Shouldered flooring, also sometimes called "shoulder flooring," refers to a specific type of flooring installation where the flooring planks or tiles have a beveled or angled edge, creating a distinct shoulder. This shoulder isn't a structural component adding strength but a design feature impacting the overall visual aesthetic and potentially the installation process. It's crucial to distinguish it from other flooring features like tongue-and-groove or other joining mechanisms.
What are the different types of shouldered flooring?
While the term "shouldered flooring" isn't as widely used as other flooring terminology, the concept of a beveled or angled edge exists in various flooring materials. It's more common to see this feature described within the specific product descriptions of different flooring manufacturers. You'll find this in certain styles of:
-
Hardwood Flooring: Some hardwood planks might feature a subtle bevel on the edges, creating a more defined separation between individual boards and enhancing the visual appeal. This creates a more dimensional appearance, highlighting the individual planks and preventing a monotonous look.
-
Laminate Flooring: Similar to hardwood, laminate flooring can also include beveled edges. This can mimic the look of real hardwood, adding to the realism and visual depth.
-
Tile Flooring: While less common than in wood or laminate, some tile designs might incorporate beveled edges to create a more distinct separation between tiles and a more pronounced grout line. This is especially true with larger format tiles.
Does shouldered flooring affect the installation?
The presence of a shoulder doesn't drastically change the overall installation process, but it's a factor to consider:
-
Visual Alignment: Because of the beveled edge, installers need to pay close attention to aligning the shoulders consistently for a visually pleasing finished floor. Inconsistencies will be more noticeable than with square-edged flooring.
-
Grout Lines (for tile): With shouldered tiles, the grout lines will be more prominent and need to be filled meticulously for a professional finish.
What are the advantages of shouldered flooring?
The primary advantage of shouldered flooring lies in its aesthetic appeal:
-
Enhanced Visual Interest: The beveled edges create a more dimensional and visually interesting floor. It can make a room feel larger and more sophisticated, especially in larger spaces.
-
Highlighting Individual Planks/Tiles: The shoulder emphasizes the individual units of flooring, drawing attention to the design and texture of each piece.
What are the disadvantages of shouldered flooring?
While the benefits are primarily aesthetic, there are potential downsides:
- More Prone to Show Imperfections: The beveled edges can make minor installation inconsistencies or imperfections in the floor more visible.
How does shouldered flooring differ from other types of flooring?
Shouldered flooring is primarily differentiated by its aesthetic feature—the beveled edge—as opposed to the functional joining mechanisms like:
-
Tongue and Groove: This is a common method for joining planks or boards, where one edge has a tongue that fits into a groove on the adjacent piece. This provides strength and stability. Shouldered flooring may or may not include tongue and groove.
-
Click-Lock: A newer system for joining flooring planks, often used in laminate and engineered wood floors. It uses a clicking mechanism for a quick and easy installation. Again, the presence of shoulders is independent of the joining mechanism.
In short, "shouldered" in flooring refers to a design choice impacting the visual presentation of the floor rather than a structural or functional aspect. The impact on installation is minimal, mostly affecting visual alignment and grout line considerations.
