Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring: Charming Their Way Into Your Homes

It’s highly common for homes to make use of hardwood floors, such as the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring. First of all, it fits perfectly to any type of home, may it be contemporary, Victorian, or country. Moreover, it’s also known to be highly affordable compared to other flooring material, such as ceramic. Most of all, a Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is environment friendly. The materials used are renewable. A purchase of this type of hardwood is your small contribution to Mother Earth.

Special Characteristics of Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring

All hardwoods are known for their durability. If they are just properly taken care of, they can last for many years, even for as long as 100. However, of all solid hardwoods, the most durable is the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring. So strong are they that their use is not only constricted inside homes, but also in bridges, docks, and ports. The secret to their ultimate strength would be the stability of their vertical and horizontal structure. There are no portions that appear to be highly vulnerable to breakage. What’s more, they produce their own natural oil, which allows them to maintain their shine, luster, and perfect condition all throughout the years. The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is also highly resistant to stain, a no. 1 enemy of floors since it can damage their finish and may invite moisture.

The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring can also stand the pressure of extremely high foot traffic. That’s why this type of hardwood is also utilized in shopping centers, where there are hundreds of people who can step on the planks every day. You also don’t need to use a carpet or a rug when you’re installing it inside your home. The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is very much invincible against dents and scratches caused by moving your furniture and fixture all across the floor. This is because the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is very hard, even harder than oak and maple, which are considered to be two of the best hardwood floors ever used.

The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring doesn’t come easy and often, though. This is because the country from where it came from is implementing strict rules and laws with regards to logging. A lumber company cannot, for any reason, remove all cherry trees in Brazil. Moreover, they must obtain permit first for every tree they want to cut from Ibama, Brazil’s agency for environmental protection. Nevertheless, you are assured that your Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is only made from the oldest trees, those that have seen better days.

How to Use Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring to Your Advantage

Though the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring can definitely go with any home, it would still be wise if you can take a look at the shades, shapes, and grain tones before you buy. Perhaps you can find one that is the most appealing among all of them—the one that is totally perfect to be used at your own home.

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

Installing a Hardwood Floor in Your Room

There is no doubt that installing a hardwood floor in your room brings such allure to the room. As hard wood flooring brings high- level of attractiveness anywhere it is installed and due to its durability this flooring material has become very popular.

Installation of hard flooring is very difficult this makes is it requires the services of a professional flooring contractor. Not to be forgotten that the flooring itself is very expensive. Hence if another type of flooring would give the same elegance and durability as that of the hard wood but which would be easier to install would be a welcome option. Hence the refinished wood flooring is that option.

As compared to laminate flooring which uses a large amount of synthetic material the refinished flooring has real wood which is an advantage.

Wonder how this can be done? A strip of hardwood is fixed to thicker strip of synthetic material which gives a genuine hardwood appearance and using the hardwood on the surface but which is easy to install at less price.

In addition this flooring type can be of benefit since the actual surface of the floor is real hardwood which can be refinished just like the traditional wooden floor. The appearance of the wood can be changed by covering it with different vanishes giving a different appearance.

Advantage of refinished flooring over laminate flooring is that while laminate become scratched and needs to be changed the refinished can be sand down and re-varnished to give it a brand new appearance.

This floor can be used within a few hours of it installation which also takes less time.this is because unlike laminate flooring it fit together without requiring glue making it extremely easy to install.

You need to have a genuine hardwood look but the price is too high? Refinished floor is the right answer for a luxurious lifestyle.

Tag : hardwood,hardwood floor,cheap hardwood flooring,hardwood lumber

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

Tips for Hardwood Floors for the Cold Weather

Winter is starting to show itself in some place. We want you to enjoy your hardwood floors in the summer, winter, spring, and fall. I asked our tech and install team at Lumber Liquidators to give us some tips to help you keep your floors looking their best, even when old man winter is at his worst.

* For areas of the country that get lots of snow especially, DO NOT track snow covered shoes or boots onto your hardwood floors. Use an outside mat and another inside mat to catch the moisture. Take your shoes off the door and move them to a place off of the hardwood flooring. In many places where there is a lot of snow, ice-melt (or snow salt) can get stuck in the bottom of shoes and boot and create grit and scratch the wood floors if you aren't careful. Homes that have a garage, it is best to enter through the garage and leave shoes and boots by the garage door before entering.

* Many people find it helpful to keep rags or mops near the entryway of their home, at the ready for when snow or water clean up is needed.

* Some heating systems can lower the humidity level in your home. Low humidity levels can cause the wood flooring to contract and create gaps between planks. Low humidity levels can also create cupping and checks in the wood. It is key to use a hygrometer to maintain the humidity to the recommended levels written by the floor manufacturers installation instructions. Hygrometers can be helpful and are inexpensive ($7-$30).

* Not only wood flooring, but fine furniture and plaster walls can suffer from very low indoor humidity. The goal is to maintain recommended/target humidity levels of 35-55%. Many HVAC units can be professionally retro fitted with APRIL AIR or similar equipment designed to add moisture back into dry homes.

* Wood burning stoves and fireplaces offer cozy but very dry heat. You can add needed moisture back into your home simply by putting a kettle full of water on the wood stove, thereby adding moisture back into the dry air.

* DON'T FORGET TO ACCLIMATE!!!! Many products are stored in warehouses where the temperatures are less than ideal. It is up to the customer/installer to correctly acclimate materials to in-home conditions before installation. The stores are there to store and inventory the materials safely.

* If you plan on installing in the winter, many of our adhesives are moisture cure urethanes which require some air humidity for them to cure. If the air is very dry due to your heating system, it will take longer for the adhesive to cure. Most adhesive manufacturers will have a Temperature/Humidity chart in their instructions that will tell you how long it will take the product to cure.

* Nail guns should be allowed to warm up and should be oiled before use. Using cold nailers can cause the nails to stick or get stuck and could cause internal damage.

* Adhesives should also be brought into the house before installation. Cold adhesives will not spread very well. Many adhesive companies require the adhesive to be store at temperatures between 50F and 100F.

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

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.

Why do it yourself? Leave the care and cleaning of your hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinets to your professional cleaning team. They have the expertise, tools, and products that will make your hardwoods glow so you can enjoy them for a lifetime.

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

Engineered Hardwood Flooring - How to Select It For Your Needs

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made of a core of hardwood, plywood, or high density fiber and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core. It is available in almost any hardwood species. The product has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer. The "engineered" product has been designed to provide greater stability, particularly where moisture or heat pose problems for hardwood floors.

Wood floors come in two basic types:

o Solid wood flooring
o Engineered wood flooring

Solid Wood Fl is fabricated from 3/4" thick solid wood and tongue and groove sides to join the boards. Some manufacturers make a thinner version that is 5/16" thick. The main advantage of solid wood flooring is its ability to be re-sanded and refinished over many years. It is not uncommon for solid wood floors to last 50 years or more. Solid wood floors come unfinished or prefinished in almost any wood species.

The main issue to consider with solid wood floors is its susceptibility to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes in the home. To accommodate for movement, these floors are typically installed with a 5/8" to 3/4" gap around the perimeter of the floor along the wall. This gap is covered by shoe molding and baseboards.

The 3/4" thick floors should not be installed in a below grade condition, such as a basement. However, the thinner 5/16" wood floors may be used in that application. When installing a solid wood floor over new or existing concrete, be sure the manufacturer's recommendations on limits of moisture in the concrete are followed.

Solid wood flooring is available in three main types:

o Strip flooring is denoted by the thickness and width of the wood planks. Strip flooring has a set width, but the thickness can vary. Strip flooring ranges in thickness from 5/16" to ¾" wide. It is available only in widths of 1 1/2", 2", and 2 1/4".

o Plank flooring comes in two thicknesses, but unlike strip flooring, the widths can vary. It is available only in thicknesses of 1/2" or 3/4" and a range of widths from 3" to 8".

o Parquet flooring has a very different look from typical hardwoods. They are made up of geometrical patterns composed of individual wood patterns composed of individual wood slats held in place by mechanical fastening or an adhesive.

Laminate flooring is not real wood, at least not in the way that hardwood and engineered wood are. It is comprised of a thin top layer of resin-infused paper, all on top of a wood chip composite. Technically, it is wood. It is an amazing simulation of wood. The resin layer is essentially a photograph of wood. Laminate flooring is an alternative to wood flooring. It is scratch resistant and it works well in topically moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens, unlike hardwood flooring. Additionally, laminate flooring is very easy to install.

Engineered wood flooring solves a lot of the problems hardwood and laminate flooring have:

o Solid Hardwood does not tolerate moisture well.
o Solid Hardwood can have uneven quality
o Laminate Flooring does not tolerate moisture well
o Laminate Flooring is fake wood and can not be sanded.

Basics of Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered hardwood floors are constructed similar to that of basic plywood with the top surface being actual hardwood. Products come in two to ten ply construction depending on the manufacturer. Many manufacturers have increased the surface (also known as veneer or wear layer) layer that will result in some engineered floors lasting as long as the traditional ¾" solid flooring. One of the most important factors contributing to the longevity of any hardwood floor is the amount of refinishable material.

Solid 3/4" hardwoods have approximately 1/4 of an inch above the tongue and groove construction. Once it is sanded to that level, nails or staples begin to appear and should be replaced. The better and thicker engineered hardwood floors have 1/8" to 3/16" above the tongue and groove. Since the veneer is real wood, it can be sanded up to two to three times.

Engineered floors are the ideal solution for hardwood flooring on concrete. The dimensional stability of the way they are constructed. Each ply layer is pressure glued and set in the opposite direction. Engineered hardwood floors expand and contract with high humidity, as opposed to hardwood flooring. The more plies the greater stability.

Installation of most engineered hardwood floors are done by the glue down or floating floor method. It is very important to note that not all engineered products have the same type of installation specifications. Some floors may be floating, glue direct, or staple only. Maunufacturers specifications should be followed explicitly. The majority of prefinished engineered hardwoods have limits on lengths at 42 to 48 inches, opposed to most solid hardwoods at 72 to 84 inches. Typically, lower end flooring will have shorter pieces. Typically, longer lengths are preferred as they offer a more appealing look on completion.

What is a floating floor? It is a method of installing a floor rather than a specific type of flooring material. In this method, the individual planks or boards attach to each other - either by means of gluing or snapping together, but do not attach to the sub floor on which it is being installed. This is in contrast to a solid wood floor which requires nailing down to the sub floor. A jigsaw puzzle is one great comparison. With a jigsaw puzzle, pieces connect to each other, but not to the table. A floating floor is like a jigsaw puzzle. An advantage of the floating floor method of installation is it allows for the floor to move and expand in response to changes in the room's humidity.

Wood Flooring Hardness Rating

The hardness of wood flooring is measured by something called the Janka Test. A.444 inch steel ball is driven into the wood to half the ball's diameter. The test measures the force needed to embed a steel ballot half of its diameter in the piece of wood being tested, with rating measured in pounds of force per square inch. So with this rating, the higher the number the harder the wood.

Wood hardness is important since one of the key considerations in selecting the species of wood floor, you should be aware how much resistance the wood has to scratches and indentations. For example, if you have a dog with long nails then scratching the floor is a consideration and you should select a species with a higher rating such as hickory, maple, oak, or ash.

While it may seem logical to pick the hardest wood, certain factors should be considered:

o Soft wood can be hardened to some degree by the application of polyurethane finishes

o Hard wood is nearly always much more expensive than the softer and medium grade woods.

o Hard wood is more difficult to saw, drill, and nail than other woods, requiring more time and labor, therefore more money.

Hardwood Floor Appearances Can Differ

Hardwood veneers have the same surface appearances as solid hardwood flooring because they are both natural hardwoods. Different appearances result from the different ways the hardwood is sawn. The different sawing methods are:

o Flat Sawn (also referred to as plain sawn) - can be flat grain, which has a cathedral or gothic effect or vertical grain which has a radial or edge grain effect.

o Rotary Cut - method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is peeled off the log using large wood lathes. This peeling method shows dramatic, wilder graining.

o Off-Set Rotary Cut - method of cutting wood which gives a sliced appearance and grain pattern with the added cross grain stability of sliced, without the sliced cost. Hardwoods are more dimensionally stable across the grain, and off-set rotary cutting takes advantage of this property. The yield is lower than a regular rotary cut creating a slight price increase vs. standard rotary.

o Sliced Cut - method of cutting wood in which the hardwood layer is sawn like regular lumber. This shows finer graining.

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

5 Types Of Hardwood Floors Popular Today

There are types of hardwood floors that look good in virtually every type of room. Before choosing a type of hardwood floor to install in a room, you need to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the various types. There are currently five popular hardwood flooring types. When you know the hardwood flooring types that are popular today, you will be able to make a choice you will be happy with for years to come.

- Types of Hardwood floors: Prefinished

Prefinished hardwood floors have quickly become the most popular type of hardwood flooring. They are easy to buy and completely ready for installation. Purchasing is just a matter of finding a wood grain and finish that matches your home. In most cases, for installation, all you have to do is lay the floor panels down and make a few cuts to fit them as you reach the wall with each row of paneling. This is by far the easiest among the types of hardwood floors to install.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Unfinished

When you put your floor together with unfinished hardwood, it is left to you to manually handle the finishing process. This means you will need to sand, buffer, stain, and coat the hardwood floor after you install it. This is a big time and labor disadvantage from the prefinished floor.

But there are reasons why you may prefer an unfinished hardwood floor installation. One of the best reasons for installing this type of floor is if you are planning on selling the building soon. You can then have the new tenants choose the color that matches their needs or desires before finishing the wood. If you install prefinished wood in such a scenario, you would face a choice of losing a customer or reinstalling the wood floor.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Solid Wood

This was a popular hardwood floor type until recently. It is very hard to install and to remove. You can find the lumber for solid wood floors in the form of either parquet, plank, or strip. Strip is the easiest to install by far, but those looking for ease would do better with one of the other types of hardwood floors.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is made out of multiple layers of veneer. These layers of wood are glued together with high quality glue. This design makes them very sturdy, as they benefit from the grains and features of each layer of veneer. Also, this allows you to use one wood at the surface to match your house, and higher quality woods make up the lower veneer layers.

For example, if you want a house full of birch furniture, you can have the surface layer of the floor made of birch, with sturdy oak layers supporting the floor. This combination would give you the durability of oak with the beauty of birch.

Engineered wood flooring can also handle a wider variety of climates. They are much more immune than the previously mentioned hardwood floor types to humidity, spills, and temperature extremes. This is why engineered wood floors are often recommended for basements where water is often prevalent.

- Types of Hardwood Floors: Acrylic Impregnated Wood

Acrylic impregnated wood floors are similar to prefinished floors, except that they are built with a special new process. The coloring and acrylic are put into the wood planks' pores under high pressure. The floor planks that result are very durable. These floors do not get as easily scratched as the other hardwood floor. They do really well in busy places and with frequent furniture moves. They are also much more resistant to climate extremes than the other types of hardwood floors.

Tag : hardwood,hardwood floors,cheap hardwood flooring

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=223514&ca=Home+Management

Not All Hardwood Lumber Is Equally Good

So you want to build a hutch or put down wood flooring in the living room. The question is which hardwood lumber is the best for the job. The answer is not difficult if you learn a little about the characteristics of hardwoods and what gives them their unique qualities.

What is Hardwood Lumber?

Hardwood is defined as wood coming from broad leaf trees or those that produce nuts. It is the hickory, oak, Walnut, Maple, and cherry trees that are most popular in North America. This is because the climate is just right for large production of such species of trees. The lumber that is created from these strong trees is given the generic name of “hardwood.”

Not all hardwood is the same. Industry groups have made great strides in standardizing wood by strength and grade. This helps consumers know which are truly the hardest and which are right for specific woodworking jobs.

For example, the hardest of the hardwoods is hickory and Pecan. It is measured by how many pounds of pressure is needed to mar the wood. In the case of these two woods it is approximately 1,820 pounds of pressure before the wood is marred.

On the other end of the hardwood scale is Aspen. It is classified as a hardwood, but requires only 350 pounds of pressure to mar its surface. In between are hard maple at 1,450 pounds and white oak at 1,360 pounds. This give you a comparison of which woods are best for flooring (the harder woods) and which make better material for building furniture. Cherry is just about in the middle of the hardness scale at 950 pounds of pressure to mar.

How Hardwood Can Change

Hardwood contracts and expands depending on temperature and moisture. This is because it tries to adapt to its environment. It was once a living thing and continues to have a life of its own to some degree. In order to minimize the amount of change to wood it is kiln dried to remove much of the moisture and stabilize it. This helps keep the finished wood product truer to the size and shape of when it was manufactured.

Leading manufacturers of hardwood lumber take into account changes in wood and the purpose for which it will be used in designing the lumber. For example, the Windsor plywood is often used as sub-flooring and for exterior wall bases. Dunn, Carter, Lowes, and Siegel lumber all stock their lumber rack with rough cut lumber for any job. Online retailers such as Lumber Liquidators have a huge supply of hardwood lumber mostly for finished flooring applications.

Careful consideration needs to go into the right type of lumber for your hardwood project, but equally as important is the finished look. Many hardwoods vary only slightly in their strength and durability, but as a consumer, you need to decide to you like the grainy look of white oak or the smooth finish of maple. Any type of hardwood lumber can be stained and finished with several colour variations, so look more at grain than colour when choosing what wood looks best to you.

About the Author

Clinton Maxwell repeatedly writes summaries on themes relating to 84 lumber and carter lumber. His articles on hardwood lumber are published on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/lumber/hardwoodlumber.html .

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=99198&ca=Home+Management

Discount Hardwood Flooring - Get It Cheaper From The Same Brand Names

Discount hardwood flooring is available from all the major manufacturers of hardwood flooring materials. One form of cheap hardwood for flooring is engineered hardwood, but some of the discount brands are solid hardwood. This flooring is perfectly suitable for areas where you can nail, staple or glue the boards in place and is even suitable for placing over a concrete subfloor. Even with discount hardwood, you can really spice up areas of your home, such as the rec room or the workshop by buying the hardwood flooring at a cheap price. By buying discount hardwood flooring, you can have the floor or your dreams rather than buying laminate flooring.

If you buy sliced wood veneer when you buy cheap hardwood flooring, you still get the same ranges of choices in design, such as oak, maple, birch or other forms of wood. The discount hardwood flooring also has a hardwood backing, which adds to the durability of the flooring. At the same time, you can get cheap laminate flooring that looks almost like you have hardwood floors installed and is just as long lasting. The hardwood backing used for laminate flooring and cheap hardwood floors is selected mainly because of its expansion and contraction properties. This means that the lumber used was cut in both humid and dry weather conditions.

When manufacturers of discount hardwood flooring make the edge backing, they adhere to strict standards. For example, the factories apply the backing to cheap laminate flooring using an aluminum spine. The spine is stamped onto each piece of laminate flooring to make sure that each piece is stamped a precise 1.5 mm apart. This precision spacing for cheap hardwood flooring allows for flexibility in bending and twisting the planks.

You can select unfinished and prefinished hardwood when you shop for cheap hardwood flooring. Many people assume that discount hardwood flooring is unfinished and that they will have a lot of work doing the finishing themselves. However, this choice is a matter of personal taste and you do have the option of choosing either one when you want to buy at a discount. You will also have the same range of choices in the type of hardwood you want for your flooring as well as a choice of stains and finishes. With cheap laminate flooring, you do not have the choice of having the wood prefinished or unfinished, but you do have a wide range of choices in color.

The increasing cost of hardwood flooring means that many homeowners look for discount hardwood flooring. They may opt for cheap laminate flooring that uses a manufacturing process of sandwiching composite fibreboard material in between two sheets of melamine. This offers the same effect as hardwood flooring, but at a discount price. Some of the discount hardwood flooring uses an embossing feature that gives it a texture very similar to a real wood grain and this suits any décor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/discount-hardwood-flooring-get-it-cheaper-from-the-same-brand-names-29598.html

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in
existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and
probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting
on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a
better way.

The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three
categories:

1. Hardwoods

2. Softwoods

3. Composites

Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive.
Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For
example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense
woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically,
lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a
general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year
round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage
that we all love so much.

Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the
most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest
woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or
painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least
likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality
homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture
production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany.

Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they
require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much
easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition,
they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood,
and therefore don't stain as beautifully.

Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for
furniture. These woods are often used in construction as
well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In
construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of
construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of
wood is used for shelves or packing crates.

The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance"
lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been
custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four
sides.

Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally
manufactured, rather than grown.

1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued
together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists
swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture
made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as
a support when incorporated into furniture.

2. Particle board: sawdust and small wood chips are mixed
with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure
treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board
is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is
necessary because particle board splits easily and the
laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that
the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle
board responds to temperature and pressure changes by
swelling and shrinking.

3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed
under higher pressure so it's stronger.

4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are
bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle
board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it
isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with
melamine which is a durable plastic in a variety of colors.
The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with
molding or some other decorative material.

Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products
is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and
quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites.
The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect
to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course,
is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for
decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always
choose hardwood furniture.

Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials. http://online-home-shop.com

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

Hardwood Versus Laminate Flooring - The Truth

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information on hardwood flooring. Home improvement, remodel and landscaping information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Prudehome

Discount Hardwood Flooring – Get It Cheaper From The Same Brand Names

Discount hardwood flooring is available from all the major manufacturers of hardwood flooring materials. One form of cheap hardwood for flooring is engineered hardwood, but some of the discount brands are solid hardwood. This flooring is perfectly suitable for areas where you can nail, staple or glue the boards in place and is even suitable for placing over a concrete subfloor. Even with discount hardwood, you can really spice up areas of your home, such as the rec room or the workshop by buying the hardwood flooring at a cheap price. By buying discount hardwood flooring, you can have the floor or your dreams rather than buying laminate flooring.

If you buy sliced wood veneer when you buy cheap hardwood flooring, you still get the same ranges of choices in design, such as oak, maple, birch or other forms of wood. The discount hardwood flooring also has a hardwood backing, which adds to the durability of the flooring. At the same time, you can get cheap laminate flooring that looks almost like you have hardwood floors installed and is just as long lasting. The hardwood backing used for laminate flooring and cheap hardwood floors is selected mainly because of its expansion and contraction properties. This means that the lumber used was cut in both humid and dry weather conditions.

When manufacturers of discount hardwood flooring make the edge backing, they adhere to strict standards. For example, the factories apply the backing to cheap laminate flooring using an aluminum spine. The spine is stamped onto each piece of laminate flooring to make sure that each piece is stamped a precise 1.5 mm apart. This precision spacing for cheap hardwood flooring allows for flexibility in bending and twisting the planks.

You can select unfinished and prefinished hardwood when you shop for cheap hardwood flooring. Many people assume that discount hardwood flooring is unfinished and that they will have a lot of work doing the finishing themselves. However, this choice is a matter of personal taste and you do have the option of choosing either one when you want to buy at a discount. You will also have the same range of choices in the type of hardwood you want for your flooring as well as a choice of stains and finishes. With cheap laminate flooring, you do not have the choice of having the wood prefinished or unfinished, but you do have a wide range of choices in color.

The increasing cost of hardwood flooring means that many homeowners look for discount hardwood flooring. They may opt for cheap laminate flooring that uses a manufacturing process of sandwiching composite fibreboard material in between two sheets of melamine. This offers the same effect as hardwood flooring, but at a discount price. Some of the discount hardwood flooring uses an embossing feature that gives it a texture very similar to a real wood grain and this suits any décor.

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

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