Acclimation: The process of allowing flooring materials to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the installation environment before installation to prevent issues like expansion or contraction.

Adhesive: A substance used to bond flooring materials to the subfloor. Common types include glue, mastic, and cement-based adhesives.

Baseboard: A molding installed along the bottom of a wall where it meets the floor, often used to cover the gap between the flooring and the wall.

Beveled Edge: Flooring planks with edges that are cut at an angle, creating a V-groove when the planks are joined together. This can enhance the visual appeal of the flooring.

Buckling: A condition where flooring boards lift or warp due to excessive moisture or improper installation.

Carpet Cushion: Also known as carpet padding, this material is placed underneath the carpet to provide additional comfort, insulation, and sound absorption.

Click-Lock System: A type of installation method for floating floors where planks or tiles snap together without the need for glue or nails.

Dimensional Stability: The ability of a flooring material to maintain its original dimensions when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.

Engineered Hardwood: Flooring made from multiple layers of wood with a top layer of genuine hardwood, providing greater stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood.

Floating Floor: A method of floor installation where the flooring is not attached to the subfloor but instead “floats” above it, typically using a click-lock system.

Glue-Down Installation: A method of installing flooring where adhesive is applied to the subfloor to secure the flooring material.

Grain: The pattern of fibers in wood that gives it a unique texture and appearance. Common grain patterns include straight, curly, and wavy.

Hardness: A measure of a flooring material’s resistance to dents, scratches, and wear. The Janka hardness test is commonly used to measure the hardness of wood flooring.

Laminate Flooring: A type of flooring made from multiple layers of synthetic materials, topped with a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): A type of vinyl flooring designed to mimic the look of natural wood planks, known for its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Similar to LVP, but designed to mimic the look of stone or ceramic tiles. It offers durability and water resistance.

Moisture Barrier: A protective layer installed under flooring to prevent moisture from seeping up from the subfloor and damaging the flooring material.

Nail-Down Installation: A method of installing flooring where nails are used to secure the flooring planks to the subfloor.

Padding: A layer of material placed under carpet to provide cushioning, insulation, and sound absorption. Also known as carpet cushion.

Parquet Flooring: A type of flooring made from small pieces of wood arranged in decorative patterns, often used to create intricate designs.

Plank: A term used to describe long, narrow pieces of flooring material, typically used for hardwood and LVP flooring.

Prefinished Flooring: Flooring that has been sanded, stained, and sealed at the factory, eliminating the need for finishing on-site.

Refinishing: The process of sanding down the surface of a hardwood floor and applying new stain and finish to restore its appearance.

Resilient Flooring: A category of flooring that includes materials like vinyl, linoleum, and rubber, known for their flexibility, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Sanding: The process of smoothing the surface of a wood floor using abrasive materials to prepare it for staining and finishing.

Solid Hardwood: Flooring made from a single piece of solid wood, known for its durability and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times.

Species: The type of wood used for hardwood flooring, such as oak, maple, hickory, or walnut. Each species has unique characteristics, including grain pattern, hardness, and color.

Stain: A colored liquid applied to wood flooring to enhance its natural color or change its appearance before applying a protective finish.

Subfloor: The structural layer of flooring beneath the finished flooring material, providing support and a level surface for installation.

Tongue and Groove: A method of joining flooring planks where one edge of the plank has a tongue (a protruding edge) and the other has a groove (a recessed edge) that fit together to create a tight seam.

Underlayment: A layer of material placed between the subfloor and the finished flooring to provide cushioning, reduce noise, and act as a moisture barrier.

Vapor Barrier: A material that prevents moisture from passing through the subfloor and damaging the flooring above.

Vinyl Flooring: A type of resilient flooring made from synthetic materials, available in sheets, planks, or tiles, known for its durability and water resistance.

Wear Layer: The top layer of a flooring material that provides protection against wear and tear. In LVP and laminate flooring, a thicker wear layer indicates better durability.

Wide Plank: Flooring planks that are wider than traditional planks, often used to create a more rustic or contemporary look.

Wood Look: A term used to describe flooring materials like LVP, laminate, or tile that are designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood.