Reading 10 and Reading 11
Matching also is the relationship of the veneer to the substrate, this includes:
-Balance match: an even or odd number of leaves are trimmed to matching width. If two panels needed to be different widths, veneer leaves on one pane is different than leaves on next -Balance and center match: even number of veneer leaves from a sequential lot will be trimmed to matching widths, positioning a seam in center panel
Veneer Pattern Matches:
-Book: individual pieces laid up to create mirror images of each other, every other one is flipped over -Slip: individual pieces of veneer are laid up sequentially with the same side face up for every leaf -Random: individual leaves of veneer are purposely mismatched -Radial: leaves are arranged in a starburst pattern radiating out from the center. leaves cut into a triangular shape so leaf as well as grain radiates out -Diamond: leaves of veneer are oriented at an angle in a mirror image that forms a concentric diamond pattern -Reverse diamond: leaves of veneer are oriented at an angle in a mirror image moving out from the center -Box: veneers are arranged like a diamond match, grain is perpendicular to the sides of the panel -Butt match/End match: positioned top to bottom
What is the difference between solid surfacing plastic materials and engineered stone materials?
-Both of these are color through, so material is consistent throughout its entire thickness. should be able to remove stains and burns by light sanding and buffing -Both should not be bonded with adhesives, rather should float (counter sits on cabinetry) -Solid surfacing products are nonporous. Can be thermoplastic or thermoset. Sheet thicknesses are 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1 1/4". Often used for sinks, soap holders and other molded objects which can be adhered. Most common for countertops. Acrylic and Polyester are common resins used for this product. -Engraved Stone is when natural quartz is combined with polyester resins. Available in 4' wide and 10' wide lengths. Resistant to scratching, burning and staining. Nonporous so can be used where natural stone is prohibited (food service and health care). Nonporous surface doe not require sealing. Polyester resins resist chemical better than acrylic. Polyester is more brittle so harder to fabricate but cheaper than acrylic.
Resilient flooring is organized by differing main ingredients these are:
-Cork made from bark of cork tree -Leather from cowhides -Vinyl floor products, sheet, tile and wovens are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). -Rubber is from natural rubber from rubber tree or synthetic, styrenebutadine rubber -Polyolefin is a mix of polyethylene and polypropylene. developed to replace PVC
What are the differences between high pressure and low pressure laminates?
-High pressure laminate is kraft paper saturated with phenolic resin. Layers are pressed between 1,000-1,200 pounds per inch for one hour at over 280 degrees to produce a durable surfacing material -Low pressure laminate also called melamine (name of plastic used to make it). Melamine resin saturated paper with either a color or a gravure print decorative surface
Staircases
-IDMS pg 201 for picture -risers and treads are supported by a stringer -
What sizes does each product category come in?
-Linoleum tiles range from 12"x12" to 20"x20", sheets are 78" wide and 65-100 feet long -Cork tiles range from 1/8"-1/2" thick in varying sizes -Leather varies in shapes and sizes -Sheet Vinyl is usually available in 12' widths and continuous lengths up to 90 and even 100 feet. Thickness of wear layers can range from .005" to .025" -Rubber tiles is available in 12"x12" up to 36"x36" tile in 1/8" thickness. Sheets will be 1/12" to 1/8" thick and sold in rolls that are typically 3 to 6 feet wide and about 40 feet long. -Polyolefin tiles are 12"x12" and 18"x18" and thicknesses of 3/32 " and 1/8"
What kinds of resins are used in plastic laminates?
-Melamine and Polyester are two thermoset resins, they are cured with heat. Melamine is hard and scratch resistant, polyester is stain and chemical resistant. -Phenolic resin is used for postforming laminates
Door Installation
-Prehung doors are slipped into door bucks built by rough carpenters. -Loose leaf door are installed into completed, site build jambs. Hinges are installed by carpenters. Carpenters may drill for locksets if not done yet. Fabricators where doors where made sometimes drill for locksets
What is thermofoil?
-Thermofoils can be applied to surfaces that are not flat (as would be required for a plastic laminate). They will delaminate when exposed to heat and some will yellow from heat. -two types of thermofoils are 2D and Rigid
Characteristics of Blends
-acrylic and polyester are compatible for blending to alter characteristics of the resin in plastics
Safety of plastic products
-acrylic can be fire rated but not all polyeter plastics can -most will burn as well as the adhesives -materials from plastic can emit fumes when heated and dust from cutting can injure eye or be inhaled -compare flammability and smoke generation data when making selections for projects -
What tradespeople fabricate acrylic items? What kinds of trades fabricate plastic laminate and solid surfacing? What kinds of trades fabricate engineered stone?
-acrylic specialists handle fabrication of acrylic pieces. use same tools at woodworkers. some shops cant do custom so make from sheets and rods -solid surfacing and laminate clad items and countertops are provided by woodworking shops but laminate work done by millwork shop -installation of items constructed of acrylic may be handled by fabricator and completed by carpenters. -surfaces of engineered stones are fabricated by stone fabricators
What are some common plastics used interiors, and what sources of raw materials for making them?
-acrylic,
What is a finish or sealant?
-additives that improve UV protection, provide slip resistance and other benefits -available in gloss levels described as percent sheen ex. satin finish is 35% sheen -if wanting to paint wooden products, can specify unfinished or maybe just primed
When specifying a new or replacement wood floor, what other items might you order at the same time?
-all trims and finishing parts -vent cover and transition pieces -wood covers and trims will be finished to match -metal vent covers sprayed to match -flush transition strips are needed to lie across the ends of boards to cover the end grain there -quarter round to conceal gap at perimeter
Low Pressure Laminates
-also called melamine because its the plastic used to make it -typically already applied to a particleboard substrate that is cut to size by the fabricator (unlike high pressure laminates) -
Acidic formulas for wood colorant
-alter color of wood through a chemical reaction rather than depositing a pigment on the surface -other chemical formulas can imitate the patina of aged wood when only a portion of installation must be refinished
Rigid thermofoils
-applied to MDF substrates that have deep contours, raised panels, compound curves, and intricately shaped edges. -called 3D thermofoils because they conform to complicated shapes and don't require edge banding to finish panel ends -create seamless surfaces -can wrap "soft" corner shapes where that is a safety concern
Custom Laminate
-artwork can be put on decorative layer of a laminate product -need file size (for artwork) and file type (TIFF, JPG and bitmap are common) and recommended laminate -color through laminates are similar to high pressure except colored sheets are used for all layers, no brown backer layers showing at edges
What two ways is wood veneer available to a fabricator?
-as wood only or -wood backed with paper, pressure-sensitive tape, cloth, woven cellulose, melamine or phenolic (plastic resin-infused paper)
What are some woods that generally have a lot of visual consistency when choosing between blueprint, sequence and warehouse matching?
-ash, maple and other woods have more visual similarity than walnut, or cherry that have more visual variety.
Veneer Grades
-assigned grade of AA, A, B, C, or D -Grade D is coarse, allowing holes, knots and worm bores -Grade A and B the better quality -when using veneer plywood always balance two faces to maintain an odd number of layers to prevent warping -use high grade on visible surface and can use lower grade on back -
Oriented Strand Board
-called wafer-board and chip-board -rough-construction material, can be sanded smooth -"confetti" surface is popular for exposed surfaces
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
-can be embossed and molded into shapes that look like panel and rail construction -if MDF surface remains sealed, it is dimensionally stable (unlike wood panel and rail construction) -does not expand and contract like wood -EPA limits formaldehyde emissions to 0.11 ppm -uses wood waste to reduce amount of wood left to decompose in landfills
Existing wood flooring
-can be salvaged if sanded aggressively to remove wax -can piece in new floorboards if alot of damage or staining is severe in isolated areas -sometimes difficult to match wood because of changes in color over time -consider the following if when needing to replace or refinish: 1. is floor secure, tight and not squeaky, splintered or damaged in too many places? 2. is damage confined to surface and can it be sanded? could a limited number of boards be replaced is staining goes too deep? has cause of damage been corrected (water)? 3. could stains be camouflaged with a dark stain color? 4. is thickness sufficient to permit resurfacing and finishing? (sanding removes top layer of wood and will weaken groove in tongue and groove floor
Thermoplastic
-can be softened and formed with heat. -acrylic is a common thermoplastic
Paint for wood colorant
-can be used as an opaque color or translucent wash -if painting wood floor use specific paint for floor and seal paint under a durable clear sealer coat
Resilient sheet goods
-can be used in seamless installations -seams on products can be welded or fused for tighter fit than adhesives
What can material additives do for resilient sheet goods?
-can build characteristics into the product to dissipate static electricity, protect it against growth of microbes and molds, self-seal the surface with buffing alone, eliminating the need to apply wax to protect it.
Thermoset plastics
-cannot have their shape altered after production
How can you specify to create a water resistant seam between flooring and wall base?
-caulk perimeter of room before apply flooring
Foils
-cellulosic paper made with melamine, acrylic and urea resins. -the blend of plastics depends on end use -ex. if foil needs to bend, it will have more acrylic because its softer than melamine. if needs to be hard it will have more melamine. -foil is cured than printed (photographic wood grain is common) and embossed (sheen levels for texture.
Woven Vinyl
-commercial grade flooring -can be mopped -very serviceable -
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)
-common in laminated products -not commonly used under finishes -denser and heavier than MDF -
Safety issues with vinyl flooring:
-complaints about vinyl include presence of phthalates which put PVC into the environment and cause damage to reproductive organs of aquatic wildlife -dioxin a by product of PVC is also released -rubber contains PTBs, a known carcinogen and endocrine disruptors. VOCs are released in production of rubber and in polyolefin products -slip resistant materials are better than coatings to comply with safety -a reducer strip (if difference in two surface levels is less than 1/2") needs to be used for handicapped or elderly. this can be hard for those with walkers or canes
Which products can be recycled and which cannot?
-cork and linoleum are renewable -rubber cannot be recycled -polyolefin is recyclable. presents few environmental concerns -
How does the cut of a board change the way it looks? The way it performs?
-creates variation in appearance and performance -Plain-sawn wood has straight grain and flame shaped markings, this is called cathedraling -Rift-sawn wood has straight looking grain. Most stable cut but wastes material because cut is with all boards radiating from the center -Quarter-sawn or quarter sliced wood has a straighter looking grain. Has cross-directional "flake" (satiny marking that runs across the grain of the wood). stable as rift. superior to plain sliced.
What does a designer need to know when using solid surface material?
-designers can use thermoplastic versions to create shapes in custom products -specify a profile for exposed edges -have a supporting sub top for long designs -may be epoxied or fused with a chemical bond at seams -chemical bonds more durable -vertical surfaces need material adhered to a substrate (plywood)
What does a designer need to know when using solid acrylic items? or designing own acrylic items?
-designers may use self supporting, freestanding items -if item will be produced in large quantities then make a custom mold -if item will produced only a few times then stock sheets and rods can be used, seams can be chemically welded or fused but will be visible -acrylic tradespeople can bend thermoplastic acrylic and can "fold" material to avoid seams -acrylic will deflect if weighted down and thicker will sag
What kind of choices will increase costs for wood selections?
-elaborate designs -multiple materials combined or multiple processes applied -tricky site conditions -availability of the product -rare or unusual species -number of hand processes or steps in production and finishing -if material is hard and dense will increase fabrication and installation costs
Exterior Doors should be?
-engineered core, covered with a thick veneer skin
What steps in the installation should you address in your spec?
-evaluate the substrate (this will conform to the surface) -if substrate needs repair make sure products are compatible with each other and allow for patches to fully cure. Patching compounds have variable properties to solve specific problems and not all are compatible with your recommended installation. -read manufacturer information about patching and subfloor recommendations before completing spec for prepwork** -
Coloring of wood veneer
-even after bleaching, staining and dyeing, colors of natural wood will linger. Red turns pink, khaki turns green. -veneer is best laminated to flat, smooth surface -when using veneers and solids match them before using together. use stain finish to even out differences -
Bonding of solid surfaces to laminated surfaces
-ex. a horizontal surface like a countertop may be mechanically fastened (held in place with screws or cleats not adhesives). This allows for change in surface without damaging structure -Chemical bond- glues that fuse surfaces together. melding two surfaces together.
Existing floor as substrate
-existing floors can be used as a substrate with new resilient products -previous floor needs to be flat and smooth and adhered well -
Other less common wood based substrates
-finger-core or finger jointed --thin strips of wood laid parallel to each other forming the sheet -End-grain slats or pickets--sheets made from pieces of wood sliced crosswise on the tree. similar to staved core -Staved-core--like butcher block
What should you look for when inspecting veneered surfaces?
-finishes are smooth to touch -wood has no discernible wood filler -finishes are clear and wood grain is visible, not obscured (unless painted) -finish is clear not hazy or cloudy -all parts securely adhered or well seated and no movement -joints are tight and smooth with no gaps in veneer or substrate -panels align and match -fabricator matched wood colors and grain well blended -individual pieces on panel should be nearly identical
What are the codes and guidelines pertaining to solid wood items and surfaces:
-fire safety since wood is flammable. wood should be limited to a maximum percentage of surface area of the total project -may chemically treat wood for flame resistance -slip resistance is required on commercial floors. special sealants can help increase traction as well. -door safety hardware (operable without grasping, twisting or more than 5 lbs of force) as well as direction of swing. Must identify the hand of each door. IDMS pictures page 197 -commercial doors must be fire rated; standard are 20, 60 or 90 minutes -stairs should have a tread of 11" and rise of 7". Banisters should support 250 lbs and floors be slip resistance. -finishes outgas quickly, more than adhesives whose VOCs can continue to off gas for some time. make sure shops take care of workers -
Things to consider when budgeting for flooring:
-flooring is sold by the square foot -lay out material to scale to calculate quantity -extensive surface preparation, special systems and accessories will increase the cost -rubber has the highest up front cost, but lowest life cycle cost -polyolefin is expensive compared to VCT -
Coved flooring base
-flooring material may be coved up onto wall, this eliminates seam between floor and wall base
Distressed Floors
-flooring material that has been mechanically textured to mimic natural wear--should never be refinished because can remove textures
When you are inspecting the completed installation of resilient flooring, what kinds of things should you confirm before signing off on the installation?
-flooring should be installed as directed with straight cuts and details as described in your spec. -all all transitions to other materials, including other floor types, floor registers, outlets and pipes, cuts should be completely covered by flanges or escutcheons -materials should be flat and secure throughout -seams should be adhered and invisible -no deviation in the surface
What is veneered panels used for?
-for a variety of surfaces and for case goods
Case goods
-furniture and cabinetry
Sheet sizes of plastic laminates
-generally widths from 30-60" and lengths of 8-12 feet -good to avoid seams so include seam locations in drawings because 1. drawing seams on plans or elevations will force you to consider effect on designs. 2. to communicate intent to bidders and fabricators. -balance seams left and right and keep away from cutouts and any feature in design -avoid small pieces and irregular rhythms
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
-harvesters and fabricators document path from harvesting through processing to installation of trees -waste wood is recycled into other wood products -use low emitting adhesives and finishes
Engineered wood flooring
-has a thin wood face bonded to a substrate (often plywood) -wear layers range from 1mm to 4mm and beyond -thickness of layers creates boards that are either 3/8 " or 5.8 " -can be factory prefinished or field finished -site finished floors with 1/4" to 3/8" thick veneer top layers can be sanded and finished at least once -wire brushing or hand scraping beveled edges and distressing are available -engineered doesn't always mean good quality. depends on how thin face veneer is and quality of substrate -can use trim
Glueless systems
-have shaped edges that slide or nestle together or use an adhesive system of tabs that stick the tile down. -used in areas where you may want to remove the flooring for repositioning or reuse elsewhere
Tongue and groove
-if wanting to refinish solid wood floors can not sand beyond this layer. -thin layers of solid wood is not suitable for refinishing floors in the future -thicker layers more expensive
What does a designer need to consider when inspecting laminates?
-inspect with approved plans in hand -make sure all cuts are neat and polished or edged as specified -make sure seams are tight -3 dimensional constructions inspected according to plans -inspect areas where any protective film was torn during handling -make sure no abrasions
Floors:
-installation requires attention to pattern, color and finish -solid wood floors are nailed in and the subfloor must accept nails -custom colors are mixed on site and applied to sanded floor -all floor sample made on site are sanded before final stain -floors should be finished last after other trades are done -
What is the difference between welded and adhered seams?
-is welded using chemicals or heat activated material laid into a V groove between the sheets, which melts and bonds forming a moisture proof seam -
What does a designer need to consider when using high Pressure Plastic Laminate
-it is only a surfacing material -only comes in sheet sizes -draw out where seams will be to plan for durability (away from heat and moisture) and appearance. -most likely substrate is plywood, particleboard or MDF
Plastic Laminate
-it is resin soaked paper. Brown craft paper forms the bulk of the product and the top decorative layer of paper is colored or patterned. -this is divided into high pressure and low pressure laminate
What is veneer fabrication?
-it is wood sliced thin (thickness of poster board) -after cut, the veneer is adhered to the substrate, this is called "laying up the veneer" -there are patterns you will specify when you arrange individual pieces -when panel is veneered must conceal the area where veneer is adhered to substrate (edge can be shaped or veneered or edge banded)
Explain what moisture does to wood?
-it shrinks and swells -Plain-sawn boards will shrink across their width. (gaps between boards in dry weather) -Quarter-sawn and rift-sawn board shrink in height. (floorboards may not align) -if moisture is excessive, floors will swell and boards can cup or buckle
Difference between laminate and engineered?
-laminate are products with a photographic representation of material under a protective melamine wear layer -engineered is the layer of real wood is bonded to a substrate and protected by one of a variety of possible top coating formulas
What parts and accessories do designers need to specify for plastic laminate surfaces?
-laminate edges, edge banding products and other materials like wood or metal so layers and substrates don't show
Substrates for laminates:
-laminates should be bonded to substrates -most commonly used substrates are particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood having one A face in which laminate is applied and tile backer board -substrate characteristics are important. ex. need a water resistant substrate near sinks. -should use fabricator recommended adhesives
Characteristics of Polyester
-less expensive -seams are mechanically bonded rather than chemically bonded -can be used to build items and used for surfacing -different resins have different characteristics
What is nondecorative laminate sheet, and what is it used for?
-liners for other materials or finishes or for balancing layers for multiple ply constructions
What characteristics are unique to linoleum? cork? leather? vinyl? rubber? polyolefin?
-linoleum is biodegradable, is subject to damage from excessive or standing water. It is an antistatic, hygienic. Colors go all the way through. From renewable, natural raw materials and is recyclable -Cork can be laminated. 1/8" to 1/2" thick and vary in size. usually laminated to rigid, engineered substrate. comes from trees and changes with humidity. absorbs water. Used for insulation properties. available unfinished or prefinished with wax or polyurethane. must be sealed. antistatic, sound absorbing, insulating and tolerable to allergies. recovers from compression -Leather cut from heavyweight skins. full thickness skins for more stability. (leather for upholstery and apparel is made from split hides), natural and dyed colors. sensitive to UV rays and quickly fade. should be sealed so don't stain. get better over time. not for high traffic -Vinyl contains degrees of vinyl, mineral aggregate (limestone is typical), pigments, plasticizers and stabilizers. SVT (solid vinyl tile) is consistent through depth. VCT (vinyl composition tile) is material with other ingredients. Two types are sheet vinyl and woven vinyl. Rubber may be natural but most are synthetic, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with fine minerals, stabilizers, pigments and wax. Natural tree rubber does not age as well as synthetic rubber. can be tiles or sheets. can be heat welded for seamless installation. can be recyclable. best slip resistant, and best comfort. reduces impact noise Polyolefin has the potential to replace vinyl. common ingredients are polyethylene, chalk and clay. less resilient. made to replace PVC for vinyl. cant be installed seamless. available in laminate in tile and plank formats.
Polymers
-long chains that give each plastic its distinctive characteristics -the characteristics of polymer indicate the best use for each type of plastic
Protection and Maintenance of plastics
-many of these surfaces are repairable -some will shrink and grow with temperature and should get use to site conditions before installing -protect material after installation if other trades are still working in area -acrylic can damage if ammonia is used. attracts dust -all plastic surfaces need scratch protection -damage to plastic laminate is usually permanent -
Architectural Millwork Trim
-molding and casing trims are milled off site but cut to fit and nailed by finishing carpenters -inspect that out corners of moldings and baseboards are miter cut and in corners are coped. Right angles should be mitered. Nail holes should be filled with putty before painted.
Benefits to factory finishes even if finishes used are applied in the field:
-more control over the application, temperature, and cleanliness of the area -sides of boards can be more easily stained so when they shrink in winter unstained sides will not show -finishes not successfully applied in field can be used -less dust and fewer fumes on site -installation is completed more quickly
What are the benefits of engineered wood substrates over natural wood?
-more stable without directional expansion and contraction in humid conditions. Need to be acclimated to conditions before install. -better able to cover large areas. can use big, undivided panels if needed -more sustainable because they utilize waste
Stains for wood
-most common colorant -can apply more than one coat for darker stain -
Solid wood strip and plank flooring:
-most common is 3/4" thick strips of solid wood that are 2 1/4" wide -wood flooring can be many other dimensions or laminated -flooring wider than 3" is called a plank -planks are available up to 10" and wider
What should designers consider when managing budgets for laminates?
-most economical surfacing material available -bulk of cost is from fabrication and installation -custom cast plastics are more expensive, have to build mold and organize production -if made from stock sheets and rods its less expensive -complicated, unique and requires setup more expensive
How can you qualify appropriate installers?
-most installers will learn on the job as a helper or apprentice and then move to an installer -manufacturers will offer training courses for a fee and send employees to travel an participate in courses -when hiring installation companies they are responsible for work done not just individual worker themselves. -companies should have a membership through organizations like FCIB (Floor covering installation board) and CFI (certified floorcovering installers -make sure installers have installed the system you want before
Who installs laminates?
-most often they are installed by their fabricators -millwork shops that make countertops will typically install their own countertops -if shops are far away, a carpenter will install the product -
What do designers need to consider when using thermofoil?
-most popular substrate for decorative foils is particleboard or MDF, occasionally laminated to plywood. -foil manufacturers use two adhesives: hot melt EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or wet line PVA (polyvinyl acetate). -Wet line is for large production runs -Hot melt is for smaller scale where added moisture resistance is needed. -This material is used for large scale production
What kinds of accessories should be considered as part of your specification?
-need a clear idea of material you intend to install and where the material is going -if you select the exact manufacturers product you want to use before you begin to write your spec, you will have the benefit of the manufacturers research and instructions and can transfer that information into your spec.
What is the complication related to an undermount sink in plastic laminate counters? Can they be overcome?
-need a sink with companionable materials -can be overcome with a special process that protects the substrate from damage by moisture
What are some things designers need to consider when dealing with manufacturers:
-need to review specifications on stock items (meet price, quality, material and finish) -manufacturers will ship to local distributors for installation by others (rarely involves designer and fabricator however will meet with custom fabricators for stairs) -review specifications for wood species, grade, hardness and preparation -request samples before installation if possible
What are the two basic types of plastic laminate?
-nonforming laminate is rigid an will remain as a straight sheet -forming laminate has been adjusted in the curing process to be more flexible, so can be bent under heat. This postproduction adjustment is called post forming. -The difference in these if the kinds of resin used.
Other related materials
-other veneers that can be used on flat surfaces are wood, metal, glass and stone. all can be laminated to substrates for stability -solid/monolithic materials that use recycled glass or recycled paper as "stone". -plastics are used in producing textiles. nylon is common. -if ever choose building products for plumbing and plastic lumber choose recycled, biodegradable and avoid PVC
Aesthetic choices should be considered when choosing resilient flooring why?
-patterned products can hide soil and scuff marks -organic patterns are better than geometric patterns for hiding soil -good for high traffic sites
Sheet Vinyl
-popular in residential -durable in upper layer -thick wear layer is more expensive and longer lasting -emit low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -impervious to water -less maintenance than carpet -patterns good for soil hiding
What should designers consider when using custom fabricators?
-read reviews, call references and visit job sites in person if can -when reviewing woodworkers, may find info. through Architectural Woodwork Institute or a Union, etc. -Designers accept the workers (trades) that have been hired by the fabrication company. It is the companies responsibility to do the work to your satisfaction.
What do designers look for in a plastic?
-recyclability, recycled content or biodegradability, performance attributes
Plastic
-referred to as synthetic materials, meaning materials are synthesized from oil, starch or sugar -plastic items can imitate natural materials so well they are replacing other building materials
Heat welding
-requires groove be cut at junction between two sheet, the heated rod is melted into this groove
Wood veneer
-requires lesser amount of high quality wood than solid wood to cover same surface -as stable as engineered substrate -wood veneers on engineered substrates are more stable than solid wood -trees can make more wood surface as a veneer compared to solid wood -face veneer will respond to changes in moisture and must be sealed to protect like solid wood -the thickness of engineered floor will allow for sanding and refinishing -wood veneer that is too thick could break away when it changes dimension with changes in humidity -available with or without backing -can be backed with paper, pressure-sensitive tape, cloth, woven cellulose, melamine or phenolic (plastic resin infused paper)
Protection and Maintenance of resilient flooring before owner possession:
-resilient flooring is soft -must be protected until owner takes possession -keep traffic off floor with the exception of resilient flooring installers -cover floor with paper or masonite. -easy to maintain -
Parts and accessories for resilient flooring:
-resilient flooring is usually glued -correct adhesive must be applied to substrate. absorbent substrates require different adhesives than nonabsorbent substrates -condition of substrate is important because will show through. -flooring must be flush, if the difference is greater than 1/2", code will require a ramped transition -when working with stairs coordinate treads with floor -typical finish detail for edge of resilient material when transitioned to another is a metal edge -transition from floor to wall with resilient base strips that can be chemically welded to flooring or adhered to perimeter wall surface for seamless surface.
Bioplastics
-resins that are derived from plant sources like cashew shells, sugarcane, pea starch and corn. -used for plastics that replace biomaterial, as in synthetic body parts
what are some reasons to use a nonwood option:
-savings in price and labor -flexible synthetic molding for trimming arches and other circular forms -lower costs items like domes, niche shells, mantels and other imitating carved wood are available
Parquet Blocks
-shorter strips of dimensional wood strip flooring arranged to form patterns -smaller blocks more stable than larger ones -shrinkage occurs as a % of material
Subflooring
-since resilient floor is thin, flexible material any unevenness in subfloor will go through to the surface -35 pound particleboard with square edges if often used as subfloor for cushioned product -particleboard will absorb water -particleboard can be covered with medium density fiberboard (MDF) for hard smooth surface -plywood is specified by A (high quality) -C -for heavy water spills in room, caulk perimeter of room before applying molding and baseboards -with uneven floors flush with thicker floor by using a float to self level the floors. -
Characteristics of Acrylic
-soft -can be scratched by abrasives, shallow scratches can be buffed out -will deform under pressure and weight -good at resisting impact when its thick -seams can be chemically fused for better bond -ammonia will make acrylic cloudy -clear acrylic looks like glass
What is 2D Foil, low pressure laminate or simply melamine
-solid colored, patternless thermofoil. -economy material and used when cost is important -is sensitive to heat -better performance and appearance due to advances in resins, printing and processes
Two types of door are:
-solid wood or a combination of solid and veneer over an engineered core.
Particle Board
-stable if sealed against moisture -swell if exposed to moisture -can warp if construction not balanced -materials laminated (adhered as surfacing to a substrate) to particle board front and back should respond similarly to humidity in the air. -air quality for no-added formaldehyde (NAF) and ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) designation -EPA limits formaldehyde emissions to 0.09 ppm
Colorants
-stains, acidic formulas, paint
What are characteristics of solid wood doors?
-standard door sizes have the following dimensions: width: 2', 2'4", 2'6", 2'8", 3', 3'4", 3'6", 3'8" and 4' height: 6'8", 7'2", 7'10", and 8' thickness: 1-3/8" (typical for residential), 1-3/4" (typical for commercial) and 2" -will be solid wood or have staved wood core (pieces of wood assembled similarly to a butcher block countertop) with a veneer of wood that is the door skin -may be rail and panel style doors -good insulators and sound blockers -vulnerable to shrinkage and swelling with changes in humidity -can be trimmed or shaved to fit -some doors have planks in center panel. The panel edges are loose and absorb the shrinkage instead of it cracking center panel -high quality exterior doors have split panels
What is a simple test for designers to do to determine if there is moisture on concrete subfloors?
-tape a piece of plastic to the floor for a day. If you come back and the square is damp you need to specify an appropriate moisture barrier
Cuts of veneer:
-the cut affects the pattern -name of cuts are same for solid wood and veneer -plain sliced is called flat-cut (FC) -rift sawn or quartered (QC) -examples IDMS pg 202
Grade level
-the level of the land surrounding the building -if rooms have floors at or below grade level they will sometimes have moisture migrating up through the subfloor. -moisture can cause floor to loosen, especially around edges of the room -if there is a risk of moisture from below grade concrete slab floors, a moisture barrier (often 6 millimeter film of polyethylene) is required, plywood subfloor is installed on top of barrier and then flooring is glued to plywood subfloor -
Sustainability of plastics
-thermoset plastics are not currently recyclable -thermoplastic resins are recyclable -most plastic products that designers specify are recycling code 7, the miscellaneous category -another way to achieve sustainable materials is to use bio based plastics. they come from renewable resources and some can biodegrade -
What ways will sheet goods be installed?
-they can be fully adhered with a full spread adhesive, perimeter adhered (just glued down at the edges) or loose laid. Unless it is part of a glueless tile system it will always be glued down.
What are architectural millwork trims, and what are they for? How do you specify them? How are they sold---units of measure? Finishes? Materials?
-they conceal the junction between two materials or the transition between two planes -the areas the trim covers could 1. open up because of settling between two room planes 2. allow the end cut of lumber to show 3. have some other feature you would like to span or hide 4. articulate areas that may be austere (simple)
Resilient floors may be color through. What does this mean?
-they look the same throughout their entire thickness and there is no surface to wear away.
How are installers credentialed?
-they may have a certificate issued from a manufacturers training sessions -past experience is the most important training
What is the thickness of plastic laminates?
-thickness varies based on vertical and horizontal grades -Horizontal grades have a more durable wear layer to handle abrasion -thickness for vertical grade is about .030" and horizontal is .050"
Plywoods
-thin sheets of wood layered with the grain of each piece laid perpendicular to the grain of preceding piece. -must always use an "odd" number of "plies" to prevent warping. even numbers will warp -of add material to face of plywood core must add layer to back to balance
Veneer Match
-this is the way the veneer is applied to the face of the panels -the piece of veneer used on a substrate will be smaller than the area it will cover -multiple pieces of veneer will be used on a single substrate -the kind of match specified will create the veneer pattern -matches include diamond, reverse, end, radial, slip, and book. -must specify how to balance the veneer on the substrate (all pieces of veneer are the same size) IDMS page 204 -a centered veneer has an even number of pieces across the width of the sheet -must specify the match between one panel of veneered substrate and the next
Millwork
-three dimensional wood forms like the molding and casings -mechanically carved -types of millwork include: 1. crown and cove moldings-distance between ceiling and the wall at an angle. 2. baseboards-between wall and floor. base caps extend the baseboards with and extra detail 3.bar rails-elbow rest at the edge of a bar 4. casings-trim the edges of openings like windows and doors 5. panel molds-flat backed profiles intended to conceal shrinkage between large panel sections 6. mantel moldings-muscular moldings that frame noncombustible surrounds of fireplaces 7. handrails-cap the railing 8. Jambs-cover wall thickness in doorways 9. corner blocks-provide a casing transition from vertical to horizontal 10. plinth blocks-terminate the casing at the floor 11. picture rail-below crown line or below ceiling if no crown for holding artwork 12. dentil-decorative piece to jazz things up 13. a stop-narrow strip of wood that stops door from swinging past center of the jamb 14. glazing stops- hold glass and window screens in place on wooden frames
Wear layer
-top surface of the laminated product that withstands abrasion. products decorative layer. critical to durability. -for commercial installations wear layer flooring should be at least 0.05" and an overall thickness of 0.08"
Grain
-two characteristics of wood: 1. color variation-between summer growth and slow winter growth of the tree, the color can change a lot. like in zebrawood. However in maple its less noticeable 2. texture-some woods have an open grain. In Oak you can feel the difference. In Beech the grain is smooth. Another example is ebony wood. It has a pronounced color difference in grain but has a closed grain so it feels smooth
Edging of laminates
-use edge bands to conceal the edge. hiding brown line
Acrylic
-used in its solid, clear form -chemically clear, colorless resin -can add color to it before formed -can be heat formed at 350 degrees because its a thermoplastic -available as sheets and rods that are round or square -these sheets and rods can be bonded together or cast into molds and heat formed -1/8" to 1" thick -can be UV protected -acrylic is good for areas don't want glass -good for solid surfaces (sinks, tubs, etc) -softer so requires more care -brands are lucite, lexan and plexiglas
Surfaces of plastic laminates
-usually gloss or textured -have specialty laminates and adhesives to address fire resistance, high abrasion, chemical resistance, ability to use a dry marker surface and rigourous indoor air quality (IAQ) needs. -have nondecorative sheets that don't need the colored paper top layer -used for liners for other materials or finished or for balancing layers
What should Designers consider when using carpenters?
-usually independent contractors hired by general contractor. general contractor is responsible for their work. -rough carpenters (install studs for partitions) and finishing carpenters (install the doors and trims. Some do both. -can ask for name of carpentry company to confirm their qualifications
Woods for floorboards:
-usually milled with tongue and groove edges on two longs sides and sometimes ends of board -boards are nailed through tongue into substrate to secure them and groove conceals nail -traditionally, floorboards were installed, sanded, stained and finished on site and still is common today but more boards are factory finished -durable sealants for floors can't always be applied in the field, but even formulas for field finished floors can be applied in the factory
What are the general characteristics of resilient flooring shared by all resilient products? Include strengths and weaknesses in your answer.
-water and stain resist, easily disinfected -color through (look same through entire thickness no surface to wear away) -can become scratched, stained or gouged -may develop bumps, bubbles or curled edges if not installed correctly -heavy traffic can wear patterns -may fade in sunlight
Heartwood
-way to determine age of the wood in a single tree -the older heartwood in center of tree trunk is stronger
A, Clear wood grading system includes wood that is?
-well matched for color and grain -sapwood in limited percentage -longer boards -only small (< 1/8") sound knots -no wormholes -no mineral streaks (except minimally in maple, ash and birch) -no gum (except minimally in cherry) -no bark pockets -no pitch pockets
Common Character grading system on wood includes wood that is?
-will have most visual variation in lot of any grade -sapwood unlimited -bark pocket allowable up to 1/8" -no pitch pockets allowed -sound knots up to 3/8" -mineral streaks permitted without limit
B, Select wood grading systems includes wood that is?
-will have visual consistency for grain and color -sapwood limited to <10% -small (3/8" w) sound knots -fine, pale mineral streaks not affecting more than 25% of boards -wormholes smaller than 1/16" -no bark pockets -no pitch pockets
What are characteristics that all solid wood products share?
-wood locks CO2 inside of it until it decomposes or is burned -they all will shrink and swell with changes in humidity -holds moisture more than air in buildings -if not dried before milled (shaped) will warp and shrink after installation -it is kiln or air dried to match moisture levels for final destination -
Who typically makes the purchase for flooring material? Architectural wood trims? Doors? Stair parts? Who typically makes each? Who installs each?
-wooden items in stock ordered by a general contractor or client from lumber yards will be installed by carpenters. -if custom made by a shop local to the client, they might be installed by fabricator; such as manufacturer of standard sized items purchased from lumberyards, custom fabricators who only fabricate or who also install, carpenters hired independently to install stock or custom items -Custom Millwork often requires joiners (fashion wood with joints and use fasteners like carpenters) and finish carpenters
Because wood is rough-sawn to size, dried (which shrinks ot because water removed), and then planed smooth (which shrinks it again because material removed), it is not the standard 2 x 4 size. What size is it?
1 1/2" x 3 1/2 " -when custom making products with wood be sure to use actual size not nominal size (the size wood is sold)
After you specify the match of one piece of veneer to another (book, slip, etc.) and identify the relationship of veneers to substrates (center, balance, etc.), you must identify how the panels will relate to one another by two options:
1. Blueprint matching- cut substrate to fit wall surfaces and then apply veneer to perfectly sized substrate -this allows for continuous graining -if more than one flitch (wood taken from same tree so has consistent appearance) is required additional flitches are selected for matching. -most easily done by fabricator -more expensive - 2. Sequence and warehouse matching-apply veneer to substrate and then cut pieces to fit the room -sequence requires panels be laid up as sheets are drawn from a single flitch or from matched flitches. veneers are drawn from same sequence they were removed from log. panels are veneered and then cut to fit job so portions of sequences are missing and discontinuity exits. IDMS pg 205 -warehouse provides panels that are the same species in lots of 6 to 12 panels. The next lot if more are required will not be in sequence. similar to sequence but will be less visual continuity.
Types of flooring systems:
1. click and lock-shaped tongue and groove joints that snap the individual planks together 2. floating floor doesn't need to be nailed or glued and can be installed over existing floors 3. glued laminate flooring requires formulated glue applied to tongue and groove areas for each plank. once dried they are impossible to pull apart.
The Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative (SBC) defines biomaterials as those that:
1. sourced from sustainably grown and harvested cropland or forests 2. manufactured without hazardous inputs and impacts 3. healthy and safe for the environment during use 4. designed to be reutilized at the end of their intended use, such as via recycling or composting 5. provide living wages and do not exploit workers or communities throughout the product lifecycle
What are the quality standards defined by the grading system, and how would you describe the wood that falls in each category?
A, Clear B, Select C, Number one common D, Number two common (see descriptions below)
Two classifications systems pertaining to vinyl tile?
CLASS I - monolithic (through materials) CLASS II-material with surface decoration CLASS III-material with a printed decorative surface TYPE A -smooth face TYPE B-embossed texture EX. specify a tile as class I, type A. single material through entire tile body and have smooth face
Most woods over time will fade in color even with a finish applied. Which type of wood deepens in color?
Cherry
Describe the natural colors and grains of wood:
Maple - tight grain and uniform texture Oak-coarser texture Fir-diff. color from winter to summer Mahogany - Red Pecan - Brown Pearwood - Pink Purpleheart- Purple Beech- has even coloration Walnut - has variation in color
What are the differences between a prehung and loose-leaf door? What are the implications for hardware inherent in each?
Prehung Doors- arrives in its jambs and will be set into the door bucks that the rough carpenter has built to size. may have casing attached to one side. doors may be trimmed out on site Loose-leaf- or slab doors- arrive as the door only. can be ordered with hinges attached. if hinges attached make sure matches other door hardware.
Whos job is it to make sure that all installed material on a site are properly protected?
The general contractor AND the designer
Subfloor
The structural floor joined to the joists that support the finish flooring. Plywood is a typical substrate, installed before solid wood floor or laminate and stabled or nailed in place.
True or False. Even in environments that are less humid or even air conditioned, wood will shrink a little more than it will swell over time?
True. This is why antique wood is denser, finer and harder than new wood.
What is the cracking in the wood called when it shrinks from dry air?
checking. The wood "checks" when it shrinks.
Colorants and process can change some characteristics of wood veneer, but some characteristics don't change. Which ones are those?
grain, figuring and natural color
What happens to wood when it is dried to spec and sanded smooth?
it becomes smaller
What can be adhered to engineered wood substrates
laminated and engineered wood, cork, leather and resilient flooring
Rough cut size of wood refers to ____________ ______________?
nominal size
What are some examples of woods commonly used for solid wood floors? What are some less common woods that are also available?
oak, walnut, pine, cherry, teak and maple
What are the two wood classifications?
one is for solid wood and one for veneers
Shrinking and swelling of wood happens as a ____________ of total area.
percentage. So bigger pieces of wood form larger "checks" than narrow pieces.
Most plastics use _______________ as their source, but rising fuel costs are making _______________ ______________, those from plant sources more economical.
petroleum, bio-based plastics
What are some engineered wood products?
plywood, oriented strand board, particleboard, which includes medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and high-density fiberboard (HDF).
What are common sealants for solid wood?
polyurethane, water based urethane, moisture cure urethane, acid cure, penetrating sealer, tung oil, wax, lacquer, UV cured, acrylic impregnated, aluminum oxide. IDMS pg 207
Engineered Wood
product where wood is an "ingredient" that forms a material and veneer
Engineered wood is made of some form of wood with added ____________, _____________ and ___________.
resin, binders and glue
What is included in the finishing process of bare wood?
sanding, creating the surface texture (smooth or distressed timeworn look), then colorants and sealers are applied -may occur in field after installation or in shop and touched up in field
What is laminated wood panels used for?
surfacing walls and ceilings, cabinetry and furniture
Carbon cycle
trees take in CO2 and release oxygen
Figuring
uncharacteristic grain patterns caused by influences that disturb the natural growth patterns of a tree and create unusual growth patterns. --figuring is highly prized and many are only available and used as a veneer. -Crotch veneer-wood taken from the trunk at the point where a branch has grown out, leaving a V shaped grain pattern -Stump veneer-taken from base of the tree where grain is swirly like a burl and pieces are small. -Birds eyes are formed when tree becomes diseased; Pecky (finger shaped pockets of decay) and spalted (fungus traces capillaries, creating fine dark line on the wood) are due to localized rot. -Burls-(small tight swirly knots) are result of disease in tree but are highly prized.
Where is resilient floor coverings used? and how much was used in one year?
used in residential, hospitality, retail, institutional clients and health care. over 17 billion square feet
Panelized means
when individual boards shrink in parquet flooring the gaps may open between boards only in a couple places.
What are the two most popular laminated wood surfaces?
wood veneers and plastic laminate
