Research : Wood Flooring

I admit to being a purist when it comes to materials. So naturally, I entered into defense mode when the subject of wood look alternatives came up during a design meeting for the Family Home project. In my opinion, nothing beats the authenticity of a real wood floor. It might not remain spotless and perfect over its lifetime, but I love how the appearance of the floor reflects the story of the space and the events that took place there. Particularly in low traffic residential applications, you can’t go wrong with solid hardwood. Regardless, I set out to do some research to gain a better understanding of what the options are. 

Solid Hardwood

What is it?

Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of lumber; typically maple, oak, birch or beech. Hardness of the species and choice of surface finishing determines the floors resistance to denting and scratching.

Where can I use it?

Solid hardwood floors are prone to shrinking and expanding based on humidity levels. It is not recommended to install solid hardwood floors below grade or above a concrete subfloor.

How long will it last?

50-100+ years. Solid hardwood can be refinished up to 10 times during its lifetime.

Is it sustainable?

Solid hardwood is considered sustainable if the wood comes from a responsibly managed forest. Keep an eye out for products certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Bamboo and palm are fast growing grasses that are earth friendly alternatives to solid hardwood.

Composite Flooring

What is it?

Laminate. Vinyl. Luxury Vinyl. All of these composite materials can fake a wood floor. Each manufacturer has their own secret recipe but all of these products are made up of layers; typically some sort of backing, a printed design layer and a protective top layer. Sometimes a surface embossing is added to give the product a more realistic texture.

Where can I use it?

Composite flooring can be installed either above or below grade.

How long will it last?

10-20 years depending on the quality of the product. Unlike real wood, it can not be refinished but is typically more resistant to wear, scratching and staining.

Is it sustainable?

Composite flooring is made from non-renewable resources and usually goes straight to the landfill at the end of its lifetime. That said, there are some products on the market which are made from high levels of recycled material.

Engineered Hardwood

What is it?

Engineered hardwood is composed of a plywood core topped with a hardwood veneer. The lamination process used to make the product increases the stability of the floor and reduces the amount it shrinks and expands.

Where can I use it?

One of the main advantages of engineered hardwood over solid wood is the ability to install it below grade or over a concrete subfloor. Engineered hardwood is typically thinner than solid hardwood, making it a better choice to install over radiant heating systems.

How long will it last?

The thickness of this veneer determines how many times the product can be refinished and the lifespan of the floor. A high quality engineered wood floor with a thick veneer may last as long as solid hardwood.

Is it sustainable?

Engineered hardwood is a sustainable option if the wood comes from a responsibly managed forest.

Wood Look Tile

What is it?

Similar to composite flooring, a wood look design is printed onto ceramic or porcelain tile. The tiles are often embossed to give the product a realistic texture.

Where can I use it?

Wood look tile can be installed either above or below grade. Tile is also suitable for wet areas such as kitchens, baths, basements and outdoor spaces.

How long will it last?

The lifespan of porcelain tile can be up to 50 years depending on the quality of installation.

Is it sustainable?

Places which recycle ceramic tile are few and far between. Oftentimes, used product ends up in a landfill.

Research : Radiant Floor Heating

Do you ever wonder why warming up by the fire on a chilly winter evening is so comforting? Or why we can always find our pets positioning themselves in the precise location of the sunbeam streaming in through our windows? These are examples of heat transferred by radiation. Heat from a source, in this case the fire or the sun, is transferred to the surrounding surfaces and objects by means of electromagnetic waves. By heating a surface directly, the user feels warmth and comfort immediately upon contact.

Radiant heating is one of the oldest and most efficient ways to heat a space. It’s history dates as far back as the Roman Empire, with the use of the hypocaust. In those times, the floor would be raised above the ground with tiled pillars and space would be left between the walls. Hot air and smoke from a wood furnace would be directed to these enclosed areas, heating the interior space but not polluting it. The warm air was then released outside through flues in the roof.

Today there are two main types of radiant heating systems, electric and hydronic. 

In an electric system, thin cables or mats are built into the floor or laid in-between the subfloor and the finished floor. An electric system can be made even more efficient by including a thermal mass such as a thick concrete slab which can be heated at night when electricity is cheaper and slowly release the stored heat throughout the day. This system is best for smaller renovation projects or additions where it is impractical to extend the existing heating system into the new space. 

Hydronic systems work by pumping hot water from a boiler or water heater through a network of tubes under the subfloor. This system is best for new construction or if the radiant heat system is the primary heat source for the building. 

Any type of flooring can be used over a radiant heating system, although hard surfaces such as ceramic tile, wood or stone are preferable over carpet because the insulating qualities of the carpet may reduce heat flow. Radiant heating is often more efficient than other types of heating systems. Since the occupants are warmed directly by the floor and objects on the floor, it is possible to feel comfortable at a lower temperature. The system is easily zoned to avoid wasting energy on rooms that are not in use. Overall, it seems that radiant heating systems are a worthwhile and earth friendly investment. Or you could just put on a sweater.