - hardwood flooring is an exceptionally good choice of not only wood flooring, but also flooring in general. It is great value for money and low-maintenance, as well as being a hard-wearing product. A good quality hardwood floor will be something you can enjoy and watch develop for many years to come.

What Kind of Wood Flooring Is Best?

Modern technology has created new and exciting wood flooring options. Today's flooring stores have a bewildering range of choices. So many choices at so many different price ranges that choosing your new floor may seem unnecessarily difficult.

While there may seem to be many choices, there are really only three main kinds of wood flooring.

Laminate: This type of wood flooring is a completely synthetic product. It's inner core is usually made from melamine resin and fiberboard. On top there is a kind of photographic overlay that simulates the appearance of real wood.

The thickness and durability of the top coat helps determine the quality of the laminate. There are some very poor, very cheap laminates that don't wear well and fail within a couple of years. There are some commercial grade laminates which are very durable, hard to scratch or gouge and last many years of rough wear.

Some of the tougher laminates are harder than wood and less prone to scratching, great if you have big dogs whose nails will often scratch natural wood floors.

This is generally the most affordable type of wood flooring. It's cost of installation is low and it's well suited for many types of subfloors.

Engineered Wood Flooring

An excellent mid-range choice if you're looking for the appearance of real wood while maintaining the flexibility and ease of installation of laminate. Engineered wood flooring is a hybrid product. A top layer of real wood is bonded and glued onto layers of plywood. This flooring is more forgiving to install than a real hardwood floor and more resistant to moisture. The cost is more than laminate, but much less than solid wood floors.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood floors are the most expensive and most luxurious product on the market. They also have the highest cost of installation and can only be installed over certain kinds of floors. Before choosing hardwood floors get some advice from a local contractor on whether they are a good choice for your property and/or area. Problems with moisture or uneven flooring may make it an impractical choice for your property.

When properly installed solid hardwood floors are beautiful and will truly last a lifetime. When their original finish wears off they can be restained and refinished.

Making the final decision

Before investing in your floors, ask yourself some important questions. How long will I be staying in this property? What will give me my best ROI, return on investment? Are there any moisture issues? Will my dogs scratch a real wood floor.

Add Strength and Beauty to Your Home With Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring offers the best in beauty and strength by using a combination of the best wood available and modern technology. Traditional solid wood flooring is typically created by using varying lengths of boards to ensure durability, while engineered wood can be installed using the same-size boards for a more unified look throughout the home. There are several benefits to choosing modern wood flooring, including strength and beauty.

What Is Engineered Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is real wood laid over plywood. Each piece of flooring is designed for ideal strength by lying the plywood in a way that maximizes the overall durability of the real wood used in the piece. All the traditional options are available in an engineered wood option, including hickory and oak, as well as more modern, eco-friendly options such as bamboo. When re-flooring your home, you can use this option to replace traditional hardwood to ensure a long-lasting alternative that looks just as beautiful as the traditional choices.

The Benefits

Engineered wood flooring comes in several different thicknesses, and can be laid in different ways. For instance, thinner wood floors will need to be laid using nails or other fasteners, while flooring that is over one-half an inch thick is installed as a floating floor, which means it needs no glue or fasteners. Like other types of flooring, engineered wood does have some basic maintenance that needs to be completed. Regular buffing and waxing can help your wood floors shine for an extended time, for example.

You may want to note that engineered floors can only be sanded and re-finished a few times, especially when opting for boards with a top layer that is thinner than one-half an inch. For busy families with children and pets, opting for thicker boards is always a good choice since the wood will be longer lasting and can be re-finished more times than thinner choices. A hardy wood is also a good solution when you have a busy household. Oak, bamboo and hickory are all very resilient and can last a long time even when there is a lot of indoor traffic in your home.

Installing Your Floor

When deciding whether to install engineered wood flooring, you will also want to consider the installation itself and where you want hardwood floors placed in the home. Generally, hardwood is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and other areas where there is little moisture. Every kind of hardwood will warp if exposed to excessive moisture, including both traditional hardwood and engineered flooring. With a little planning, you can have a beautiful hardwood floor that lasts for the life of your home.

How "Green" Is Bamboo Flooring Anyway?

In recent years there has been a huge emphasis on environmentally friendly public policy. In the construction industry this trend is manifested in many areas not the least of which is the huge increase in the use of bamboo flooring products. Within the construction industry there are programs in place which reward builders with credits towards their "green builders" certificate for incorporating bamboo products in their building projects. Bamboo flooring has been heralded as a prime green building material by the U.S. Green Building Council. Bamboo flooring has also become the darling of interior designers and architects eager to put the environmentally conscious "green" stamp on their work. The average homeowner looking for replacement flooring is just as willing to do their part for the environment while at the same time bringing that "nouveau chic" look to their home. After all, what could be cooler than a Prius in their garage and bamboo on their floor?

One doesn't have to dig very deep to see that bamboo flooring has been vigorously embraced by the green movement without any serious attempts to determine its net environmental impact after consideration of all contributing factors. And what are the factors which determine the total environmental impact of a flooring material anyway?

Is it durable?

Can it be refinished?

is it recyclable?

is it toxic?

Before delving into the individual factors which should be considered in the process of determining the net environmental benefits let's first look at what caused bamboo flooring to explode on the scene in the first place. Bamboo is typically considered as a replacement for traditional wood flooring products. Hard wood flooring products such as Oak, Maple, or the more exotic and expensive woods require a very long growth cycle and the harvesting process, if not managed responsibly, can be devastating to the local environment. By now we have all seen the images of clear-cut de-forestation in various rainforests such as Brazil or the Philippines to produce Teak or Mahogany as if there was no tomorrow. Although this is the worst case representation of the problems associated with hardwood forestry the problem of the time necessary to replace hardwood trees requires considerable management. Fortunately these issues have become a much higher priority to hardwood producers throughout the world and more responsible methods and practices such as selective thinning and carefully managed harvesting cycles are now employed and clear-cut de-forestation has been all but eliminated. To a lesser degree the same problem exists with regard to soft wood flooring products such as Pine and Fir. The time necessary for softwood trees to reach maturity, although less than hardwood, is still a major consideration. This is the major advantage of Bamboo! Bamboo is not a tree. It is a grass, and being a grass it takes much less time to grow to maturity. Bamboo reaches full maturity and maximum hardness in 5-7 years as opposed to various hardwoods which require 15-25 years depending on the species.

The most important factor overall when considering a flooring material is durability. After all, if you are replacing your flooring prematurely because your flooring wore out you're not helping the environment no matter what material you choose. Perhaps you have heard the claim that bamboo flooring is as hard as some of the hardest of hardwoods. In one respect this is true but in actual application bamboo flooring is much more vulnerable to wear. Stranded/woven bamboo has a Janka hardness test rating of 3000. When compared to other common flooring choices such as White Oak which has a Janka hardness test rating of 1360 it appears that bamboo is an obvious choice and would wear much better than oak for example. The Janka hardness test may not be the best determiner of real world flooring wear however. The test is performed by measuring the amount of force required to push a steel ball slightly larger than 3/8" halfway into the material being tested. While the fibrous structure of bamboo is a perfect match for resisting a round ball it is more vulnerable to more common types of flooring wear such as high heels, children's toys or objects with any sharpness. In these instances the bamboo fibers tend to separate making the surrounding area very susceptible to further wear. Under these circumstances woods with their more uniform structure perform better in spite of their lower Janka rating.

Even if you assume bamboo is as durable as hardwood flooring products, the fact that you cannot re-finish bamboo flooring is perhaps its biggest drawback. Most flooring materials are susceptible to normal wear and tear. One of the principle advantages of hardwood plank is the ability to be sanded and re-finished. Unfortunately bamboo does share this advantage. Bamboo blank is made if several strips of bamboo laminated together as bamboo is not bulky enough to obtain individual planks. The glue used in the manufacturing process contains formaldahide which releases noxious fumes in the sanding process. If you can get past the dangerous fumes from the sanding process, once sanded, the fibers in the bamboo tend to separate and individual fibers stick up out of the base material no matter how fine a grit you use.

The fact that bamboo cannot be readily re-finished also means that it is not re-cycleable. Again one of the advantages of hardwood is that it can be re-used. There is a huge segment of the flooring industry which employs recycled wood flooring exclusively. In fact many people are employing recycled wood flooring in their building projects for a number of reasons. Many designers value the patina of aged woods which over many years of wear take on a character not achievable with a new wood or hand distressed floor. Others choose recycled wood flooring because it is truly environmentally conscious. In many cases the wood being recycled is over 100 years old. There are no present day trees being harvested to provide this material and there is the added benefit of using materials which would otherwise wind up in land fill. Not only is flooring wood being recycled for flooring but old barn siding and other recycled wood are finding their way to floors these days.

So what are the net ecological advantages of bamboo flooring. To assume that bamboo flooring is eco-friendly simply because it is a rapidly renewable resource overlooks many important factors.

Although bamboo fully matures and hardens within 7 years, most bamboo companies add chemical fertilizers and pesticides to hasten the growth cycle, which can harm the environment, harvesting bamboo in as little as 3 months, long before it reaches optimal hardness.

Unlike with wood flooring many toxic chemicals are employed in the manufacture of bamboo flooring. These chemicals can be harmful both to the environment, and in your own home. In addition, as the bamboo flooring industry is based in China and south-east Asia, the final product must be shipped to markets halfway across the world which consumes a lot of fuel and extra carbon emissions.

And most importantly, as bamboo flooring is highly vulnerable to scratches and dents and virtually impossible to sand and re-finish its lifespan is unimpressive. Your bamboo flooring will more than likely require replacement prior to other flooring materials and those toxic chemicals will end up in landfills. In the end, bamboo is indeed a rapidly renewable resource, but poor management and manufacturing practices and a low-quality product coupled with the recently increased responsible harvesting practices in the hardwood industry outweigh this advantage.

Types Of Flooring

The two major types of hardwood floors are discussed below, which will give you some information related to these flooring types.

Solid hardwood flooring:Solid hardwood floor is available in different styles and dimensions; each plank is made from single piece of timber and is made up of solid wood. Initially a floor of solid wood was used to form the base of any structure. Solid wooden pieces were installed perpendicular to the support beams, which were also made of wood. Modern construction methods have changed and reinforced beams of steel are being used instead of wooden beams. Today solid hardwood floor is being used for its attractive appearance mostly.

Different features of solid wood pose some drawbacks and limitations for flooring. Contraction and expansion of wood, from temperature and moisture fluctuations, places several dimensional restrictions on the solid hardwood floor. Wooden boards, being manufactured today are of different dimensions, which can vary from one manufacturer to another. Still there are no specific standards for the size of the wooden boards, which are being manufactured. There is only one instruction, which tells not to install wooden boards, directly over any surface which is made up of concrete.

Engineered wooden flooring:In an engineered floor wooden boards are laid in the form of planks to make a floor. The upper most plank known as lamella provides stability to the end is attached with the substrate.

There are few differences amongst these flooring types.Veneer floor is made up of thin layer of wood and the remaining material is composed of different products of wood, vinyl floor is basically a plastic floor which is produced to look alike wood and laminated floor basically exhibits texture of wood on the surface.

Today throughout the world engineered wooden floor is regarded as the most popular flooring type. There is a huge market of solid wood in North America and the engineered wooden floors are also gaining recognition.

Acrylic infused wooden flooring is another type of engineered wood. Wood veneer is infused with a liquid acrylic and hardened later, through a special process. This wood type is used in different wooden floors, to give a unique look to the floor.

To make wooden floors some techniques and types of wooden floors have been discussed above. To beautify the interior of your home or any other building, it is suitable to pick from any of the wooden flooring options.

Are Recycled Wood Flooring Options All Antique?

As you start researching various wood flooring products, you will find there are so many options available to you. Antique wood flooring is one of the most used flooring options on the "Interior Design" side of the wood industry. The character markings, historical design gives you a remarkable, unmatchable design that blends effortlessly into rustic, or old-country designed interiors. What makes wood flooring antique? It is a wood that is over 100 years old. So, not all wood that is salvaged for future use can be labeled Antique. Antique wood used in furniture, and flooring has a defining quality that makes it worth preserving.

In order to do so, the piece often requires restoration before it becomes fit for use or display. The wood's history brings out an alluring look thanks to the presence of leftover nail markings,as well as aged knots and streaks.Salvaged lumber and reclaimed wood to a large degree result from original stands of old growth forest. Reclaimed vintage material has long been searched for, for its architectural quality and character, making it perfect for applications in timber frames, exposed trusses, open beam ceilings, exposed headers, trellis work, rustic mantels, reclaimed wood flooring, millwork, and rustic furniture. Old reclaimed lumber is prized by builders for its low moisture content which leads to stability in exposed applications. This reduces the tendency for the wood to shrink and pull apart so common with exposed applications using green lumber. Additionally, most old growth beams and timbers are extremely dense with a high ring count, and will grade with high structural values.

Recycled wood is very popular with those of us concerned with the environmental and sustainability issues surrounding logging of the remaining stands of old growth forests. There are newly cut post-industrial recycled wood flooring and lumber products that help reduce the pressure to harvest these old growth trees. Antique wood flooring is typically very durable due to its tight grain. Creating wood floors from old lumber, or using the scraps from current manufacturing diverts the valuable wood from landfills, and reduces the need for fabricating new wood flooring products. Choice of wood species and availability may be limited in the future, since the source of antique and reclaimed lumber is dwindling by the day. However, increase in interest and formation of many new companies specializing in recycling old wood, assures a secure supply for the near future. Suppliers are available nationwide.

Antiques are prized collectibles, and admired by others for years to come. Why not get yourself a small piece of history that leaves a wonderful impression on all that enter, giving you a warm and cozy feeling of home. Or, if you're in the mood for a modern or contemporary renovation, you could always use new recycled hardwood flooring options. Regardless of your choice, antique and all recycled hardwoods should be on the top of your list for remodeling materials.

Wooden Flooring - Advantages of Wood Floors in the Home

Wooden floor coverings are a beautiful and sophisticated option when looking to redecorate or remodel your house. Exploring all options of desirable wood floors will demonstrate they are an incredible financial investment, adding splendour and attractiveness to any property.

Alongside the natural beauty hardwood flooring provides a large variety of benefits for homeowners which include durability, affordability, ease of routine maintenance and variety in addition to being an environmentally friendly choice.

Oozing elegance, wood flooring fits effortlessly into any kind of decor or setting. You are able to accentuate any room; traditional or contemporary. It possesses a timeless benefit of quality; with simple maintenance it is easy to appreciate wooden flooring can retain its style and appeal for many years.

Whenever contemplating whether wooden flooring is worth investing in, consider changes in engineering which have improved the longevity and high quality components of hardwood floors. This floor covering choice is available today for all areas inside a home, including bath rooms, kitchens and also laundry areas. The correct choice will help you have confidence in the long life of your preferred option.

It is strongly believed that hardwood flooring can easily raise the price of your home together with increased interest of potential buyers for anyone who is fitting solid wood floor surfaces to resell their house. They are cost-effective and maintain their value.

Wooden flooring will also maintain their elegance with simple care. Grain patterns enhance and colours deepen over the years, increasing the original exquisiteness. Coatings offered throughout wood selections today means regular maintenance requires nothing much more than vacuuming or sweeping.

Regular cleaning products may leave deposits behind, developing a dull as well as a lifeless feel because they are not specialist enough to cope with individual forms of hard wood floors. Speak with an expert when unsure how to cope with any element of wood floor cleaning.

Skilled wood flooring sanding experts give a high-level and personalized service. Whenever sanding procedures are needed they will supply guidance on the most appropriate course of action and their efficient service will allow rapid turn-around using sophisticated machinery and products. With magnificent results; the wooden floors will be left looking new, clean and durable for a long time.

Dust as well as irritants in the air can gather in floor coverings over time, which can contribute to frustration for households with individuals experiencing allergies. Top health bodies promote the application of wooden surfaces as an excellent choice for a healthier atmosphere, whilst in addition being recyclable.

Deciding on the best quality floor coverings for your house or property is essential to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your decision. Think about the various forms of wood, the variation of colours, panel widths along with wood grains. Time invested in this will simply add to the appeal and appearance!

Case Study on Wood Flooring in Commercial Applications

Wood flooring can give a commercial office, loft or retail space a warm and inviting look. Often there are additional specifications to consider from the sub floor, to sound, to even the color and matching components that may be more intensely specified than in a home.

Questions to consider:How do you attenuate the sound transmission for 2nd floor or above installations?

What if your client wants the floor to have specific or long lengths on a concrete sub floor?

How do you match cabinetry or other color considerations on antique reclaimed wood?

When a holding company for an old family lumber company wanted antique heart pine on the 3rd floor the specs included:- control the sound transmission

- match the color of the furniture

- match the height of doors at 1" overall

- include long lengths not practical in

engineered flooring

Sound transmission can be attenuated using several different methods; from gluing cork to the sub floor and the wood floor to the cork using the same strength glue, to a whole solution system such as Sika. All require craftsmanship beyond a typical installation.

The National Wood Floor Association recommends the Sika system; a sound dampening mat with slots for sound dampening glue. The mat and/or glue must also fill all joints around the perimeter of the room to avoid sound traveling.

Some choose to 'float' an engineered floor over a sound dampening mat, perhaps using a 'click and lock' tongue and groove system. Most flooring professionals cannot achieve a quality and lasting installation with these systems. They are more appropriate for 'do it yourself' or where the floor is not planned to last the lifetime of the building.

There are many, many ways to achieve a particular color; natural penetrating hardening oils with no VOCs, aniline dyes that aren't so environmentally friendly, paints or stains that are 'floated' onto wood that has been sealed first or combination systems. Sanding differences will often make the floor take stain differently. Therefore, the person who provides the samples should be the person who will do the coloration.

Plywood over concrete with ¾" solid wood on top was too high. Engineered wood flooring wasn't practical given the lengths desired. Solid wood had to be glued to the concrete to meet height and length specs.

The Sika system is designed to achieve this; however, all boards must be straight. Any crook means that board has to be saved for a nail down job where it can be levered into place. Antique heart pine is fairly straight. Most species require 30-35% extra wood.

Engineered wood floors shrink and swell 5 times less across the face; however, they do so 5 times more down the length of the board. Most engineered wood floors are fairly short pieces with a much shorter average length.

You can purchase a well-made engineered wood floor with the same average length as a solid wood floor; however, it won't have the longest lengths possible in a solid wood floor. In this case, the owners required very long lengths to emulate an old, old floor; requiring highly stable solid wood flooring.

Ref: Buck Lumber Co, Charleston, SC.