What is the definition of solid wood Plank flooring or at what sizes does it start?
And is it typically end matched?
Enjoy Spring
jim

NOFMA describes plank flooring as boards starting at 3" wide and wider. There are some mills that sell 3&1/4" wide flooring and describe it as "strip" but for most purposes, anything 3" and wider is considered plank. Also, most manufactured flooring is end-matched (tongue and groove) but many custom mills and lumber yards do not end-match their planks.

In my price structure, I consider 3¼ as strip flooring.

Thanks.
I had a customer ask and I looked it up at NOFMA rules and couldn't find it.
Since they downsized the rules info It doesn't have much left.
I'd like to be a member but I'm a 1 man show and the cost is prohibitive for my scale (even though I can beat some of there standards no problem)
jim

Solidwoods,

I doubt you want to be a member of NOFMA (National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association). It's for manufacturers. You probably mean the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association). They have contractors, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, inspectors, and others as members.
Membership costs $395.00 annually and includes the technical reference manual, which is invaluable. I've been a member since 99' but let my membership lapse this last year. I'll sign up again very soon.

Gary.
Thanks. 90% of the flooring I mfr is oak. I don't mfr the min. to qualify for NOFMA. I'd like to be able to be a member of NOFMA but the cost is $8000. yr. min. I'm a 1+man show, but I still have he ability to produce a truck load if needed. MY kilns are 10k and 2k bf, and I'm considering another 10k kiln for a drying contract.
I've never looked at membership requirements of NWFMA. I assumed it to be about the same as NOFMA .
I'll check out what they have to offer to a mfr. of my scale.
jim

I did not know you actually were a manufacturer. It does not make sense to join NOFMA if your operation is of that size. There are quite a few manufacturers that do not belong that produce very fine materials and there are also some NOFMA members who materials are questionable. Unfortunately, membership does not guarantee quality. But perhaps consider membership in the NWFA. It may help get you more business.

UPDATE: OK, well, NOFMA's definition of "plank" has changed regarding UNFINISHED flooring. On page #6 of the NOFMA "Installing Hardwood Flooring" Manual ( http://www.nofma.org/Portals/0/Publicat ... Floors.pdf ), they have the nailing schedule. They say strip is 3/4" x 1&1/2", 2&1/4" and 3&1/4". Plank sizes start at 4". However, if you read most information on factory PREFINISHED flooring, many manufacturers of 3&1/4" widths will call that size "planks". Examples:
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... -plank.htm
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... -plank.htm
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... o-tuff.htm
http://www.hardwoodinstaller.com/hardwo ... -plank.htm

So, it's sorta confusing. As far as UNFINISHED flooring is concerned, plank sizes start at 4", according to NOFMA. However, in factory prefinished flooring, plank sizes start at 3".

Thanks much for the rule link.

jim

Thanks all.
I looked at National Wood Flooring Association ,, but (and I'm sorry to beat a dead wood horse) but I don't think they offer anything for mfrs.
NWFA looks like its for installers/finishers, which I definitely need an understanding of the needs of installers/finishers but I'd love to member up with a mfr assn.
So far all I can see is nofma. I've got nothing against nofma but they aren't interested in a small tater like me.
Even though I have the capability of 100ksq' per yr, thats smaller than a gnats shadow on there scale.
Anyone know of any other flooring associations?
thanks
jim

Well Solidwoods,

I think if you look again, you will see flooring manufacturers very well represented in the NWFA. I know of a few small, custom mills that are members and feel that the $395.00 annual membership fee is well spent for the advertising. Your choice, but personally, I think membership in the NWFA would be worth a shot. Why not call them and discuss what they have to offer you?

I'll look again and call, after all, you all would know.
Thanks
jim