Ash, Beech, Cherry, Chestnut, Elm, English Oak, Imported Oak, Japanese Oak, Lime, Mahogany, Rosewood, Teak, Walnut.
Hardwood is both strong and durable. It is more expensive than softwood because of its longer life span. It is often used for furniture making. Take care to choose wood with established growth. Younger sapwood is softer to work with. On the other hand, the heart of the wood (centre of the log) is prone to splitting and can shrink or twist. The timber should be seasoned and stored correctly.
Seasoning helps to strengthen the wood, by storing it in a stacked pattern known as stick drying for a number of years before it is sold and used. The wood can be split in places or warped if incorrectly stored. If it has not been covered during storage it can be permanently damaged by watermarks. Inspect the quality of the wood purchased for suitability for the job in hand. Be careful when selecting, a clean length is not as useful as an older seasoned length.
The type of hardwood flooring most widely available is mosaic block flooring in panels. These panels are flexible and the easiest type to lay. There is a low risk of allergy because it is an easy to clean, a natural product.
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