Abrasion

Abrasion refers to the gradual degradation or wearing down of a hardwood floor's surface finish. This process compromises both the aesthetic appeal and durability of the wood. It's often caused by high foot traffic, friction, or contact with abrasive materials like grit or sand.

Acclimation

Acclimation is the essential process where hardwood flooring adjusts to the specific conditions of its installation environment, including the room's humidity and moisture levels. Typically taking around three days, this process helps mitigate the risks of wood expansion and contraction, thereby ensuring the longevity of your flooring.

Aluminum Oxide

Aluminum oxide finishes are robust coatings applied to enhance the durability of certain hardwood and bamboo floors. This type of finish offers excellent protection against scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear.

Backing

The backing is the foundational layer in various flooring options, like vinyl. Usually composed of felt or fiberglass, this layer adheres directly to the subfloor, serving both as a stabilizing layer and a protective barrier to prolong the flooring's lifespan.

Back Layer

Often synonymous with 'backing,' the back layer in laminate flooring is made from robust, moisture-resistant materials like melamine. This layer contributes to the overall structural integrity and longevity of the flooring.

Baseboard

A baseboard is a type of molding fitted at the bottom of a wall, providing a polished, cohesive look between the wall and the floor. Various styles, such as beaded and quarter-round baseboards, allow customization to match room aesthetics.

Berber

Berber carpets, inspired by traditional weaving techniques of North African Berber tribes, feature thick, tufted yarns looped into a durable backing. These carpets are well-regarded for their resilience in high-traffic areas and ease of maintenance.

Beveled Edge

Floors with beveled edges showcase a prominent "V"-shaped groove between planks. This design choice is particularly useful for covering subfloor irregularities and masking slight thickness differences between planks. It is often chosen for informal or rustic interior designs.

Carpet Backing

The carpet backing consists of intertwined yarns and fabrics that reinforce the structure and durability of the carpet. This backing not only supports the surface fibers but also enhances the carpet's overall longevity and appearance.

Carpet Pile

The carpet pile is the fabric surface formed by attaching fibers to the carpet backing. The pile's height can be categorized as low, medium, or high, affecting both the carpet's tactile feel and ease of cleaning. High-pile carpets, for example, offer a softer texture but are generally harder to clean.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are produced from molded or pressed clay and then fired at elevated temperatures, creating a moisture and heat-resistant flooring option. These tiles can be glazed for aesthetic appeal and additional moisture resistance, available in an assortment of colors and designs.

Cork

Derived from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is a versatile material used for floor coverings and as an underlayment for hardwood floors. Its natural softness also makes it an excellent backing option for some vinyl flooring products.

Cove

Cove molding is an ornamental trim that offers a polished transition between the floor and wall or the wall and ceiling. It helps create a seamless and aesthetically pleasing junction in rooms.

Cut Pile

Cut pile carpets have fibers that are snipped rather than looped into the backing, resulting in a softer, plush surface. Variants like plush and shag carpets belong to this category, each offering different levels of softness and luxury.

Decorative Layer

Situated between the transparent wear layer and the inner foam core, the decorative layer in vinyl or laminate flooring typically features high-resolution printed or photographic designs. These designs can convincingly mimic natural materials like wood grain, marble, or ceramic tile.

Density

Density measures how closely packed the fibers in a carpet are. A higher density value indicates a more resilient carpet capable of enduring high levels of foot traffic. Density is calculated by taking the weight of the pile, multiplying it by 36, and then dividing by the pile height.

Distressed Hardwood Flooring

Distressed hardwood flooring has been intentionally altered—often through scraping, scratching, or gouging—to produce an antique or rustic appearance. This treatment can be performed by hand for a unique, organic look or by machine for uniformity. Distressed floors are excellent at camouflaging imperfections and are well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring employs a composite construction consisting of multiple layers of wood, each oriented in a different direction. This multi-ply construction offers superior moisture resistance and overall durability compared to traditional solid wood floors. Engineered hardwood is cost-effective and well-suited for areas with varying humidity levels.

Expansion Space

Expansion spaces are intentionally designed gaps left around the perimeter of a room during the installation of wood or laminate flooring. These spaces accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the flooring material due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Without such expansion spaces, floorboards could buckle, warp, or become displaced.

Fiberboard Core

The fiberboard core serves as the stabilizing middle layer of laminate flooring. Manufactured from compressed softwood fibers, this core layer contributes significantly to the floor's overall impact resistance and dimensional stability.

Fiberglass

Often utilized as a backing material for vinyl floors, fiberglass offers enhanced dimensional stability and flexibility. It allows for loose-lay installations and can be adhered using non-permanent adhesives, facilitating easy tile replacements in case of damage or moisture exposure.

Finish

The term "finish" refers to the protective and decorative coating applied to various flooring types like hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl. Finishes enhance the aesthetic appeal while offering resistance against scuffs, stains, and daily wear.

Floating Installation

In a floating installation, floor covering materials like planks, boards, or tiles are not directly affixed to the subfloor or underlayment. Instead, the individual pieces are interconnected at their edges through snap-together or glue-together mechanisms, allowing for quick and straightforward installation.

Floor Covering

The term "floor covering" denotes the uppermost layer of material that conceals the subfloor or underlayment, effectively forming the walking surface of a room. This layer can consist of a wide range of materials, including carpet, tile, laminate, or wood.

Foam Inner Core

Found in certain layered flooring products like vinyl, the foam inner core sits between the backing and the decorative layer. The core's thickness directly influences the flooring's comfort underfoot and its ability to absorb sound and impact.

Frieze

Frieze carpeting is a type of cut pile carpet distinguished by its long, tightly twisted fibers. The twisted construction imparts a unique texture and offers exceptional durability, making it well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Glaze

A glaze is a transparent or colored glass-like substance applied to the surface of ceramic or porcelain tiles. It enhances the tile’s appearance and provides added resistance to moisture and stains.

Gloss Level

Gloss level quantifies the amount of light a floor's finish reflects. Choices often range from low-gloss options like matte and satin to higher-gloss variants like semi-gloss and high-gloss.

Glueless Click-Lock

This installation method is common for engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. Glueless click-lock systems allow for straightforward installation, as the edges of planks are designed to click into place, securely locking without the need for adhesive.

Grade Level

The term "grade level" indicates the floor's elevation relative to the surrounding ground. On-grade installations occur at ground level, while above-grade installations are above ground level, and below-grade installations are below ground level. Each flooring material has its own grade-level suitability; for example, solid hardwood is typically not recommended for below-grade installations.

Grain

In wood flooring, the grain refers to the arrangement and appearance of the wood fibers, visible on the surface of the plank. The grain pattern is a significant factor in the floor’s aesthetic appeal.

Grout

Grout is a mortar-like compound used to fill the gaps between tiles, securing them in place and providing a finished look. It comes in various colors and finishes to complement or contrast with the tile.

Hardness

A measure of a wood floor’s resistance to physical pressure, hardness is an indicator of how well the flooring will withstand dents, marks, and wear over time.

Hardwood

Derived from deciduous, broad-leaved trees such as oak, maple, and cherry, hardwood flooring is renowned for its durability and natural beauty. It is available in various species, each with unique characteristics.

Impact Resistance

This property indicates the flooring material’s capacity to withstand the force exerted by dropped or dragged objects without sustaining damage. High impact-resistant floors are more durable and better suited for busy or commercial areas.

Joist

Joists are parallel beams made of wood or metal that support a building's structure, usually hidden beneath floors and ceilings. They distribute weight and are a key component in architectural design and construction.

Lacquer

A high-gloss finish, lacquer is often applied to hardwood floors to provide a durable and shiny surface that also enhances the wood’s natural color and grain.

Laminate

Comprising a synthetic surface layer that replicates the look of natural materials like wood or stone, laminate flooring is a cost-effective and versatile option. The core layer is typically made from medium to high-density fiberboard.

Linoleum

Linoleum, often abbreviated as 'lino,' is an eco-friendly flooring option made from 100% natural materials such as linseed oil, cork, and wood powder. It bears a resemblance to vinyl but is completely recyclable.

Loop Pile

Loop pile carpets feature uncut loops of fiber that offer a casual, textured appearance and are particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

LVT is a high-quality vinyl flooring product that mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood, stone, or ceramic tiles. It offers superb durability and is water-resistant, making it a popular choice for many environments.

Marble

A natural stone, marble offers a luxurious look and feel, commonly used for high-end residential and commercial applications. It is susceptible to scratches and stains and requires regular maintenance.

Melamine

A component in the backing layer of laminate floors, melamine resin lends structural integrity and support to the laminate tiles or planks. It can also add to the durability of the floor's wear layer, offering a hard-wearing finish.

Mosaic

Mosaics are designs or images assembled from small, hard fragments like glass, marble, or stone. They create intricate patterns or pictures through the arrangement of these materials.

Overlap Reducer

Also known as a reducer, this component aids in making a smooth transition from a higher-floor surface to a lower one. For instance, you might see an overlap reducer where a hardwood floor meets a concrete surface at a garage entrance.

Overlap Stair Nose

Placed on the leading edge of the top stair, this specialized molding helps in transitioning from the stair material to the flooring of the level below.

Parquet

Parquet flooring consists of an intricate arrangement of small wooden pieces, forming a geometric design. Its patterns can include squares, herringbones, and triangles. Once popular in the 1960s in the U.S., it's enjoying a modern revival.

Perimeter Adhered

In this type of vinyl flooring installation, only the edges are glued to the underlying subfloor. This is known as perimeter-adhered flooring.

Plush

Plush carpets are characterized by their high, soft pile where all fibers are uniform in height and closely packed. Sometimes referred to as velvet carpet, it offers a luxurious feel underfoot.

Porcelain

This is a variation of ceramic tile, but denser and less porous, making it more resistant to moisture and stains. However, its smooth surface can make it brittle and potentially slippery.

Radiant Heating

Radiant heating systems are placed underneath the floor surface and serve to maintain a comfortable floor temperature. They also contribute to overall home energy efficiency, particularly in cold weather.

Refinish

Refinishing hardwood floors involves applying a new finish layer to diminish visible scuffs, scratches, and wear, thus rejuvenating the floor's appearance.

Remnant

The remaining piece of carpet at the end of a roll is known as a remnant. It can be repurposed as a small rug or used to carpet a limited area.

Solid Wood

Solid hardwood flooring planks consist entirely of a single wood piece, making it a durable yet pricey option. It is more vulnerable to humidity and moisture compared to engineered wood floors.

Subfloor

The subfloor acts as the structural base supporting the chosen floor covering like hardwood or tile. Typically made of plywood or cement, it lays the groundwork for the finished floor.

Substrate

This term refers to the smooth base layer on which a floor covering rests. It could mean the subfloor, underlayment, or even an existing floor underneath a floating floor setup.

Terrazzo

Constructed from embedded marble chips in a mortar base, terrazzo flooring is polished to a high sheen. It is often available in tile versions.

Tile

Commonly used for floors, walls, and countertops, tile is crafted from materials like ceramic or stone. Cut into geometric shapes, it often undergoes treatments for moisture, stain, and slip resistance.

Tongue and Groove

In this design, one side of a laminate or hardwood plank features a 'tongue' which fits into the 'groove' of an adjacent plank. This allows for a smooth and flexible installation.

Underlayment

This is a thin intermediate layer sandwiched between the subfloor and the final floor covering. It aids in adhesion, levels the floor, and adds cushioning and insulation.

Veneer

A decorative layer of high-quality wood, called a veneer, may be applied to less expensive hardwood floors to improve their aesthetic appeal without sacrificing durability.

Vinyl

Comprising multiple synthetic layers, vinyl flooring offers resilience against wear and tear. Variants include wood-like planks, stone-like tiles, and sheets featuring diverse patterns and colors.

Warping

Exposure to significant changes in humidity or temperature can cause various flooring materials to deform or twist, a phenomenon known as warping.

Waterproof

These floors are impervious to water damage due to a special treatment or sealant. Options include certain kinds of tile, laminate, and vinyl.

Wear Layer

Vinyl flooring often includes a transparent top layer known as the wear layer. Composed of materials like urethane and aluminum oxide, it guards the underlying decorative layer and can vary in its resistance to various forms of wear and tear. Some wear layers also offer waterproofing capabilities.