Hardwood Flooring Information – Hardwood Floors Advice

Description of Beech Flooring
Beech is not a tree that is common in the USA and that found comes mainly from Russia. It has a light tone and has a grainier pattern. It is durable but to e lesser extent than most hardwoods. Beech flooring varies in color from light tan to dark reddish brown. The texture is very fine with some flecky characteristic that makes it stand out. Floor boards that exhibit a curl in the grain are most probably made of beech. The variation in color between heartwood and sap wood is very distinct.

Benefits of Beech Flooring
This wood is hard, strong and elastic making it ideal for places where even wear of the floor is desirable. They are thus perfect for factory and office environments. The wood wears evenly and stays smooth when exposed to repeated friction. The wood is shock resistant though chipping is common when it dries up too much.

Potential Disadvantages of Beech Flooring Beech flooring has hardness properties that are between oak and maple. This makes it very susceptible to scratches and indentations. The grain pattern does not resist rough treatment very well. Beech flooring is susceptible to moisture changes and will not do well in areas where there are huge climate changes during the year. Expansion and shrinkage due to moisture will leave gaps in your floor over time. Beech lumber is also very difficult to work with hand tools. However it is easy to work with using machinery.

How to maintain Beech Flooring
Beech flooring is susceptible to wear even though this happens evenly and smoothly. However it is necessary to take extra care if you want the flooring to last. Place runners and rugs in areas of high foot traffics. Also put protective felt pads underneath the legs of furniture to prevent it gouging the floor as it is moved around. Regular sweeping mopping and polishing will ensure that you beech flooring maintains its luster for long. As with all wood floors, spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent the moisture from affecting the tones of the wood and also to avoid any changes in the structure of the wood due to the spills.

Installation of Beech Flooring
Beech wood will expand and contract with changes in ambient moisture levels. It is therefore important that you leave a small gap between boards and the wall to allow for this. You will need to add an elastic compound to fill in the expansion gaps. This is called quartering round. This wood has good gluing and nailing properties. It will hold well and not come off with time. If you are using a concrete subfloor then place a leveling compound but if you are using a wood subfloor then use a layer of felt before you install the floor boards. You can use engineered Beech flooring if you do not want it to expand and contract due to changes in moisture levels.

Price of Beech Flooring
Beech Flooring prices range between $6 and $ 9 per square foot.