Solid Vs Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Pros and Cons

Solid hardwood flooring is the more traditional type of wooden flooring compared to engineered hardwood flooring. Engineered floor is not a new phenomenon and has been around for several decades. Here, we shall take a comprehensive look at whether solid hardwood floor is better or engineered hardwood flooring by analyzing the pros and cons of each. Solid hardwood is used from a single piece of wood which is then split into various slabs (longitudinal) to fit into each other at the tongues and grooves. Engineered hardwood has a specific manufacturing practice where several wood pieces are formed into layers, each one known as 'ply', and these plies are placed in a cross grain pattern and bonded together using heat and pressure.

Now, let us look at the pros and cons of each.

The biggest disadvantage of solid hardwood is the fact that they react to moisture. If the relative humidity in the room is a bit on the higher side then this type of flooring can expand. When the relative humidity drops they contract. This is regarded as instability in terms of languages used for flooring. As a result of this phenomenon, solid flooring cannot be used in basements, toilets or at any place where there is a susceptibility of moisture accumulation. Normal dehumidifiers can easily act as a prevention mechanism to such instability but the problem is inherent to this type of flooring. Engineered flooring does not have any such problems as they do not react to moisture. They can be installed in the basements, toilets or even on concrete floors. However, it has to be ensured that there is no moisture on the surface or in the room while installing such type of flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring can last for several generations. As a matter of fact, more than 50 years can be an easy task for solid hardwood flooring. Sanding, refinishing or re-coating the surface once every 20 years can be good enough to maintain solid hardwood. With time, it shows the true elegance and natural grains of the wood hence enhancing the beauty and aesthetics of the property. Engineered hardwood flooring can also last for a long time and they are equally easy to maintain. They are resistive to scratches or quick wear and tear, however they do not possess the quality of getting their appearance enhanced as the wood has been made into plies rather than being used as a block. It is eco-friendly since the manufacturing process uses up a lot of waste which is an advantage that solid hardwood flooring doesn't offer.

The answer to the question solid wood or engineered is so subjective that there is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on your property's conditions, your needs, your taste and of course your budget.

Exotic Hardwood Floors

With an impressive durability and unique appearances, exotic hardwoods are an excellent choice for the homeowner who wants the durability of hardwood but wants something a little different at the same time. exotic hardwoods offer a variety of colorations and patterns that are not commonly seen in domestic hardwood flooring. Learn more about what makes a wood floor exotic, the durability they offer, and how to care for your exotic wood flooring.

What Are exotic hardwoods?

An exotic hardwood is defined as any type of wood found outside of the United States that is imported into the country. Brazil, Australia, Africa and countries in the Far East offer a large variety of woods not native to the U.S. There are over 100 species of trees that are considered exotic to North America and offer a distinctive and visually striking appearance that differs from standard American hardwood floors.

Exotic hardwood floors, like standard hardwood floors, are manufactured in both solid hardwood and engineered assortments. Solid hardwood is a single slat of wood; engineered wood is a sandwich of laminated wood with real hardwood veneer on the top layer.

Hardness Rating

All wood is subject to the Janka Hardness Rating scale to detect its strength. This hardness test measures the force required to embed a.444 inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. The Janka Rating is the industry standard for assessing the ability of various wood species to endure pressure and determine the energy needed to nail and/or saw the wood.

Tests performed by the U.S. Forestry Lab indicate that most exotic woods are frequently more durable than other types of hardwoods. Brazilian Teak, for example, has a rating of 3,540, which makes it perfect to handle the abuse of large families with indoor pets. African Mahogany has a rating of 830, and is more likely to be damaged by heavy traffic and scuffed by your pet's nails.

Care and Maintenance

Exotic hardwood floors, like domestic hardwood floors, require little maintenance to uphold their luster. Wipe spills immediately and limit any exposure to water. Regularly dust and sweep to reduce the risk of dirt buildup. Only use mild solvents specifically designed for hardwood floors, making sure to avoid harsh abrasives and scouring pads. A natural cleaner of equal parts white vinegar and water usually works best, but you must be sure to dry the floor completely when finished cleaning..

Always use caution when moving large pieces of furniture or heavy equipment across the floor. Although exotic hardwoods are durable and tough, they still have limits and will scratch and dent when too much weight is scraped the wrong way across the floor. Furniture coasters and lifting straps can help protect the life of your floor.

Many varieties of exotic wood floors are photosensitive, so avoid leaving them unprotected in direct sunlight as they may change color over time. Close curtains and blinds when possible and use rugs in areas that could be affected.

Hardwood and Vinyl Flooring Cleaning Tips

Here are five tips for cleaning vinyl flooring.

Leave a doormat in front of any entrances into vinyl rooms. A doormat will help rid your vinyl floor of it's two greatest problems: dirt and chemicals. Tracked-in dirt requires extra sweeping, and grit will act like sandpaper, removing the finish from your floor. And although you can't see them, chemicals from outside your home can stick to your shoes and then to the floor, causing possible discoloration.

Proper maintenance. The key to keeping any floor in good shape is to keep it clean, and linoleum or vinyl is no exception. Try to remove any dirt before it gets ground in, and your vinyl will remain in better shape for a longer time. clean (sweep and mop) the floor frequently; it is a good idea to quickly run a broom across the kitchen or bathroom floor daily.

Soap away sticky substances. If you have sticky substances (such as a spilled drink) on your vinyl floor, quickly mop it away before it can settle. Combine a squirt of detergent (one approved to clean vinyl flooring) with a gallon of warm water. Mop, then rinse with a damp mop.

Never attempt to spray away dirt with heavy-duty cleaners; clean your vinyl floor using the mildest possible method. Sweep or vacuum it routinely, and soak up any spills right away. To clean dirt that a broom or vacuum cannot, use a mop dampened with warm water.

Use the correct product. If you have no-wax vinyl that requires cleaning, wash it with a cleaner made specifically for no-wax floors (and always follow the directions on the bottle). If you have any questions regarding what product to purchase, never hesitate to ask the worker at the store you are buying the product in.

Here are some suggestions to keep your hardwood floors looking clean and new.

Sweep and vacuum the floors on a regular basis.

Place door mats in front of high traffic areas such as doors and kitchen sinks.

Make sure to clean liquid spills as soon as they occur.

Place floor protectors to the bottoms of chair legs and movable furniture to prevent scratching of the wood.

Clean the floors weekly with a hardwood floor cleaner (there are many varieties on the market); Spray the cleaner on a cloth then wipe the floor surface.

Make sure not to use excessive amounts of oil of water to clean the floor; and make sure to wipe up any water or oil applied quickly (or else warping can occur).

Carpeting and Hardwood Flooring Installation

The floors in your house are the most important part to making the room look welcoming. No matter the color of the walls or the furniture, as long as the floor is clean and sharp looking you will be in good shape.

You have to consider that you have many different options with your floor situation. First, there is carpeting. Carpeting comes in many different materials, colors and weaves for you to choose from. A shag rug is going to be a lot fluffier and a lot cozier than a tight woven rug. You can choose from any color under the sun to cover your floors in colors that match your setting.

Wall to wall carpeting can last for as long as you take care of it properly. A good carpeting system with quality material can last for decades without needing replacement. Although you do have to worry about sun damage and weathering as well as keeping it vacuumed to eliminate bacteria.

Hardwood flooring on the other hand is a much cleaner approach. It also may help your home build elegance and style. You can get many different types of hardwood that will match your style of your house and allow for a simpler easier maintenance routine. Hardwood floor only needs to be kept up with sweeping and mopping with an occasional wood treatment depending on the finish.

Gloss finish is easier for a hardwood floor because it is easier maintained. When the gloss rubs off over years of foot traffic it will need a new gloss but until then it is the best material for resisting spills and wood wearing.

There are many different types of wood to choose from and different colors and finishing that will make your rooms have the feel that you want. Mahogany, cherry wood, classic sandalwood and more are available for different colors, tones, hardness and length of life.

You can have different parts of your house that have carpeting and wood as well. Rooms that have carpet can be cut off at the threshold. You can have padding under the carpet for a cushy comfortable floor to walk on and enjoy.

Your beautiful new sparkling hardwood floor will allow you a low maintenance and high profile addition to your house. You can bring class and worth to your house from redoing your floors. You can even up the resale value of your house due to the upgrade of your floors.

Hardwood Cabinets - Care Tips

When you have hardwood cabinets installed in your home, take the time to sit back, look, and enjoy the true beauty of this upgrade. You may think that you do not have to worry about cleaning and caring for your new cupboards for a while, but this is not true. Ensuring that everything continues to look as good as new starts with proper care from the very beginning.

Before you do a thing with your new cabinets, read the manufacturers' maintenance instructions. The various finishes available for hardwood require different cleaners and care options. Find out what is recommended for yours.

Even if a cleaner is recommended, you should still test it out before using it on every square inch of the surface. Apply a little of the solution to an area that is not easily seen. Wait a while to make sure it does not damage the surface in any way.

You need to dust regularly to ensure that dust and debris do not cause any damage. Use a lint-free cloth to do this, and consider dampening it slightly, but always dry all surfaces when you are done.

Remember that hardwood cabinets are similar in durability to fine wood furniture. You need to treat them as such and protect them from excess moisture, which can damage them. Watch around the sink, oven, dishwasher, and even baseboards for this problem. Dry any water you find, and then look for the source to stop the problem if you can.

Sometimes your cabinets will get stained. Use non-alkaline soap and water to clean these, unless the manufacturer does not recommend it. Then, when you are done, use a soft cloth to dry and buff the surface. Never leave any kind of cleaning solution on the surface of a cabinet, because it will damage the wood. Never use scrubbing pads, powdered cleaners, or abrasive cleaners at any time on hardwood furnishings.

Cleaning the interior is simple. All you need to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. Make sure it is dry before you put your dishes and food back inside.

When you are cleaning windows near a cupboard, spray the glass cleaner onto a rag while standing away from the wood surface. Then, use the rag to wipe down the window. Spraying directly on the window could allow some of the cleaner to hit the cabinetry and damage the finish.

When cleaning pulls and knobs on your cabinetry, use mild soap and water. Like the windows, if you use harsh chemicals here, some could drip onto the wood. Also, strong chemicals may harm the finish on the handles as well. If the soap and water are not sufficient, remove the handles and clean them away from the cabinetry.

If you find damaged finish, be very careful in how you handle it. You may want to have the installer come and fix the problem. Otherwise, try to get a repair kit directly from the manufacturer to ensure you match the finish perfectly. Pretest to ensure you know what you are doing, and follow the instructions well as you fix the problem.

Easy Repair Tips for Hardwood Flooring Marks

Hardwood flooring is recognized for its beauty, lasting durability and natural appeal. While hardwood floors are easy to maintain, they're still porous and vulnerable to stains. Unavoidably, spills will happen and leave marks on the floor, which may cause it to look dirty and stained. Luckily, marks can be eliminated from hardwood floors by using simple cleaning solutions. Stains ought to be removed as quickly as possible, however. The longer these marks remain on hardwood flooring, the harder they are to get rid of.

Step 1
Sweep the hardwood flooring with a household broom to remove any dust, dirt, grit or sand. Go over it with a dust mop to remove lingering debris. It's essential to get rid of surface debris from the floor before starting to remove marks and stains.

Step 2
In a bucket, pour one cup of commercial wood floor cleaner and one gallon of lukewarm water, making a diluted cleaning solution. Wet a microfiber or sponge mop in the solution. Mop the spotted areas of the hardwood flooring with the cleaning solution. Examine the full length of the floor for any remaining stains.

Step 3
In a bowl, mix together one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of cold water. Moisten a clean dry cloth in the vinegar solution. Wipe the cloth over any residual marks or stains. Moisten another clean cloth with plain water. Buff any spots that you treated with the vinegar solution.

Step 4
For dark marks and stains caused by standing water, you'll need to remove some of the finish and reapply it. Rub the spots with steel wool, in the direction of the wood grain. If this doesn't work, sand the areas lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean the spots and surrounding areas using mineral spirits or a commercial wood floor cleaner. Let the floor dry.

Step 5
Apply a matching finish to the flooring, feathering it out into the surrounding area. Put on a coat of floor wax after the finish dries thoroughly. If you prefer just a surface finish, use a cleaner recommended for wooden flooring (such as oil soap) and buff vigorously with a clean towel.

Tip to Remove Wax Build-Up
Hardwood flooring that has not been properly cared for may acquire some wax build-up. To remove it, strip away all the old wax with mineral spirits or a commercial wood floor cleaner. Use soft cloths and fine steel wool pads to clean and eliminate all the residue before you apply new wax.

How to Stop Hardwood Floors From Splitting

The last thing you want to happen as a homeowner is to have your hardwood flooring split. Not only is it quite bothersome and hard to fix, it can also be quite expensive! Over time hardwood flooring can break down if not tended to, or if there is water issues. However, important and simple steps and tips can be taken to prevent this from happening.

Hardwood floor care is so important for successful home ownership. Flooring is the most fundamental aspect of a home. It is what covers the foundation and what everything else is built upon. It needs extra care and attention to be kept in the best shape. The first step in this maintenance is keeping the floors clean and free of any debris. Every room in my home has hardwood flooring with an exception of the kitchen and bathroom. One thing I find to be very helpful in keeping the floors clean and dust free is my trusty Swiffer Sweeper Vacuum and Mop. These help me keep the floors sparkling and new looking even though they are almost a hundred years old! Swiffer also makes a wonderful line of hardwood floor care items that are perfect for treating and maintaining the precious wood.

Another important aspect to keeping floors looking nice, is to keep them free of any water damage. Spills that are left unattended can be very harsh to flooring and lead to splitting of the boards. When my husband and I were looking to buy our first home we looked at several homes with bad hardwood flooring that had not been cared for. Many of the homes had stains from where pet messes were not cleaned up. Not only were they stained they also had splitting and creaky boards. Even something as simple as laying a wet towel on the floor can be damaging if left for too long.

Another important tip is to keep all crawl spaces clean of debris and leaves. Leave build up can lead to damage to hardwood flooring as it traps moisture. Many crawl spaces are damp in general due to the dark, moist soil, therefore extra attention is needed for homes with crawl spaces.

A last tip is to keep floors shiny and new with oil treatments and polishing. If wood becomes too dry and lackluster it can split and crack. One floors split it can be quite expensive and time-consuming trying to fix them or replace the flooring.

Get A Hardwood Flooring Portland

Hardwood flooring portland is famed for the class and durability that it lends to homes it is installed in. Indeed, hard wood flooring are not just only pleasing to the eyes, it also lasts for a lifetime. It is calls for minimal maintenance so you don’t have worry if you seldom wax it.

Simply dusting and sweeping done everyday is enough already. Hardwood floors portland looks more fabulous in the passing of time and it exudes warmth and comfort on your home.

The best thing about hardwood is that it matches well with any types and styles of your home, be is set in modern or period design. Their variety also comes in a variety of woods, patterns, stains, and finishes. hardwood flooring are also hypo-allergenic, thus, they can suit even to those with sensitive skins. Other than this, natural hardwood flooring is also eco-friendly!

But other than the aesthetic value, hardwood flooring also increases your home’s value. Home with hardwood flooring are noticeably more valuable compared to other homes without hardwood flooring installation.

Hardwood flooring offers comfort that perhaps no other flooring can offer. What’s even better is that hardwood flooring offers you the best value for your money. Though you might find it quite expensive compared to a carpet or vinyl, hardwood flooring on the other hand, won’t require any replacement and can be actually resold!

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.

Nuances of Using Hardwood for Flooring

Hardwood are one of the most preferred flooring options for home owners today. Given the various options available in wooden flooring these days you can now easily use wooden flooring across all places in the house. However, as a home owner you should be aware of certain facts if you are considering hardwood flooring for your house.

If you are implementing a hard wood floor do not forget to use a sub floor. A sub floor is of great importance as it has multiple purposes. A sub floor helps to secure the wooden floor over preexisting floor or concrete. It also works as insulation against moisture which is often very important depending on the climate in your area.

You need to be particularly careful about using wooden flooring for areas that have a lot of moisture. In such areas do not use solid hardwood floor and rather go for engineered flooring. Excessive moisture tends to damage solid hardwood floors and it is better not to use them on areas that would have a lot of moisture.

The other concern with wooden flooring is when it comes to kitchen or bathroom, places that are prone to a lot of spills. Even engineered floors might not be able to stand such spills for a long term. In such case the best option would be to use laminated wood flooring. While some might not consider this as a hardwood floor in the strict sense of the word you will still be getting the same look and feel of your hardwood floor and also have durability against all the spills.

It is important to use an experienced technician for installing as it might not be very easy for you and me to do the whole thing. Also there are certain technical nuances that are known only be the men of the trade. However, if you still want to give it a go by yourself there are few specific points that you need to be absolutely careful about.

Installing a doesn't finish with just laying down the floor. There is a lot of detailed work involved and one of the most crucial one is to sand down the floor to lose the rough spots and smoothen the floor. A lot of nails are used in the floor and these are then covered with wooden fillers. These fillers tend to leave some rough spots too and those need extra attention during the sanding process. Also staining and finishing the floor is another critical aspect of a wooden floor installation. While this is not that difficult you need to ensure that children and pets are not around during this time - the floor is typically unusable during this period and having children and pets over can often lead to messing up the work.

If you are working with technician for installing the hardwood floor make sure that you see various samples before choosing the right one for yourself. Make sure to have detailed information on hardwood floor installation experience of your contractor. This is a specialist job and if you want to get a good work done make sure you chose the right contractor.

Exotic Hardwoods: Beauty That Lasts a Lifetime

The term exotic sets imaginations in motion with vivid pictures of far-away tropical islands, clear blue oceans and miles of pristine white sandy beaches. Where these images of imagination are not far from reality, exotic tropical islands are the home of some of the most specialized trees in the world of which exotic hardwood flooring material is produced. With full maturity of these ancient trees reaching extreme heights, exotic hardwoods are also found in fallen trees that have sunken to the bottom of rivers, often producing some of the most exclusive hardwoods in existence today. With preservation of all natural habitats of great concern, exotic hardwoods are harvested by governing authorities to maintain present ecology of the country of origin.

Exotic hardwoods offer many striking appearances that are visibly distinctive from hardwood flooring materials not found in North America. exotic woods evoke an all natural and unique design rich with deep textures that are breath-taking and inspiring. Where exotic hardwoods are not for everyone, those home and business owners that are more conscious about the appearance of their home or place of business often install exotic woods, setting their home or business apart from all others.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) residential real estate agents agree that homes and businesses with exotic wood flooring installed are easier to sell while increasing the overall value of the property, with higher listing and closing figures. exotic hardwoods installed correctly never have to be replaced and retain the highest quality and durability of all available hardwood flooring material.

Other than wall colors, floor finishes often set the tone of the room which is immediately noticed by all who enter. Floors lacking character with poor color selection; detract from other features of the room with appearances of a smaller room compared to actual square footage. When selling a home or place of business, the condition and appearance of present floors is often a determining factor in a successful or rejected sale. Floors are more than walking surfaces designed for comfort or convenience; floors represent pride in ownership and individual characteristics.

Exotic hardwoods are naturally more expensive than traditional North American hardwoods due to the complexity of the hardwood material and limited availability of certain species. On a national average, exotic woods often cost as much as two times more per square foot than conventionally installed North American hardwood flooring materials. However, exotic woods are more than exquisite flooring with deep rich tones and unusual colors, exotic woods are an investment in a home or place of business providing comfort, increased strength with superior durability.

Installation of exotic hardwoods should be professionally installed due to the complexity of the wood and initial cost per square foot. The additional cost per square foot of $3-$4 depending on selected species and location, charged by professional, experienced installers, is well worth the time and additional investment. Installed in either a glued-nailed or floating floor fashion, professional installers will recommend the correct method of installation that will provide many years of care-free use.

Exotic hardwoods are more than a means of covering existing subfloors, exotic hardwoods are floors with exquisite beauty that last a lifetime

Hard-Scraped Hardwood Flooring: Restoration of History

Throughout History hardwood flooring has undergone dramatic changes from the meticulous hard-scraped hardwood polished floors of majestic plantations of the Deep South, to modern day technology providing maintenance free wood flooring designed for comfort and appearance. The hand-scraped hardwood floors of the South, depicted charm with old rustic nature and character that was often associated with this time era. To date, hand-scraped hardwood flooring is being revitalized and used in up-scale homes and places of businesses to restore the old country charm that once faded into oblivion.

As the name implies, hand-scraped flooring involves the retexturing the top layer of flooring material by various methods in an attempts to mimic the rustic appearance of flooring in yesteryears. Depending on the degree of texture required, hand scraping hardwood material is often accomplished by highly skilled craftsmen with specialized tools and years of experience perfecting this procedure. When properly done, hand-scraped hardwood floors add texture, richness and uniqueness not offered in any similar hardwood flooring product.

Rooted with history, these types of floors are available in finished or unfinished surfaces. The majority of the individuals selecting hand-scraped hardwood flooring elect a prefinished floor to reduce costs per square foot in installation and finishing labor charges, allowing for budget guidelines to bend, not break. As expected, hand-scraped flooring is expensive and depending on the grade and finish selected, can range from $15-40$ per square foot and beyond for material only. Preparation of the material is labor intensive adding to the overall cost per square foot dramatically. Recommended professional installation can and often does increase the cost per square foot as well, placing this method of hardwood flooring well out of reach of the average hardwood floor purchaser.

With numerous selections of hard-scraped finishes available, each finish is designed to bring out a different appearance making it a one-of-a-kind work of art. These numerous finish selections include:

Time worn aged, dark coloring stain application bringing out grain characteristics
Wire brushed, providing a highlighted "grainy" effect with obvious rough texture
Hand sculpted, smoother distressed uniform appearance
French Bleed, staining of edges and side joints with a much darker stain to give a bleeding effect to the wood
Hand Hewn or Rough Sawn, with visible and noticeable saw marks

Regardless of the selection made, scraped flooring cannot be compared to any other available flooring material based on durability, strength and visual appearance. Limited by only the imagination and creativity, several wood species can be used to create unusual floor patterns, highlighting main focal points of personal libraries and art collections.

The precise process utilized in the creation of scraped floors projects a custom look with deep color and subtle warm highlights. With radiant natural light reflecting off this type of floor, the effect of beauty and depth is radiated in a fashion that fills the room with solitude and serenity encompassing all that enter. hand-scraped hardwood floors speak of the past, a time of decent, a time or war and ambiguity towards other races and the blood- shed so that all men could be treated as equals. More than exquisite flooring, hand-scraped hardwood flooring is the restoration of History.

7 Things That Hardwood Flooring Installers Should Do To Guarantee A Proper Installation

When you are considering points for hiring your next hardwood flooring contractor, you will have a lot of questions on your mind, particularly since flooring installation is such an investment. Your floors are one of the most important areas of your home. You need to make sure that the floor is secure, and that it looks pleasing to the eye. Here are some of the points to consider when you are working with a home flooring contractor.

First, how much time will the flooring installation project take to complete? You need to make sure that your installer can get the job done, and quickly as well. Since there is no way that you can avoid walking on the floor, this is one household project that can't be put off. This is both for the attractiveness of the home, and also for the safety of the home inhabitants.

Your flooring contractor should be able to take accurate flooring installation measurements of the floor. This should seem obvious, but some installers that might want to cut corners might be tempted to "eyeball it". They might try to convince you that they can get the right measurements, just by taking at look at your floor, because they've been at it for so long. Don't fall for this.

A true professional will take measurements, each and every time. They should be double checking the measurements even during the job, to make sure there are no changes in the sub flooring, or in the baseboards. All of this prevents against buckling and warping in the floor.

Next, a great flooring installation professional should be able to give you the best prices for the job, because they have established relationships with dealers that offer them the most cost efficient materials for the money. An experienced installer knows where to get the best quality products for the best price. They should be able to pass on these deals to their customers as well.

Your professional floor installation contractor should be able to identify loose spots in the subflooring. They will also take the time to address this issue. Someone who provides sub-par work will simply slap planks of wood over loose subflooring, and hope that you never know the difference.

It should go without saying, but you shouldn't cut corners when it comes to the person that you hire for your flooring installation. To this end, make sure that your floor installer has all of their proper licensing. This isn't a job for your buddy down the street, or for your dear second cousin, twice removed. If you don't use a professionally licensed installer, then you will have no recourse in court, if anything goes wrong. You could also invalidate any standing warranties on the home.

Your floor installation professional should not only know how to install hardwood flooring, but they should also know how to install laminate floors as well. Finally, your floor installer should always be able to offer you the best materials, at the best prices, so that you will be able to give them repeat business.

Tips How to Buy Low-Priced Hardwood Floors

If you're looking for low-priced hardwood floors, you'll find it. You just have to know the right stores to shop. wood flooring isn't all super high-priced. Plus cheap wood flooring doesn't have to signify poor quality. You will get some really great offers on hardwood.

Begin with a flooring place in your space. Often, a nearby floor coverings organization gives you a greater deal on hard wood in order to create a base of local repeat buyers. If you discover what you're in search of, great. Otherwise, proceed to the world wide web.

Research online for "inexpensive hardwood flooring" may return numerous sites. But what do you search for in a company online? How can you tell one from another?

As with every brick and mortar shop, you want to look for a corporation you can trust. Go and visit what they're offering. Then find their warranty. Is there a good guarantee in place if something fails? Is there a return policy? How about defects you might find after deliver? You will need the answers to all these concerns prior to deciding to give out your credit card number.

Next, check out the stock they provide. You're going to buy hardwood flooring by the sq footage. So search for the least expensive price tag by square foot. In case one is $1.29 a square foot, it's a great price savings over one which is $5.00 a sq. ft.. The numbers could seem minor, nevertheless the difference shall be immense once you begin calculating all the sq footage you will need.

Watch out for excellent deals that look too good to be real. Oftentimes in the details in it you'll notice that it's a must to buy the entire lot of a certain hardwood or there is no price break. Should you end up with twice the quantity you require for the job, you have not saved anything at all.

Be mindful of that computer screens may differ a lot within their capability to show the actual colour of a product. It may seem you are getting a light tan however it may turn into either brighter or darker than you expect. If you can, ask to see a sample. Have them mail you one to help you to visualize it in the house. Last but not least, look at the quality of the wood. If it's not rated for use at home, then pass on it. You need only first quality products of the best caliber otherwise you'll want to look elsewhere.

Things to Consider on Hardwood Floor Wax

If you're lucky enough to own a hardwood floor, you probably want to do everything possible to help it stay beautiful. Using hardwood floor wax is a common way to do this. However, there are a few simple rules to follow and some instances where wax is a bad idea. In this article we'll look at those rules, as well as run though some waxing basics.

Is Wax Right for Your Floor?

Your floor's original finish, and the condition of that finish, determines whether or not waxing is right for you. Your floor was either finished with a coating, which sits atop the wood and acts as a barrier for dirt, or with a sealant, which penetrates and makes the wood itself more resistant to dirt. If your floor is very shiny (or used to be) then chances are a coating was used. If it appears more matte, it's likely to have been finished using a sealant.

Floors with shiny coatings are generally not suitable for hardwood floor wax. Instead, you should thoroughly clean and then buff the floor to renew the shine. If your floor is so old or damaged that clean and buffing don't work, then hardwood floor wax can provide a temporary renewal of the floor's shine and luster. Just keep in mind that eventually, you'll need to invest in a good refinishing.

Waxing Basics

Vacuum your floor thoroughly, sweep and mop before beginning to apply hardwood floor wax. After all, you're trying to improve the look of the floor, not make it worse by sealing in dirt and grime! Ensure that the floor has dried completely before moving on.

It's important to follow the direction on the wax precisely. If you're unsure about something, look it up on the internet or ask somebody at a home improvement store. These are general guidelines for hardwood floor wax, but each brand is different, and the manufacturer's directions will alert you to any special steps their particular brand requires.

You'll begin with a very thin coating of wax. If you can see thick gobs or streaks, you've applied too much. Let this first layer sink in, which can take from half an hour to an hour. You'll repeat this step until the floor can't absorb any more wax. Hardwood floor wax is designed to sink in and penetrate the wood, and so you're only done when the last layer won't sink in. When that happens, simply wipe it off, and leave the floor alone for at least a few hours (overnight is best) to dry completely.

Buffing comes next. A heavy-duty rented buffer is best for this, because the weight of the machine will actually make the job easier, no matter how bulky and cumbersome it might look. Buffing is going to bring out the shine. Follow the directions very carefully, since you're dealing with a large machine. When you're done, your floor should have a brilliant shine.

If the shine dulls over time, don't re-apply...simply buff the floor again. Hardwood floor wax can easily and economically extend the beauty of your floor for years to come, if applied and maintained properly.

Get the Look of Hardwood Flooring for Less With Laminate Flooring

If you're looking to update the appearance of your home, you may be thinking about giving its flooring a face-lift. Replacing worn-out carpeting with sleek, stylish hardwood flooring can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of just about any room in the home. However, hardwood floors have many drawbacks; one of the biggest ones involves price. Don't worry, though - you can enjoy the style and elegance of hardwood flooring for a lot less by opting for laminate flooring. Laminate styles have come a really long way. Today, they are barely discernible from honest-to-goodness wood. Learn more about the top perks of laminate below.

It Looks Like the Real Thing

Laminate flooring has made a lot of progress over the last ten to fifteen years. These days, it is available in many great wood styles that look a lot like the real thing. Whether you're interested in the stately style of oak or the country charm of pine, you can get those looks - and more - without any of the drawbacks. For example, many species of wood are too soft to be practical for everyday use; laminate floors replicate the look of many species of wood while providing unbeatable strength and durability. There's no reason to cross any particular type of wood off of your list, when you can always opt for laminate.

Unbeatable Wear Resistance and Durability

While some worn-down wood floors have a bit of rustic charm, it often doesn't turn out that way. Scuff marks, scrapes and other signs of wear and tear can seriously detract from the style of a wood floor. While laminate floors aren't impervious to such issues, they can be less likely to incur damage. As a result, you can invest in laminate and rest assured that if it is properly maintained it will look as great in five to ten years as it does on the day when it is installed.

Use it in Virtually Any Room in the House

As you probably already know, wood is not an ideal option for moisture-prone areas of the home. Therefore, you can't really have wood flooring installed in the bathroom or kitchen - at least, not without doing a lot of finishing. Even then, warping and other issues may arise. Laminate flooring minimizes those concerns. While it looks almost exactly like the real thing, it isn't as prone to water damage. You can enhance the look of your bathroom, kitchen or basement with the appearance of wood floors - just choose laminate.

Enjoy Today's Hottest Design Trends

These days, many people pay big bucks to invest in wood floor that is strategically distressed or scraped. The rustic and shabby-chic look of these floors can really bolster a home's appearance. You don't have to miss out on such hot trends when you opt for laminate floors. It is perfectly possible to buy laminate floors that are scraped, distressed or otherwise enhanced. Best of all, these features are added to the laminate before the wood detailing; the end result, therefore, is virtually identical to what you would get when splurging on real wood.

Buy Planks of Various Lengths and Widths

Laminate flooring is anything but cookie-cutter or dull. If you think that a laminate floor is going to look utilitarian or like it was put together in a factory, think again. Today's wood-style laminate floors can be laid down in planks that mirror the widths and lengths of today's best wood floors. Whether you are looking for wide planks or thin ones, you can get the look that you need with laminate. Similarly, it's possible to buy laminate wood planks in exceptionally long lengths that mesh well with today's hottest contemporary design trends.

Skip the Wood and Save a Bundle

At the end of the day, laminate flooring is closely mirrors that of real wood, but it eliminates many of the issues of real wood. When you opt for laminate, you don't restrict yourself in terms of the rooms in which you can use it. More importantly, you are a lot less likely to exceed your budget. Today's laminate floors are durable, stylish, affordable and versatile. Unless you are absolutely determined to have real wood in your home, there's no good reason not to use laminate.

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Things to Do When Your Hardwood Floors Get Damaged

Though hardwood floors are generally tough they are not invincible and if not taken of care properly or if abused too much they will bear damage like any other tough and durable material. The most common damage that you may encounter is scratches and dents brought by dragging your furniture and dropping heavy objects causing the dent.

There is no need to panic if you see these kinds of damages in your precious wood flooring; they are not called the most durable for no reason. The solution to the problem depends on the depth of the damage.

If the damages are just superficial, meaning to say they did not penetrate the inner layer of the wood then the solution is just sanding it down. Hardwood floors can be sanded down several of times to even out the exposing side of the wood and to expose a newer and a fresher layer of the material and you can just refinish it again with the coat same that of the original. Just be sure that you don't sand it too much or the difference in the thickness of the plank will be felt by your foot. If it really requires you to sand it down really hard it would we great to do this to adjacent planks as well just to even out the spacing and the thickness within that section.

If your problem is dents then you might want to consider steam iron if it is not too deep, steam iron is a technique wherein you purposely let the wood swell by the steam applied causing the dent to even out with the rest of the planks. If the dent is too deep, steam won do the job for you, if you apply to much steam thinking that will eventually out well it won't and you just might end up with more problems. The best thing to is to patch the dent with commercially available products that is the same color that of your wood planks and won't be noticeable unless you go down onto your knees to inspect.

For cracks and gaps you can also apply the same type of commercial patches to eat out the spaces between the planks. Ultimately what you want to do is prevent these damages from occurring to save you from all the stress that you may encounter. Make sure you follow the guidelines and the maintenance of the manufacturer and available resources in the web to maintain the glory of your planks and enjoy its benefits for many years to come.

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Hardwood Flooring Is Just One Of The Flooring Options Available to You

Some people may not realize that when carpets are properly cleaned and maintained they can improve the air quality in your home. You can prevent particles and allergens from re-entering the air by trapping them in your carpet. Look for high quality when shopping for rugs and carpets. If the carpet has been approved and tested by carpet and rug institutes (CRI) then it is probably of good quality. You can tell that a rug or carpet has been tested and approved by the CRI if it has a label. Your carpet or rug will meet strict indoor air quality measures if it carries a CRI or CRI Plus label.

A number of decorating designs and options can be used with ceramic tiles, which is a great benefit to this type of flooring. Ceramic tiles can add a natural beauty and unique look to any room in your home. Your decorating plans will easily accommodate ceramic tiles. Styles, shapes, textures and colours are endless when it comes to ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles allow for creative decorating options like a kitchen back splash..

Laminate flooring is made of four layers. The wear layer, or the first layer of laminate flooring protects the floor using aluminum oxide. The second layer of laminate flooring is also called the design layer. The purpose of the design layer is to make the laminate floor look and feel like hardwood. The core layer is designed to protect your laminate flooring against indentations as well as to resist moisture. The last layer, or back layer, of the laminate floor is a stable layer designed to protect the plank and balance the floor.

Engineered hardwood is composed of a variety of layers of wood or different grades of the same type of wood. It is the layers and grades that are stacked together and then glued to make engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood produces more structurally sound planks, which is its main advantage. Engineered hardwood is very durable and is not likely to gap, buckle, twist or cup. Engineered hardwood flooring isn't affected as easily by temperature and humidity as solid hardwood is. With solid hardwood flooring you have to be careful about where you install it but with engineered hardwood flooring it can be installed above, below or on ground level.

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20 Tips for Taking Care of Hardwood

Your business and residence contain a variety of wood surfaces that need care and cleaning to look their best. Here are 20 tips for taking care of your hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinets.

GENERAL UPKEEP
1. Know how hard your wood is and act accordingly.

Kiln-dried hickory and pecan are the hardest of the hardwood species. Next on the list is hard maple. Other hardwoods, in decreasing order of hardness, are white oak, beech, red oak, yellow birch, green ash, black walnut, soft maple, cherry, hackberry, gum, elm, sycamore, alder, yellow poplar, cottonwood, basswood, and aspen. Treat these latter hardwoods with extra care.

2. Clean regularly.
If allowed to accumulate, debris acts like sandpaper on hardwood.

3. Select the right product for the job at hand.
Removing a scratch? Use light sandpaper, a matching stain, and a protective coat of polyurethane. Restoring the finish? Choose a wax or oil recommended by the hardwood manufacturer and apply it exactly according to the instructions. Doing a light cleaning? Use non-alkaline dishwashing soap and a damp sponge to clean, making sure to dry the area immediately. Avoid the use of too much water, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners. Be aware that some products like linseed oil leave a residue, and other products may stain your clothing if you lean against the polished surface. Silicone sprays may also break down the wood.

4. Use the right tools.
Choose a vacuum without a beater bar and brushes. Select a broom with exploded ends. Use a microfiber dust mop. Dust and polish with soft, clean cloths.

5. Remember you are often cleaning the hardwood's finish rather than the hardwood itself.
Unless you are looking for a stain to match the color of a hardwood like cherry, products designed for a specific wood serve no purpose. Choose the product that is best for the wood's finish instead.

6. Protect your hardwood floors from scratches and wear and tear.
Use a welcome mat or two to catch dirt and debris at the door. Sweep up dirt weekly; daily is even better. Never drag furniture across your hardwood floor. Instead, place felt pads under the legs of furniture, especially pieces like dining room chairs that are moved frequently. Ask guests not to wear high heels, soccer cleats, skates, or muddy shoes past the front door. Keep wheeled toys outside.

AVOIDING MOISTURE, HARDWOOD'S NEMESIS
7. Maintain constant humidity.

Air condition in the summer and use a humidifier in the winter. This will minimize the expanding and contracting done by natural hardwoods.

8. Protect your hardwood from the elements.
Close windows before raindrops blow in and on the floor, cabinets, or furniture. If you are building a new home or remodeling, keep your hardwood from damaging exposure by having new building materials delivered to an enclosed space. Also, make sure all your doors and windows are properly installed and closed before work with hardwoods begins. Ideally, your contractor will store hardwood flooring or lumber in the room where it will be installed so the wood can adjust to the moisture content of that space.

9. Use a sealer.
Apply a sealer at hardwood cut marks to prevent moisture from seeping in at the exposed area. Also, apply a sealer to surfaces that will get heavy traffic or constant use because they will also need frequent damp-cloth cleanings.

10. Install a vapor barrier.
Never install hardwood over a damp subfloor or newly installed drywall. Dry out the area and install a vapor barrier first.

11. Use protective pads.
Encourage family and guests to place coasters under their drinks. Use pads on hardwood tabletops. Place warm objects on hot pads or trivets. Use felt or a tablecloth under sharp objects like cut glass bowls, picture frames, vases, and lamps.

12. Wipe up water spills immediately.
In the past, builders refrained from using hardwoods in moisture-prone settings like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Now, hardwoods can be coated with polyurethane and still retain their natural look. Simply wipe off cleaning products, liquid splashes, food and beverage spills, or pet accidents as soon as possible.

OTHER WAYS TO CARE FOR AND PROTECT YOUR HARDWOOD
13. Filter sunlight that shines on hardwood floors and furniture with drapes or blinds.

14. Move hardwood furniture away from heat sources like fireplaces.

15. Apply a protective sealant to hardwood floors and work surfaces.

16. Use a cutting board instead of chopping on your wood countertop.

17. Keep brass polish off your hardwood by removing it before polishing.

18. Clean the glass of a hardwood cabinet by spraying cleaner on a cloth first.

19. Remove plastic from hardwood surfaces to avoid sticking and discoloration.

20. Be wise. If a child shouldn't consume it or you can't pronounce it, it probably shouldn't be left on your hardwood.

Tag : hardwood,taking care,hardwood flooring,hardwood cabinet

Distinct Features of Softwood From Hardwood Flooring

Wood flooring and its service in living spaces

Flooring is also called single element change in home which will face-lift space and make it more glorified. All flooring adds lot of warmth and boosts value to space as you need some place to fall into and relax. Wood due to various mechanical properties too can be used in furniture, tools, building structures and decorative elements.

Aspects of softwood flooring

In earlier sections we saw primarily hardwood flooring and its uses. Wood flooring will transform your home into entity as eternal gets converted to natural earthy elements. As per saying today we will discuss softwood flooring and its features. Wood obtained from leaves shed by trees like pine, fir, spruces, cedars, hemlock, larch, Douglas-fir etc. and redwood is called as softwood.

Properties of softwood:

1) Softwood flooring is popular and reasonable as they are evergreen and has faster growth rate.
2) Wood for softwood flooring is obtained from coniferous forests. Such flooring will be less dense with calorific value and durability.
3) Softwoods trees are found in northern hemisphere.
4) As these trees don't shed leaves they are immensely used in wood works for making home and offices cabins and various in furniture.
5) They are less expensive to hardwood because of lower density which makes them softer than hardwood.

All softwood is organic or botanical species of trees from which wood is harvested with leaves shaped in needle form or scale like. Softwoods are very durable as they are timeless and fibers of softwood are longer than hardwood. Well do you know that many softwoods are strong than hardwood like yew, it is rare and is native to U.K.

Pine: Pine is softwood with closed, even and uniform grain texture. It comes in light color like pale and yellow hue with very few markings, none of which is strong. Though pine is light but is very strong. It is very durable wood which hold its place exceptionally well resulting in negligible or no warping, swelling or shrinking. Pine wood has very smooth surface with not even single grain raised. Flooring of pine softwood can be considered because it stays well where it is and prevents warping and swelling of wooden joints in cabinetry or internal fixtures in wooden carpets. Yellowish stain on this wood can be obtained by washing it with ammonia before having antique and timeless appearance for flooring.

It's very important to have in depth knowledge of material used for home decor, so in next section we will also discuss all above mentioned softwoods for discount flooring.

Today numerous colors available in laminate wood flooring which have made them prime product of home decor.

Tag : hardwood,hardwood flooring,softwood,cheap hardwood flooring,bruce hardwood

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