VAN RENSBURG WOOD FLOORING EST 1987

Solid Wood

Perhaps the greatest advantage of solid wood is that
wood is the same all the way through, hence repairs are relatively easy.
Repairs to veneer are much more difficult and sometimes impossible.

Tongue & Groove Solid Hardwood Flooring

The hardwoods selected for Van Rensburg Wood Flooring boast varied wood grains and finish tones. These naturally occurring wood characteristics, including mineral streaks and knots, are not considered defects. This should be expected within the same wood species and even within the same box of product. And, as with any genuine wood product, our flooring will take on a darker, enriched hue over time. Color variations are natural due to species, age, character of wood and exposure to sunlight. Normal exposure to sunlight will result in changes in shades and colors. Variation of shades between covered and uncovered areas of flooring is common. This is not a product defect. It is advisable to periodically rearrange rugs and furniture to avoid defined lines between exposed and unexposed areas.

100% solid hardwood for enduring value

* ¾” solid tongue-and-groove construction

* Pre-finished, 8-step, UV-cured polyurethane coating with an extra aluminium oxide layer for enhanced durability

* Micro-bevelled edges and ends

* Multiple sanding and refinishing possible

* Nail-down installation required

* Installation on or above grade required

* Available in Jatoba

* Dimensions: ¾” thick x 3 ¼” wide in assorted lengths up to 84″ for a natural, varied appearance

* 30-year limited warranty

* 15.17 square feet per carton

HISTORY

Until the 17th century, floors were tamped down dirt, compressed to a hard finish. Any wood used was confined to the practical; rough squares were used beneath beds, chairs and tables for stability. Even these were usually covered with thick carpet. The only places wood planks were used to create a full floor were in haylofts converted to sleeping quarters.

TIME FRAME

In the later 17th century, though, hardwood floors came to be all the rage with the European aristocracy. The planks were wide, up to 7 inches, and often planned to create patterns or parquetry. These floors were the first to employ the tongue and groove configuration. In America, where timber was readily available and so costs were considerably lower than those in Europe, hardwood floors were becoming commonplace. By the 19th century, tongue and groove flooring was found in the majority of upper and middle class homes.

IDENTIFICATION

Tongue and groove flooring can be constructed from many kinds of woods. The more popular woods used are oak, maple, Brazilian cherry and bamboo. The wood is planed into planks measuring from 3 inches wide up to 5 inches wide. With tongue and groove flooring, each plank fits into the next. One side is the tongue, a rounded protrusion running the length of the plank. Along the other side is the groove in which the tongue is fitted.

TYPES

Tongue and groove flooring can be solid wood or engineered. Solid wood flooring is constructed as a solid piece of wood. Engineered wood is layered. A soft wood is attached to a hardwood and is then sandwiched between the hardwood and a plywood base. The plywood base is resistant to moisture and provides stability. The softwood creates a buffer zone.

CONSIDERATIONS

Both solid and engineered wood flooring are installed using the tongue and groove method. Solid wood, however, is still often glued or nailed down as well. Engineered flooring can be floated. This means the tongue and groove is used to snap the planks into place and the floor is neither nailed nor glued to the subfloor. In recent years, however, manufacturers are producing solid wood floors that need not be anchored to the subfloor.

BENEFITS

Tongue and groove flooring allows the planks to fit closely together, creating a smooth finish and more secure seams. Solid wood tongue and groove flooring can have a very long life span; it can be sanded down and refinished. This isn’t true for engineered wood, as the hardwood veneer is too thin to allow for subsequent sanding. Though it may not have quite the life span of solid wood, engineered wood is easier to install.