**1. Wood Flooring Types:**
– Solid wood: made from a single piece of timber, can be sanded and finished multiple times, popular in various regions, comes in different styles and thickness.
– Engineered wood: consists of multiple layers, uses a thin layer of expensive wood bonded to a core, offers increased stability, common in Europe, versatile installation options.
**2. Installation Systems and Methods:**
– Tongue-and-groove, click, and floor connection systems available for both solid and engineered wood.
– Glue-down, floating, nail-down, and secret nailing methods used for installation.
– Floating installation suitable for engineered wood, while solid wood often nailed down.
**3. Connection Systems and Maintenance Techniques:**
– Connection systems made from wood, rubber, or plastic, allowing for compatibility between materials.
– Maintenance techniques include buffing, sanding, floor scraping, and natural finishes like beeswax and linseed oil for older solid hardwood floors.
**4. Hardwood Floors Characteristics:**
– Hardwood floors offer rich textures and grains, durability against foot traffic, increased property value, and long-lasting charm with proper care and refinishing.
**5. Floor Finishes and Finishing Methods:**
– Polyurethane, oiled, brushed, and pre-finished oil finishes available for wood floors.
– Various finishing methods like UV curing, natural shellacs, lacquers, and varnishes used historically for hardwood floors.
