Wood Floors a Smart Buyer’S Guide for Selecting the Right Flooring

Wood Floors A Smart Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Right Flooring

To Find Lasting Beauty, Look Below the Surface

Picking out new wood flooring can be both exciting and a bit daunting. After all, a beautiful new wood floor can add to the value of your home and provide the foundation of style for every room. At the same time, there are so many choices in styles, species, designs, finishes, quality, costs and more that it can seem almost impossible to reach a decision.

Fortunately, this guide can help narrow down the choices until you find exactly the right wood flooring for your needs. The key is to look beneath the surface of those lovely samples in the dealer showroom and examine each type of flooring based on the style, usage, wear, environmental factors, stability, durability, room and value. This is where the true, long-term beauty of your wood floor is determined. Table of Contents

Comparing Hardwood Flooring Types 1 Know what’s underfoot before taking the next step

Environmentally Smart 2 The natural value of solid wood

Not all Wood is Alike 3 The hard facts on solid wood flooring

Wide Plank Floors 5 Adding a different dimension to flooring design

Wood Species 7 From ash to white oak, the beauty’s ingrained

Grades, Textures, Stains & Finishes 9 The top options for the best looking floor

Pattern Floors 14 Look at flooring design from a different angle

Installation 15 Lay it down right to stand the test of time

Solid or Engineered Floors 16 It’s about options not restrictions

Know what’s underfoot before taking the next step

While every type of flooring material As you can see, when you look closely, A study conducted by the has certain advantages and the only real decision to make in disadvantages relative to your specific flooring types is to choose between National Wood Flooring needs and usage, real wood holds a solid wood and engineered wood. Association (NWFA) strong comparative edge in virtually Here’s a quick overview of the pros every case. and cons of each. revealed that 99 percent

Compared to carpet, vinyl or laminate, SOLID WOOD of U.S. real estate agents which may be cheaper to buy and install, sustainable wood delivers Pros: Wear-resistant; long-lasting; adds asserted that homes with a warm look to any room; can more long-term value with its superior hardwood flooring are strength, exceptional durability and be refinished multiple times; natural beauty. Plus, unlike carpet, it natural and sustainable easier to sell; 90 percent doesn’t harbor dust or other allergens Cons: Must be acclimated to said that homes with so people with allergies or respiratory moisture levels of home before problems can breathe easier. installation; changes in moisture hardwood flooring sell content in the home will cause When considered versus natural for more money—up to stone or tile, wood comes out on shrinkage and expansion; need top because it has more give so it’s to avoid pooling water 10 percent more in fact. more comfortable to stand on for ENGINEERED WOOD long periods. In addition, it’s warmer … both literally and figuratively, than Pros: Natural wood layered for stone or tile. increased stability (generally shrinks and expands less than Solid wood is the best return on investment Finally, relative to other flooring types, solid wood); can help reduce/ wood can be refinished to re-discover resist movement and gapping; its natural beauty and remove some “clickable” versions may scratches or dents if desired. Other be easier for DIY installation than flooring types generally have to be solid wood replaced because they’re difficult to repair and can’t be refinished. Cons: Typically can only be refinished once or twice; susceptible to “Solid wood floors don’t issues in very dry conditions; only a few companies craft only add value in the engineered floors that equal the appearance of solid; need to eyes of a property avoid pooling water. appraiser, but are also often highly sought after by home buyers.”

WiseGeek.com

The Natural Value of Wood

In addition to providing you with a While this would be enough for many Beautiful, durable and sustainable… beautiful floor and increasing the value companies, only a select few take it’s easy to see the natural value of of your home, choosing a wood floor their environmental stewardship to wood floors. offers natural environmental benefits. the next level. Carlisle Wide Plank Here are some additional Floors, for instance, is renowned for its According to a recent environmental facts compiled by the commitment to sustainable operations. National Wood Flooring Association: Chris Sy, their national sales director, Forest Service study of explained the Carlisle philosophy. • Average annual net growth for lifecycle analysis, it was hardwoods is greater than average “We’re focused on building beautiful annual removals floors that last forever without causing determined that using any detriment to our forests. Therefore, (Source: US Department of Agriculture Forest wood yielded lower air Service) we never contract with clear-cutters. Instead, we work exclusively with • Wood is a carbon neutral product emissions, including a small, carefully selected group that produces oxygen during its of timber growers who uphold the greenhouse gases, growth cycle and stores carbon highest standards of sustainability. Plus, during its service life (35 to 75+ years) than the processes of due to our exacting standards, only (Source: University of Wisconsin Wood Products using other traditional Program Solid Wood Flooring Life Cycle one tree in every five acres passes Analysis) our inspection, which ensures that building materials. • Wood floors use less water and we’ll never clear a whole tree stand, –www.fs.fed.us energy to produce than other allowing younger trees to mature.” flooring options (Source: University of Wisconsin Wood Products Program Solid Wood Flooring Life Cycle Analysis)

• Wood floors last hundreds of years, so won’t need to be replaced as often as other flooring options (Source: National Association of Home Builders)

• While it takes most hardwood trees 40-60 years to mature, the inventory planted today won’t be needed for 100-plus years (Source: National Wood Flooring Association)

Choosing a wood floor offers natural environmental benefits

The hard facts on wood flooring

You Have to Know Its Roots All solid wood flooring comes from trees, but that’s where the similarity ends and the differences begin. While many tree species are widely distributed throughout the country, certain geographic areas offer optimum growing conditions for each species. For example, the best hickory is found in the upper regions of the Appalachian forests, where the short summers and cool climate provide for its substantial heartwood content.

Under these conditions, the trees age patiently and reach a richer level of maturity, which provides the wood with tighter, tougher grain lines. “This makes the wood more durable than others of the same species,” says Carlisle’s Chris Sy. “That’s why we select only mature trees from the optimum growing areas Heartwood is the older, harder nonliving central wood of trees for each species.” The Best Wood Comes From Very few floors today are comprised It’s Not Ready If It’s Wet the Heart of heartwood. However Carlisle Behind the Ears … Or Wide Plank Floors are an exception. Anywhere Else Earlier, we mentioned a tree’s In his top-rated Building Blox Blog, Natural wood is organic. It breathes heartwood content. Heartwood is the contractor Todd Vendituoli notes on and has the ability to absorb or older, harder nonliving central wood Bob Vila Nation, “Just as the early give off moisture depending on the of trees. Usually darker, denser, less settlers used the heart of the tree for environment. As it seeks to achieve its permeable, and more durable than their flooring, so too does Carlisle. As a equilibrium moisture content, wood the surrounding sapwood, it has long result, the boards are less likely to curl with higher moisture content is subject been known for its superior beauty, and warp and will stand up to years of to significant shrinkage, which can strength and long-term stability. constant use.” also lead to splitting, cracking and The early New England settlers, for “Floors made with a substantial warping. That’s why wood that’s green instance, cut boards from the center, heartwood content will display or improperly dried should be avoided, or heart, of the tree because they more of the rich color and original especially when it comes to installing would be less likely to warp or shrink. character of the species, while over radiant heat systems or concrete Floors made from these boards would lasting longer than other floors,” adds surfaces. also be harder and more durable to Carlisle’s Sy. “They become works stand up to heavy use with large, busy of art that can be passed from one families of that era. generation to the next.”

While every floor manufacturer has Take your flooring, for instance. You’re Maybe that’s why Carlisle Wide Plank its own approach to eliminating going to be walking on it, looking at it Floors is a Storybook Homes preferred moisture issues, there are few, if any, and living with it for a long time, so you vendor and recommended by Affluent that come close to Carlisle’s three- want it to be as beautiful as possible— Homes magazine. pronged approach. First, Carlisle now and for years to come. It should uses heartwood from mature trees be a work of art, with each board The Carlisle process is to create its wide plank flooring. The carefully nurtured and crafted until density and stability of old growth they all come together in a singularly so thorough and time- heartwood in a wide plank minimizes captivating masterpiece that will expansion and contraction. Second, endure the test of time. That doesn’t tested; they’ve been able Carlisle air-dries all of its wood for up happen by taking shortcuts. to install their solid wood to one year. This slow, long-term drying According to Chris Sy at Carlisle Wide helps avoid splitting and cracking flooring over every type Plank Floors, that’s why they handcraft while further enhancing stability. Third, each board. “We look at each plank of radiant heat system as a final step, the wood is then kiln- individually to ensure that it achieves dried in small batches to maximize its full potential, while at the same time and concrete surface strength and stability. considering how it fits in the total look for over forty years The Carlisle process is so thorough of the floor we’re trying to create.” and time-tested; they’ve been able At Carlisle, artisan woodworkers to install their solid wood flooring over scrutinize every board to determine every type of radiant heat system and which side represents its full potential concrete surface for over forty years. and carefully shepherd it through the There Are No Shortcuts To milling and other processes. Along Lasting Beauty the way it’s re-inspected after each process to assure it’s nothing less than In a world of computers, assembly lines the best, because your home deserves and “I want it yesterday” demands, a floor with lasting beauty. some things are still best not rushed. Artisan woodworkers scrutinize every board

Adding a different dimension to flooring design

For Strength and Stability, It’s Simple Math … Fewer extended drying process, along with Strips Don’t Measure Up Seams Equal More Beauty strict attention to detail from artisan woodworkers. This assures their flooring is In the early days of this country, folks Seams interrupt the flow of your the ideal choice for every application— built things to last. A starter home was floor, which takes away from its radiant heat, installing over a concrete something to which they added rooms attractiveness. That’s because the eye slab and more. as your family grew. They didn’t trade looks for continuity. Smooth, unbroken up. And, they just simply didn’t have lines are considered signs of beauty. the time or the money to waste in Wide, long planks, like those from “[Wide plank floors] constantly repairing their homes. Carlisle, put the focus on the grain and offer a more natural That’s why the early New character of the floor itself rather England settlers used the than the seams. appearance and longest, widest boards In fact, with Carlisle wide planks have a much clearer available for their floors. you can reduce the number of Cut from the heart of old seams in your floor by up to 500%. style across the floor, growth trees, these boards And that can make a dramatic which also makes were far less likely to warp impact on the look of the room, or shrink than narrower and including creating a sense of rooms look bigger.” shorter boards. clean, open space, which helps News Alloy article Today, Carlisle Wide any room feel bigger. Plank Floors is widely No Restrictions… Wide “Wide plank flooring recognized for using wide Plank Has A Wide Range planks cut with maximum of Uses offers a few distinct heartwood content from carefully selected mature The key to versatility is strength advantages. For one, trees to assure the same under a variety of conditions. there are fewer seams, qualities of strength and And, again, that goes back to stability that are inherent dense grain pattern, careful so Carlisle’s wide planks drying and handcrafted in a dense grain pattern. have a striking look Then the planks undergo attention. It’s no wonder Carlisle a proprietary, extended floors have proven that they are when compared to drying process to the most adaptive floors on the the common 3" variety further minimize market today. any chances Made from old of flooring planks.” of cupping, growth heartwood splitting, shrinking or reclaimed Building Blox Blog or warping. The flooring to assure a result is a floor tight, dense grain that stands the pattern for strength, test for strength Carlisle wide plank any way you floors combine measure it. a proprietary

Continuity—Let The Style Area Rugs Over Wood— Flow A Smart Cover-up As mentioned earlier, when it comes Area rugs are an excellent way to “The addition of area to floors, the eye likes continuity in lines expand your decorating options with and grain patterns. Again, wide plank wood floors. Together with strategic rugs and rug pads for floors, like those from Carlisle, create furniture placement, area rugs let you hardwood floors serve a natural flow from one room to the create defined living and entertaining next with their lack of seams due to the areas within larger open rooms with both an ornamental and long and wide planks. This is especially wide plank wood floors. The wide practical purpose. Area important in homes with a lot of open planks tie all the areas together, while living space. the color and texture of the area rugs rugs make a room cozier, makes them distinctive. they look nice, and they Mark T. White, of Kitchen And, while the wide plank floors are made for lasting beauty, area rugs are help protect the floor Encounters in Annapolis easily changeable when you want a in certain situations.” (MD), chose wood flooring fresh décor style. However, it is vitally important to use a proper pad under how-to-hardwood-floors.com for a kitchen remodel the rug to protect the floor. where the floor flowed “Area rugs offer unlimited into a formal dining room combinations of and casual family room. color, texture, pattern According to White, “If and placement.” we’d switched to tile or World Floor Covering Association some other surface, the Rugs let you create defined living and (wfca.org) entertaining areas floor would’ve become an awkward interruption. And people prefer hardwood to tile or other kitchen flooring materials.”

Trend Release American Hardwood Information Center

From ash to white oak, the beauty’s ingrained

Rustic. Modern. Elegant. White Oak Every Wood Has A Unique Hard to Beat Style. Hard and resilient, White Oak is a light, It’s also one of the most attractive yet resilient woods available. Carlisle’s With so many species to choose nutty brown wood with dramatic handcrafted planks are particularly from, wood floors offer an endless grain features that range from simple striking due to their exceptional combination of grain patterns, color and sleek to intricate swirls. The dense lengths, widths and heartwood and hardness to suit your tastes. Darker fibers of this popular wood make for content - the result of ideal Midwestern woods with tighter grain patterns tend a durable floor with a versatile look— growing conditions for Walnut. to create an elegant, more formal casual, formal, or contemporary. atmosphere, while lighter woods with Rift & Quartersawn White Oak Eastern White Pine more open grain spacing provide a A Cut Above A Piece of Americana more casual look. At the same time, a lighter color wood with a tight Radiating elegance and traditional Regarded as America’s most time- grain pattern may blend well in a beauty, Rift & Quartersawn White honored wood for wide plank contemporary setting. Oak is cut at a 90-degree angle from floors, Eastern White Pine turns up the log’s growth rings. This creates everywhere, from early American Another aspect to consider is the way a uniform vertical pattern of tight, colonial homes to contemporary a floor wears over time. For example, straight parallel lines running the length urban lofts. Hand selected from the while Eastern White Pine makes a of the plank. heart of the region’s most mature strong, durable floor, it will acquire dents pines, each board has a dense, and other characteristics of wear and Hickory signature grain with subtle knots. While age that give it a unique appeal which Tough, but Handsome strong and durable, Eastern White Pine reflects its surroundings. It’s almost like Think of hickory as the movie wears in over time, enhancing the a piece of folk art. Conversely, a very hero—tough as nails, yet incredibly unique character of a home. A true hard wood like hickory never changes. handsome. With a tensile strength piece of Americana. It maintains the same consistent beauty rivaling steel, Hickory makes one of the from start to finish. Heart Pine most durable floors available. Carlisle Return of a Classic Finally, reclaimed wood brings home sources its Hickory exclusively from the a unique character with rich warmth upper reaches of the Appalachian Heralded for its use during the behind its imperfections. There’s a Forest for its substantial heartwood American Industrial Revolution, unique charm in knowing that your content. Its very interesting patterns Longleaf Heart Pine is cut from the floor is part of history. make it versatile enough for the most heart of the timber. Hard as oak, with Of course, as in many aspects of modern California homes and the a warm patina and rich colors ranging decorating and design, your most rustic lake-side retreats. from pumpkin and amber to darker, personal sense of style should be the more modern hues, it’s available in deciding factor in choosing the Walnut a variety of grades. From the formal flooring for your home. Absolutely Sumptuous Heirloom with its tight knots and There is no other wood quite like vertical grains to the rustic Original with Walnut. With rich, chocolate hues, wider lines, extravagant knots, and surprising auburn undertones, and cathedral wood patterns, it’s perfectly complex grain patterns, it creates a at home in any setting. spectacular floor with or without stain.

Ash White & Brown Maple Reclaimed Chestnut Simply Striking From Gyms To Grand Mansions A Rare Beauty

Amazingly dense and durable Dense, with clear, hard flowing grain Reclaimed Chestnut is one of the most with unique elasticity, American and occasional swirls, White Maple is in special reclaimed woods available Ash is prized for its interesting grain high demand as a fashionable flooring from Carlisle. The prominent Chestnut patterns and striking hues, from very choice in a variety of traditional grain and other markings complement light blonde to cream-colored to a and contemporary settings. Cut the rich light brown and darker cocoa rich nutty brown. You can choose from the same tree as White Maple, colors. A renowned American grades with consistently lighter tones Brown Maple has been tapped for hardwood, this giant of the forest was or more variation. It can also be maple syrup, so the inside of the tree all but wiped out by a tragic blight in stained for dramatic results in a range develops rich, brown streaks and the early 1900s. However, of settings… traditional homes… heartwood, which can create striking the reclaimed wood offers a unique beachside cottages… refurbished variations in color and character. wormhole character caused by bugs urban lofts and more. that ate the dying trees after the blight. Reclaimed Heart Pine Birch Reclaiming America Milled Barn Wood

Dramatic Beauty A staple in the history of American Rustic Charm Birch makes a unique, captivating floor architecture, Carlisle Reclaimed Heart Unlike many other materials, time adds in which each board has an intriguing Pine comes from beams and floor joists a sense of character and warmth to combination of blonde outer edges of old, soon-to-be-demolished mills wood. Carlisle helps you bring it home and warm amber portions. Its varying and factories around New England, with rustic Milled Barn Wood reclaimed grain patterns range from subtle swirls built during the Industrial Revolution. floors. A mix of several different to highly figured flame. Birch from This antique flooring can add a classic woods, including Red and White Pine, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors typically look to any environment with its rich Hemlock and Spruce, it offers a rich, contains more dramatic heartwood patina of deep amber and pumpkin warm comfort in its varying hues— because it is sawn from fully mature hues, strong grain, and the ability to rich, nutty browns to auburns and trees grown and sustainably harvested customize the grade to achieve the yellows—and imperfections. Every nail in northern New England. desired rustic appeal. hole, stain, knot and split reflects an enduring memory that commands Cherry Reclaimed Oak genuine admiration. Rich, Inviting Warmth New World History, Grandpa’s Floor Nothing compares to the deep, Old World Style Wood Reborn glowing red color of polished Cherry Discover a bright future in the past. flooring. It’s also unique in that its With its remarkable color, which ranges For something totally unique with lustrous hues will darken a bit more from gold to amber to rich, nutty a decidedly rustic charm, Carlisle than other hardwoods as it ages. browns, plus a strong, prominent grain offers a “reborn” floor whose original Ultimately, a beautiful Cherry wood and eclectic figuring, Reclaimed Oak primitive beauty was covered up by floor will mature to a rich, burnished creates a distinguished Old World look dirt, debris and years of abuse. These auburn color. Together with the subtle from New World use. In its quest to find old floorboards or structural floor joists but distinctive flowing grain patterns the best Antique Oak, Carlisle reclaims are carefully cleaned, inspected and and uniquely inviting warmth, this has theirs from a variety of old buildings preserved with minimal milling. The result helped make Cherry one of the most along the Ohio River Valley and is Grandpa’s Floor --the aged blend of popular floors. western Pennsylvania. rich pumpkin and deep charcoal color tones is amplified by the original stains, watermarks and saw kerfs.

The top options for the best looking floor

Once you’ve selected the perfect Plank Floors when it comes to helping divided into grades, which reflect the species of wood for your floor, you customers achieve the exact look aesthetics or look of the wood, not need to choose the right grade, they want. the quality. In Carlisle’s unique artistic texture, stain and finish to complete grading process, they start and end “Carlisle is a valued Crocker Homes the look you want. These decisions with only the finest quality wood, which partner,” according to Craig Norleen, really can mean the difference is available in two distinct grades— project consultant and manager between a floor that’s a lasting work Heirloom and Original. at Crocker Homes Inc. in the San of art, which enhances the beauty of Francisco Bay area. “Carlisle was there With its cleaner, more refined your home, or just some boards under at each step in the process helping appearance, Heirloom has a formal your feet. our architect, owner and installers. appeal. On the other hand, Original With so many options to choose from, Their expertise, ability to listen and ask offers a natural look that maintains it’s also very important to deal with questions helped our team realize the more of the true character from the a floor company that listens to your vision we were trying to create.” original timber. needs, understands how to bring out Grades—It’s All About Style the best attributes of each wood So Every Grade Passes “Carlisle is a valued species and never compromises on its commitment. And few, if any, can In addition to the characteristics of Crocker Homes partner... match the reputation of Carlisle Wide each species, wood flooring is also Carlisle was there at each step in the process helping our architect, owner and installers. Their expertise, ability to listen and ask questions helped our team realize the vision we were trying to create.”

Craig Norleen, Project consultant and manager Crocker Homes Inc. San Francisco Bay area

Retaining the best attributes of each wood species

Textures—An Edge In Style Of course, as with any aspect of Watermill choosing a new floor, you need to From Hand-Scraped To Until modern milling techniques were understand that capabilities and Footworn developed, boards from early riverside results will vary among flooring sawmills contained saw marks or One of the big keys to any successful companies. Chris Sy, National Sales “kerfs”. Carlisle experts authentically design project is the relationship of Director for Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, recreate this look with a unique milling color, pattern and texture. With solid explains that textures, and how they’re technique and then enhance it with wood flooring, there are numerous created, vary from manufacturer to their Brushed Surface to deliver the texture options that can be combined manufacturer. most authentic, subtly worn surface. with the different species patterns and “Every one of our floors is individually The entire floor appears as though it stain colors to create any look you crafted by hand in our Custom Shop,” was “worn in” from years of existence. want. Generally, the texturing creates says Sy, “many are looking to recreate The kerf marks will absorb stain a distressed look that reflects a sense the authentic, centuries old distressed differently and create striking contrasts. of heritage and craftsmanship. It’s appearances that some of today’s also one of the most popular flooring popular design trends call for.” He Brushed trends today. goes on to say that Carlisle offers six Unique to Carlisle, this is a very subtle hand-crafting options to give your surface treatment which can have a The World Floor Covering floor its own unique personality. Some dramatic impact on the look of a floor. Association cites in its Top are wide spread among flooring Their craftsmen use brushes specifically companies, while several are unique designed for Carlisle, to subtly soften 10 Flooring Trends that to Carlisle. and contour boards in order give them a gently worn appearance with very “authenticity is behind a Hand-Scraped Edges fine brush markings. Accentuating the desire for floors that take To achieve this look, Carlisle’s most desirable characteristics of the craftsmen gently hand-sculpt the wood, this texture can be combined inspiration from the past, edges of each board, a practice with any other surface treatment for charms us, or help us started over 200 years ago with the first stunning results. pine floors in America, to straighten live lives more attuned the boards when machinery was not Footworn to nature.” This trend for available to do so. The scraped edge As floors are walked on, each board is the most affordable way to give wears differently so they begin authenticity is showing up each board a perfectly aged feel. to develop distinctive undulating This distressing technique is popular for in flooring showrooms in patterns, which vary due to the wood restoration projects or to tone down type, heartwood and softwood from the form of “wide plank, the formal look of more refined floors. board to board. Machine-scraped floors that are on the market today Hit Or Miss hand-scraped, distressed can’t come anywhere close to floors. These replicate More deliberate than it sounds, this duplicating this look authentically. treatment is reserved only for Eastern That’s why Carlisle craftsmen use historical flooring, going White Pine floors. Boards from early specialized tools to hand-sculpt each back to early America.” saw mills contained saw swirl marking board in recreating these subtle or kerfs, which have become the most patterns literally one board at a time. World Floor Covering Association sought after distressing technique used (wfca.org) to recreate an antique-looking floor at a fraction of the cost.

Prefinished or on-site finishing

The Advantage is Yours touched up with ease over the years. Where you choose to have your floors finished can make a big difference in The secret is two total cost, installation time and your different yet stress level. It’s important to understand equally remarkable the benefits and drawbacks of both prefinishing solutions— prefinishing and on-site finishing. It’s Carlisle Custom Coat™ also critical to understand that the stains and finishes, choice of flooring company makes a and Carlisle Naturals huge impact. finishes. Chris Sy, Carlisle’s National In general, prefinished flooring is exactly Sales Director, says what it implies. As defined by the World they are “totally Floor Covering Association, “prefinished unlike anything else hardwood floors come already sanded, in prefinished flooring, screened and stained from highly Dark stain application on new oak hardwood from the way they’re formulated to efficient manufacturing plants.” On-site the way they’re applied.” or “finish in place” as the WFCA lists it, Since there’s no way we could cover Combining time-honored techniques “refers to having unfinished hardwood all the options in this guide, we chose with modern technology, Carlisle installed, sanded, stained and then to use the offerings from Carlisle Wide has created a superior prefinishing finished with 2-3 coats of urethane right Plank Floors, in part because of their process, Each board displays a deep there in your home.” reputation, but also because of their hand-rubbed appearance rather Traditionally, prefinished floors make approach to stains. than one that is painted on. Also, every project easier to complete To quote Carlisle’s web site, “We unlike most prefinished floors which and less expensive by avoiding the love the natural beauty of a freshly arrive with the bottom unfinished, labor intensive, time-consuming and sawn wide plank board, and find Carlisle coats their floors on four sides extremely messy process of sanding nothing more offensive than a stain to slow moisture absorption. and applying stains and finishes. unbecoming to a particular piece of If you want the ready-to-install ease However, prefinished is sometimes wood, or one that obscures the subtle of a no-mess prefinished floor plus the associated with a cheap looking details and delicate grain patterns of superior beauty of an on-site, hand- floor. And there have been people who the wood under layers of paint.” It’s finished floor, a Carlisle prefinished floor have had the unfortunate experience hard to argue with that kind of attitude. of not being able to touch up a gives you all of the advantages of The key is a commitment to matching prefinished floor or refinish them so they both without any of the drawbacks. each piece of wood with the proper feel like the floors do not last as long. Traditional Stains—In The End, stain for the particular species, Fortunately, there is at least one It’s All About Complementing while also taking into account your key exception to these general The Wood specific design scheme. That’s why it’s perceptions. Carlisle has developed a important to work closely with a floor There are an almost infinite number of unique prefinishing process designed company that understands how to possibilities when it comes to picking to bring out the beauty of the wood create the perfect solution, including the best stain for your wood floor. And, and avoid a plastic look. Their one-of-a-kind custom stain colors. it seems like every flooring company prefinished floors can be cleaned and has a different line-up of choices.

Carlisle Traditional Stains

Whitewash Fence Copper Mine Vermont Coffee Bean

This stain is well loved and well Inspired by the rich “pumpkin pine” When it comes to brewing a rich, traveled across a variety of settings: patina associated with vintage White roasted color, this stain is the strong a formal Chicago high-rise; a beach Pine and Heart Pine floor boards, choice for waking up a hardwood house in Rhode Island; and the Park this color is hard to replicate by most floor. It’s a sure way to enhance the Hyatt Hotel in DC. It’s formulated with stains available today. Carlisle’s stain bold, natural appeal of select wood fine pigments that allow the color to is specially formulated to soak into the flooring, especially White Oak. transform the wood, without covering wood, so it can recreate centuries- up the grain and character. Works old colors, which also makes it quite Antique Farmhouse well with White Oak, Hickory and popular for White Oak, Hickory and This stain is an excellent choice for Eastern White Pine. Maple floors. anyone who loves the inviting reddish- brown tones of Tobacco Leaf but Concord Honey Tobacco Leaf wants something a bit darker. Made Most often used on traditional Eastern Inspired by historical staining methods with the same fine pigments as the White Pine and Long Leaf Heart Pine using tobacco soaked in turpentine, other Carlisle stains, it creates an floors, this stain adds just the right Carlisle’s Tobacco Leaf stain adds appealing color for both Pine and aged look. It’s especially popular for a rich, warm tone to many different Hardwood floors. restoration style projects when the wood species, including White Oak, natural color of the wood isn’t quite Hickory, Eastern White Pine and Blacksmith dark enough. Longleaf Heart Pine. As the name implies, this stain is designed to give floors a smoky look, Gingerbread Sturbridge Brown with the darkest tones possible. It’s This is a beautiful stain that gives a For a darker look without the red been used to recreate time-worn Pine warm feel to pine or hardwood floors tones that can appear in some floors in a variety of applications, from without creating a very dark look. stains, Sturbridge Brown is the perfect New England breweries to the most The color allows the natural variation choice. It’s recommended for White upscale Long Island Mansions. and character of the wood to come Oak, Hickory and Walnut floors. through. It’s recommended for White Oak, Hickory, Eastern White Pine and Oatmeal Stout Heart Pine. This stain creates a very rich chocolate brown hue, which is often Bradford Umber used on White Oak and Hickory as an Valued for its rich hues and warmth, alternative to Walnut. Whether you this stain has been used to add a want an old, worn look from an Irish vintage feel to a pine floor, or to Pub, or an upscale, contemporary create a more formal look in a wide floor, this is a great choice. In addition plank hardwood, including White Oak to White Oak and Hickory, it’s also and Hickory. recommended for Eastern White Pine and Longleaf Heart Pine.

Carlisle Finishes

Custom Colors shown on White Oak Custom Coat™ Finishes— Natural Finishes—There’s No The Final Touch For Lasting Substitute For The Natural Whitewash Fence Beauty Beauty Of Wood To bring out the true beauty of Carlisle Naturals represent a the wood and protect it, Carlisle revolutionary advance in wood floor Concord Honey Custom Coat™ uses a high quality, finishes. All-natural, plant-based oil UV-cured urethane to prefinish the finishes, they are the ultimate “green” floors. Exceptionally durable, the finishes choice for bringing out the inherent Gingerbread are easy to clean and easy to touch beauty of the grain and patina of up. Carlisle does not use Aluminum each of Carlisle’s wide plank floor Oxide. In fact, they discourage species. They also add organic color Copper Mine customers from using aluminum variations that further individualize oxide because long term repair and your floor as a unique and striking refinishing can be more difficult. work of art. Bradford Umber Amber And, while design trends change, the natural environmental palette of Specifically designed to replicate the Carlisle Natural Finishes is always fresh Sturbridge Brown hand-rubbed oils and waxes that were because there’s no substitute for the used on the first floors in America, this natural beauty of wood. Grain pattern finish is designed to be far more scuff and color variation is enhanced when resistant, easy to clean and touch up Carlisle Natural Finishes are applied to Tobacco Leaf over the years. Available in a variety of the wood surface and bring out the sheens—Satin, Matte or Extra Matte— true beauty of the wood itself, creating it’s recommended for White Oak, a truly unique floor for your home. Oatmeal Stout Hickory, Walnut, Longleaf Heart Pine, According to Chris Sy from Carlisle, Ash, Birch, Cherry and Maple floors. “The non-plastic, natural oils hide Vermont Coffee Bean Clear life’s little accidents and the special bonding action also makes touch ups Clearer, and more flexible than most Finishes shown on White Oak and spot repairs easy and virtually water-based polyurethanes that undetectable since the oil will only create build up and give the floor a bond with the damaged areas. Apply Amber plastic feel, these Clear finishes are just the natural finish, wait 10 minutes and as durable as the Amber finishes, and wipe up what isn’t absorbed. It’s really just as easy to touch up. Carlisle Clear that simple.” Finishes come in a variety of sheens— Clear

Satin, Matte or Extra Matte. Colors shown on Pine

Antique Farmhouse

Colors and finishes shown on White Oak or Pine as indicated. Appearance will change depending on wood species Blacksmith

Look at flooring design from a different angle

A Custom Approach To A Unique Floor Design Tired of straight lines? Carlisle Available pre-assembled in sections Available pre-assembled understands. That’s why they’ve or individual pieces, these floors taken a new angle on wood flooring are offered in a variety of woods in sections or individual with their custom parquet floors. An and patterns, including Chevron, pieces, these floors are exercise in tailored luxury, these floors Herringbone and Versailles. You can are built to specifications in Carlisle’s also create your own unique designs. offered in a variety of Custom Shop. woods and patterns

Chevron Herringbone

Versailles Custom Pattern

Lay it down right to stand the test of time

Installing a wood floor is a significant Typically, floor companies such as “Installing hardwood investment with a long-term impact on Carlisle have a network of qualified, your home’s value. Needless to say, it independent installers in virtually floors is an art. Why hire should be approached carefully at all every area of the country that you stages, especially installation. Unless you can contract with for a professional anyone to install yours have extensive experience, all the right installation. These installers are but a seasoned artist with tools and lots of free time, it is strongly experienced in the nuances of what recommended that you have your it takes to achieve a successful skills developed through wood floors professionally installed. installation, from moisture acclimation years of experience? If you are still seriously considering to proper spacing of gaps, to assure installing your solid wood floor that your new floor will look good now Go with a professional yourself, Carlisle’s Chris Sy warns, and for years to come. who can guarantee a “most performance issues are driven by environmental factors and beautiful, efficient and improper installation.” correct installation. You’ll be glad you did.”

World Floor Covering Association (wfca.org)

Installers are experienced in the nuances of successful installation

It’s about options not restrictions

At the core of the debate made from old growth heartwood to worthy of the Carlisle name… and assure a tight, dense grain pattern customer trust. The National Wood Flooring for strength. Plus, it undergoes a Association guidelines recommend Unlimited options by design proprietary, extended drying process. against using solid wood flooring In addition, unlike most flooring, the Carlisle premium engineered wood in certain applications, where high traditional Carlisle Custom Coat™ floors are not limited to a few patterns moisture may be an issue, such as prefinishing is coated on all sides to or species and they are made to order installing below grade or over a delay moisture absorption. As a result, just like their solid wood floors. This concrete slab. This make sense for they’ve been able to install their enables you to focus on the right look most traditional wood flooring, where solid wood flooring over every type for your overall design without worrying narrow strips, high moisture absorption of radiant heat system and concrete about anything else. Above grade… and other issues can lead to warping surface for over forty years. below grade… bathrooms… kitchens… and shrinkage. That’s why engineered it doesn’t matter—you find the right wood flooring is traditionally Taking the right stand look and they’ll provide it in the floor recommended in these applications. With all of their success using solid wood you need—solid wood or premium The cross-layering in engineered wood wide plank flooring in non-standard engineered wood. The choice is yours. is supposed to significantly improve applications, some might question the The beauty is Carlisle. dimensional stability. decision to introduce Carlisle premium Carlisle offers solid engineered wood flooring. First, they advantages recognized that some installers are just more comfortable with engineered Unlike most traditional solid wood flooring in certain applications. And, flooring, Carlisle wide plank flooring second, they wanted to make a offers several advantages that make premium engineered floor that was it suitable for all applications. It’s

Premium Engineered Construction Solid Construction

1 1 2

1 Wear Layer: A 3/16" wear layer compared to an industry standard 1 Solid Flooring: Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single solid of 1/12" to 1/8" offering the same thickness of sanding available piece of hardwood featuring a 3/16” wear layer. as a solid floor without sacrificing the stability in an engineered platform. 2 Stabilicore™: Stability and floor longevity are enhanced by 11 layers of Baltic Birch backing.

Engineered with strong Authentic Baltic birch… Choose to look pretty… core values no substitutes allowed and smart Carlisle has built a legend for crafting Although some Baltic birch trees are There are no trade-offs in choosing beautiful floors that will last forever by grown domestically, the best climate between Carlisle solid and not taking shortcuts. That’s why they for healthy growth is along the Baltic engineered wood floors. Their use only heartwood from carefully Sea in Finland and Russia. Here under premium engineered floors are hand selected trees. The denser grain optimum growing conditions, there crafted and made to order for the pattern gives each solid wood wide is far less chance of wood bugs and same level of customization you plank superior strength, durability and other ailments creating voids or gaps. expect from Carlisle. And, unlike many beauty that cannot be matched. Because it’s void-free, their premium engineered floors, theirs look just as They brought that same commitment engineered construction makes rock beautiful as their solid wood floors. to creating legendary engineered solid joints from plank to plank for a In the end, your flooring choice is a wood floors with their exclusive floor that just won’t move. matter of what best fits your needs ™ Stabilicore construction. It’s a Carlisle wide plank and those of your installer. But as long as you choose an attractive Carlisle Layered with deep floor at heart solid or premium engineered wide inner strength The Stabilicore provides Carlisle wide plank wood floor, you’re making a The unrivalled Stabilicore center of plank premium engineered wood smart decision you can stand on for every Carlisle engineered wood floors with a moisture tolerance years to come. floor consists of 11-ply Baltic birch that’s far superior to traditional premium hardwood plywood, while solid or engineered wood floors, so typical American hardwood plywood they can be installed anywhere in is usually only 7-ply. These extra the home. In fact, under virtually plies give Stabilicore a significant any conditions, Carlisle wide plank advantage in strength and stability. premium engineered wood floors will In addition, the dimensional stability outperform any other engineered is further compounded by layering wood (and most traditional solid each ply so that the grain runs at a wood) floors. And that makes it a 90° angle to the grain pattern of the Carlisle floor at heart. previous ply.

Request A Personalized Design Consultation

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors crafts custom floors, specific to the needs of our customers. Do you want some assistance with making informed design decisions? Interested in seeing what the finest floors, made from the best cuts of wood can do to transform your living space? Our team of sales professionals has the experience to answer all your questions regarding Carlisle floors.

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