OK, you’re getting close. And you probably know by now that, with the wide array of beautiful hardwood choices available today, it’s easy to suit your taste and find a flooring solution for the way you live.
Choosing the best hardwood floor covering is really about finding the right combination of aesthetics, performance and budget to best meet the needs of your lifestyle.
So you want to shop smart -- right?
That way your final decision not only creates a warm, inviting environment in your living spaces but also delivers what hardwood floors are noted for: adding value to your home.
We created this section to help you get smart before your hardwood floor is laid down -- and long before you lay down your money!
Must there be dust? Unfortunately, yes.
Since your floor is being finished in your home, please be aware that your floor will not be “dust free” as it is impossible to create a “dustless” environment. Some dust will fall onto the freshly applied topcoat of urethane finish. You may also see sanding marks, small bubbles and brush marks. However, take heart, Finish in Place floors may be screened and recoated to rejuvenate the finish and revitalize the floor’s natural beauty.
The origin of the species and natural selection.
Each species of wood has its own unique characteristics. Color is determined by what part of the tree the wood originally comes from. The grain pattern is determined by the species and how the wood is cut. Natural variations in the color and grain are normal and to be expected. Similar to natural stone, these variations create the beautiful and unique look of a wood floor. They make your floor close to one of a kind.
Wood moves. It’s a fact of nature.
Wood floors will expand and contract due to moisture and temperature changes, causing hairline cracks, slight height variations or both. Hardwood does not expand or contract equally in all directions. This is not considered a defect but a natural result of nature. So, in dry climates, you may want to consider the use of a whole house humidifier to help minimize shrinkage and hairline cracking.
Information from: WFCA
For the full article click here.
Showing posts with label Hardwood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hardwood. Show all posts
Top 5 Enemies of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood is a favorite choice for many, but did you know it has enemies? Here's how to protect for beautiful floor form everything it hates.
Enemy #1: Dirt
- ALWAYS have doormats inside and outside the entryway to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly
- Vacuum regularly with a canister vacuum cleaner (no beater bar!)
- You can also do a quick dust mop with a DRY terry cloth/microfiber
Enemy #2: Dust
- Clean all rugs and mats them regularly
- Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments (Never use a beater bar)
- Air purifiers and filters (as long as they're kept clean) are great at keeping dust and other impurities out of the air
Enemy #3: Water
- NEVER ever use a steam cleaner or slightly damp mop on hardwood
- In rooms where spills are prevalent (kitchen, mudroom, half-bath, etc) use mats and/or rugs to catch any moisture that is tracked in or spilled
- In essence, just keep water away from hardwood. It will cause warping and eventual rot
Enemy #4: High Impact Points
- Check the bottom of shoes for anything that might be lodged (like stones) these will scratch or put dents in the floor
- Take shoes off at the door (especially high heels)
- Install felt pads or coasters on the bottom of furniture that is heavy (couches) or is moved around a lot (chairs). Clean them often to ensure grit doesn't become embedded causing scratches
Enemy #5: Sunlight
- Protect your hardwood floors with blinds or drapes, at least when the sun is shining directly on the surface.
- Cover the area that gets exposed for the most time with a mat or some furniture that will take the beating instead.
Enemy #1: Dirt
- ALWAYS have doormats inside and outside the entryway to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly
- Vacuum regularly with a canister vacuum cleaner (no beater bar!)
- You can also do a quick dust mop with a DRY terry cloth/microfiber
Enemy #2: Dust
- Clean all rugs and mats them regularly
- Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments (Never use a beater bar)
- Air purifiers and filters (as long as they're kept clean) are great at keeping dust and other impurities out of the air
Enemy #3: Water
- NEVER put hardwood in a full bath
- ALWAYS clean up spilled and pooling liquids immediately- NEVER ever use a steam cleaner or slightly damp mop on hardwood
- In rooms where spills are prevalent (kitchen, mudroom, half-bath, etc) use mats and/or rugs to catch any moisture that is tracked in or spilled
- In essence, just keep water away from hardwood. It will cause warping and eventual rot
Enemy #4: High Impact Points- Check the bottom of shoes for anything that might be lodged (like stones) these will scratch or put dents in the floor
- Take shoes off at the door (especially high heels)
- Install felt pads or coasters on the bottom of furniture that is heavy (couches) or is moved around a lot (chairs). Clean them often to ensure grit doesn't become embedded causing scratches
Enemy #5: Sunlight
- Protect your hardwood floors with blinds or drapes, at least when the sun is shining directly on the surface.
- Cover the area that gets exposed for the most time with a mat or some furniture that will take the beating instead.
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