Solid hardwood flooring
When we think of a solid Hardwood flooring we generally think of the standard strip red oak wood flooring that is 3/4" thick by 2 1/4" wide, but solid Hardwood flooring is also available in various sizes from 3 to 6 or more inches wide (called plank floors). The most common Hardwood flooring species used for solid wood floors are Red Oak Hardwood flooring, White Oak Hardwood flooring, and Maple Hardwood flooring-- but many other species are offered.
All solid wood flooring can react to the presence of moisture. In the dry winter heating months, moisture can leave the wood flooring causing the floor to contract slightly in size, which can leave unsightly gaps between each floor board. In the summer months when the humidity is higher, the Hardwood flooring will expand and the gaps will disappear. If there is too much moisture it may cause the wood planks to cup, or buckle. This is why it is important when installing solid Hardwood flooring to leave the proper expansion area around the perimeter and to acclimate the wood flooring prior to installation. It is also important to keep the relative humidity at between 40 – 55%. Doing this will help minimize any movement within the wood flooring.
 Solid Hardwood flooring is sensitive to moisture and it is not recommended to install these floors below ground level, or directly over a concrete slab. Solid Hardwood flooring are for nail-down installations only, with the exceptions of a few manufacturers that state you can direct glue down 5/16 inch thick solid Hardwood flooring.You can refinish, or recoat solid Hardwood flooring several times, which adds to their appeal and to their long life. There are solid hardwood floors that are well over 100 years old and are still in good condition.
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