Hardwood Floors April/May 2024

Atypical AN INTRODUCTION TO

By Brian Beakler, Ph.D. Wood Flooring

Most wood flooring installed in plank or strip format is predictable in how it performs and is installed. “Traditional” wood flooring formats have weaknesses in terms of specific performance attributes. For decades, manufacturers have

attempted to design products with features to combat known performance issues, including dimensional stability, resistance to static and dynamic loads, and color consistency. While product design elements of engineered structures often involve substituting the plywood core with other core materials to improve hardness and dimensional stability, chemical and physical changes to the lumber or decorative wood veneer also have been implemented to achieve similar performance improvements. Niche markets were formed around these “atypical” products exhibiting enhanced performance.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NWFA

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