Hand Scraped Hard Woods

SC sawdaddy

ha!

KG007

I dropped Mannington because of them changing product to something that was cheaper constructin and running on the claim when it failed twice. I paid it out of my pocket (about $30K), so I don't like Mannington, though I did install a hand scrapped hickory they do and it is a pretty floor.

If you have a choice, i.e., wood subfloor above grade, I would do a 3/4" solid. I don't know where you live, but around here I tend to discourage 5" wide solid and try to get clients to stay at 4" wide or less. Too many seasonal variations in temp and humidity. You can solve that if they have HVAC that maintains constant temp AND humidity. Otherwise potential cupping issues.

I like the Mullican line a lot. Shaw has some good hardwoods if the budget is in play. Milling is usually better on Mullican, but no complaints on Shaw considering the price point.

Carlisle does some reproduction floors up to 20" wide, really look great, but you better read the instructions and know what you are doing - I've seen every square inch of one of their floors ruined from some jackleg who treated it like run of the mill S/S oak. Price points are pretty strong - I don't like the Eastern White Pine, seems mighty soft.

Please consider a non-wood alternative. Karndean makes a luxury vinyl plank in a hand scrapped oak (4 colors) or hickory (3 colors) which is extra heavy duty commercial grade. These floors are awesome. Durable, low maintenance, competitive price points, and easy to replace a "board" if one is ever damaged. Won't be damaged by water. Did 700 SF last year of one of the oak colors, walked in one day with my mind on something else, opened the door and it flashed through my mind "what a sensational floor - oh, that's what we just put in!" Impressed the hell out of myself.

If clients are determined only on hardwood this won't satisfy them, but if they are open minded or have unique problems (handicapped, wheelchairs, installing in potentially wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens and laundry rooms) this is actually a better alternative. Best wishes for a happy client whatever you do.

P.S. New product I picked up recently. Isn't hand scrapped, but it is rustic and "green." Made from recycled fencing off horse farms around here. Mixed species red and white oak, milled and kiln dried, 4" wide, long plank, supposed to average about 6'. Can be S/S with poly or tung oil. Lots of knots, rustic, could be refinished same number of times as #1 common 3/4". If you like oak (not my personal favorite) and rustic and want to be green and don't mind the price point ($6.79/SF wood only, probably about $13-14/Sf installed and finished) you would probably like it.