Hardwood Floors April/May 2019

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: EXCELLENT Mesquite has a dimensional stability factor of 1.6 percent (radial) and 3.2 percent (tangential), meaning this species may shrink/ swell up to 3.2 percent of its given width, depending on how it’s cut, when going from green (30 percent MC) to oven-dried. DIMENSIONAL CHANGE COEFFICIENT: Average = .00129 (tangential) SPECIFIC GRAVITY: Average = .82 NAILING: Due to the hardness of mesquite, tongues can split easily. The air compressor PSI will need to be reduced to avoid tongue splitting. Use of 18-gauge cleats works best when nailing mesquite.

SANDING: Mesquite sands relatively easily. Due to the hardness of this species, it is often necessary to be mindful when skipping grits that all of the previous sanding scratches have adequately been removed. When sanding end-grain mesquite, do not skip grits. The final grit used is normally higher than other domestic species. Mesquite has been reported to cause skin irritation and other allergies with some users. Sources : The Wood Database; Copyright © 2008-2016, Eric Meier / Wood Handbook (Wood as an Engineering Material), USDA Forest Products Laboratory / A Guide to the Useful Woods of the World; Copyright © 2001, James H. Flynn Jr. and Charles D. Holder / Texas A&M Forest Service

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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