Understanding the Different Types of Domestic Trees
There are two main groupings of tree species in the hardwood flooring business: Softwood and Hardwood trees. Both are and can be used in flooring, however we tend to see mostly hardwood species due to their superior density and hardness, which is more resilient over time and through natural wear and tear.
Softwood trees are coniferous species meaning they grow from cones. These trees have needle- or scale-like leaves that are evergreen, or green year round. Some examples being: Fir, Pine and Spruce. We typically don't see these being used for floors as they are softer woods that don't hold up to the wear and tear expected of hardwood floors.
Hardwood trees are angiosperms or trees that flower and "fruit"; think of acorns, apples, etc. Angiosperm hardwood trees are deciduous meaning they shed their leaves in the winter. There are exceptions such as the live oak. Hardwood species are dense and porous making them perfect choices for hardwood flooring. Some tree examples are Oak, Hickory and Maple.
Understanding the Internal Components of Trees
- Bark - Composed of two layers; outer and inner bark. Outer bark is dead wood and serves the purpose of protection from bugs, disease and the elements. Inner bark is live tissue that moves food from branches to leaves.
- Cambium - The layer between the bark and wood; this is where the growth happens. Each year during the growing season cells form in this area. This growth is responsible for the rings that we see when we cut a tree in half. Each ring represents the growth in a single year.
- Sapwood - The outer 4-20 rings of the tree. These rings have large pores that are responsible for carrying water, nutrients and sap up and down the tree. A new ring is added each year. In the sapwood we also see Ray Cells, sometimes called wood rays, ray flecks, or medullary rays. These beautiful lines move nutrients and water left and right in the tree. In the flooring industry we sometimes hear these called tiger striping.
- Heartwood - Older inactive and non-functioning wood in the middle of the tree. Typically this has a higher density and is darker than sapwood. This area expands as the cambium turns to sapwood and the sapwood turns to heartwood.
- Pith - Located at the dead center of the tree -- this is the original trunk! Or rather, what remains after years of growth over its exterior.
By making different cuts we see various parts of the tree in the flooring, see here for a brief overview on cuts.
Whether you like Hickory or Maple, White Oak or Red, you can rest assured that the hardwood flooring you choose will reflect the health and growth patterns of the mighty trees they were produced from.