WLFI Hardwood Species & Characteristics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a prefinished hardwood floor labeled as 'Santos mahogany,' what should the inspector know about this species?
- It is a true mahogany from the Swietenia genus
- It is actually bocote, a completely unrelated species
- It is cabreuva, not a true mahogany despite the trade name (Correct answer)
- It is African mahogany imported under a US trade name
Correct answer: It is cabreuva, not a true mahogany despite the trade name
Santos mahogany is a trade name for cabreuva (Myroxylon balsamum), which is not botanically related to true mahogany despite sharing the name in the market.
Question 2: A homeowner reports that their new ash hardwood floor looks dramatically different in color between boards. What is the most likely explanation?
- Improper kiln drying causing uneven moisture content
- Natural color variation between heartwood and sapwood in ash (Correct answer)
- Manufacturing defect in the finish coating
- Cross-contamination from a different species during milling
Correct answer: Natural color variation between heartwood and sapwood in ash
Ash has a wide natural color range from creamy white sapwood to light brown heartwood, making color variation between boards a normal characteristic of the species.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the grain pattern of mesquite hardwood flooring?
- Straight, uniform grain with minimal figure
- Highly irregular, wild grain with frequent knots and character marks (Correct answer)
- Interlocked grain similar to elm
- Fine, consistent grain similar to hard maple
Correct answer: Highly irregular, wild grain with frequent knots and character marks
Mesquite is known for its extremely irregular, wild grain pattern with frequent knots, burls, and character marks that give each board a unique appearance.
Question 4: What does the term 'figured' mean when describing hardwood flooring species like tiger maple or quilted maple?
- The species has been graded as containing no knots or defects
- The wood exhibits unusual grain patterns creating visual effects beyond normal grain lines (Correct answer)
- The wood has been treated with a special dye to enhance color
- The species has a higher Janka rating than standard maple
Correct answer: The wood exhibits unusual grain patterns creating visual effects beyond normal grain lines
Figured wood displays unusual grain patterns such as curly, quilted, or bird's eye effects caused by irregular fiber growth, creating decorative visual appeal.
Question 5: In hardwood flooring inspection, what is the significance of a species being classified as 'ring-porous' versus 'diffuse-porous'?
- Ring-porous species are harder and more suitable for commercial use
- Ring-porous species have large pores in early wood that affect stain absorption and finishing (Correct answer)
- Diffuse-porous species require more acclimation time before installation
- Ring-porous species are more dimensionally stable than diffuse-porous species
Correct answer: Ring-porous species have large pores in early wood that affect stain absorption and finishing
Ring-porous species like oak and ash have large, open pores in their early wood (spring growth) that can cause uneven stain absorption and may require grain filler for smooth finishes.
Question 6: Which domestic hardwood species is known for its distinct green to brown heartwood coloration that fades to a more uniform brown over time?
- Black walnut
- American cherry
- Osage orange (Correct answer)
- Black locust
Correct answer: Osage orange
Osage orange (also called hedge apple or bois d'arc) has a vivid yellow-green to golden-brown heartwood that darkens and mellows significantly with light exposure over time.
Question 7: When a client requests 'select and better' grade hardwood flooring, what species-related characteristic should the inspector verify is being met?
- The species must have a Janka rating above 1,500 lbf
- Boards should show minimal color variation, knots, and character marks (Correct answer)
- The flooring must be quarter-sawn rather than plain-sawn
- The species must originate from domestic North American forests
Correct answer: Boards should show minimal color variation, knots, and character marks
Select and better grade flooring requires boards with minimal color variation, knots, and character marks, presenting the most uniform appearance of the species.
WLFI Hardwood Species & Characteristics 3
When inspecting a prefinished hardwood floor labeled as 'Santos mahogany,' what should the inspector know about this species?