Flooring Structure
* A wood floor consists of a finished floor laid over a subfloor supported by joists and beams.
* Joists may have solid or diagonal bridging between them to provide extra strength.
* Joists, beams, posts and, in a two-story house, bearing walls, carry the weight of the flooring material and subfloor and transfer it to the foundation.
* The finished floor may be hardwood, red or white oak, maple, beech or birch, or one of the less expensive softwoods, such as hemlock, larch or elm.
* The subfloor may be constructed from 1x4, 1x6 or 2x6 lumber or plywood panels.
* In a lumber subfloor, boards are laid diagonally across joists.
* A plywood subfloor has panels laid in a staggered fashion with the ends of the panels butted together over and nailed to the joists.
* If your house is built on a concrete slab, the floor may be laid over wood 2x4s (called sleepers) and nailed, or laid on a base of plywood and fastened with nails or adhesive.
Common Floor Problems
Problems can range from minor surface damage to serious structural defects. Daily wear and tear on a wood floor causes surface scratches and gouges. The natural expansion and contraction of wood occurring with changes in temperature or humidity, as well as alternate drying and wetting due to leaks, can cause nails to pull out of the wood, allowing flooring boards to separate or warp. Even the joists and the subfloor can separate. The natural settling of a house can also cause separations between the joists and subfloors. If your floor is sagging or uneven, there could be a serious structural problem. Consult a professional.
Repairing Surface Damage
To preserve the beauty of your wood floors, repair surface damage such as water or burn marks, scratches and gouges, immediately after it occurs. In most cases, you'll first have to remove the protective wax or oil finish from the damaged area with a wax stripper. Once you complete the repair, you must rewax or oil the area. When stripping and rewaxing, follow the manufacturer's directions for the product you're using.
Quick Fix-up: Caring for Wood Floors
* To clean minor spots and stains from a wood floor, wipe the floor with a barely damp sponge mop. If the stains remain, use a mild cleanser such as a solution of ammonia or white vinegar to remove them. Rinse the floor with a clean, damp (not wet) sponge mop to remove any residue.
* To restore the floor's luster, buff it lightly and wax if necessary. Buff again. In general, vacuum or dry-mop flooring about once a week. Wax once or twice a year.
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