Solid wood is a classic choice for flooring in homes and offices because of its inherent warmth, longevity, and timeless appeal. Out of all the species that are available, Canadian maple is a great option for indoor installations. It is a well-liked choice for areas ranging from comfortable living rooms to polished business interiors because of its exceptional blend of strength, beauty, and adaptability.
This blog will discuss the unique qualities of Canadian maple solid wood flooring, as well as its history, sizes that are available, installation techniques, upkeep advice, and some of the top U.S. providers.
An Overview of Maple in Canada
The hardwood species known as Canadian maple, or sugar maple in scientific parlance, is indigenous to North America. It is particularly prevalent in Canadian forests, where the cold temperature slows the tree‘s development and produces solid, long-lasting wood. Canadian maple is well-known for its light milky colour and fine, consistent grain. Its sleek, modern appearance goes well with a variety of interior design styles.
The hardness of Canadian maple is one of its most notable qualities. It is ranked higher than several other hardwoods, including oak, with a Janka hardness value of 1,450. Because of this, it is extremely resilient to deterioration and perfect for high-traffic areas like offices, living rooms, and corridors. Furthermore, any space is made brighter and more elegant by the wood‘s inherent lustre and delicate grain patterns.
Canada is the country of origin.
In Canada, a nation known for its dedication to environmental preservation, maple flooring is ethically obtained from forests that are properly maintained. Maple harvested from Canadian woods is guaranteed to meet stringent environmental and ethical forestry standards by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and other certification programmes.
At specialised mills, the raw logs are turned into flooring blanks after being dried and meticulously graded to guarantee consistency and quality. Due to its exceptional qualities and historical history, Canadian maple is highly prized in both domestic and foreign markets, particularly the United States.
Flooring Sizes Available
To accommodate various design requirements and tastes, Canadian maple solid wood flooring comes in a range of sizes. The most popular choices consist of:
Plank widths usually range from 2 ? inches for narrower boards to 5 inches or more for broader planks. Wider boards give the impression of more space and modernity, while narrower planks give the appearance of tradition.
Thickness: For solid maple wood flooring, the standard thickness is ? inch. Throughout the floor‘s life, this substantial thickness guarantees durability and permits numerous refinishes.
Lengths: To give a more dynamic and natural look, planks are frequently sold in random lengths, typically ranging from 12 to 84 inches.
Square or micro-beveled edges, which provide minor distinction between planks, are commonly found in maple flooring. A wide range of stylistic choices are possible thanks to finishes that might be smooth, hand-scraped, or distressed.
Methods of Installation
To guarantee long-term function and beauty, appropriate installation is essential for Canadian maple solid wood flooring. The most suggested techniques are as follows:
The most popular technique for putting in solid wood flooring, particularly in houses with wood subfloors, is nail-down installation. Because the planks are glued straight to the subfloor, they fit securely and steadily.
Glue-Down Installation: This technique is frequently applied to concrete subfloors. The subfloor is bonded to the boards using a powerful adhesive.
For solid wood, floating installation is not advised.
Because solid maple flooring naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity, floating is not advised for solid maple flooring, while being popular for engineered wood.
The maple flooring must be allowed to acclimatise to the interior environment for a minimum of 72 hours prior to installation. This lessens the possibility of warping or gaps after installation by assisting the wood in adjusting to the humidity and temperature of the space. Additionally, to avoid seasonal expansion and contraction, it is essential to maintain a constant interior humidity level (between 35% and 55%).
Typical Upkeep
If a few simple procedures are followed, maintaining Canadian maple flooring is quite simple:
Frequent Cleaning: To avoid scratches, sweep or vacuum the floor every day to get rid of dirt and trash. Make use of a vacuum attachment designed for hardwood floors or a soft-bristle broom.
Use a hardwood floor cleaner made especially for maple floors and damp mop. Water can harm wood, so don‘t use too much of it.
Preventive Actions:
To avoid scratching, place felt pads underneath furniture legs.
To reduce wear, place area rugs or mats in areas that see a lot of activity, such hallways and entrances.
Steer clear of harsh chemicals:
Never use steam mops, ammonia, or abrasive cleansers on maple floors as they might damage the wood or degrade the gloss.
Refinishing and Re-Coating:
The floor‘s finish may deteriorate over time, particularly in places with heavy usage. Maintaining its beauty requires re-coating every three to five years.
Solid maple flooring is a durable investment since it can be repeatedly sanded and polished.
top suppliers in the United States.
When it comes to Canadian maple flooring, there are a number of reliable U.S. suppliers that provide excellent choices:
Lauzon Flooring is a well-known producer of high-end hardwood flooring, particularly Canadian maple, with its headquarters located in Canada. Their goods are renowned for their exceptional quality, creative finishes, and sustainability in the environment.
Another Canadian business that is well-known in the United States is Mirage Floors, which provides a large selection of maple flooring in different widths and finishes. Their goods are especially recognised for their durability and flawless surfaces.
Solid maple flooring with a range of treatments and stains to fit various interiors is available from the well-known American brand Bruce Hardwood Flooring.
K?hrs: Known for its engineered wood, K?hrs now offers solid maple flooring solutions, emphasising environmentally sustainable production and sustainability.
Solid maple wood flooring from Canada strikes the ideal harmony between sustainability, strength, and beauty. It is a great option for interior spaces like rooms and workplaces because of its vivid colours, fine grain, and remarkable durability. The classic beauty of Canadian maple flooring will surely improve the area for many years to come, whether you‘re constructing a modern office or a comfortable family room.