COLOR VARIATION
When deciding on a wood species for your hardwood floor it is important to keep in mind color variation. With wood being a natural material it brings with it natural characteristics that can not be controlled. These characteristics are a by-product of the species itself, and is hopefully one of the reasons the decision has been made to purchase hardwood flooring. Some wood species have less color variation than others. This should be completely explained to you by your flooring dealer when narrowing down your decision. Color variation can be attributed to two natural occurances. First, is the natural color of the raw wood, and second is the way the wood absorbs stain. The following photos are examples of the different levels of color variation that one can expect from the wood species that we carry.
HIGH COLOR VARIATION
Hardwood floors with High Color Variation will range from light to dark wood pieces, and have lots of wood character. When board colors are mixed correctly during the installation the flooring pattern is very dynamic and will reflect differently under various light sources.
MEDIUM COLOR VARIATION
Floors with Low or Medium Color Variation are even toned. There are certain wood species like Birch, and in some instances Maple, that have tame grain patterns and even color tones so that the appearance of the floor is one continuous color. However, with wood there will still be some color variation due to the natural qualities of wood and its uncontrollable uniqueness.
BOARD VARIATION & COLOR CHANGE
Wood is a natural product and will vary in color and grain appearance from board to board. This is a natural aspect of the wood. Texture, including grain, knots, natural imperfections and character will vary significantly from board to board. Exposure to UV rays from sunlight, florescent, LED and incandescent bulbs can change and add patina to each board. Window coverings, UV resistant tint, and solar screens can minimize but not eliminate this natural occurrence. Certain species are more susceptible to light and development of varying degrees and shades of patina, due to their high content of natural oils & tannins.
Higher tannin amounts in some species of wood along with fuming, also deepens the natural colors and highlights the contrast of the wood planks without using stain to cover them. The process creates a naturally richer, darker, clearer floor with a higher contrast of colors from board to board. This is a natural accelerated aging process used to enhance the dark to light shades within every wood plank, batch & region. The deepening in color and variation is created by adding a natural oxidizing agent in a controlled environment to react with the naturally present tannins in the wood – Time, Temperature & Tannins (naturally present in the wood) mix to create one of a kind planks. While a very controlled environment and process, it is not 100% precise, every region, grove and tree produces individually unique high contrast color palette.
Color variation also depends on the region the wood was sourced from, the time of year the planks were harvested and ultimately how the batches of each region are mixed to form a particular series.
* Product images are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular style of flooring. They may not be representative of the full range of color, texture and grain variations which can occur in the product itself. Wood is a natural material, every piece of plank will have a unique appearance, often with naturally-occurring variations in color, texture and grain pattern. Prior to any installation, a range of planks should be approved by the customer. No claims for shade or texture variation will be honored after installation. Also note that shades of color are seen differently on computer screens and will even differ from screen to screen.
KNOTS & FILLERS
Natural wood products can exhibit certain characteristics that are inherent to wood, such as filled knots/cracks and/or checks. These imperfections are a result of nature’s influence on the growth and development of the tree. However, these natural features can enhance the beauty of the flooring and make it stand out.
To highlight these unique characteristics, some knots/cracks and/or checks may be filled with a color that may appear darker or lighter than the overall hue and tone of the plank. This deliberate contrast draws attention to the natural elements of the wood, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the surface.
It’s important to note that because each knot/crack and/or check is distinct and individual, the variations found in the actual product may not be fully represented in in-store sample boards. Therefore, it’s advisable for the retail sales personnel and/or installers to inform buyers about these natural variations during the sales and/or installation process. This allows the buyer to make an informed decision about whether to showcase these features prominently or opt to hide them in less visible areas, such as a closet.
Note:
- A SPLIT is usually defined as a defect and is typically culled out during the manufacturing process.
- A missing KNOT may not be considered a defect if it meets grade and/or if it is part of the design element (i.e., as is the case with our Grand Chateau Series).
- CHECKS/CRACKS are usually caused during the rotary peeling process, slice cutting process and/or during the drying process. They are Not considered defects.
REACTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
As a natural material, wood will contract and expand as it loses and gains moisture. Some gaping between the boards during low-humidity seasons are normal and not considered a defect. Maintaining proper humidity levels of 35 to 55% will minimize this. Allowing relative humidity levels to fall below 35% can result in structural damage to the floor such as large gaps, splits in the surface, distortion of the boards and even structural failure. Humidity levels above 55% can result in surface warping and structural failure of the boards.