Acrylic
impregnated hardwood floors are highly
resistant to excessive foot traffic and
used predominantly in
commercial settings. On another note, in
the way these floors are constructed,
they are also tolerant of moisture.
Often found in shopping
malls,
restaurants, and bars these products do
not require the meticulous care as other
hardwood floors, but leaves no reason to
skip regular maintenance intervals.
Tougher Wood
Floors
The impregnation
process, enabling the increased
durability occurs when liquid acrylics
are forced into the pores of the
hardwood itself during manufacturing.
Voids in the cells of the hardwood are
filled and the hardwood cell structure
becomes more protected from crushing
and water intrusion. The procedure is
not a fool proof method of protecting
the hardwood completely. Excessive water
for a prolonged period of time will
affect the characteristics as will
damage from falling objects, high heels,
stones, and the like.
Colors & More
Colors
Acrylic
impregnated flooring also offers
numerous color possibilities and is not
affected by exposure to light as other
hardwood products; exceptions being
imported exotics. Coloring is forced
into the veneer of the product itself,
meaning no re-staining is necessary
should the floor need to be refinished
at a later date. The color is permanent.
Manufacturers
include the inventor, Gammapar (product
shown above) who offers the widest
selection of colors and can also custom
color with a minimum order of 1,600
square feet. Additionally, Armstrong
Wood Floors offers their Premier
Performance line. Some hardwood species
offered by manufacturers include Bamboo,
Pine, Oak, Maple, Cherry, Hickory, and
Walnut. All products mentioned are
engineered with installation
applications calling for direct gluedown
to wood or concrete subfloors or the
floating type method. Widths vary from 3
inch to 5 1/4" |
