Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Before You Install Hardwood Floors...

When installing solid hardwood floors you should be careful to avoid installing them directly onto concrete slabs or below ground level because of moisture problems that may result. The problem with moisture is that it leaves unsightly gaps in the hardwood once it dries, typically during the winter months when heating tends to draw the moisture out of homes. During summer months when humidity and moisture are high you should notice that the wood once again expands, sometimes so much so that the wood planks may buckle or cup. Because of these issues you should also take great care to leave plenty of room for seasonal expansion.

For these types of floors, nail down installations tend to work best and regular care, maintenance, and refinishing can prolong the life of your floors. Typical hardwood floor material includes: ash, maple, red oak, and white oak.

Hardwood floors are usually divided into one of three categories being plank flooring, strip flooring and parquet flooring. Parquet style hardwood floors are also known as parquetry, and this is when the smaller pieces of timber are arranged in a geometrical fashion. The timber used can be all the same or different to create a more colorful effect. Hardwood floors that are laid in the strip flooring style are between 5/16 and ¾ of an inch thick and 1 ½ to 2 ¼ inches wide. Strip flooring is common in the bamboo hardwood floors that are popular today. The third style of flooring is the plank, and each board is anywhere from three to eight inches in width. This is a more traditional, heritage style flooring, but is also still a popular choice today.

If you would like a truly unique floor, consider hand-scraped hardwood floors. The crafting of these floors is considered by practitioners to be an art form. These floors work fabulously whether you are going for an ultra modern look or a rustic look so they should work in almost any décor. One word of caution, if you wish you to have hand-scraped hardwood floors in your home you should be prepared to pay a pretty penny for them. There are however machine made floors that have the look of hand scraping. These floors offer the look of hand-scraped floors at a more budget friendly price. Either way you will have a very nice floor in your home.

Each brand of hardwood flooring should come with its own care and washing suggestions. It is important to follow these for your specific hardwood flooring, regardless of what other people do. It is a great idea to vacuum the floor regularly to prevent a buildup of grime in the spaces between the boards, and try to use mats and rugs wherever possible.

Buying specially designed skid protectors for your furniture is also important, and if you do have a spill, it is best to wipe it up straight away so you don't damage the finish on the hardwood floors.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate - The Choice Is Yours

When it comes to Hardwood flooring vs laminate there is no right and wrong answer but depends on your own personal taste and situation. This article will take a look at both types of flooring but the ultimate decision is a personal one.

For some consumers you cannot beat the look of real hardwood flooring with its unique rich look with no two boards that look exactly the same. To them laminate flooring looks fake as the pattern repeats over and over but for other people the appearance is realistic hardly noticing that it is not the real thing.

Durability is an important issue when it comes to hardwood flooring vs laminate. Laminate flooring is extremely durable, hard to damage or dent, and very fade, water and stain resistant. This makes laminate floors a popular choice as they are easy to maintain. For some ease of maintenance can override a less than realistic appearance. Hardwood flooring requires daily and preventative maintenance to prevent it from getting scratched, dented or from fading.

Costs is another important consideration to consumers when it comes to hardwood flooring vs laminate. Hardwood floors are more costly than laminate floors but are known to increase your homes value. So an important consideration would be how long you intend to be in your home and will you realize the increase in value.

Longevity is another important consideration as to whether you want hardwood flooring vs laminate.
Hardwood flooring can be refinished again many times over therefore lasting for a lifetime and more. Laminate floors cannot be sanded or refinished if the top layer is worn.

Installation is easier with the tongue and groove system of laminate flooring whereas hardwood flooring is more difficult. Laminate floors can also be installed in any room in the house whereas hardwood should not be installed in bathrooms or basements due to problems with moisture.

Your decision on hardwood flooring vs laminate will come down to what is the most important component in your situation. For some it will come down to looks and for them nothing beats the beauty of real wood. For others it may come down to cost and ease of maintenance are the most important components whatever you decide the choice is yours.

Carol Coutts is a successful author who provides information regarding flooring via http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/laminate-flooring.html For more information on bamboo flooring, hardwood flooring, laminate floors, wood flooring, and cork flooring then check out http://www.hardwoodlaminateflooringguide.com/pergo-laminate-flooring.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Coutts

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Cleaning Floor Hardwood Protection

Purchasing hardwood flooring was the easy part. The next step, and probably the trickier part, is keeping your hardwood floors clean and protected. The key to success is to do a little….often! That’s right, constant and consistent care to your hardwood floors is the best remedy to keep them beautiful and long lasting. Setting a plan to protect and clean your hardwood floors should be the first step once you have your hardwood floors installed. Here are some good protection and cleaning steps you might want to add to your hardwood floor care plan.

Protecting Your Hardwood Floor

Protecting your hardwood floors is by far the best practice to adhere to in order to keep it around for years to come. Most often, “we” are the reason for the problems we experience with our hardwood floors, simply because we fail to take proper care of the floor. To ensure your hardwood floors remain damage free, follow the simple steps below.

1. Place doormats outside of all entries to your home in order to trap debris.

2. Place carpet rugs inside the entrances to your home to trap dirt, sand, and other particles brought into your home that makes it past the doormats.

3. Place carpet rugs around sink areas, work areas and high traffic areas to trap debris and protect your hardwood floors from spills.

4. Do not wear high heals on hard wood floors (or if you do, make sure the heals are not damaged)

5. Keep all pet nails trimmed to avoid small scratches on hardwood floor.

6. Use wood floor protector covers under the legs of all furniture

7. Never drag furniture across wood flooring. (place a small carpet rug underneath the legs to resist scratching your hardwood floor)

Cleaning Your Hardwood Floor

Cleaning your hardwood floors can be easy and effortless, as long as you are consistent. To ensure the beauty of your hardwood floors follow the below steps:

1. Sweep, dust, or vacuum your hardwood floors daily. Dirt or sand particles can easily scratch the hardwood floor. (FULLER Treated Dust Mop)

2. Vacuum any carpet rugs weekly so that dirt or debris is not trapped below the rugs, scratching your hardwood floors.

3. Clean your hardwood floors weekly with a cleaning agent designed for hardwood floors. (FULLER Wood Floor Cleaner and Polisher)

4. Wipe up any water or other liquids spilled on your hardwood floors immediately.

5. Never use water to clean your hardwood floors.

6. Never use products that contain wax on your hardwood floors.

When protecting and cleaning hardwood floors, always keep in mind the old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Spending a little bit of time daily and weekly on your hardwood floors will result in you never having to experience the “big problems” found in neglecting hardwood floors. Set forth a plan, a good plan to protect and clean your hardwood floors and follow that routine. And remember, a little bit of effort goes a long way.

by Vincent Platania

Stanley Home Products

In business since 1931, Stanley Home Products has been offering families high-quality personal care and household products for 75 years. Stanley Home Products personal care and home cleaning products are environmentally friendly.
Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com.

Author Vincent Platania represents Stanley Home Products. In business since 1931, Stanley Home Products has been offering families high-quality personal care and household products for 75 years. Stanley Home Products personal care and home cleaning products are environmentally friendly. Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Platania_Vincent

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Laminate Hardwood Flooring - The Cheap And Best Way To Freshen Up The Room

If you like a total makeover to your home, redesigning it includes tapping its flooring as one priority. There are many options available but if you want rich, elegant, and warm, natural tone for the interior, hardwood flooring seems to be the best choice.

It has been popular amongst the households for centuries primarily because of the tough quality which lasts along with the house or establishment, and the elegant touch it provides. Even today, it is still one of the most sought-after methods when it comes to flooring applications.

Since not all can actually afford highly-expensive hardwood flooring, laminate type is one of the most popular because of its features, except the quality aspect, being the same with the hard wood but less the high-cost. Durability does not match with the authentic hardwood flooring, but laminate hardwood flooring provides the same genuine rich, elegant, and warm effect to the appearance.

All laminate floorings undergo the same processes which include layering different materials to form the product. Layering of materials include the top layer which is coated and applied with melamine resins for glossy and attractive finish; the second layer is made of paper printed of the pattern and design for that authentic hardwood effect; the core layer which has the most durable fiber board is the strength of the flooring; and the bottom layer is the material which provides stability for the entire flooring.

What are the advantages of using laminate hardwood floorings?

Laminate hardwood flooring is easy to install. Basic tools, equipment and the right flooring type are what a do-it-yourselfer would need for the job. The job can be handled by just practically anyone, so it would be a waste of time and money to hire someone to do it.

The second advantage is installed laminate hardwood flooring gives the look of an authentic hardwood. A hardwood, when installed, provides rich, warm, and classic tone for the interior and you can also have this with simulate laminate flooring.

Of course, laminate hardwood flooring is budget-friendly. You don't have to expect for the kind of quality and longevity that a real hardwood provides but this is one option most houses and business establishments are eyeing on, so why don't go have one for you as well.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Bruce Hardwood Floors – How To Care For Them And Maintain Them

Bruce hardwood floors are among the best floors in the world and are available at flooring retailers all over the world. There is a difference in the quality of Bruce hardwood as good, better and best. This is simply the allowable character of the flooring. The good collection has the largest amount of character knots, mineral streaks and pinholes. Wood is a natural product so you will see differences in boards of every category, no matter quality of Bruce hardwood floors you have.

Whether you have Bruce hardwood floors or Bruce laminate flooring, you still have to give them the same amount of care. When you are washing Bruce wood floors, you can sweep or vacuum them. When washing them, make sure you use a damp mop and don’t use excessive amounts of water. The water could stain the Bruce hardwood and even with the durable laminate floors, using a lot of water could make the planks become uneven on the floor. Use a soft cloth to dry the floors and make sure that you do dry them thoroughly.

You cannot use scoring pads or abrasive cleaners on either Bruce hardwood floors or Bruce laminate flooring. This will mar the finish of the floor. The Bruce wood floors do have the coating needed to give the floors an exceptional shine, especially if you buy prefinished hardwood. If you use wax on these floors, instead of getting a better shine, you will mar the polyurethane coating. In the case of unfinished Bruce hardwood, once you have the floors installed then you do have to give them several coats of this protective coating, which dries to a gleaming shine.

Even with Bruce hardwood floors, you may notice dents occurring in the wood, especially in areas where you have heavy furniture. Even though hardwood does have a cell structure, like everything, if there is enough pressure, the hardwood will dent. Bruce wood floors also go through an aging process, which means the color will darken with age. If you have mats or rugs on the Bruce laminate flooring or the Bruce hardwood, you need to move it from time to time. Leaving the covering in place means that when you do move it, the area under the rug or mat will be lighter than the rest of the floor.

Simple everyday cleaning will keep your Bruce hardwood floors looking like new for a lifetime. If you accidentally spill something on the floors, you do have to wipe it up immediately. If you don’t, it will stain the floor and then you will have to find something to help you remove the stains from your Bruce hardwood floors. You don’t have to worry about this as much with Bruce laminate flooring, but if you have hardwood, you certainly do.

To find out more about Wood Flooring visit Peter's Website Wood Flooring Explained and find out about Bruce Hardwood Flooring and more, including Exotic Hardwood Floors, Wood Laminate Flooring and Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Leigh

Saturday, December 20, 2008

For Style and Elegance go for Hardwood Flooring

When it comes to flooring there are plenty of options you can go for. You can get a nice carpet, or you can go for tiles and even laminated wood. But nothing comes even close to the style and elegance of a hardwood floor. One has to concede that hardwood floors are quite expensive when you compare it to the other options you have, but then again you get value for your money. There are a few qualities about hardwood flooring that sets it apart from the rest. We will discuss a few in the following section.

The Look

The look of a hardwood floor is just not comparable to any other floor. It gives you a feel of regality. The very fact that your house has hardwood flooring will let your visitor understand and appreciate the high tastes you enjoy. The great thing about hardwood flooring is that it looks great with almost all kinds of furniture. This feature allows you to decorate your room in whatever way you want and you can change the décor of the room whenever you feel like.

If you are installing hardwood floor, it is generally advisable that you go for some lighter shade of paint for your walls.

The Feel

Walking on hardwood floor gives you a feel, a firm and sturdy feel, which can’t be replicated in those synthetic laminated wood. This is something special and only those who have them in their house will know the difference.

The Sound

The strong resonance emanating from a hardwood floor is peculiar to it and adds to the regality of the whole thing. With carpets you don’t get any sound which is kind of dull and dead. With laminated floors there is just too much of sound and at times even a thick pad is used to soften the noise.

The Maintenance

Today’s surfacers and sealers have made the maintenance of hardwood floors as easy as it can get. It is almost as easy as maintaining a laminated floor apart from the fact that when laminated floors get damaged you might have to replace an entire plank. In case of hardwood floors little sanding would be enough.

And the best thing about hardwood floors is that, with proper maintenance, they can last for generations. So what you get is true value for money. And that gives you one more reason to go for hardwood flooring.

***You may use this article on your website as long as the two URLs are hyperlinked.

Tania Penwell provides information on hardwood flooring and other flooring topics for A1 Wood Flooring - your guide to caring for and finding beautiful wood floors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_Penwell

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Hardwood Flooring and Pre Finished Hardwood Floors

Anyone looking for hardwood floors will tell you that this is not a cheap home improvement task, there are many who look for a hardwood floor in order to install these in their house and by that increase the value of the property. No matter what are the reasons you are looking for hardwood flooring, you should know that the prices of hardwood change considerably and that some research can get you a long way in terms of costs, you should also always make sure that you are getting quality material.

The internet can either be a place of knowledge or a place of foolishness. It is not inherently bad and it is not inherently good. The people that make use of the internet are the ones that determine its purpose. This is why you have to be careful in using the internet to search for information about subjects such as hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors.

People who search on the internet are looking for information to help them make decisions. If you are looking for information regarding hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors on the internet, the chances are, you are planning to have some installed in your house. This means that you will be availing of a product and service. This means that you will be spending money. Of course, nobody wants to spend money needlessly. Nobody wants to throw money away.

Let’s face it: some people are willing to do anything for some cash. In the internet, when you look for hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors, the chances are very high that you would find this company or the other just fighting to sell you some.

Don’t get me wrong, there are legitimate sites which would help you find the information on hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors that you need. However, most of the sites out there are just advertisements trying to convince you to buy their product.

There are also sites which claim to have data regarding hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors but actually do not. These sites are often paid by the click and thus, will say anything to get you to click a link. Whenever you are looking to buy a product on the internet, always make sure that you stay away from the sharks that will eat you alive.

There are certain sites which might claim to have some information about hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors but in fact are just trying to get you to visit their site to install malware on your system. You might engage in a fully innocent search for hardwood flooring and pre finished hardwood floors and yet end up having your system crashed by some nerd with nothing better to do.

Hardwood Flooring is one upgrade that can change your whole house, with hard wood floors prices being very different from one place to another, you should educate yourself about the key things to look for when buying hardwood floors. Daniel Roshard writes home improvement tips and advice articles, learn about Hardwood Floors Costs and more buying tips at http://advice-tips.com the tips and advice portal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Roshard

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Hardwood Versus Laminate Flooring - The Truth

Don’t be fooled! No matter what you have heard or people say nothing matches the richness of a real hardwood floor. Laminate flooring is a photograph of a hardwood floor laminated (glued) to a composite material made up of compressed paper and glue.

Laminate flooring does not look like real hardwood nor does it feel like real hardwood underfoot. No two hardwood floors are the same, grains vary on each and every board. It is the inherent imperfections in the lumber that creates the richness that can only be found by using hardwood flooring.

Why then has laminate flooring become so popular, you might ask? The reason is two fold. The first, cost per square foot for the material. Laminate flooring can be purchased for as little as $0.80 per sq. ft., with a top end price of $3.00 per sq. ft. The second reason is installation, laminate is very easy to install and can be done by most home handymen, it requires little in special tools (a power saw with a carbide tipped blade is really the only required tool). Laminate can be laid over any flat surface including carpeting, an underlay of thin foam is recommended to reduce floor movement, comfort and sound transmission. Even contracted out, a laminate floor, complete with foam underlay can be had for less than $3.00 a sq. ft.

A quality oak, tongue and grove hardwood flooring material will cost at least $4.00 a sq. ft. and some of the exotic hardwoods can take the cost to more than $20.00 a sq. ft. Installation will cost another $3.00 to $5.00 a sq. ft. Hardwood generally, should not be used below grade or on a concrete slab floor because of dampness rising from below the boards and producing a warping effect. Hardwood should be installed by a professional, to ensure that subtleties in grains and colors are taken into account as each board is laid. As well, on delivery of the hardwood boards some will be warped and it takes some expertise to straighten them during installation. Installation is usually accomplished using a tongue and grove nailing machine, either pneumatic or manual. Although this is a simplistic tool, it takes some practice to utilize it properly and not damage the hardwood boards during installation.

Falling in between hardwood and laminate (although it really is much closer to hardwood than laminate) is an “engineered hardwood floor”. An engineered hardwood is a piece of hardwood, anywhere form 1/16” to 3/16” glued to a plywood. The engineered floor can be floating, similar to laminate where it is not glued down to the sub-floor or it can be glued down. Engineered hardwood is approximately the same price per sq. ft. as regular hardwood the difference is in the cost of the installation. It is easier to install because the boards are all flat and there is usually a high grain and color consistency. Installation of an engineered hardwood floor is around $1.75 a sq. ft. The engineered hardwood can also be used below grade and on concrete slabs because it is the plywood that is in contact with the sub-floor rather than the hardwood itself.


Friday, December 12, 2008

Scratching the Surface of Scratches in Hardwood Floor

There is nothing more strikingly beautiful than to walk into a room with hardwood floors. The floor can set the tone for the entire room. Scratches in hardwood floor can detract from this beauty. The solution to these scratches may be easier than you think and it does not have to require a throw rug to cover up the scratches.

Causes of Those Unsightly Scratches

Obviously the easiest way to treat scratches in hardwood floor is to avoid getting them in the first place. Dust and dirt can dull a hardwood floor's finish and cause small scratches. Sweep your floor regularly and use a dust mop to collect the particles instead of simply spreading them around. A canister vacuum is a good investment as well, but do not use an upright vacuum with beater bars on your hardwood floor because it can cause damage to the floor.

Know You're Finish before You Start

The first thing to consider when you repair scratches in hardwood floor is the type of finish on the floor. If the floor has a wax finish the scratch will penetrate all the way into the wood. A floor with a surface finish is recognizable because the scratch will not have penetrated into the wood. Always work from the outside in when repairing scratches in hardwood floor.

Scratches in hardwood floor with a wax finish require waxing the area thoroughly. For instance, heel marks can be repaired by rubbing a small amount of wax in with fine steel wool and hand buffing to beautiful shine. If the scratch is in a hardwood floor with a surface finish the repair requires a touch-up kit made for urethane finishes that can be purchased at your local wood flooring retailer.

The Area Rug Solution

Sometimes the only solution to scratches in hardwood floor may seem to be an appropriately placed area rug to cover the scratches. If this is the solution you choose, be sure to use a rug with a backing that is safe for your hardwood floor. Sometimes the rubber backing on area rugs can react with the floor finish and cause discoloring to the floor. Wet rugs can also be detrimental to hardwood floors. Remove a rug if it is wet or dirty and be sure the rug is clean and dry before you replace it.

Hardwood floors can be very beautiful and require just a minimal amount of care to keep them looking beautiful. If a hardwood floor is not cared for properly, the damage can be very expensive and laborious to repair. These simple solutions can keep help prevent or repair scratches in hardwood floor and keep your floor looking beautiful for many years.

In many cases, refinishing your hardwood floors will increase the value of your home, not to mention, adding a style and flair to your home decor while you're there

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Need For A Hardwood Flooring In Your Home

Hardwood flooring can always be the greatest among the various things you do for the home. Hardwood floors have something special in them that give a unique feeling if you have ever seen a home with such floors.

Having hardwood floors is a great designing idea and is one of the most important tricks for improvement in the business and a great way of making a house look like a home. People looking for a new house in the market and haven't yet to any house with hardwood flooring can definitely opt for this. Homes that have good quality hardwood flooring would have a considerable increase in its value and also increases the number of potential buyers. Market has already proven that hardwood flooring is one of the major features while selling a house.

You have a vast range of selection to be made when it comes to selecting the hardwood flooring and hence this aids you in selecting the correct color you would want for each of your room and for the entire house. There is no question of compromise on the appearance of your floors as there is so much actuality or reality of textures and colors that it is easy to find the best for one's home.

Hardwood flooring of good quality will server the home for years. A warm and nice house can be set using these. People who love to construct their house as a friendly and warm place would always prefer hardwood flooring. Furniture made of wood and warmly colored walls and hardwood floors makes your home look good at any time and for any propose. The point to be considered here is the shade or pattern of wood you would want for your home.

Cleaning hardwood flooring is easy and in the recent years, lots of cleaning products have been developed exclusively for the purpose of cleaning hardwood. Wood collects no much dust, dirt and other stuff and the point to be considered is that hardwood would keep you house very clean and makes living easy if you have children and you are much worried about the quality of air in the home and the levels of dust in children's rooms.

Few points to be taken care of before one sets off to the market to purchase hardwood is the cost of the hardwood floors and the complete design that we get with them is an issue and however maintenance isn't a big issue. The only thing for sure is you would enjoy the uniqueness of having a hardwood floors and not only this in a very short span you will understand how living could have been in a place without these floorings.

Adam Peters use to write on floors and similar subjects for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on installation hardwood flooring types and hardwood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

Monday, December 8, 2008

Hardwood Flooring Discounts - Getting The Best Value For Your Dollar

Hardwood flooring is now becoming a popular alternative to tile or concrete flooring in homes. One advantage of this type of flooring is that it provides a more natural look to any home. Developments in manufacturing processes have made hardwood flooring more affordable than it used to be. However, if you’re looking for more inexpensive hardwood flooring, it might be worth your while to check suppliers that offer hardwood flooring discount prices.

Many hardwood flooring suppliers offer their customers high-grade and branded types of flooring at a discounted price. You can get your flooring purchase discounted to as much as 70%, plus warranty on the item.

Wholesale hardwood suppliers can also give you discounts for bulk purchases, but they usually impose a minimum number of hardwood planks to purchase before they give you the cut-rate.

With the advent of discount selling for hardwood flooring, the commodity now competes closely with cheaper flooring types like bamboo and laminate flooring. Although the bamboo and laminate types are easier to install, nothing beats the durability and natural beauty of hardwood floors.

Once you have decided to get hardwood flooring for your home, you need to ask yourself a few questions:

1. How much money do you allocate for hardwood flooring?

2. Which kind of hardwood do you want to use? Oaks usually run from $3 to $4 per square foot, while maple costs $5 to $6. These are all regular prices, and you can save one or two dollars per square foot if you purchase discounted items. Wood boards with darker stains are usually more expensive than lighter ones. Timbers that are harder are quite pricey, but you have to bear in mind that hardwood flooring is a good long-term investment.

3. Where are you going to install the hardwood flooring? For sure, you cannot have hardwood flooring for your bathroom because water is hardwood’s greatest enemy. You also have to consider that areas with higher foot traffic might require a bit of effort and time for maintenance.

4. What are the colors of your walls and furniture? You wouldn’t want to buy hardwood flooring with a color that does not match those of your walls and furniture. Some hardwood varieties come in natural red or yellow, and you’ve got to watch out for these. If you pick hardwood in red or yellow, make sure that they complement the colors of fixtures that are already installed in your home. If you want neutral colors, you can choose hardwood in off-white, beige, black, or any shade of brown.

Before you buy hardwood flooring, look for resources that you can use to learn more about hardwood floors. Ask for flyers or brochures from your local hardwood dealers and evaluate the types of hardwood that they sell. You can also check the Internet for some helpful information like the hardness scale for certain wood flooring species. You can also compare hardwood flooring prices online.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects.

For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as hardwood flooring discount, hand scraped hardwood flooring and unfinished hardwood flooring. Read various articles on the different aspects of hardwood, bamboo, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ernest_Jarquio

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Everything You Need To Know About Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood flooring can be easy once you know how. It is not expensive and you do not have to spend hours sanding if you do not want to. There are other methods of doing it which keep the character of the flooring so try and research more if that appeals to you.

Refinishing hardwood flooring can be costly and time consuming but it is something that needs to be done. There are various stages which you need to complete when refinishing a hardwood floor and generally you need to know what you are doing before you can attempt any of them.

How to Successful Refinish a Hardwood Floor

Sanding is often one of the main things which people do when they refinish their hardwood floors. However, if you did a little research you would find that sanding destroys the character of the floor. Also if you think about it logically, when you sand down the hardwood flooring you are losing some of the wood as it chips off. This in turn means that the floor becomes thinner. Another disadvantage includes the fact that sanding can make a potentially big mess and the sand which comes off the flooring can make it hard to finish it off smoothly.

So you really should avoid sanding at all costs if you really want to look after your floor, but what other alternatives are there? Well there are some which are equally cost effective, which do not make a mess and which are incredibly simple to do!

The first thing that you need to do is make as many repairs to the floor as you need to. Over time hardwood flooring can chip and so you may need to either repair it or replace parts of it completely. If you do need to replace some of the flooring always ensure that you get the exact same one if possible or take along a sample of the flooring you are replacing and try and find the closest matching flooring to it. That way it will not look odd when you put it down. It might sound obvious but some people have put down the completely wrong color flooring and it has looked completely out of place and been a complete waste of money too.

Once you have replaced the ruined wood, the next step is to chemically refurnish the old floor using a mild Trisodium Phosphate. Be careful not to go over the new flooring as it does not need to be treated. Once it is all covered you will have to leave it for a day and then you will need to use a wax remover, again only on the older sections of wood and then leave again for another few days.

Overall it takes time to properly refinish hardwood flooring but it can be done and once you know how it is quite easy to do. Just ensure that you know what materials you need and get everything in before you start.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Waxing Hardwood Floors

Why you should wax your floors frequently.
How to wax floors and prepare for waxing. Different kinds of floor wax.

Many homeowners today prefer hardwood or other type of solid surface flooring to wall to wall carpeting. The initial appeal is the beauty of wood floor but the easy upkeep of wood floors is also a big factor. Lightly sweeping and dusting. along with an occasional waxing is about all wood floors require.

In comparison to heavy vacuuming and the necessity of steam cleaning at least once a year. caring for wood floors seems to be a breeze. If you apply a protective coating of wax to a wood floor. the wood will be preserved and stay cleaner and in good repair longer. Floor wax gives wood floors a beautiful glow and it also protects and maintains other types of floors such as linoleum. This gives the flooring a beautiful appearance that makes the home more attractive. Applying wax consistently will also protect the flooring from water and moisture damage. It can minimize the appearance of scratches. grooves and ridges in the flooring and prevent further such damage. The appeal of a clean. shiny. freshly waxed floor cannot be denied. Wax works to protect hardwood and other floors by reducing the abrasion they are exposed to. Grit and grime slide over the surface of a waxed floor instead of being ground in.

Floor wax can be purchased in three varieties: water based. solvent based and polymer. Some people are concerned about health problems in dealing with floor wax because it contains chemicals; some floor waxes even contain formaldehyde. The companies that make floor wax are aware of these concerns and have now started to make products that do not contain harsh chemicals and are environmentally safe to use. These types of waxes are becoming more commonly available. No-wax floors have become popular. not only because of the concerns about chemicals and the environment. but also because many families with two working partners do not have the time for too many household chores. But even no wax floors need to be cleaned frequently and. if damage occurs to the surface. they may have to be waxed anyway to add the protection that has been removed.

Waxing a floor is good for protecting the surface and also looks beautiful. but since wax builds up over time. it does need to be removed once in a while by stripping the floor. Wax removers also contain chemicals so they need to be used with caution. and anyone who is using them should understand what chemicals they are dealing with and protect themselves accordingly. Masks against fumes and gloves to handle the liquids may be necessary if you are going to take on this chore.