floorboards

Floorboards are long, flat planks used to cover interior floors. They are typically installed over a subfloor and span the room's width, creating a continuous surface. Floorboards can be solid hardwood, softwood, or engineered wood, and they vary in width, thickness, and finish.

Solid hardwood boards are a single piece of timber and can be refinished several times. Common species include oak, maple, walnut, and ash. Softwood boards, such as pine or spruce, are generally less expensive and more prone to denting. Engineered boards have a plywood or fiber-core layer with a hardwood veneer and offer improved stability in varying moisture conditions.

Installation methods include nail-down or screw-down for solid boards, glue-down for engineered boards, and floating installations when appropriate. Boards typically require acclimation to room humidity and a flat, prepared subfloor. Finishes may be site-applied or factory-applied, with options including oil, wax, or polyurethane.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward: regular dusting and sweeping, avoid standing water, and periodic refinishing to restore wear. Proper installation and acclimation reduce movement, gaps, and squeaks, though some movement is normal with changes in humidity.

Benefits include aesthetics, durability, and the ability to be refinished to extend life. Limitations include higher cost, susceptibility to moisture and humidity changes, and potential for damage from moisture or heavy impact. Environmentally, wood floorboards can be a sustainable option when sourced responsibly, and reclaimed or engineered options can reduce environmental impact.