What is Rustic Wood Flooring
Rustic grade flooring is a type of wooden floor design. The wood used to make this flooring has knots, splits and other characteristics that make it look traditional and rustic. These characteristics of hardwood floors rustic can include:
- Knots: These are small, dark imperfections in the wood that add character and often have a distinctive appearance.
- Mineral Streaks: These are natural markings or discolorations caused by minerals in the wood, often adding visual interest.
- Color Variations: The natural variations in color within a piece of wood, which can range from light to dark and create a unique appearance.
- Hairline Cracks/Fissures: These are fine lines or cracks that may appear in the wood but typically do not affect its structural integrity.
- Wormholes: Small holes left behind by wood-boring insects, which can give the floor a reclaimed or weathered look.
According to the type of surface, rustic grade has the most natural defects. It varies from #2 common grade boards to #1 middle-grade boards. The defects also ensure that the price of the floors is relatively low compared to transparent wood grades.
Popular Types of Rustic Wood Flooring
Oak is very popular for rustic floors. Red oak has a tinge of red and white oak has a pale tan hue. Both are hardwoods that can withstand daily use.
Pine is relatively cheaper and nicked or knotholed pine boards give the cabin the look of pioneer cabins. Pine is softer than oak and it can be dented more easily.
Other types of wood, including hickory, maple and walnut, can also be used for rustic floors. Discuss with your flooring supplier the type of wood you may prefer and that will suit your lifestyle.
Should You Refinish or Use Raw Wood?
Selecting the type of rustic wood floor is one thing and deciding on a finish is another. Here are the main options for hardwood floors rustic:
1. Raw Unsanded Floors
If the pieces are made from raw, unsanded timber, they will have no protective layer, which enhances the raw grain texture. However, they are superficial and easily damaged by dents, scratches and stains resulting from spills. The raw wood must often be sanded and re-finished after a few years.
2. Semi-Finished Floors
A light polyurethane or oil finish gives the natural appearance a slight barrier of protection. However, reapplication is still required in approximately five years. This is slightly costlier than raw wood, but many prefer it.
3. Site-Finished Floors
These are brought to the site in an unfinished state and the actual finish or stain is applied after the floors have been fitted. This allows customization and allows you to select the stain you want for the floors.
4. Pre-Finished Floors
These are factory-finished for ease of use. This is the reason why pre-finished floors cost more. However, a second coat should be used on high-traffic areas of the site to increase the density of the polyurethane.
Things To Consider When Purchasing Rustic Hardwood Floors
You will need to inspect a few things before purchasing your rustic hardwood floors. These considerations include:
1. Inspect Closely
Although knots, grades and colors are presented fairly accurately, it is better to view the flooring before purchasing it, as photos can be misleading. Closely inspect all your planks to have the most desirable flooring.
2. Purchase Slightly More Than Required
You should purchase slightly more than the quantity needed for your following. A good guess would be to purchase at least 5% more to compensate for the wood wasted when planks are cut to fit the rooms accurately.
3. Buy From the Same Supplier
The wooden structure can vary from supplier to supplier. To ensure consistency in the floors, purchase all the wood from the same production lot number.
4. Study The Wood’s Quality
Think about the raw wood floors' future appearance in several years. Some types become less vivid, dark or yellow with time. Carefully study the wood characteristics before settling.
Installing Rustic Wood Floors
You can install rustic wood floors in a few simple steps. These include:
Step 1: Acclimatize the Wood
Let the wood air out in your home’s temperature/humidity for at least 72 hours before installing. This will allow the wood to settle with the room’s environment.
Step 2: Check the Subfloor
If the subfloor is to be installed, it should be checked for level and moisture before installing wood where problems exist.
Step 3: Decide on the Layout
Choose a layout pattern—horizontal, diagonal herringbone, chevron, etc. Once set, make sure to follow the pattern for placing all the wood planks.
Step 4: Read the Manual for Any Special Instructions
Comply with all floor manufacturers’ guidelines regarding floor preparation and installation. Some planks have additional requirements before setting them.
Step 5: Place the Planks with Adhesives or Nails
Place the planks in the desired pattern and fix them with adhesives or nails. Make sure to place them accurately and firmly.
For prefinished or site-finished floors, the curing time should only be 72 hours before allowing light foot traffic. It is recommended that the furniture be moved back after a week.