Welcome to the Hardwood Revival Glossary

Hardwood flooring is known for its classic beauty and long-lasting sturdiness, but it can be hard to keep it looking good and make it look even better. Our full glossary is here to help you understand the complicated world of hardwood revival, whether you're a homeowner, a flooring expert, or just interested in design. We've compiled a long list of terms and ideas to help you understand how to change and care for your hardwood floors, from the initial installation to the ongoing maintenance and cleaning.

Find out what sure words mean when talking about different types of hardwoods, how to install them, the finishes they come in, and how to keep them in good shape. You can trust this guide to help you learn about the ins and outs of hardwood flooring. It covers the art of hardwood revival, which includes refinishing, repairing, cleaning, and many other essential topics.

Check out our glossary to get started on your path to discovering the beauty and promise of hardwood floors. Hardwood Revival is here to make the process of hardwood revival an enlightening and rewarding experience for you.

• Acclimation: The process of allowing hardwood flooring to adjust to the environmental conditions of a space before installation to prevent warping or expansion.

• Buckling: A severe form of hardwood floor deformation, where planks lift from the subfloor, typically due to moisture problems.

• Caring for Hardwood: Tips and instructions on maintaining and cleaning hardwood floors to preserve their beauty and longevity.
• Cupping: A defect in hardwood flooring where the edges of the planks are higher than the center, often caused by moisture imbalances.
• Custom Hardwood: Tailored hardwood flooring solutions, including unique patterns, colors, and designs.

• Drying Time: The time required for the finish to dry after application can vary based on the type of finish used.
• Dustless Sanding: A sanding process that minimizes the release of dust into the environment during refinishing.

• Engineered Hardwood: A type of hardwood flooring constructed from layers of wood veneer, providing greater stability and resistance to moisture.
• Environmental Certification: Labels like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) that indicate sustainable and responsible sourcing of hardwood materials.

• Finish Maintenance: Guidance on how to care for and refresh the finish of hardwood floors over time.
• Finish Options: Various options for the final coating of hardwood floors, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
• Floating Floor: A type of installation where hardwood planks are not attached to the subfloor but instead interlock and "float" above it.

• Grain: The distinctive pattern of lines and fibers in a piece of wood that contributes to the overall appearance of a hardwood floor.
• Grain Direction: The orientation of the wood grain in each plank can affect the appearance and installation of hardwood flooring.
• Grout Lines: Lines created by using spacers when installing hardwood tiles or planks.

• Hardwood Cleaning: Removing dirt, debris, and surface contaminants from hardwood floors to maintain their cleanliness and appearance, typically using specialized hardwood-friendly cleaning products and methods.
• Hardwood Flooring: A type of flooring made from natural hardwood timber, known for its durability and timeless appearance.
• Hardwood Refinishing: The process of renewing the appearance of an existing hardwood floor through sanding and applying new finishes.
• Hardwood Repair: The act of fixing or restoring damaged or worn areas of hardwood flooring, often involving the replacement of damaged boards, filling gaps or cracks, and refinishing to bring the floor back to its original condition.
• Hardwood Revival Services: complex restoration, refinishing, cleaning, repair, and installation of hardwood floors, aimed at renewing and maintaining their beauty, durability, and functionality.
• Herringbone Pattern: A classic pattern where hardwood planks are laid in a zigzag design, creating a distinctive and elegant look.
• Humidity Control: Maintaining consistent humidity levels prevents hardwood floors from warping and shrinking.

• Inlay: Decorative patterns or designs crafted from different wood species, often embedded in the main hardwood floor.

• Janka Hardness Rating: A measurement of a wood's resistance to denting and wear used to determine the suitability of a hardwood species for various applications.

• Medullary Rays: Rays of cells in wood that can add a distinctive look to hardwood flooring when they're exposed.
• Moisture Content: The amount of moisture present in the hardwood, which should be balanced with the environment for proper installation and long-term stability.

• Nail-Down Installation: A method of attaching hardwood flooring to the subfloor using nails or cleats.

• Parquet: A hardwood flooring design with geometric patterns and intricate detailing by arranging small wood pieces.
• Patina: The natural sheen or aging effect that develops on hardwood floors over time, giving them character and charm.
• Pet-Friendly Flooring: Hardwood options that are resistant to pet scratches and stains.
• Plank: A long, narrow section of hardwood flooring typically used in installation, available in various widths and lengths.

• Radiant Heating Compatibility: Information on whether the hardwood flooring suits radiant floor heating systems.
• Refinishing: The process of sanding, staining, and sealing an existing hardwood floor to restore its original beauty and luster.
• Repair: Information and techniques for repairing damaged or worn hardwood floors.
• Restoration: The comprehensive process of bringing an old or damaged hardwood floor back to its original condition, which may include repairs, refinishing, cleaning, and more.

• Sanding: The technique of using abrasive materials to remove the top layer of finish and imperfections from a hardwood floor.
• Screening: A process that involves lightly sanding the top layer of a hardwood floor to prepare it for a new finish or recoating.
• Sealing: The process of applying a protective finish, such as polyurethane or wax, to safeguard the hardwood floor and enhance its durability.
• Solid Hardwood: Flooring made from a single piece of solid wood, which can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
• Species: The specific type of wood used for a hardwood floor, like oak, cherry, or hickory.
• Staining: Applying wood stain to change the color or enhance the natural grain of hardwood flooring.
• Stair Nosing: A molding designed for the front edge of a stair step, providing a finished appearance and added safety.
• Staircase Refinishing: Services related to refinishing and restoring hardwood stairs.
• Subfloor: The underlying surface or layer on which hardwood flooring is installed.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Information on environmentally responsible practices and certifications related to hardwood procurement.

• Tongue and Groove: A method of joining hardwood planks where one side has a protruding "tongue" that fits into a groove on the adjacent plank, creating a secure connection.
• Transition Strips: Moldings are used to create a smooth and aesthetically pleasing transition between hardwood floors and other types of flooring materials.

• Underlayment: A layer placed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring to provide additional cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture protection.
• UV-Cured Finish: A hardwood finish that is cured using ultraviolet light, providing fast drying and high durability.

• Waterborne Finish: A type of finish for hardwood floors that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dries quickly.
• Wax Finish: A traditional method of sealing hardwood floors using wax for a classic, low-sheen appearance.
• Wear Layer: The topmost layer of engineered hardwood flooring, typically made from solid wood, can be refinished.
• Wood Filler: A material used to fill gaps, cracks, and holes in hardwood flooring before refinishing.
• Wood Grading: A system that categorizes hardwood based on its visual appearance and quality, typically including grades like Select, Common, and Clear.

Whether you're seeking to restore the original charm of an older floor or maintain the luster of a new installation, this glossary provides a wealth of knowledge to help you make informed decisions, care for your hardwood, and achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.