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My new home is being built with radiant heat. Can I use wide plank wood floors?
This is a common question that we receive, and you most certainly can use our floors over radiant heat. In fact, that's our favorite heat source with our floors! If you think about this in terms of how these floors began, in homes that were heated with inefficient wood stoves or fireplaces, it seems logical that with a radiant heat system, where the heat is distributed much more evenly, it's much more stable for the wood. Again, we always go back to the quality and stability of the wood we use- coupled with such an energy efficient consistent heat source, it's the perfect marriage.
I have heard that wide boards cup. Is this the case with your wood?
The reasons why wood will move in a manner that may be undesirable, such as cupping, crowning or warping, are due to a variety of reasons, none of which are the width of the boards! If you use a very good quality wood, with a tight vertical grain structure and that is dried properly by air and by kiln, then your planks will be stable regardless of the width. This is why we are able to make boards up to 20" wide and 16' long that will stay flat for the life of your floor.
Can I use wood floors in my kitchen?
Absolutely! For the first 200 years that homes were being built in this country, wood was the only flooring option in every room. In fact, there are still homes in New England that have their original wood floors throughout and they are beautiful. The key in a kitchen or other area that may be exposed to additional elements is to use an appropriate finish. We recommend our High Resin Tung Oil which actually penetrates into the fibers of the wood to seal and protect your floors completely- even for the messiest chef!
Isn't Pine too soft for a wood floor?
We use several different types of Pine when crafting our floors. Our most sought after floor is made with Old Growth Eastern White Pine, which is indeed a softer wood. However, you don't want to confuse softness with durability. Old Growth Eastern White Pine has been used in homes for 300 years, and in many cases is still in existence, and still beautiful. You will want to appreciate the dents and dings that create the old and traditional look of this floor.
What does "Old Growth" mean?
The term "Old Growth" refers to a tree that is allowed to reach full maturity in a natural environment before it is cut down. When the tree reaches maturity it is necessary and beneficial to cut the timber, otherwise at a certain point it will start to decay and become useless. By selectively harvesting these older trees, there is room for the younger trees to have access to sunlight, water and nutrients. Also, by using these old trees that have grown tall and big around, we are able to make the widest possible planks with the longest lengths. (Please ask us about more specific information regarding Old Growth vs. Virgin timber.)
