9 tips on choosing floorboard

Contents

1. №1.What is the floorboard?
2. №2.Which board is better: single-cavity or multi-band?
3. №3.What size of floorboard is needed?
4. №4.What is the selection of slats and which one is better to choose?
5. №5.What tree species to choose
6. №6.Do I need special treatment?
7. №7.What coverage to choose?
8. №8.Which lock is better?
9. №9.What else to consider when choosing?

Which flooring to choose for a living room or bedroom so that it is beautiful, natural and practical ?All these qualities are combined in the flooring, which fits perfectly into any interior style, and with proper care will last for decades. Growing demand for this finishing material has caused an ever-increasing supply. Selecting an floorboard with a modern assortment is a task, if not of increased complexity, then certainly requiring careful preparation. We will tell you about the properties for which different types of material can differ, and what type of flooring will suit in this or that case.

№1.What is the floorboard?

In order to better understand the basic properties of the material and to make a competent choice, you need to know the structure of the material .The parquet board consists of three layers:

• The top layer of is veneer of valuable wood species. Oak, walnut, cherry, teak can be used, as well as exotic species, such as merbau, wenge and others. The front layer is additionally coated with varnish or oil;
• middle layer - lamels from coniferous wood, less often HDF-plates. The wood fibers of this layer are arranged perpendicular to the wood fibers of the front layer, ensuring the stability of the board. Then cut the castle connection;
• bottom layer - spruce wood about 2 mm thick, serves to stiffen the whole structure and to resist bending of the board.

The total thickness depends on the thickness of all the layers, but the quality is directly dependent on the thickness of the outer layer of the .The thicker it is, the more grinding the board can withstand, which means, the higher its durability.

№2.Which board is better: single-cavity or multi-band?

According to the number of dies used to create the top layer, the floorboard is divided into the following types:

• single-sided, or Full Plank. The finishing layer of natural wood is a solid canvas, not divided into separate parts. This is the most expensive and most attractive type of floorboard, because the unique structure of the tree is best seen here. Some manufacturers make a single plank board with chamfers at the corners. In this case, the material completely simulates a massive board;
• dual board consists of two rows of slats, which are carefully selected in color and pattern. Lamellae can be divided into several segments or be continuous, and the choice in this case depends on your own preferences. In any case, the tree structure will be very well expressed;
• three-strip consists of three rows of slats offset from each other. The most common type of floorboard that fits perfectly into any room;
• four-strip , as its name implies, consists of four rows of individual lamellae;
• multiband board appeared not so long ago, is a pattern of small slats. The result is a coating with high decorative qualities, moderately motley and well conveying all shades of natural wood. It fits perfectly into the interior, not overloaded with details, since such a board itself can become its highlight.

№3.What size of floorboard is needed?

One of the most important parameters, of course, is , thickness. It can range from 7 to 26 mm .It is not recommended to choose the floorboard thinner than 13 mm , because the decorative layer in this material is not more than 2.5 mm, therefore, carrying out scraping is excluded. In addition, this board is not rigid enough, which ultimately leads to low durability. Roughly speaking, such a board can be called disposable, and it is intended for cheap temporary repairs, until it is replaced by a better and more durable option.

A good choice for residential premises is a parquet board with a thickness of 14 mm or more .In this case, the thickness of the decorative layer is about 4 mm, which means that the material can be scraped several times, returning it to the perfect appearance. A board with a thickness of 20 mm and more is excellent for public spaces: it will normally carry increased load and mechanical damage. By the way, a thick floorboard is often laid not on a concrete base, but on floor joists, which is important for houses of old construction. Remember that the greater the thickness of the board, the more warm and quiet the room will be, not to mention practicality and durability.

The length of the floorboard, as a rule, is 2-2.5 meters .The longer the material, the better the step energy is extinguished, and the less likely it is that over time the board will begin to creak.
It is not recommended to choose a floorboard with a length of less than 1.8 m , especially if it is three-lane. It will not look very good, since it will not be possible to completely imitate block parquet, and over time, the seams may diverge. Large manufacturers do not sell such material, but some domestic companies offer such a board. You can even meet a plank with a length of about 1 m, these are rather sawed and rejected parts, but they also find application in low-cost construction projects. Width is from 10 to 20 cm, the choice depends on own preferences.

№4.What is the selection of slats and which one is better to choose?

Even wood of the same species can differ significantly in appearance, therefore, to achieve the best appearance, selects slats. Based on the selection of parameters such as:

• cutting method;
• fiber tilt;
• color;
• presence, size of knots and other defects.

Highlight such main ways to cut the tree:

• radial .Cutting is carried out along the central axis of the tree, and the fibers with this method are arranged along the surface of the die. This method allows you to get the most uniform color and pattern, the highest performance. On the other hand, such a cut gives a large amount of rejection, which explains the high price;
• tangential .Such a cut is carried out tangentially to the trunk of a tree, so the pattern of annual rings is clearly visible. This option will be cheaper, but apparently some people like it even more than the radial saw considered ideal;
• Rustic .It can be executed in any direction, so the drawing of the board is non-uniform. Looks good in certain types of interior.

Taking into account the type of cut, the uniformity of the shade and the pattern, the selection of the floorboard is carried out. The main types of breeding :

• radial select. In this case, the layer of wood differs in the most even texture, it has no knots and other defects. Such a cut is rarely used for the manufacture of floorboard, as its surface is too boring and monotonous. The main scope of application is the geometric method of laying panel parquet;
• select .This selection includes only slats of a radial cut with a uniform color and a beautiful woody pattern, without knots and defects. Used in the arrangement of classic interiors, has good wear resistance;
• natures .This selection includes boards of radial and tangential cutting, the presence of knots with a diameter of up to 2 mm, veins and heart-shaped rays is allowed. Such a parquet has a beautiful and pronounced woody structure, there may be differences in color by several tones, which contributes to the interior;
• rustic .In this case, the selection is carried out not by sawing, but by the appearance of the wood. The main requirement - a bright lively color, and the bitches and sapwood are even welcome. Such a parquet is very beautiful, but some people find it colorful. Great for country style;
• economy .This is where different types of wood are cut, which may differ noticeably in color and pattern, knots and streaks are available, there may even be cracks.

№5.What wood species to choose

Although in the floorboard only the top layer is a natural wood, the performance of the material largely depends on it. On sale you can find floorboards using wood, both local and exotic species. The most popular options are:

• oak .Leader in hardness, durability and durability, such a parquet will not crack, and with a change in humidity it will not change much the linear dimensions;
• beech .It has a pleasant light color and exquisite texture, but loses to many other wood species in terms of hardness and stability;
• nut .Dense solid wood of beautiful color with a pronounced structure. It tolerates moisture drops, unpretentious care;
• Ash .In many performance qualities it resembles an oak, but differs in a lighter shade;
• Maple .Durable and stable wood of light color;
• cherry .It has a rare pinkish tint, which is able to bring a zest to the interior.

Today, there is a growing demand for floorboards with an top layer of exotic tree species:

• wenge .The wood has a very dark, almost black shade and a beautiful pronounced pattern. Due to the unique structure, it is excellent in resisting stresses, shocks and bends, therefore it will serve for a very long time. The only negative is the high price due to rarity;
• merbau .The wood is brown with golden streaks. Thanks to natural oils it is not affected by mold. Due to the record-breaking hardness, it behaves very well in operation;
• Yatoba .It has durable and hard wood, it is difficult to handle, but as a result you can achieve a mirror surface. The tree is unique in that sections of the trunk without knots reach 23 m;
• Kempas .The wood has a golden orange color, high hardness and density. It is almost impossible to scratch, but significant drops in humidity can negatively affect it.

The lower two layers are made from cheaper wood. conifers are often used for this purpose, incl.pine and spruce. Sometimes you can find a floorboard, where the carrier layers are made of wood hevea .This tree is characterized by the presence of a large number of resins, due to which it has excellent moisture resistance and resistance to deformation.

№6.Do I need special treatment?

Wood can be exposed to high temperatures( up to 1950 ° C) so that it acquires new valuable performance properties. Heat-treated wood becomes more stable, less prone to swelling and drying, and scratches on it remain almost imperceptible. Some types of wood( beech, ash, birch) due to this temperature exposure can become sensitive to sunlight and gradually fade under their influence.

Oak wood is often subjected to brushing with .The rings of trees formed in spring are less durable than those that appeared in winter or autumn. Brushing involves removing softer wood fibers with hard brushes. The result is a more durable and bulky surface.

№7.What coverage to choose?

A huge advantage of the floorboard is that it is covered with a protective layer from the manufacturer, and it is unnecessary to spend time and money on self-processing. The material can be coated with lacquer or oil. Often light boards are coated with varnish and dark ones with oil, but there can be exceptions. Each of the options has its advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of varnishing:

• greater wear resistance than when coated with oil. Under normal operating conditions, such a floorboard will need to be restored every 6-10 years, and oil-coated counterpart - every 4-5 years;
• if you want to change the appearance of the floor varnish can be removed and treated floorboard oil. The reverse process is impossible;
• can get a glossy finish using special lacquer formulations;
• cost of a varnish covering is less, than oil.

The advantages of oil coating:

• is more natural in appearance, this board is more pleasant to touch;
• is better suited for floor heating systems;
• is better than lacquer coating, tolerates changes in humidity and temperature;
• ease of restoration. Damaged oil-coated boards can be repaired locally, which is not possible when using a varnish coating;
• longer material life;
• with an oily protective coating, parquet board breathes better.

No. 8.Which lock is better?

Today, many large manufacturers produce products with locks of their own design, which have unique properties. In fact, each of them is an improved version of one of the of the two main types of locks - Lock and Click .In any case, the connection occurs due to the presence of a thorn and a groove on the boards, but their shape and the presence of additional elements becomes the difference.

In the Lock, the , or the straight locks, the tongue and groove are parallel to the board itself. The groove has a special comb, when hit into which the spike is tightly fixed. The installation of such parquet boards resembles a puzzle collection. Element with a spike tightly pressed against the board with a groove and clogged with a mallet. At the same time, the probability of damaging the locking system is high, therefore it is better to entrust the laying of such a floorboard to experienced professionals. Nevertheless, even a high-quality installation will not insure you that the comb will eventually erase, weakening the connection and provoking the appearance of cracks. Sometimes when installing such boards used glue, but with him you need to work carefully.

Click locks, or more modern and practical lock locks. Due to the peculiarities of the lock, the laying process is simplified, and the strength of the joint increases. When installing the board with a protrusion is applied to the already installed board with a groove at an angle of 450, and then lowered to a characteristic click. To spoil such a lock is difficult, and in the future you can several times disassemble and re-assemble the floor.

On the basis of Click- locks, major manufacturers offer their own designs, the most interesting, convenient and practical are the following:

Quick-Step

• Uniclic. The design of the lock allows for the installation of boards, placing them at an angle or without it, as if pushing one board into another. Additional tools are not needed, but for yourself you can choose the most convenient installation angle, the result in any case will be equally excellent. Such locks are located at all ends of the board, and the floor as a result looks seamless. Gaps will not be formed, as there is no space to offset. The manufacturer gives an unlimited warranty on this lock system;
• T-Lock ( Tarkett Lock) from TARKETT also belongs to Click-type locks, despite its name. It is considered one of the most progressive and practical today. The lock has an increased width, its elements are connected at a slight angle with a characteristic click. The ability to install elements from a small angle is convenient, especially when you have to work with hard to reach places.

# 9.What else to consider when choosing?

Here are some more useful tips that will help you choose a quality floorboard:

• is better to carry out the purchase in the store .Personally, you can not only assess the quality of the product, but also the real color, which is extremely important for the finishing material. It is better to evaluate the shade in the daytime with natural sunlight;
• in the floorboard, consisting of several strips, lamellas should not be .An exception is made for wood that absorbs moisture well( cherry, beech, maple, birch);
• light stripes on a dark parquet can occur if the varnish was applied without prior priming, which is a violation and will eventually lead to cracking of the lacquer coating;
• ideally wood flooring board should have a faint smell of or burnt wood if heat treatment was used. The presence of odors should be alerted;
• for bonding layers of the floorboard requires high-quality eco-friendly glue, and in sufficient quantities. Unscrupulous manufacturers can use it less than necessary, or replace it with a harmful composition. You can save on not the most eco-friendly varnishes and oils.

To protect yourself, is better to trust the products of companies that have long been on the market. They worked hard to make their brand recognizable and inspire confidence in it, so they won't spoil their reputation for low quality.