Specification M-NF

KASWELL & CO., INC.
P. O. Box 549
Framingham, MA 01704

SPECIFICATION

MESQUITE WOOD FLOORING

Mesquite is one of the most beautiful and most enduring hardwoods available. Compared to other hardwoods, Mesquite is one of the hardest. Because Mesquite is so hard and yields so little wood, most mills cannot justify the expense of milling Mesquite. It quickly burns through saw blades with little return, making the practice unprofitable. These properties, and the fact that it is so stable make Mesquite one of the best choices possible for End-Grain Wood Block Flooring.

The Mesquite tree yields a finished wood with warm red tones and swirling grain. A natural beauty for any room. Our suppliers use only Mesquite trees already cut by farmers or ranchers clearing their land. If they were not purchased by us or our suppliers, these trees would otherwise rot or be burned. We do not commercially harvest mesquite for our products.

MESQUITE WOOD FACT SHEET

COLOR

Mesquite heartwood is a dark reddish brown with shades of gray. The sapwood is a thin, clear whitish yellow. As the wood ages, it acquires a distinct brownish patina.

GRAIN

The large pores of Mesquite wood give it a closed, irregular, swirling grain. Combined with occasional character defects, such as ingrown bark and mineral streaks, the resulting grain is both striking and unpredictable. The end cuts are characterized by small irregular cracks radiating across the grain. Season checks are not defects.

SHRINKAGE STABILITY

The Mesquite tree, having evolved in desert climates with an unpredictable water supply, does not shrink as it ages. Mesquite's volumetric shrinkage percentage ranks as the lowest among hardwoods. At 4.7%, it compares admirably with the 17% from domestic and imported hard and softwoods. This uncommon hardwood property of even shrinkage enables to cut to close tolerances the finished dimensions without worrying about distortion, warping and shrinkage during drying and installation. Although it would not be recommended practice, reports have been made that floors of Mesquite wood were installed using relatively green wood. These floors dried in place over time with little or no problem due to shrinkage. Because Mesquite is so stable, it is the only specie that we offer using the entire round piece! With colored grout the effect is dramatic.

HIGH SURFACE HARDNESS

A wood's surface hardness is a measure of its ability to withstand dents when subjected to heavy loads. It represents the resistance of the wood to wear and marring. Mesquite has a surface hardness of 2,336 pounds, which is approximately equal to that of hickory and almost twice that of oak and maple. Mesquite's high surface hardness and minimum oil content make it possible to sand the wood to a lasting natural high polish.

HIGH DENSITY

Density is a general indicator of almost all physical properties of wood, including appearance, moisture content, shrinkage, weight, working qualities, weathering, decay resistance, chemical resistance, and others. Mesquite's high average wood density of 45 pounds per foot is greater than oak, maple, pecan and hickory. This makes Mesquite extremely desirable for block flooring applications.

SUPPLY

Mesquite trees grow slowly, seldom reaching heights of 35 feet. If damaged when young, it becomes a multi-stemmed shrub. If the tree is not disturbed and a single trunk develops, seldom will the resulting tree be capable of producing even one 1" x 8" piece of lumber, eight feet long. As a result, mesquite logs are typically short, from three to six feet, and small in diameter. Straight logs up to four feet long and one foot in diameter may be obtained. However, these sizes are time-consuming and expensive. It is estimated that Mesquite grows in over 60 million acres of Texas rangeland. On one acre, it is possible to harvest five to ten cords of Mesquite wood. One cord, 128 cubic feet, produces approximately 400 square feet of flooring, which reflects an unusually high 77% waste factor. However, an immense availability of Mesquite wood makes the milling of Mesquite worthwhile.

RELATIVE HARDNESS AND SHRINKAGE

Mesquite is harder than most other commercial species used for flooring. Hardness is an indication of the resistance of wood to wear and marring. For example, pecan (Carya illinoensis), at a moisture content of twelve percent has an end hardness of 1930 p.s.i. and a side hardness of 1820 p.s.i. while mesquite (Prosopis spp.) has an end hardness of 2354 p.s.i. and a side hardness of 2336 p.s.i. Hardness would be of value in a wood product such as flooring where wearing ability is important.

One other important property of mesquite is its shrinkage values. Mesquite has much lower shrinkage values than other commercial species. Shrinkage and swelling with changes in moisture content would not be as great with Mesquite as with some of the other commercial woods.

The following table is a comparison of hardness and shrinkage values of Mesquite and other common commercial species.

Species-          Mesquite  White  Pecan  Walnut  Cherry
                             Oak
Compression 
Parallel to
Grain (p.s.i.)    8220      7440   7850    7580    7110

Compression
Perpendicular
to Grain (p.s.i.) 3360      1070   1720    1010     690

Side 
Harness (lb.)     2336      1360   1820    1010     950

Radial
Shrink (%)        2.2       5.6    4.9     5.5      3.7

Tangential
Shrink (%)        2.6       10.5   8.9     7.8      7.1

Volumetric
Shrink (%)        4.7       16.3   13.6    12.8     11.5
 

MESQUITE FLOORING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the unique and beautiful world of Mesquite flooring! You are about to create one of the most durable, wonderful, universally appearing wooden creations on earth. Mesquite blocks have a character and attraction like none you have ever installed.

All Mesquite Blocks will come to you in individual pieces. Do not let this deter you. This floor will lay quickly and be ready to sand before you know it.

All blocks are installed in mastic (Franklin 811 or other mastic of similar specification), allowed to dry and then sanded to the desired grit. The finish will be determined by the location, the use of (be it residential or commercial), and the overall look the customer desires. For a more detailed explanation of the installation procedure, please refer to our specification S-NF. We also offer the following guide:

1. Is the floor to be installed over concrete or over a plywood sub-floor? If concrete, test a section to make sure it is dry. If not, the mastic will not dry and the wood will absorb moisture. An easy way to check for moisture is to tape down a one-foot square piece of clear plastic, sealing all sides. Wait 24 hours to see if moisture condenses. If it does, the slab is too wet. If you are installing your floor over plywood, follow the plywood manufacturer's guide in the spacing of the sheets. Be sure to install a proper vapor barrier under the plywood. With the sub-floor properly prepared, installation can begin.
2. Make sure the flooring has a chance to acclimate for a few days. Make sure the temperature is not excessively hot or cold. Open all boxes on the job site. The blocks should be in the 8-10% moisture content range. Use a wood probe type moisture meter.
3. Be sure to use the correct notch size on your trowel for the adhesive you are using.
4. Lay all pieces as tightly as you can, remembering there will be some cracks. These cracks will be filled later before the final finishing. Leave a half-inch expansion joint completely around the room. This space can be covered by the shoe molding or base board.
5. Drying time for the mastic will vary according to the type of adhesive used and the location. It will usually take 24 to 48 hours before the first sanding.
6. When the floor is ready to sand, start with 36 to 40 grit paper to level the floor. Then sand with 60, 80, 100, grit paper. Screen with 120 Grit screens. Now you are ready to fill the floor. Mix mesquite dust from the sanders with Glitsa Floor Flour or the oil finish. Trowel or rub this mixture into the cracks. Let dry before the final oiling.
7. There are many quality finishes on the market. One of the easiest and most durable are the new water-based urethanes. We recommend penetrating oil finishes.

CONDITIONING

When your blocks arrive on site they should be probed for moisture content and recorded. A log should be kept, recording the moisture content of the wood block on arrival, during installation, and after installation. The temperature and humidity in the storage and installation area should be recorded in the log as well. The length of acclimation will be determined by job conditions and block conditions. We are always available for consultation.

For acclimation purposes, all wood block should be stored at the job site in the room to be installed, either in palletized form or loose-scattered if possible, for a period of from two to ten days prior to being installed. The length of acclimation may be adjusted at the discretion of the installing contractor and is based upon atmospheric conditions at the time of year. In any event, the temperature of the area and building must be uniformly maintained at not less than 65 degrees F from before the first block delivery, through acclimation, as well as during and after the installation. Temporary heating units such as space heaters, etc. are not acceptable. The maximum relative humidity at any time should not exceed 60%.

Because of the possibility of wide variations in working conditions, the season of the year, the condition of the blocks when first delivered (i.e. moisture content), deviations and adjustments in the acclimation and installation schedules may be required. Decisions for these specification adjustments should be made by qualified or experienced wood flooring personnel. Therefore, Kaswell & Co., Inc. cannot accept the responsibility for results of installations made by others.

FINISHING

There are many quality finishes on the market. One of the easiest and most durable is water-based urethane. We prefer the appearance (and maintenance requirements) of penetrating oil finishes. Our 2-6-1 pigmented oil has become very popular for mesquite block flooring. It seems to enhance the beauty of mesquite without changing color. Stains can also be added before clear oil is applied.

For oil finish application instructions, please review the folowing:

FOR OIL FINISH:

Use Watco #66 pigmented to your choice of color (2-6-1, Teak, Dark Walnut, etc.). This oil is formulated for 100% penetration. It is not a topcoat. Apply with lambs wool or spray. Agitate oil in cans or drums prior to and during application to insure even color. Wear an approved respirator for organic vapor mist.

CONTINUOUSLY APPLY & REAPPLY IN SATURATION QUANTITY to large checkerboard sections.

Organize quantity and placement of cans so that your coverage will approximate:
     100 sq. ft. per gallon first application
     150 sq. ft. per gallon second application
     200 sq. ft. per gallon third application

Allow 12 or more hours between applications for solvent evaporation leaving room in the wood for additional penetration.

BE SURE THE OIL PENETRATES 100%. Between 20 and 30 minutes always after each application, check entire floor to be absolutely sure there are no damp or wet spots on the surface. Shining or wet looking areas are an indication of excess oil on the surface and MUST be removed immediately. If allowed to dry on top, they will blotch surface. Leave the floor totally dry and uniformly full. If oil left over, the owner can use it for maintenance.

Allow last application to dry at least 24 hours (or longer up to a week) and then buff only with a high speed rotary turning pad at 1100 RPM or faster. Use the pad (abrasive side down) furnished by Kaswell & Co., Inc. which is a surface conditioning disc manufactured by 3M. Repeatedly remove resin buildup on the pad with lacquer thinner and a wire brush otherwise it will only smear.

REMEMBER, LACQUER THINNER IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND YOU MUST USE EXTRA CAUTION TO AVOID SPARKS. CLEAN ONLY AWAY FROM ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Pads are reusable if kept clean. Treat like a paint brush.

AVOID SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION - Water soak all oily cloths after use and place outside of buildings and away from combustible materials. After Oil Finish application(s) are complete, the surface can be top coated with Urethane. If urethane is applied, no future oilings can ever be made unless stripping back with sanding machines.

MAINTENANCE

WITHIN 30 TO 60 DAYS, the owner or contractor should re-oil lightly and buff with a high speed buffer following the above instructions. Oil coverage approximately 400-500 square feet per gallon. Repeat oiling every 6 months until floor is full and no more oil will penetrate. This will vary according to traffic, however, a total fill is usually accomplished within a year. When properly oiled (always with 100% penetration), it is immediately usable. Never allow any damp or wet spots to stand more then 30 minutes. Always wipe clean and dry all damp or wet spots and leave them uniformly dull. Lustre comes later.

FOR URETHANE FINISH:

After sanding is completed, Mesquite blocks may be coated with the first coat of urethane. If using water base urethane, the first two applications should be pad applied. After the second application has dried, all voids should be filled with a wood filler to match the color of the wood. After sufficient drying, and prior to the final application (coat #3 or #4), the entire floor should be screened lightly with 150 grit screen or red inner-coat pad to remove all the dust and other particles in the finish. Tack rag the buffed surface with a damp towel. The buffed surface may be acceptable for use, or apply one or two additional coats of urethane.

ANNUAL

After thorough cleaning, apply Watco Satin Oil lightly again, being sure penetration is 100%. Buff as usual. Disregard oiling if it does not penetrate. As the oil ages, it will harden, and dry buffing will bring the flooring to a dull lustre.

BURNS AND SCRATCHES

Spot repair by wetting with Watco Satin Oil and hand sanding out with wet or dry 400 grit sandpaper.

Because conditions of use are totally beyond our control, no liability whatsoever can be accepted for any direct or indirect damage arising from use of these products.

Please ask us for maintenance information on urethane and oil finished Wood Block Flooring.

NOTE:

Because of the possibility of wide variations in working conditions, the season of the year, the condition of the blocks when first delivered (i.e. moisture content), deviations and adjustments in the acclimation and installation schedules may be required. Decisions for these specification adjustments should be made only by qualified or experienced personnel. Therefore, Kaswell & Co., Inc. cannot accept the responsibility for results of installations made by others.

The following notice is attached to our pallets and boxes of wood block flooring:

1. Heating, air conditioning, and humidity controls all operating, humidity consistently normal (35% to 50%), and doors and windows closed.
2. After HVAC is on long enough to duplicate the same humidity and temperature that will prevail after occupancy, then and only then open pallets of block, and destroy all palletization for acclimation. Length of acclimation must be at the discretion of the installing contractor. Because of the possibility of wide variations in working conditions, the season of the year, the condition of the blocks when first delivered (i.e., moisture content), deviations and adjustments in the acclimation and installation schedules may be required. Decisions for these specification adjustments should be made only by qualified or experienced personnel. Therefore, Kaswell & Co. Inc. cannot accept the responsibility for the results of installations made by others.
3. Slab checked for smoothness and not to exceed 1/4" in 10' with a straight edge. Low spots (washboard type) must be filled with leveling compound. Insist masonry contractor make necessary corrections.
4. KASWELL & CO. finishing and application instructions in your possession.
5. Doors and windows closed, being certain there are no temporary sources of moisture from plaster, concrete, or other wet work.
6. WARNING: If either acclimated or installed prior to total HVAC normalization, the unfinished blocks will absorb excess moisture. Then when the heat or AC is later turned on there can be shrinking and unnecessary cracks, requiring expensive repair. When there is contractor or owner pressure to install before HVAC is on long enough to normalize the interior, please telephone 1-508-879-1120 so we can explain possible consequences.