Options for custom floors from JP are limitless. Before selecting, it is essential to list objectives and any known challenges. One important characteristic to consider when deciding on a species of wood for your floor is the hardness. The Janka Scale is used to rank the hardness of different wood species. Look below and see which wood species is right for you.
Oak is the most popular wood choice for flooring. It is durable and accepts stains very well. The next most popular hardwoods are maple, hickory, and walnut. The table below shows relative hardness and cost.
Just like people, floors can have lots of different personalities depending on their unique traits. The type of cut, width, direction, and pattern of the wood can give you many different looks.
2 ¾" wide by ¾" thick has been the staple of the hardwood floor industry for some time. Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable, can be glued to concrete, and has a similar wear layer as solid hardwood.
Wider planks are a current trend. These typically range from 3"- 5" but can be as wide as 10". We recommend engineered planks for all material over 5" wide as it helps to minimize shrinking and expansion as moisture and humidity changes in your home.
We always recommend humidifiers for your heating/AC system and relative humidity between 35% - 55% (per NWFA) year round. The NWFA recommends your new ¾" thick nail-down hardwood be installed 90° to your floor joists.
Depending on the species of wood you have selected, the sky is the limit for coloring your new floor.
A wide variety of colors are available using premixed floor stains, but custom colors are possible by mixing any combination of colors you wish.
Keep in mind that duplicating a multi-color mix can be difficult if repairs are needed or additional rooms are installed/stained at a later date.
Also keep in mind that, the darker the color, the more maintenance is required-which is also true for white or lighter colors too.
Providing a durable and beautiful finish on your new floor keeps it looking its best for many years.
Most of our floors have water or oil-based polyurethane topcoats. Each comes in four levels of sheen, but they can vary slightly between the oil and water versions. Compare the samples shown in the drawers below.
Hard-wax oil-rubbed finishes provide a warmer and more luxurious look.
Keep in mind that the higher the shine, the more maintenance is required to keep them looking that way.
Oil finishes have a yellow cast that is more noticeable over time. Dry times can be affected by heat and humidity.
Some finishing techniques can be used in conjunction with color and shine to add depth or a special effect to your new custom floor.
- Flush Mount Vents
- Custom Moulding
- Shoe Moulding
- Transitions
- Medallions
- Border Inlay (species)
- Drop-in Vents
- New "Steptreads" give new life to old stairs