After being in the hardwood floors business for over 75 years, we have been asked countless questions. That’s why we decided to dedicate a whole blog post answering what we believe to be your top 3!
Question 1: Can I get some samples?
Personally, this question is a favorite of ours because the answer is simple…..certainly, yes! Our follow up question to you would be, do you know what samples you’re looking for? We offer end grain block flooring in several formats, including individual blocks, blocks on panels, in strips, and on planks, from both new and reclaimed lumber. Most species are for interior application, but several can be used for exterior application. Some formats can also be prefinished. Be sure to visit the Kaswell website, then click on “All end grain” and scroll down to learn more!
We offer several other wood flooring products, including ………..etc…….
Question 2: How much does a block floor cost?
Naturally, prices vary. Block face size, depth, species, and quantity will all have an effect on price. Most of our end grain offerings are individual blocks, ie New White Oak, Reclaimed White Oak, Walnut all these types of blocks are all glued down one block at a time. Some of our end grain products are available prefinished. If you can tell us more specifically the product(s) of interest, and an approximate quantity you might need, we would be more than happy to provide an estimated cost for you. If you’ll provide a zip code destination we can include some freight costs as well.
Question 3: What is the least costly block available?
The short answer is “Pine”. Pine is plentiful, and dry stock easier to find. Kiln drying can take time, and most of the species we offer are made to order, and dried to order. The original industrial specie used was pine. I believe most of the streets that were once paved with end grain blocks were made of pine or another softwood specie like fir. Although pine is a softwood, it is a very tough wood on end, even under heavy loads. Pine is more sound absorbing and energy absorbing than hardwoods, such as oak. And, with a crushing strength of near 6,000 psi, pine is the specie used at Caterpillar, (the largest user of end grain blocks in the industrial sector…….in the USA). Pine is Ideal for impact type wear. Dropping heavy objects end grain pine blocks in the industrial sector is no problem. The block will indent, but in so doing will dampen the sound. A heavy metal object impact to the pine block is spark proof, and pine will not support combustion and will not contribute to the spread of fine. Blocks are easy to repair or replace. If an industrial facility has heavy rolling loads over their floors, end grain oak would probably be a better choice, with a crushing strength of near 12,000 psi. But, most end grain in the industrial sector is made with pine. And because of the constant demand for industrial pine blocks, the specie is readily available and relatively low cost (compared to most other species). FYI, reclaimed pine blocks are more costly than other reclaimed block species. Go figure! In the commercial markets pine is obviously chosen because of the way it looks. Blue-ing, a natural fungus that growth after pine is cut down, adds a very distinctive addition to the appearance. Pine is very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, especially at a machine where a worker might stand all day. Imagine standing on concrete in one place all day. On pine blocks……very soft. Foot traffic and small carts and wagons will never wear out an end grain pine installation, industrial or commercial. Southern Yellow pine has very distinctive growth rings. Winter growth is a distinctly different color than the summer growth. All softwood species take stain well, including pine. And so, pine can be modified with stains to achieve very distinctive appearance. So, pine with a walnut stain will be less costly than end grain walnut. You can view some of our unique Pine options by visiting the Kaswell website. Our team is also available via phone and/or Zoom to help you explore other cost/benefit species that may be suitable for your particular application.