Hardwood Floors August/September 2018

By Brett Miller

Common Stains and Discolorations ere are many interpretations of the words “stain” or “discoloration” in the wood ooring industry. e de nition of stain taken from the USDAWood Handbook is “a discoloration in wood that may be caused by such diverse agencies as microorganisms, metals, or chemicals. e term also applies to materials used to impart color to wood.” A simple de nition of discoloration fromMerriam-Webster is “a spot that is changed in color.”

Mineral Streaks/ Deposits

Mineral streaks/deposits are a discolored line, spot, or band in the wood that may range in color from light gray to tan, olive green, brown, purple, blue, or black. Mineral streaks/deposits are

Here I will a empt to clarify and distinguish many of the unique di erences between some of the stains and discolorations we o en see in our industry. Understanding how to identify and use each term properly should help you and your customers in proper identi cation of each issue, as well as how or whether it is necessary to address it.

naturally occurring, and they are o en considered to add value and visual appeal to the wood. Many of these stains are merely mineral deposits from the surrounding soil, such as limestone, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, silica, gypsum, or any other mineral found in the region where the tree was grown.

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