Floor Wax for Hardwood Floors: Protecting Your Investment

The beauty, elegance and grace of a hardwood floor can only be described with the warmth an inviting nature that is reflected. Adding significant value to the interior or any home or place of business, hardwood floors are rapidly becoming the flooring selection of choice, replacing its predecessor, the carpeted floors.

Hardwood floors, un-finished, finished or engineered, require daily cleaning with a periodic annual maintenance program to retain the luster, deep rich tones and the overall beauty of any wood floor. Contrary to popular belief, these floors do require occasional waxing, depending on traffic flow across the floor, with specialized cleaners designed to seal and protect the floor from scratches and abuse. In the past, presumptions have indicated that all the maintenance that is required for a wood floor is light sweeping and mopping. Although, there is some truth to this theory, depending on the selection of flooring material, failure to provide adequate protection to any floor will result in deterioration and damage of the flooring surface at an accelerated rate with possible replacement in as little as five years.

Water and sunlight is a wood floor's worst enemy causing more damage to all layers of the flooring material than all other elements combined. Mopping wood flooring surfaces with excessive water in the mop head, allows water to seep in between the seams of the flooring material gradually but eventually destroying the substructure of the hardwood flooring material. Mopping a wood floor with excessive amounts of water also institutes possible mold infiltration under the flooring surface, which will continue to grow unnoticed, a major health hazard in any home. Application of a manufactured recommended sealer and wax combination, seals all joint and seams, preventing water damage to under layers while adding brilliant luster to the finished top layer.

Ultraviolent rays of the sun exposed to hardwood surfaces for long durations, fade and dry-out, crack and cut wood flooring material at accelerated rates. Direct rays of the sun often produce extreme temperature build-up on hardwood flooring material surfaces not blocked by modern advanced engineered glass of today's windows. Closing of drapes to protect wood material contradicts the original intent of installing such flooring material, to reflect light in an otherwise dull and dark room. Adequate application of an approved wax, protects the top and under-lying surfaces, blocking all harmful expose to sunlight, maintaining and protecting the flooring surface with an coating of the top layer continuing the warmth and relaxing nature that hardwood floors provide to any interior room.

Choosing the correct hardwood floor wax is best determined by the composition of the hardwood material installed. Using an unapproved wax with harsh cleaners creates counter- productive results damaging hardwood flooring material surfaces, of which may become permanent. All floor waxes and cleaners are not designed for all wood floors. New wood floors are often sealed with urethane, polyurethane or polyacrylic sealers designed to protect the top finished surface. Application of an inappropriate or unapproved hardwood wax/cleaner combination will damage the manufacturer applied sealer dulling the luster, leaving steaks that are clearly noticeable. Seek out professional experienced advice when selecting a hardwood floor wax and cleaner designed to protect and beautify the particular hardwood material installed prior to application of any such substance.

hardwood floors, regardless of finish or manufacturer's specifications require periodic maintenance including the application of an approved wax/polish designed for a particular wood flooring material species. hardwood floors left unprotected will in time, fade, discolor revealing signs of visible deterioration under normal daily use. With proper care and maintenance of all hardwood material, the original beauty and luster can be maintained with reflections of pride in your home while protecting your investment.

The Benefits Of Using Wax On Your Floor

The use of floor wax on hardwood and non-carpet flooring protects the surface and keeps it beautiful. As with all cleaning products, you need to be aware of the overall impact on your home and select a brand that suits your needs and environmental concerns.

Wall-to-wall carpets are losing ground to hardwood and laminates when homeowners come to select a type of floor covering for their home. While the beauty wooden floor is cited by many as a key criterion, hardwood flooring also make it to the top of the list for those after an easy to maintain and easy to clean option: sweeping and the occasional application of floor wax seems far more attractive than household chores like vacuuming and regular steam cleaning.

By applying a protective finish such as wax, you can easily seal and preserve the integrity of your wooden floor. Waxing will give the wood an attractive sheen, and if you use wax on a regular basis it will keep your hardwood, linoleum and other non-carpet flooring looking beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your home. As wax acts as a moisture repellent, it can even prevent warping from water and humidity. It also reduces the appearance of grooves, ridges and imperfections in hardwood and other floorings. Wax also gives the surface a beautifully glossy finish.

Wax protects your flooring by reducing the amount of abrasion and scratches it sustains: as the floor becomes more slippery when treated, it is therefore less likely to get damaged.

You will find that wax is mostly available in three forms: water-based, polymer and solvent-based. Like many homeowners you may be concerned about the adverse effect of chemicals such as formaldehyde on your home: manufacturers of floor wax are responding to this trend by becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their products, and it is good to know that environmentally safe floor wax is becoming more widely available.

To cater for both our health concerns and the limited amount of time that we have to devote to household chores each week, a type of “no-wax” flooring is becoming very popular. While it is true that some materials do not need waxing, they will still need to be cleaned regularly. Whether or not you use wax, most flooring will likely need to be touched-up every now and then to repair the minor damages caused by daily household activities.

Although waxing your floor protects it and makes it look beautiful, wax can sometimes build up and at times you may need to strip the flooring. As wax removers can contain irritating chemicals you should always give careful consideration to your choice of removing product.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=130663&ca=Home+Management

Can You Wax Bamboo Floors?

All bamboo floors on the market come with a surface finish, with ceramic and aluminum-oxide being very popular for its scratch resistance and durability. As with hardwood floors, mixing surface finishes with wax finishes is not an option, but does it make it impossible to use wax on a bamboo floor?

The common answer would be, don't use wax if you can afford to maintain and recoat a surface finish. Another advice you will often hear is, never use wax on top of the surface finish. It's all valid, of course, but depending on the type of bamboo floor, you can actually use wax if you really must do so, but it's not as straightforward as you might have imagined.

It takes as much as sanding off the original finish and refinishing the floor with wax. It's the same procedure that is followed for wood floors. Keep in mind that once done, you are unlikely to be able to switch back to a surface finish ever again. The wax seeps into the bamboo and layers underneath, so even a thorough resand on a solid bamboo floor might not remove all the wax.

Another issue is that once you go the wax way, you will have to rewax and buff the floor regularly to keep it in top condition, just like with a wood floor. A factor that may deny you the chance to switch to a wax finish is the type of bamboo flooring. Sure, solid floors are always good candidates, but with the special chemicals and processes used in the making of some strand woven and engineered bamboo floors, you'd be better off asking the manufacturer for advice. I won't even mention the expensive hand scrapped floors who require completely specialized sanding and refinishing if you're to keep their original look.

When it comes to visual appearance, you will most likely notice a change, especially to a natural bamboo floor. Carbonized floors color may be less affected, but it depends on the level of carbonization and the wax brand you're going to use.

As you might have guessed it, once wax goes in contact with the floor, your warranty would be void and gone. Take serious consideration before taking such a decision and if there's any chance to avoid the use of wax, please do so.

Tag : floor,bamboo floor,hardwood floor,floor tiles

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

Installing Hardwood Flooring Over Concrete and Wood Sub Floors

Expansion & Contraction of Hardwood Flooring

"The flooring shop said to leave 10mm for solid wood floor expansion at the walls...now the boards are lifting off the floor." Ill informed advice like this often leads to floor problems. Many flooring sales people unfamiliar with solid wood flooring assume expansion is the same as laminate flooring. In reality that 10mm is not enough for solid wood flooring.

What Is An Expansion Area? Why Do We Need It?

Expansion areas are spaces left around the perimeter of rooms, against fixed objects such as columns, thresholds, hearths, skirting boards, and other stationary items built or secured into the framing structure of the home. Even though Hardwood flooring used is no longer living and breathing it still reacts to moisture changes in the environment. The cells in the solid wood will take on or absorb moisture when the relative humidity is high, or when exposed to water. Expansion takes place, and the hardwood grows, for lack of a clearer term, across the grain (width) of the plank (see below, not all will react this way). Conversely when air moisture levels decrease, moisture content evaporates, shrinking of the solid wood will occur.

When we say spaces, they are defined as installing the hardwood flooring up to and away from the fixed objects. For example; "we recommend at least 15mm small to medium area-18mm expansion on larger areas at the skirting board or wall if new skirting to be fitted."

Hardwood flooring can react to the presence of moisture. In the dry winter heating months, moisture can leave the wood flooring causing the floor to contract slightly in size, which can leave slight gaps between each floor board. In the summer months when the humidity is higher, the hardwood flooring will expand and the gaps will disappear. If there is too much moisture in the subfloor it will cause the wood planks to cup, or buckle. Nearly all problems related to hardwood flooring are due to improper installation and sub floor preparation. This is why it is important when installing hardwood flooring that you follow the correct recommended installation methods by the manufacturer.

Direct Glue Installations

A direct glue installation requires the use of a flooring adhesive applied directly onto the subfloor (never directly apply to the boards). This method can be used on concrete and wooden subfloors. When done correctly this is the most stable method for fitting solid wood flooring as the elastic flooring adhesive allows the floor to expand and contract with no problems.

If you are laying over a concrete subfloor you will first need checked the concrete moisture, if the floor has a moisture content of over 4% then either wait until the sub floor dries to meet this level or use an appropriate moisture barrier, we recommend Sika Mb Primer to ensure no damp rises up into your new floor.

Also note that new concrete slabs require a minimum of 60 days drying time before covering them with a wood floor.

All Concrete sub-floors must be dry, smooth, level and free of structural defects. If the concrete sub floor is uneven we recommend using sika latex self leveling compound to level the subfloor. The concrete must also be free of contaminants i.e. paint, oil, wax grease, dirt and curing compounds (the reason for this is that you need the self leveling compound to bond to the sub floor).These may be removed chemically or mechanically as your local hardware store and they will sell you the correct floor cleaner, but do not use solvent-based strippers under any circumstances. The use of residual solvents can create problems with the bonding of flooring adhesives. It is important to ensure a proper bond between the adhesives and concrete and wood panels.

If you have a wooden subfloor you will need to lay a plywood base over the existing floor boards (we recommend using 4mm -6mm exterior grade plywood and screw down every 15cm along the edges and at 20cm intervals throughout the rest of the board using the 1 inch deck screws) before installation, this will then give you a smooth and level surface for you to install you hardwood flooring onto.

You will need to leave a 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room for large areas over 6 meters in length we recommend 18mm expansion gap. To maintain this gap during installation spacers are provided in the kits. After you have installed the hardwood floor you can cover this expansion gap with scotia or new skirting boards The 15mm expansion gap also needs to be left in doorways where the hardwood floor follows through from one room to another we sell on this website a full range of door profiles available to match your floor.

Nailed Down Installations

Nailed down installation is the traditional way to install hardwood floors and can be done either directly onto wooden subfloor or on a concrete subfloor with the use of battens. When fixing battens onto concrete you will need a power-actuated nailer to drive through the battens and fix directly into the concrete, firstly lay out polyethylene moisture sheet then plywood over the battens to create a new sub floor. We recommend 12mm exterior grade plywood and 2inch x 4inch battens. Lay battens around perimeter at ½ inch from the wall, leave ¼ inch gap at each end. Position the first batten so its centre is 16 inches from the outside edge of the perimeter batten. Lay out the remaining battens across the area 16 inch intervals. Always check you battens are level using a level gauge you may need to use cedar shims to level out dips in the concrete, slide the shims under the battens until level. (If in doubt we recommend consulting a professional fitter for this method).

Wooden Subfloor

Hardwood floors can be nailed into existing wooden subfloors such as floorboards or plywood but not into chipboard floors as these are not strong enough to hold the nails. The floorboards must be in good condition and level if not it is advisable to lay 6mm exterior grade plywood down first.

To avoid creaking, check over the subfloor and securely fasten any loose floorboards. For added soundproofing it is also advisable to use a standard foam underlay.

When you nail down a solid wood floor you use a Porta Nailer to drive a nail at a 30 degree angle through the tongue and into the subfloor. Porta Nailers can be hired from any good hire shop but are expensive to buy.

Again you will need to leave a 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. To maintain this gap during installation spacers are provided in the installation kits.

After you have installed the floor you can cover this expansion gap with scotia or new skirting boards.The 15mm expansion gap also needs to be left in doorways where the floor follows through from one room to another; we sell full range of door profiles available to match your floor on this website.

WASTAGE

When ordering your new floor we recommend you allow for some wastage due to cuts a professional fitter would add on an extra 2%-5% of flooring needed to finish a job. We recommend non professional fitter should add on 5%-10%.
for futher information visit our website where you can also buy the wood flooring online at http://www.ukflooring4less.co.uk/

written by Mr David Kitto http://www.ukflooring4less.co.uk/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Kitto

How To Care For A Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are an excellent investment for any home, promoting resale value and interior warmth. However, if the floors are not properly cared for, this investment won’t yield as well. Hardwood floors are not hard to maintain, and compared with carpet and other surfaces that are more difficult to clean or require replacement, hardwood floors can be considered relatively low maintenance. But proper care is essential to keep the floors in good shape, and to give them a nice shine.

As with all flooring, hardwood floors must be cleaned, but they must be cleaned correctly. The correct way to clean urethane-stained floors is to mop them with a damp mop. Using vacuum and bristle brooms daily will help keep the floor clean. But when it comes time to really clean the floor, use a damp mop. Allowing dirt and grime to collect on the floor, and walking on this grime over as period of time can damage the finish. Using a small amount of water shouldn’t hurt the finished wood, but don’t pour out water and mop it like you would with kitchen tile. A damp mop or dust rag is all that should be needed, and it should be light enough in water that it will dry in minutes. Be sure to understand what type of finish your floor has, and what the suggested cleaning methods are. Using soaps and oils can void manufacturer warranties on many floors.

Another way to protect hardwood floors is to use throw rugs or walk-off mats in areas of high traffic. For example, in the entry way where people come in through the house, the traffic is likely to be greater in an isolated spot, and thus the floors will wear unevenly in this spot. This would make a great place for an area rug. Watch your floors over time, and consider putting some sort of rug or other type of protection on areas that receive more wear. It is especially important to use rugs on wood floors in kitchens in front of sinks and stoves.

Floor protectors on the bottom of furniture is highly recommended. You will want to pay special attention to rolling chairs with rubber wheels like those often found in offices. These chairs have a tendency to leave rubber trails on the wood floors. If you have such a chair, consider putting a rug underneath it.

There are two primary finishes on hardwood floors: urethane finishes and wax. You should never wax a urethane finished floor. If your urethane floor is extremely worn, you may need to refinish it which will involve sanding and applying sealer. However, if you clean the floor regularly, using only soaps recommended by the manufacturer, and you protect problem areas, you should avoid needing to refinish the floor for many years.

Wax floors require occasional waxing. It really isn’t a lot different than cleaning and waxing your car. You will need to clean the floors first, and buff areas that are worn with high traffic. Occasionally, you will need to buff on additional wax in the worn areas. With wax finished, just as with urethane finishes, you should know the manufacturers recommended care procedures.

With proper maintenance, your hardwood floors should last for the lifetime of your house, and look shiny and new for many years.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=45482&ca=Home+Management

Tips to Keep Your Bamboo Floor Clean and Beautiful Forever

Once we install a bamboo floor in our home or office, the next thing to think about is how to keep it clean. Compared to traditional wooden floor, bamboo floor takes very less effort to keep it maintained. However, one should know how to keep the beauty and strength of the floor intact for a long time with little effort. The main issues associated with the cleaning of bamboo floor are dust, shoe-marks, stains and scratches. There are several types of cleaning equipment and agents available for cleaning the floor.

Even a little bit of dust on the floor affects the beauty and glow of the floor. Especially, if the floor is of dark color, dust particles are easily visible. Therefore, it is very essential to remove the dust from time to time. People should always keep door-mat, clean the mat regularly and try to keep the floor dry. Even a little moisture on the floor leads the dust to stay there only and eventually leave dirty marks.

The second factor responsible for making dirt and scratches on the floor are the shoes. Some types of shoes are not suitable for wearing on bamboo floor. Some shoes with the design on the bottom for extra grip may lead to accumulation of dirt and mud inside the sole. High-heels shoes leave scratch marks on the floor, which is the dirtiest mark and can not be removed. To avoid any damage to our bamboo floor we have to ensure than our shoes are either removed outside or properly cleaned before entering the floor.

Stain is the next big issue, which may damage the floor if not taken care of at a right time. Any kind of stain should be removed at a sight with the help of specialty equipment and a stain removing solution suitable for bamboo floor. We should use soft clothe or a little wet mop to clean such stains otherwise cleaning vigorously with a hard substance may only end up leaving scratch marks on the floor making it look even dirtier.

When it comes to the scratches on the floor, furniture plays an important role. Moving heavy furniture here and there carelessly is an invitation to big, ugly scratches on the floor. We should try to avoid unnecessary movements of the tables and sofas to keep the problem away in the first instance. Or if we find moving furniture as a part of cleaning, then we can put small piece of a pad or cardboard or have furniture with small wheels so that they can easily slide without harming the floor.

Ultimately, we need to follow the instructions given by the supplier for proper cleaning of the floor using proper equipment and solutions. We should strictly avoid some cleaning agents like wax or non-alkaline cleaners to keep our bamboo floor clean and even more beautiful forever.

Tag : floor,bamboo floor,flooring,hardwood floor

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

Bamboo Floor Maintenance

To reduce the amount of dust and grit brought onto your floors, install mats at all outside entryways. Make sure these mats are kept clean and in good condition as well. Be aware that oil from driveways and/or roads can stain quite easily. Make sure shoes are clean before walking on the floor.

Another note about shoes: High heels (particularly stiletto), work boots, shoes with cleats, and hard soled shoes can quickly damage your floor. Avoid walking on your floors with these types of shoes as much as possible. If you must walk on your floors with high heels, make sure the heels are in good repair to minimize damage to the floor. Also, check any shoe for rocks, pebbles, etc. lodged in the sole before walking on your floors.

Make sure dust and grit are cleaned up daily or at least as often as needed. When walked on, dust and grit act like sandpaper. This can and will quickly damage your surface. A soft bristled broom, dust mop or vacuum with an attachment for cleaning bamboo (or hardwood) floors is the recommended tool for frequent cleanups.

Make sure all spills are cleaned up quickly. If necessary, a lightly damp mop or soft cloth can be used to clean up wet or sticky spills. Make sure you dry the floor completely with a clean soft cloth afterwards.

Use area rugs to protect high traffic areas or areas that are prone to liquid spills. In the kitchen it is suggested to have a rug in front of the stove and one in front of the sink. These are both places that see a lot of traffic and are highly likely to experience liquid spills on the floor. Make sure the rugs are kept clean so dirt and grit do not get trapped underneath. Also, make sure the backing is not too rough, which could damage the finish.

Protect your floors from dents and scratches from heavy furniture. Place soft protective pads under the feet of all furniture. Make sure the pads are kept in good condition and replace as necessary. Never drag heavy furniture unprotected across your floors. If furniture has casters, make sure the casters are made of soft, non marking materials such as rubber. Hard casters made of metal or plastic will quickly damage your floor.

Clean your bamboo floors as necessary with the manufacturer’s suggested no-wax, non-alkaline floor cleaning product. Although, more resistant to moisture than wood flooring, bamboo can still be damaged by too much water. If the product requires mixing with water, follow the label directions exactly. Also, do not let the cleaner (or any other liquid for that matter) to pool on the surface of the floor. This could result in damage to the finish or bamboo itself.

To prevent shrinking or swelling of your floor, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity of 30-50%. Excessive humidity can cause your floor to swell, while a lack of humidity can cause the floor to contract (shrink). This can eventually lead to an uneven floor and/or gaps between the boards.

As much as possible, limit your bamboo floor’s exposure to sunlight. Use good quality drapes or blinds and rotate area rugs. If the floor is exposed to too much sunlight, the floor may darken in some areas and lighten in others.

If you notice the finish of your bamboo floors has lost its sheen, or you notice lots of scratches and nicks, it may be time to re-coat or restore the floor’s finish. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for what product to use to restore the shine.

Never use abrasive cleaners or tools such as scouring powder or steel wool on your bamboo floors. If you have stains remaining after general cleaning, first attempt to remove them by rubbing a clean soft cloth moistened with wood floor cleaner. If the stain is still visible, try another clean soft cloth moistened with mineral spirits. Make sure you carefully read and follow all directions on the cleaning product label.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=114369&ca=Home+Management

The Best Laminate Flooring for a Bathroom

The best laminate flooring is the kind of floor that not only stands up to spills and splashes, but also continues to look great with a minimal amount of upkeep. Laminate is renowned for its durability and lasting style - making it one of the most popular choices of flooring for any room in the home. But you may not give much thought to the bathroom - arguably the "most popular" room in the house! Here's how laminate "stacks up".

Incredibly Resistant to Scratches, Dents and Fading

Laminate floors are highly resistant to things that would damage or degrade cheaper floors - like scratches, dents, scuffs and fading. The mimics the look of more expensive floors, such as hardwood, stone and tile - and comes in a variety of colors, patterns and designs so you can create the perfect look for your bathroom that fits in with your color scheme and style. Laminate lets you express your creativity like few other types of flooring can.

Easy to Maintain and Care For

Unlike traditional hardwood floors, the best laminate flooring never needs to be re-sanded or refinished. There's no need to wax or polish them either. Just regular floor care is all that's needed to maintain your floors and keep them looking clean and neat. Because laminate "floats" over your existing floor, it can be installed over nearly any type of sub-floor, including plywood, vinyl flooring and concrete to name a few. You do want to be certain that the area is level, however, to ensure your new laminate floors won't bend or bow.

Do it Yourself Installation

Depending on the type of laminate you buy, you may be able to install it yourself. The best laminate flooring features a simple tongue and groove installation feature that lets each piece lock together - sort of like a puzzle. There's no special glue or installation needed - just snap and click the pieces together. You can also buy trims and moldings to make your laminate floors look like authentic hardwood. Some of these trims are actually made with hardwood and are designed to accentuate your floors with a more realistic look.

Get a New floor in as Little as a Day!

Laminate floor makes for a great do it yourself project that requires no glue, staples or nails. It's a floor that not only looks good in your bathroom , but its beauty can also be the perfect fit for your living room, den, dining room, bedroom and more. Laminate floors feel right at home in nearly any space - giving you the freedom you want to create nearly any look imaginable while adding aesthetic space and easy care maintenance throughout your home.

To learn more about the benefits of laminate, ask a flooring retailer near you or browse their laminate selection to be inspired by different ideas and even bold, fresh new patterns. It can be an exciting time to imagine the possibilities with this versatile and remarkably sturdy type of flooring.

Laminate Wood Floors - Are Laminate Floors a Good Choice?

Laminate wood floors are a better option than hardwood floors as it does not stain, fade and dent with long time use. In addition to this, it is more scratch and water resistant than hardwood. When you select your laminate, be sure to look at the traffic and use of independent regions, as different laminate types may be required.

It is better to use entry level laminate wood flooring for regions with light traffic. This flooring comes with a warranty ranging from 10 to 15 years. However many people expect too much from this flooring, and think that it will perform well under heavy traffic conditions and still look good. On the contrary, entry level floor that is subjected to high traffic tends to show signs of wear and tear within 3 to 5 years of installation.

Laminate wood floors are best on floors with paraffin wax.

Laminate floors have cores of different ranges where the thickest core is very stable, is less vulnerable to buckling and sounds more like hardwood when walked on. Water repellent chemicals are used for treating good quality cores which also helps in resisting swelling due to excessive moisture.

It is better to use laminate wood flooring on floors with paraffin wax impregnated joints. This is because the paraffin wax works like water repellent which prevents topical water spills from penetrating its core.

Though this looks like a good choice for use in bathrooms and kitchens, it is better to check on the warranty of the flooring as some laminates are not suited for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Laminate wood flooring is a great flooring option if you are looking for a rich and natural look at a home friendly price.

If you are thinking about installing hardwood or laminate flooring, be sure to take a look at the tips on installing hardwood floors.

You'll also find some great tips on cleaning hardwood floors.

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

Anderson Flooring - 5 Tips to Make Yours Last Longer

You know your Anderson floor can easily outlive you, but what would it hurt to give it a little tender loving care every now and then? Why not give it a longer lease on life? When you do, you can reduce the rate at which floors naturally begin to show their age.

Below are some tips that will help you preserve the beauty of your Anderson flooring. They're easy to do, and won't take more than 5 to 10 minutes of your time.

1. Remove spills straightaway. Use a soft material to wipe it off.

2. Never damp-mop or wet-mop your floor. This will damage the flooring and void warranties. You don't want that to happen, do you?

3. Avoid liquid or paste wax, oil soaps, and household cleaners that contain lemon oil, silicon, ammonia, or tung oil. These ingredients will have a negative effect your floor's ability torecoat.

4. Put protective pads under furniture legs, especially heavy ones. This will reduce the dents and scratches furniture usually makes on floors.

5. Position rugs on pivot points and high-traffic sections of the house, and be ready to rearrange these rugs every so often. This will help ensure your floors age evenly.

Remember, you have wood for a floor. Wood ages, so help yours age with grace. Anderson flooring is durable, beautiful, and strong. But if you put it through so much use and abuse, it may not last as long as expected. Give your floor some tender loving care, using the tips I've shared above. You won't regret it, especially when you see the results on your flooring.

Considering your Anderson flooring options? Wendy Hubble is an expert on Anderson flooring and a contributing writer of Flooring Central. Check out the website for more info on how you can slash 80% off the price of your discount hardwood floor!

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

Is There More To A Kitchen Floor Than Vinyl And Tile?

You may think that the most used component of the kitchen would be an appliance however in fact it is your kitchen floor! Choosing the right kitchen floor depends on several factors all of which need to be considered in order to find the perfect flooring material for your space.

It is wise to start by answering a few key questions:

How busy is your kitchen? Is there a lot of traffic?
How much do you want to spend?
What flooring products are available for kitchens?
What is the durability of each product?
What designs are available? What are your flooring measurements and how much material will be required?

When designing your kitchen, it is vital to include appropriate flooring materials that keep durability, style and re-sale in mind. Whether you are designing, remodeling or re-designing your kitchen research on kitchen flooring plays an enormous role as there are several materials to choose from. Unfortunately some of the hottest flooring products today are often overlooked in kitchen design when in fact they are entirely practical and gorgeous too!

Bamboo Flooring

Beautiful and exotic this renewable product is very comparable to hardwood in style, feel and strength making bamboo a fantastic surface to be considered in your kitchen.

Cost - Generally the cost of bamboo can vary from $3.00 sq to $9.00 sq installation not included. Production expense is higher with respect to engineered and stained bamboo flooring therefore increasing cost for the consumer.

Maintenance - Cleaning is relatively simple requiring light mopping and sweeping. Beware that sweeping is very important as these floors can scratch. Dirt, sand, and other granular particles under foot can make good opportunity for damage.

Bamboo is an extremely strong and versatile plant that is actually classified as a grass. It grows rapidly where shoots reach maturity in 5-7 years. At that time the plant actually benefits from the harvesting of those shoots.

If you are concerned about harvestation and its affect on wild life, Panda bears actually feed from of a different strain of bamboo which is located at a much higher altitude than that of bamboo used for flooring products.

Cork Flooring

This marvelous material does not end with bottle stoppers. Cork is a fabulous flooring material that even your kitchen will love. The cellular structure of cork is comprised of millions of air sacs essentially meaning that 50% of this flooring material consists of air!! Cork is another excellent consideration for your kitchen space.

Cost - Cork tiles and planks are priced reasonably starting at $4 for basic tiles where price increases with planks and stains.

Maintenance - Depending on the type of finish you have chosen for your floor maintenance will vary. Wax finishes generally require waxing at least once a year certainly something to maintain. Polyurethane will scratch if those floors are not swept. So keep those floors clean with regular sweeping and dry mopping and the results will be less wear of your finish.

Unlike other natural wood flooring products, cork is obtained from the bark of oak trees generally located in the Mediterranean. The cork oak tree is remarkable as its bark can be harvested every 9 years without cause of any damage to its existence or that of its environment. The best cork is reserved for our other partner in the kitchen as our beloved wine bottles require stoppers. Bottle stoppers account for 60% of the cork market but where there is demand for perfect corks there must be waist. Cork flooring is made from that unwanted material making this flooring product another fabulously environmentally conscious choice for your kitchen floor.

Cork also holds many benefits with respect to a healthy environment in any home. Suberin, the waxy, natural substance found in cork also plays a role in cork’s resistance to mold and mildew. Cork flooring is antimicrobial and has been proven to be insect resistant as well.

The cellular structure of cork also makes this flooring material an excellent choice for people who suffer from back problems or injury.

Linoleum Flooring

Unfortunately linoleum seems not to be the product that comes to mind when remodeling or designing a kitchen as it brings with it old memories of sterile hospital and school hallways. So many new and exciting modifications have been made to more commonly used flooring materials that linoleum is often overlooked. In fact this 100 year old flooring material still has what it takes and is making a huge come back! Here’s why!

Cost - Linoleum is a fairly expensive product. It compares with that of high-end vinyl and hardwood generally at $4.00 a square foot and can be much higher. Sheet linoleum also requires professional installation at an additional cost. However its’ resistance to wear and tear, and its’ life expectancy makes this product a leader in cost effectiveness.

Creative arrangements and various tile hues make linoleum a designer’s dream. Great designs and patterns can be achieved with linoleum where your floors can truly become a personalized work of art.

Maintenance - Sweeping and light mopping makes linoleum extremely easy to clean.

Another area in which linoleum excels as a material for your kitchen floor is in the health department. Linseed oil is a natural ingredient found in linoleum flooring. Its presence allows for linoleum to succeed as being a naturally antimicrobial floor. As linseed oil oxidizes it prevents bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococus Aureus from breeding and multiplying. Other flooring receives chemical agents in order to achieve the same affect however these agents will wear off over time. No matter the age of linoleum or the finishing that it may receive, this product will always remains antimicrobial. It also repels dust, and dirt which is why this product is commonly used in hospitals and schools.

So when it comes to choosing the right material for your kitchen floor, why limit yourself to traditional choices. Do your research and select a floor that best suits your needs as well as your style!

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=75350&ca=Home+Management

A Look At Cleaning Parquet Floor

What is parquet flooring? Parquet flooring is a type of flooring created from strips or blocks of wood that form a pattern. So, when cleaning a parquet floors you would use the same process as cleaning hardwood floors.

As with hardwood floors, the best method for care is to provide preventative maintenance. There are several things you can do to assist you in making the cleaning process easier. Parquet or wood floors should be swept often. Dirt, sand and outside debris can easily scratch any type of wood flooring. Keeping the debris off of your wood floors is one of the best ways to maintain the newness to your parquet floors.

Along with daily sweeping or dry dust mopping you will want to use carpet rugs to trap the dirt and debris. Placing carpet rugs at all entrances to your home will assist in trapping debris as it is brought in on shoes. It is important that you also vacuum the carpet rugs to pull out the dirt and debris as often as possible. Placing carpet rugs in high traffic or high use areas around your home will also help in protecting your parquet flooring.

Unlike laminates your parquet floors do not come with the added finish coating. It is up to you to provide that shiny surface. An easy way to do that is to use a cleaner and polisher in one. Using a cleaning product that combines cleaning and polishing in one, cuts the job in half. This allows you more time to admire your beautiful parquet floors, than cleaning them.

It is important to use the proper instrument when cleaning and polishing your parquet floor. It is recommended that you use an instrument with a flat surface, and a soft cloth or terry cloth. This cloth makes shining your wood floors easy as can be.

It is important that you not use water to clean your parquet floors. These floors are wood, and water will damage them. It is also important to clean up any water as soon as it is spilled. Never use any products that contain wax on your parquet floors. Remember they are wood floors and should be treated like all other wood floors. It is also important that you take steps in protecting your parquet floors. You should not wear high heals on a parquet floor as they could dent them. It is also important that your pet’s nails are kept clipped so they do not scratch the wood. Never drag furniture across a wood floor, either lift the furniture, or place a small carpet rug under the legs to slide the furniture across the floor. It is also recommended to place wood protector covers under the legs of all furniture.

Taking care of your parquet floors can and will be an easy project as long as you provide preventative maintenance and a cleaning routine that is consistent.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=72346&ca=Home+Management