WOOD FLOORINGS - Mesquite

Mesquite Prosopis glandulosa Availability: Moderately available. Sample is 3/4-by 2 1/4-inch square-edge solid strip. Top portion is finished with water-base urethane; bottom with oil-modified polyurethane.

COLOR: Light brown to dark reddish brown.

GRAIN: High in character, with ingrown bark and mineral streaks. Most commonly used in flooring as end-grain block, which has small irregular cracks radiating across the grain.

VARIATIONS WITHIN SPECIES AND GRADES: One grade; moderate color variations.

SAWING/MACHINING: Very good machining qualities.
SANDING: Plainsawn can be sanded to smooth surface; end-grain requires #16 grit sandpaper to flatten.
NAILING: Good holding ability but splits easily.
FINISHING: Takes neutral finish well; does not stain uniformly.