National Hardwood Magazine - November 2021

NWFA REVIEW
MILLING FACTORY FINISHED WOOD FLOORING
Centuries ago, wood floors were
rough-hewn timbers that were cut by
hand and left bare. Over time, years
of foot traffic would smooth the wood,
but without any protective coatings
to cover them, the wood eventually
would become damaged from dirt,
debris, and water tracked onto the
floors.
One of the newest innovations in factory finished wood
floors has been ultraviolet coatings. Ultraviolet coatings,
often referred to as UV coatings, are transparent, watercarried
urethane surface treatments that are cured using
ultraviolet light. The significant benefit of UV coatings is
that the curing process takes place instantly. This greatly
decreases the amount of time needed to apply finish at
the factory. Once the UV process has been completed,
the coated flooring can be used or packaged immediately
for shipment.
During the past few decades, factory finished wood
floors have grown in both popularity and in market share.
Most industry data sources report that factory finished
wood floors now represent more than 50 percent of the
total wood flooring market in the United States. This
market share is projected to grow further in the coming
years.
One of the major reasons for this growth is that factory
finished wood floors are convenient. Unlike unfinished
wood floors that have finish applied at the jobsite and
then must cure on site, factory finished wood floors have
finish applied at the factory that also cures at the factory.
This means that they can be walked on immediately
following installation.
Both solid and engineered wood
floors can be factory finished. After
each type of flooring has been milled
based on the manufacturer and product
specifications, it can be delivered to
the finish line. This finishing process
will vary for different manufacturers
and for different products, but the basic
process is the same.
By the time unfinished solid or engineered flooring
boards arrive at the finish line, they have been sanded
or textured during the milling process. Upon arrival at
the finish line, the first step is another light sanding,
which further prepares the boards for the application of
colorants or finishes.
After the wood is lightly sanded, any stain or other
color treatment can be applied. Once any added
colorants have cured, the finish can be applied. This
step can be repeated any number of times depending
on the manufacturer and the product. Once the final coat
has been applied, and cured, the product is ready to be
packaged for shipment.
Around the late 19th century, the idea of protecting the
wood with coatings to prolong the life of the floor became
popular.
The first documented finish used to protect wood floors
is one that is still used today: wax. Wax is an organic
compound that can be a solid or a liquid. It is applied
to the floor by hand and rubbed into the wood until it
is completely absorbed. The wax hardens and creates
a protective coating on the surface of the floor, but can
wear off over time, requiring that it be reapplied often.
Shellacs offered an alternative to wax. Shellac is
LET THE
BAND MILL EXPERTS
OF 130+ YEARS
PROVIDE YOUR
NEXT SET OF
BAND MILL
WHEELS
Please turn to page 59
BY JOHN FORBES,
MANUFACTURER SERVICES DIRECTOR,
NATIONAL WOOD FLOORING ASSOCIATION,
CHESTERFIELD, MO
800-422-4556
WWW.NWFA.ORG
info.mcdonough-mfg.com/wheels
(715) 834-7755
mcdonough@mcdonoughmfg.com
18 NOVEMBER 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE