Wood
Products On The Job - Non-Structural Applications
Flooring
Elegance, warmth and durability are brought to mind by wood flooring — which, in North America, is commonly made from cherry, maple, birch, and several other tree species.
Except for a short period in the 1970's when wall-to-wall carpet was popular with builders, wood flooring has been the material of choice for North American homes. As homeowners have discovered that carpeting can harbor allergy-causing mites and dirt, even many carpeted homes have now returned to wood.
The first step in the construction of a wood floor is the creation of a proper sub-floor, upon which the actual flooring is installed. National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association provides detailed information about the factors to consider during installation.
Finishing a wood floor is the final step. Finishes are applied to wood for two principal reasons: to protect the wood from damage such as stains, moisture and mechanical wear, and to accentuate the wood's natural beauty and color. Penetrating seals (sealers) and surface finishes are the two principal types of protective coatings used on wood floors. Either will give satisfactory performance if applied correctly. For detailed information about finishing wood floors, visit the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association.
For additional information on wood flooring, visit:
Hardwood Information Center
Wood Floors Online
Trim & Finishing
Wood is unrivaled in the ways it can be formed and shaped. Consider, for example, the decorative finishes for cathedrals and palaces that have long been made of wood, or the fact that Victorian era homes made extensive use of wood trim for balconies and roof facades.
Modern homes also benefit from the decorative appeal of wood mouldings and trim. Real estate agents realize that adding decorative mouldings to a house is a low cost way of significantly adding to the appearance and appeal of a home.
In addition to crown moldings and baseboards, wood and paneling can be used to create striking interior designs. Extensive information about architectural woodwork is available from Architectural Wood Institute (AWI).
Additional sources of information include:
Wood Moulding &
Millwork Producers Association
Cabinetry
Cabinets are the single largest investment in a new kitchen and are crucial to how well the room functions. They're also an important selling feature. Whether the cabinets are site-built, stock-manufactured or custom made, there are wood products to suit every taste and budget — from solid wood to melamine covered panels.
Kitchen Cabinet
Manufacturers Association
National
Kitchen and Bath Association
Hardwood
Information Center
Kitchens.com
| 
