Friday, May 29, 2009

Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine

You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now what? How do you keep your hardwood floors clean and shiny? Read the following Q&A in which two hardwood floor owners are asking just that.

Q: "I was reading your site and saw that one should not use oil based cleaners. Why? Our installer told us to use vinegar in water, and use a damp cloth to clean the floor about once a week. Will this damage the floor? What is a polyurethane cleaner? Where do you buy it?"

A: If an oil based cleaner is used on polyurethane finished floors, it leaves an oily residue on the surface which can not only make cleaning the floor more difficult, but after a period of time, when the floor is showing signs of wear and needs to be buffed and recoated, this residue can present adhesion problems. When cleaning any hardwood floor, or furniture, minimal water should be used. In other words, wipe with a dampened, not wet cloth. Adding a capful of vinegar can help and is suggested by the National Wood Flooring Association.

However, I have heard one floor finish manufacturer dispute this, believing the vinegar is too acidic and can break down the finish eventually. The absolutely simple and safe way to clean any sort of wood that is finished with a urethane is to use polyurethane cleaners which are manufactured by both hardwood flooring manufacturers and manufacturers of polyurethane. I use Squeeky Cleaner from Basic Coatings. Any hardwood flooring supplier near you should carry this or similar product. Also, Home Depot is a likely place to look, since they do sell hardwood flooring. This cleaner is usually blue in color, and is mixed 4 parts water to one part cleaner in a spray bottle. Mist some on a cloth and wipe. You can use this to clean any wood finished with urethane top coats.

Q: "We bought a beautiful old home with wonderful wood floors throughout which were installed in 93. They looked pretty good when we moved in two years ago, but now they look dull and mottled. Our cleaning person uses ****** for floors and some floor dusting cloth called ********. Could they be the problem? What can we use to get the shine back?"

A: There are any number of cleaners on the market, found in supermarket that say they are for hardwood floors. Your safest approach is to purchase a cleaner created by hardwood flooring manufacturers or floor finish manufacturers. This can be purchased (these products, as far as I am aware, are all basically the same) from local hardwood flooring retailers or a big box store that sells hardwood flooring. Best bet is the Hardwood retailer who specializes in hardwood. I use "squeaky cleaner" manufactured by Basic Coatings. See their web site: www.basiccoatings.com.

Mirage cleaner is another one.

It sounds likely that the cleaners being used on your floors are leaving some sort of film on the wood surface. This can create the situation you are describing and can make buffing and recoating in the future impossible to achieve due to adhesion issues.

To sum it up, your best bet to make your floors shine is to purchase a cleaner created by hardwood flooring manufacturers or floor finish manufacturers.

About The Author

Craig Mouldey is the owner of http://www.FaceLiftFloors.com. He has been in the flooring business for over two decades. You can find more flooring Q&A at http://www.FaceLiftFloors.com; webmaster@faceliftfloors.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_A._Mouldey

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

5 Basic Tips When Choosing Hardwood Flooring

Timeless beauty, clean lines, strength and durability as well as the ease of cleaning and the classic look make hardwood flooring the perfect choice for your home.

No matter what your personal style is, there is a flooring choice for you because of the unlimited selection available. But before you rush out shopping for your hardwood flooring, keep these tips in mind.

Set a budget for yourself. Having a wide variety of flooring to choose from is great, but the downside is that it is easy to get overwhelmed quickly, and this makes you very susceptible to overspending. Remember to balance style with quality with your budget when you make your final choice.

Tip #1

You will be wise to match the room with your choice of flooring, whether hardwood or otherwise. For example, do not try to put hardwood flooring in a bathroom, due to the high levels of moisture a bathroom receives.

Tip #2

Different areas of the house demand different types of wood. For example, wood floors that have very light or very dark finishes typically do not fare well in the kitchen.

Tip #3

Choose a hardwood flooring that has an appropriate finish to match your lifestyle. A sitting room that is seldom used will let you get away with a lighter finish. However a hallway or living room will get continual traffic and requires a choice that offers a tougher finish that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.

Tip #4

Consider installation - doing it yourself or having a professional installer do it for you? Many people successfully install their own flooring, but only after they have done their homework. It is often easer to hire a professional, but do you due diligence when selecting a hardwood flooring installer. You will want to be absolutely sure that it will be installed correctly.

Tip #5

Choosing the color and style of the floor can be the fun part. Choose a hardwood that fits your personal taste and your lifestyle. The comparatively high cost of the flooring and installation demands choosing a wood that will not go out of style quickly.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Armstrong Hardwood Floors

Armstrong hardwood floors are a durable and practical option for your home or place of work. These floorings add beauty and style to your rooms, and make them warm and welcoming.

Stylish Flooring Choice for Your Home

Hardwood floors are sleek, exotic, are designed to suit all types of interior décor, and are available in a variety of designs and patterns. The major patterns include products with micro-beveled and square edges, domestic and foreign wood species, extra smooth filled-face texture and more.

Armstrong hardwood flooring includes both engineered wood and solid hardwood products. The domestic wood species used include maple, oak and cherry. Excellent quality and durability of this flooring product has made it the preferred option of homeowners and builders.

Major Advantages of Using Hardwood Floors

Armstrong hardwood floorings come in natural, warm and genuine colors and require only minimum maintenance. This flooring product ensures a natural and allergy free atmosphere and at the same time adds value to your home. Its cross-ply structure controls the natural tendency of the floors to enlarge and contract. Therefore these floorings can be mounted on a wide range of sub floors as well as existing floors including concrete slabs and wood floors. The installation procedure is not too complex and the entire mounting process can be completed quickly.

When you are planning to furnish the floors of your home or office with Armstrong hardwood floors, contact authorized dealers, who offer quality products and cost-effective services based on your requirements. Most dealers offer professional installation and maintenance services.

Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings - New Jersey Hardwood Floors - Come to our New Jersey (NJ) stores and find Armstrong hardwood floors to complement all styles of home décor. We pride ourselves on offering high quality hardwood flooring at genuine wholesale prices in New Jersey. Our floor installation specialists can assist you in installing hardwood floors.

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

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Cleaning Floor Hardwood Protection Tips

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.

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.

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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Sealing Hardwood Flooring- Do’s And Don’ts For New Floors

After you’ve installed your new hardwood floor, you’ll no doubt be wondering how to protect it and keep it new looking. Should you apply a sealant? Should you wax it, leave it alone or what? Here are some tips on what to do.

Did you have pre-finished flooring installed? This type of hardwood flooring typically uses a process called acrylic impregnation. Prefinished flooring companies recommend that no additional finish be applied. Compatibility and durability of the finish can be a problem. Waxes and oils should be avoided- they may contaminate the wood and cause problems with adhesiveness when refinishing.

If you absolutely must coat the prefinished wood make certain to prepare it well, with either sanding or a deglosser. The finish will not stick otherwise. Additionally, when you refinish prefinished flooring, you can throw any finish warranty provided by the manufacturer out the window, since you just voided it.

For laminate floors, there is also no need to put any sealant on. Actually, do not put anything on top. It's perfect as is. That's the great thing about laminate flooring; it is already protected from scuffs and spills. Read the warranty and installation guide, and maintain them according to the manufacturers instructions.

Unfinished hardwood flooring is a whole different story. Preparation of the floor prior to finishing is critical here. The wood is sanded first, to smooth the surface and to open the wood pores up for better absorption of the finish. If at all possible, it is recommended you have a trained and experienced professional do the sanding; hardwood floors are easily ruined beyond repair by gouges and warpage due to uneven sanding. Thorough vacuuming follows sanding and sweeping to rid the floor of wood chips, saw dust and debris. Finer dust and oily residues are then removed with cloth soaked in special spirit-based cleaners.

Two types of sealers are available: water-based and solvent-based.

Water Based Wood Flooring Sealants- becoming more widely used because of the interest in healthier and more environmentally friendly construction. Some of the solvents used in the polyurethane and epoxy finishes face disposal issues, as well as health concerns over exposure to volatile organic compounds. Another benefit to the water based sealants is they are less flammable and some are even completely non-flammable. The downside is their greater cost, as they are not as widely available yet as the solvent-based types.

Solvent Based Wood Flooring Sealants- include polyurethane, moisture-curing urethane, and solvent-based epoxy finishes. The moisture-curing urethane type finishes are currently no as widely used, due to their high flammability and strong odor, which necessitates the use of respiration equipment during application. In their favour, these flooring sealants are very durable and tough, although on the other hand, this makes removing them for refinishing difficult. The solvent-based epoxies have much the same properties, although they do have a more preferable appearance to some.

The polyurethane finishes are probably the most commonly used hardwood flooring sealant. The balance between durability, cost and appearance finds a sweet spot here. Relative to other finishes, they are simple to apply and dry within 6 hours. However, they do have a moderately “solventy” smell and must be disposed of according to environmental protection laws in a safe manner.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Hardwood Flooring Basics To Beautify Your Home

Hardwood Flooring Basics to Beautify Your Home Hardwood flooring can beautify a home like almost nothing else. By following a few simple rules you can install and maintain hardwood flooring that will look magnificent for decades to come.

With all of the many different types, styles and colors of flooring available today it can be a monumental task in choosing the right flooring for your home. Hardwood floors, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, bamboo, antique, prefinished, which one is right for you? Oak, maple, cherry and birch are popular types of hardwood flooring, but there are many others.

Cheap flooring or the wrong style or design of hard wood floor can clash with other home interior design features. But a well-chosen hardwood floor can accentuate and beautify almost any style or design of a home.

Carpeting has a few advantages over wood floors, the main one being softness when walked upon. But hardwood flooring can be accented with durable and beautiful rugs that have that same cushy feeling. So if it’s a soft comfy feel you’re after don’t think that hardwood flooring is not an option. It’s possible to combine the functionality of a carpet with the beauty, durability and shine of a hardwood floor.

Hard wood floors come in all different sizes and colors. And there are also many different types of wood grains that you have available to you. When deciding on the type of hardwood floor to install in your home you must first choose the color and type of wood. This is usually the most important consideration.

The color must be complimentary to the furniture, wall hangings, plants and other items that you intend to furnish your home with. But choosing a color of wood is not necessarily a straight forward and easy task. Different types of wood stain differently. Some wood flooring will stain darker than others, some lighter than others. So when choosing color you must consider the stain in combination with the type of wood floor you want. Do your homework and you will lessen the chance of installing a floor that has a different color and look than you expected.

Another major factor concerns functionality. A pine floor may look great, but pine is a soft wood that will dent very easily. This would certainly be a poor choice in a high-traffic area. When considering woods for flooring you want to install a floor that is long-lasting. Your flooring should last a lifetime and that means choosing a floor that will be durable, easy to keep clean and will continue to look new without a lot of labor on your part. If you are uncertain go with flooring that will be harder than you think is necessary. Hardness rankings according to the Janka scale can help you decide on which type of wood you need for the amount of traffic you expect to have.

The most popular styles of hardwood flooring are parquet, strip and plank. Parquet flooring is a series of wood flooring pieces that create a geometric design. Strip flooring is linear and is usually between 1 ½ inches to 3 ¼ inches in width. Strip flooring often gives the room the appearance of being larger than it actually is. Plank hardwood flooring is usually wider and is typically 3 to 6 inches in width. Wider planks may be used, but often have issues with moisture.

You must choose the style and size that you think looks most attractive. Take your time and view all styles, designs, sizes and colors of wood floors before making your selection. Once it’s installed it is not a cheap job to tear out and replace. It’s also a good idea to get different samples and lay them out in your home. Without actually seeing the floor next to your own furnishings and wall colors it’s near impossible to make a smart choice.

If you are interested in installing your own hardwood floor be sure you have enough knowledge and experience before attempting to do so. You must know what type of subflooring to install, whether it’s wood or concrete. You should learn about humidity and temperature and what affect they have on floors. To prevent warping it is important to keep your floors well-ventilated with regulated temperatures throughout the year. When the weather gets too cold it can cause the floor boards to separate. Before installing it yourself talk to some professionals in your area and find out what precautions you need to take that will help ensure a lifetime of satisfaction with your new wood flooring.

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Differences Between Various Types of Hardwood Flooring

Traditionally, hard wood flooring has been viewed as the creme de la creme of flooring, because until the early 1980's if you had hardwood flooring, then to a certain extent you were considered wealthy.

Times have changed as has technology and this either takes prices down or up depending on the supply and demand of a product. In today's times, hard wood flooring can be found almost in every retail flooring store around. Hard wood flooring is generally sold in only a couple varieties, which include unfinished hard wood, pre-finished hard wood, and engineered hard wood.

Unfinished is the traditional product, which was bought in a couple of different woods, widths, and lengths. The tongue and the groove design was laid and then sanded to get a smooth and even texture on the surface of the wood. Once the wood was sanded, it was then stained and lacquered, which traditionally consumed a lot of time and labor. Time equals money and in the early 1980's this was a very expensive process no doubt.

Pre-finished flooring has been on the market for many years now and is the most commonly used hard wood flooring used in homes. This flooring is unique, because right after the manufacturer cuts the tongue and groove, he sends the wood through the finishing sander and then on to the spray booth where all the pieces are finished.

The time consuming labor processes involved in the sanding and staining or lacquering unfinished hard wood flooring have been replaced by machines, which can produce at a higher level of efficiency than the human hand. The installation of the pre finished hard wood flooring is a step by step process. This type of flooring makes prices competitive with other flooring alternatives.

Engineered hard wood is the newest product on the market and is quickly becoming the most popular. This product is unique since it is made from a new form of particle board with a veneer layer of your choice of hard wood on the top. This is then pre finished and sold in your stores.

The unique aspect of this engineered hard wood is that it can be installed in basements and cooler rooms that have a more type of moist environment where the pre finished and unfinished hard wood cannot be installed. Of course, the prices are slightly higher on the engineered hard wood, but the price may come down as supply and demand increase.

In conclusion, choosing which of the three different types of hard wood to put on your floor greatly depends on the look you are going for. Each product will give you a slightly different look in your home. If your needs are driven by economy, then there are a lot of pre finished hard wood flooring options available for you now on the market. If you are driven by the traditional look, then unfinished hard wood flooring is a good option, but if you are driven by technology and flexibility, then engineered hard wood is your best choice.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for home goods, home supplies, home automation and security. Follow these links to find the best hardwood floors, home supplies, and home automation and security.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hardwood Flooring to Suit Your Home

One of the most basic structures in your home is your floor. The floor reflects the personality of those who dwell within the home, and if you possess elegant and beautiful flooring, it will add warmth and comfort to your living surroundings.

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring available in the market today. Endowing homes with a stylish bent by giving it a shiny finish and old-world patina, they are always in demand. The durability of this kind of wood is an added attraction, and the material can withstand a host of different climates from mild to extreme.

While there are solid hardwood flooring that are available at rather high prices, most hardwood floors are built with an upper layer of solid wood, combined with lower layers of sturdy plywood and thick fiberboard. Together, these different materials lend the strength of their features to make it less expensive, but with a hardiness that will make them last for a long time.

There are also a lot of types of hardwood floors available. You can choose from pre-finished flooring that has already been coated, or the unfinished kind, which you will need to sand and coat yourself. While the former will take less effort to install, the latter will allow you to custom-finish your floors to suit your taste and home design.

There are a lot of pre-finished floor products available in the market today for do-it-yourself enthusiasts who prefer to do the installation themselves. These types of flooring are easy to clean and maintain compared to carpeting, and because they are made of natural materials, they are environmentally friendly, as well. This is the reason why new homeowners, or people who are fixing up an older home prefer this type of floors to add warmth and comfort to their surroundings.

Through the years, the panels may require sanding and refinishing, but this kind of maintenance is preferable and much more economical compared to having to replace vinyl tiles or carpeting every five to ten years or so. Hardwood floors are also a healthy option for people who have allergies, or have frequent asthma attacks due to exposure to synthetic materials, such as carpets. Installing them will lower the levels of potential irritants that can endanger your family's health.

When you are looking for quality floors for your home, cost is always one of the primary considerations. Instead of boring a huge hole in your pocket to buy solid hardwood floors, you can opt for refinished floors with a top layer of solid hardwood instead. This way, you spend less for attractive floors that are equally durable in style and quality.

Hardwood flooring materials are available at a lower cost, as well, particularly if you buy them wholesale. They are easily installed, and you can do it yourself to save on costs. If you require the services of a professional, such as a contractor, you can avail of a considerable discount if you but ask. While the knowledge isn't bandied about, contractors do give a marked down rate for customers who would like to haggle for it.

Emiel L. is the writer at Hardwood Flooring Advisor, where he gives tips on hardwood flooring installation.

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

Monday, May 11, 2009

Keeping your Hardwood Floors Clean in Three Easy Steps

Hardwood floors are one of the easier types of floors to clean, even if you have pets and children running in and out of the house. In fact, cleaning does not have to be a hard job. If you regularly clean your floors every few weeks, then you can ensure that your hardwood floors stay sparkly and new-looking, even if they are not.

However, many people let their hardwood floors stay dirty for a little longer than usual. If you need more than just a quick rub down to return your floors to shiny and new, then you've come to the right place. Below we've listed a few pointers to help ensure your hardwood floors get, and stay, clean from now on.

First of all, you will need to remove all the dirt and debris from the floors. This may include dog hair, gravel from outside, cookie crumbs and anything else that accidently made its way to the floor. Either use a broom or a vacuum cleaner and give your hardwood floors a quick brush over. This will take only a few minutes and will ensure that the next steps run smoothly. If you leave the dirt and debris on the hardwood floor, then dirt and grit can scratch and ruin your floors during the next few steps.

The next step when it comes to cleaning your floors is to use a floor cleaner on them. A floor cleaner will ensure that your hardwood floors stay shiny and new looking. Many people choose to spray the floor directly with the floor cleaner; however, you can also spray the cleaner onto a soft cloth and clean the floors as this is easier.

One very important tip to remember is to never spray water on the hardwood floor- although it makes sense to mop with water this is not the case with hardwood floors. Water can cause the wooden tiling to warp and bend if it seeps into the cracks. This is most certainly not the look you are going for.

With your floor cleaner and soft mop, mop the floor in sections. Make sure you mop the sprayed section first and then move onto another section, spraying as you go. You can continue to spray directly onto the floor or onto the mop. Move the mop lengthwise until there is no moisture left on the hardwood floors.

That's it! You're done.

Now onto the hard part- keeping the hardwood floors clean. The best way to ensure that your floors stay clean for the longest amount of time is by setting up some ground rules- no shoes on the floor, clean up after spills, and no letting the muddy dog into the house!

Hardwood floors can add a touch of elegance to any room, as long as they are kept clean. So, next time you notice your hardwood floors looking a little worse for wear, follow the above tips. In no time your hardwood floors will be looking professional and shiny once again.


Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

About the Author

K Custom Flooring provides professional brantford hardwood floor installation and brantford hardwood floor refinishing. We are dedicated to fulfilling our customers hopes and dreams for their floors. Whether that is through refinishing and restoring the beauty of a floor that has seen decades of use or installing a new floor that will add the change needed to make someone's house become a home.

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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Hardwood Floor Refinishing - For The Faint Of Heart

Are your beautiful hardwood floors not so beautiful anymore? Maybe they just need a refinishing job. It can be a daunting task, but here are some ideas to make it a little easier.

If your hardwood floors are in dire need of refinishing, get a few estimates from professionals. You may be surprised at the figures. You'll want to sit down when they tell you it will cost you $1200 to have your living room redone. You could carpet over it for less, but doesn't carpeting over beautiful hardwood floors seem, well, wrong?

Contrary to what you may have heard, the finish doesn't take days and days to dry. It’s quite simple actually. Go to your favorite local home improvement store, Lowe’s, Menard’s, Home Depot or other. Rent a sander. You'll need a drum sander, a belt sander or both. They will explain to you how to use the machine and tell you what kind of sand paper to purchase. They will also tell you what kind of stain and finish to get. Make sure you also pick up some dust masks because you will have saw dust everywhere.

The sanders are very easy to use. They're a bit on the loud side. The key is to keep it moving at all times. Do not stop or you will get a divot in your wood. Think of it like a clothes iron. You need to keep it moving or you will burn your clothes. Same deal with the sander. It creates a lot of heat and you will burn or dent your floors if you hesitate in one place too long.

You will feel like a Zamboni driver smoothing out your surface. Word of caution, you do need to maintain control of the machine at all times. It is self propelled, like a lawn mower or a basset hound on a leash. When you power it up, hold on to the machine tightly. Don't be afraid of it and after a few passes, you'll start to even have fun.

First you need to remove the old finish, base coat, color, and top coat. You may opt to forgo the color (stain) and just use the nature color of the wood. You will still need to apply a finish to it.

There are basically two types of floor finishes: one is oil-based and the other is water-based polyurethane. Oil-based is available in a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. Satin works well on floors because it hides small flaws and lets the natural beauty of the wood show without a bright shine. Oil-based also produces a warm amber look that gives you the traditional glow of wood floors. Water-based polyurethane dries clear and resists yellowing. Water-based also dries quicker.

Make sure you let each coat thoroughly dry before applying the next; same as you would nail polish. Give your floor at least 24-36 hours before moving furniture back on it. It will continue to harden in the first couple of weeks.

Don't be overwhelmed. Instead of looking at refinishing your hardwood floors as a humungous job, look at it as giving your room a manicure, one step at a time. You'll also save yourself as much as $1,000 by doing it yourself.

How To Look After & Maintain You Oak Or Hardwood Flooring Once Down

Lacquered floors

Prevention:

Place doormats inside and outside the front door to stop dirt and grit being walked in, which can cause
considerable wear.
Put protective pads on furniture (not metal feet, which mark wood floors) to avoid unnecessary marks and scratches on the floor.
If you have a pre-lacquered floor in rooms where you know water is frequently spilled, we recommend that you lacquer the floor again after laying. This helps to seal the joints between the boards and gives better protection against water.

Cleaning:

For daily cleaning, use dry methods such as vacuuming. When necessary, damp-clean the floor with a well wrung-out mop/floor cloth, the floor must only become slightly damp. The film of water formed in this way must dry within one minute.

For the best cleaning results ensure that your floor cleaner is pH-neutral (maximum pH 8). Do not allow spilt water to be left on the floor, particularly on Beech and Hard Maple floors, which are particularly susceptible to moisture. The frequency of damp-cleaning depends on how much the floor is used and how soiled it gets.

Eventually over time (possibly as long as 30+ years) your floor will show signs of wear and will start to look lifeless. It is at this stage that a lacquered floor will need to be sanded and re-finished, please consult an expert regarding this.

Wax Oiled Floors:

Prevention:

Place doormats inside and outside the front door to stop dirt and grit being walked in, which can cause considerable wear.

Put protective pads on furniture (not metal feet, which mark wood floors) to avoid unnecessary marks and scratches on the floor.

If you have a pre-oiled floor in rooms where you know water is frequently spilled we recommend that the floor be treated with an extra coat of Osmo Polyx Oil after laying. This helps to seal the joints between the boards and gives better protection against water.

Cleaning:

For daily cleaning, use dry methods such as vacuuming. To remove stains the floor can also be mopped with a well wrung-out mop/floor cloth, the floor must only become slightly damp. If done regularly adding Osmo Wash and Care to the water will help to clean and maintain your floor.

Stubborn stains can be removed using Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner, just apply to the floor using a cloth.
If the floor starts to look a bit lifeless after a while revitalise it using Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner. This can also be applied to specific areas (i.e. near doorways and in the main thoroughfares) without the need to do the whole floor. Apply the Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner neat but very thinly to the clean floor
with a lint-free cloth and then polish.

For particularly defined wear marks the floor should be given a new treatment of Osmo Polyx Oil, again this can be applied to only specific areas if
necessary.

By: Truman

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Save Money And Refinish Your Hardwood Floors


If you're looking to save money on your home improvement project, perhaps you should consider refinishing your own hardwood floors rather than paying the high price tag a professional would charge. While it may not require quite the investment of money to refinish your own hardwood floors, it does require a significant investment of time. It is often possible to rent the equipment at a fraction of the cost that it would require in order to buy them and less than a professional would charge.

Starting the project begins with the easiest part: remove all furniture, mats and rugs that are on the floor. A quick sweep of the floor and you are ready for the messy part - sanding. Get your dust mask ready as you're about to create one big mess.

Your goal in refinishing your hardwood floors is to turn back the hands of time to when your hardwood floors were first installed. In order to achieve this feat, you will need to start by renting a heavy-duty sander to smooth out any rough spots and to remove the current stain that is on your floor. Move the sander in the direction that moves with the lines on your hardwood floor, paying particular attention that you do not apply more pressure anywhere. It's important to make sure that you apply equal pressure to all parts of your floor as you want to avoid creating 'pits' in your hardwood floor, which will require more sanding. Do not move across the hardwood floor lines, especially if you have small grooves or beveled edges.

Once you've finished with your initial sanding you must sweep and vacuum the dust from your floor and lightly wash it. This part is often not given the proper care it deserves and is very important when refinishing hardwood floors. The reason it is so important is that the tiniest speck of dirt and dust will show up when you stain the floor. It is also important that you use only a damp mop for washing the floor rather than a wet mop. If there is too much water in the floor that has been sanded it will cause stains.

which comes in high gloss or low lustre. Another rule of thumb is that the more coats you add, the more gloss your floor will have. Important to remember as well is not to apply another coat until the previous one is completely dry.

The good news is that stains and the protective coatings used during the process do not have harsh fumes, and as such, are not dangerous to breathe. Just be sure not to walk on your refinished hardwood floors until they are completely dry. The result will involve wasting more time and energy in trying to fix the problem or even having to call a professional in.

Although refinishing your hardwood floors will be a time consuming and messy job, they will be worth it in the long run.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Shades and Colors of Hardwood Floor

You have a wide range of stain shades and colors for hardwood floors. You can depend on color charts for different colors but the colors on the surface still looks different from the colors printed on paper. In addition, a particular stain has different effect on different types of hardwood floors so it is best to consider hardwood species.

Moreover, stain also looks a bit different on newly installed wooden floor from on refinished flooring though the right sanding is helpful to have a better stain effect. It is recommended to try different kinds of stain colors on a certain sample of wood in order to get an idea of the result.

Hardwood floor has different kinds of shades and colors and some of the most popular stain choices are the following:

1.The natural stain of hardwood floor looks like bare wood.


2.Light shade is a popular hardwood floor shade since it adds a fine tone to the wood as well as it darkens the grain.


3.Another popular choice is the medium shade, which is darker than the light shade.


4.The dark shade is often very dark in color and has a rich feel.


5.Hardwood floor custom color is any color aside from brown, sand of tan.

Most people choose deep green or bright red that can give striking results. Usually, it is best to select a vibrant color when it comes to smaller rooms or areas.

When you find the shade that you want, make sure to try it in not noticeable places such as inside your closet. Make sure to let the stain dry before making a decision. Remember that the color of the paint tends to become lighter when it dries.

One of the most practical materials used for flooring is hardwood. Its protective finish can wear off especially in areas that are often used so it is necessary to refinish the hardwood floor. Dulled areas of hard wood that are hidden for a long time must be refinished in order to freshen up the hardwood floor.

Hardwood finishing job may be quite difficult and messy because you first need to remove the previous finish of the floor. If you do not have any experience in this field, it is best to hire a hardwood flooring professional who has the knowledge in refinishing floors. These hardwood floor professionals have the appropriate tools to do the job such as power sanders to eliminate the existing finish of the floor and to accept the new stain.

Make sure to do a refinish test to know if the hardwood flooring is dirty or shot. Here are the ways to do a flooring refinish test:

Focus on the high-traffic areas where the finish is more abused. Pour one tablespoon of water to the floor and if the water forms beads it means that, the floor is sealed properly. Usually, you need to cleaning and stain removal. On the other hand, if the water takes several minutes to be absorbed and leaves a slight dark mark on the floor it means that the finish is partly worn. You must not wait long to refinish your floor. In addition, if the water soaks right in and then leaves dark spot it means that you need to refinish the floor immediately.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

The What, Why, Where and How Much of Hardwood Flooring

No matter where you live, the floor is one of the biggest selling points of your house. It is one of the first things people notice when they walk in the room and can positively or negatively impact the whole atmosphere of a room. Together with the walls, the décor and the lighting, the floors create a certain ambiance and can project an atmosphere of your choice. One of the best options when it comes to flooring is hardwood floors. This is because hardwood floors can emit a feeling of warmth, elegance and grace that, combined with the right interior design, can really brighten up your entire apartment. So what makes this type of flooring such a popular choice? To truly understand the reasons why hardwood flooring are sought out you need to understand the what, the where and the how much of hardwood flooring.

The What: What is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is made out of hardwood timbers such as oak, ash, maple, beech and cheery. These wood materials are high in density and durability. They can come both solid and engineered and are available in a range of tints and styles to suit your decorating needs.

The Why: Why Choose Hardwood Flooring?

Sure, it looks good, but what are the other reasons to opt for a hardwood floor? Below we've listed some of the best characteristics of hardwood floors, as determined by owners.

- They are stylish and versatile- they can look good in any room and with any interior design layout

- They are easy to clean and keep looking shiny and new, especially compared to carpet

- They come in a wide variety of finishes, stains, woods and patterns to suit your lifestyle and your preference

- They are natural and environmentally friendly as well as hypo allergenic

- They keep the house warm in winter and cool in the summer

- And, finally, when properly taken care of, they last a lifetime and look as good as new from day one.

The Where: Where is the best place for Hardwood Flooring?

Although it is suitable for any room, most people choose to use hardwood flooring in the living and entertainment areas as well as the bedrooms or dining rooms. To truly spruce up your interior design, opt for a decorative rug placed on top of the floor.

The How: How much are we looking at?

Surprisingly, not that much, especially in the grand scheme of things. Hardwood floors typically run at $8 per square foot up to $14 per square foot depending on the quality, thickness and exoticness of the wood.

And finally, is Hardwood Flooring a DIY Job?

For expert handymen, hardwood floors can be done DIY. However, it's probably a safer bet to hire a flooring contractor as craftsmanship is vital to the longevity and overall look of your floor plan. They can also recommend various color options and patterns.

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

K Custom Flooring provides professional Kitchener hardwood floor installation and Kitchener hardwood floor refinishing. We are dedicated to fulfilling our customers hopes and dreams for their floors. Whether that is through refinishing and restoring the beauty of a floor that has seen decades of use or installing a new floor that will add the change needed to make someone's house become a home.

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

Friday, May 1, 2009

How Parabond Hardwood Floor Polish Can Help You?

Floors are the base or the vast sea of attraction in a room. As the floors are the only part of the room that covers the maximum area and are far more observable than any other part or any other furniture. It is a must to keep our floors neat and tidy as they are repeatedly stepped over by people all round the clock. Cleaning the floors must be done as a daily schedule so as to keep them shining for several years. Apart from cleaning them daily, we must polish them at least once in six month. Whether it is a wooden floor or a cemented floor, one must have a proper eye on tear or shear of floors as they can adversely affect the beauty of the room or hall.

Using any polish is not at all advisable. Only reputed ones must be used so as they do not cost you later in your life. I would advice you to use some of the reputed ones like this. I personally have felt that it is the best polish so far. Some years ago I experienced a heavy non-stop rain and there was water in our house. After 3-4 days when the water was gone and the rain stopped, I observed that all my floor polish has been ruined by water. I used to use some cheap floor polish. But after that one of my friends advised me to use it and since then my floors are always shining and completely polished.

After so many years of my use I can comment that parabond floor polish is simple fabulous. It has got the ability to put a shine on the floors and it looks as if the floors are completely new! The house where I used to live had some dogs, which scratched the floor and made me polish every month. I put 3 coats on the floor and it really looked great and it lasted for more days than my previous paint. Two coats are more than sufficient. Not to mislead, but one coat also gives the same brilliant shine. (It just wears off sooner). My kitchen is almost polished with parabond floor polish as we have a lot of water spreading on the floors with a continuous tariff. The only catch is that the dog scratches do show up more with the shine.

Last but not the least I want to tell to all the readers that guests do come to our home at least 4-5 times in a week on an average but we never dare to think, what left an impression in their mind after visiting our house. We must rethink about furniture, show-piece in our house. Do they really leave an impression on our guests? The answer is loud and clear “No” as because furniture and show pieces are almost available in each and every house. The only obsession that differs is some thing unique. That touches the soul of our guests and they remember it for a pretty long time in their life. That unique quality is only obtained from “Parabond Hardwood Floor Polish”.