Showing posts sorted by relevance for query wood flooring. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query wood flooring. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, 19 April 2011

Best Reclaimed Flooring Options: Antique Heart Pine, Oak and Douglas Fir

Reclaimed flooring is the most affordable and stylish flooring option available to homeowners nowadays. Interior decorators and home design experts always recommend reclaimed wood flooring because they add beauty and grandeur to your floors. The warm worn beauty of antique lumber on your floor is quite attractive and appealing to the eye.

The Internet is the best place to find reclaimed wood flooring deals. There are some good online shops that sell reclaimed wood furniture and offer affordable flooring options to their customers. They have a wide variety of wood options for flooring, including vintage and antique flooring. The wood used in vintage flooring is salvaged from reclaimed timbers, decking and joints to create a coveted vintage appeal to your home. Both antique and vintage wood floor have a wide range of reclaimed wood options to choose from. These include Heart Pine, Antique Oak, Douglas fir, Elm, Hickory and Barn flooring.

Types of Antique Wood Flooring

While there are many types of antique wood options, Heart Pine, Antique Oak and Douglas fir are some of the best reclaimed wood candidates to adorn your floors.

Antique Heart Pine:
The antique heart pine is known for its elegance and style. This flooring option is free from any imperfections or knots as it is characterized by its "perfect" grain pattern. This reclaimed flooring option comprises of decayed resistant premium heartwood and comes in variety of shades, including splendid red and amber hues. The timbers are usually available quarter-saw and not flat-sawn. You will have to buy the product in widths from 3" to 7".

Antique Oak
Antique oak is simply reclaimed oak flooring, which is a mix of northern Red and White Oak. It is also known as thoroughbred reclaimed Kentucky oak flooring. Very few online shops sell this type of antique wood flooring. The name is derived from an equestrian farm in central Kentucky where a large oak fence surrounded the farm. The wood salvaged from the oak fence is used for flooring and furniture.

Rustic Douglas Fir:
This antique reclaimed flooring option is full of rustic character and is characterized by saw marks and nail holes, making it look as antique as any other reclaimed wood. The rustic Douglas fir is actually reclaimed wood salvaged from many areas, including grain elevators in the eastern Montana prairies. The specialty of rustic Douglas lies in its name. It gives a rustic floor and a great antique look. Hence it can be an ideal choice for your wood flooring option.

Tag : floor,flooring,pine,oak,douglas fir

Monday, 14 November 2011

Hardwood Flooring: How to Keep Wood Floors in Top Shape

If properly maintained, hardwood floors can beautify a home for decades, adding warmth, character and value to your house. When neglected, however, wood flooring can deteriorate and quickly begin looking shabby. In order to get the most possible life out of your flooring, and to preserve it for generations to come, apply the following techniques for proper care and maintenance.

Clean Up Spills Right Away

Lingering spills can cause damage to your wood flooring. To protect your floor, clean up spills right away using a dry cloth. Avoid pushing down as you soak up spilled liquid; the pressure will only make the stain enter deeper into the wood grain. Rinse out your cloth often, and wring it out well before returning to the spill zone. After you're done, dry off the area completely with another clean cloth. Repeat this process if any sticky residue remains.

Lastly, if these techniques are not working for certain stubborn stains, call a hardwood flooring contractor who will know the best ways to remove blemishes without harming your flooring.

Place Rugs Purposefully

Every hardwood flooring contractor suggests shielding your flooring by putting rugs at entrances and in high- traffic areas. Interior and exterior rugs capture dirt before it can scratch your wood flooring.

Religiously Apply Furniture Protectors

Felt furniture pads protect your hardwood floors by preventing scratches. A wood floor may be refinished to remove scratches, but this is an expensive, time-consuming procedure best entrusted to a professional hardwood flooring contractor. The more diligent you are about applying felt protectors to your furniture, the fewer scratches your wood flooring will sustain.

Sweep Consistently

Sweep wood flooring every other day to remove dust, dirt and other debris. Unless you have dust allergies, a broom is the best choice since it won't scratch your floors. If you do suffer from allergies, suck up dirt with the soft-bristle attachment on your vacuum cleaner; this will reduce the amount of allergens that are kicked up, and it minimizes the chance that vacuum wheels will cause scratches.

Prevent Water Damage

Because water is one of wood flooring's worst enemies - it can cause the wood to warp as well as stain - it's important not to wet mop your wood floors, no matter how much you may be tempted. When in doubt, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, laminate flooring can be designed to look like hardwood floors; sellers of laminate flooring typically do not recommend cleaning with water. If you come across a particularly hard-to-clean stain, check with a hardwood flooring contractor for safe cleaning methods that won't blemish your hardwood floors.

Sunday, 8 March 2009

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/


Thursday, 23 December 2010

Wood Flooring Is Eternal Says Designers

Homeowners should consider wood flooring ahead of any other options, a group of Canadian designers has said.

Speaking to the Canadian Press, Genevieve Gorder, Candice Olsen and Vern Yip, who judge the work of new designers each week on HGTV's "Design Star," all said wooden floors are their preferred material, with Gorder describing it as "the one medium that is eternal."

"It's been in interiors since the beginning of time and it's sitting in our front yards," she said. "There's nothing else like it."

Despite this timelessness, all three added that wooden flooring was at the very forefront of good interior design.

“Wood is both natural and trend-proof,” Olson said, and can bring a much-needed warmth and timelessness to modern rooms. “Even people who love modern style, she said, “don't want a home where everything looks like George Jetson lives there."

When given the choice between real wood and a laminate flooring, each designer said they preferred the genuine article, with the overall consensus that “nothing quite replaces a true wood floor.”

Interestingly though, it's not just wood flooring that's been getting fresh attention recently, but wood finish as a whole. According to Yip, it makes a great material to cover walls and ceilings, while old wooden platforms can also be hung up as art.

"Any time you have an entire wall of one material, wood or something else, it's so striking," he said.

This new attitude to wood is far from unique. Earlier this year The Guardian’s Huma Quereshi said that while the overriding style of the last decade was a timeless mix of “whitewashed brick walls teamed with wooden floors,” interiors styles are growing “more individual and less prescriptive.”

And as hardwood flooring is so perfect for those who like to redesign, refresh or just experiment – it can be retreated with a new finish up to five times – it should be no real surprise that it's such a popular material.

According to The Times' Gwenda Brophy, it's our attitude to how wood can be used here the UK that's changed. Gone, she says, is the “spirit-sapping pine panelling” of yesterday, and in its place a more imaginative – and very grown-up – approach in a number of contemporary homes. And that can only be good news.

To read more about the different types of wood flooring available in the UK, visit Timberland Flooring, where there are a wide range of stunning wooden flooring options available for you to choose from.

Tag : floor,wood flooring,hardwood floor,floor tiles

Saturday, 11 June 2011

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.

Sunday, 8 March 2009

Great Hardwood Floor Ideas

Here are our ideas about hardwood floors. First of all don't underestimate the power of a hardwood floor in your house to improve it. Like a fine piece of furniture, wood flooring increases in value and becomes more beautiful with time. In a national survey, 90 percent of real estate agents said that houses with wood flooring sell faster and for more money.

Unlike many floor coverings, wood floors can last the lifetime of the building in which they are installed. Home owners who want them to last that long, however, should note the number one enemy of a hardwood floor: moisture. Wood floors naturally expand when moisture is present and shrink when it is not. Whether the reactions are a problem or not depends on the severity of the situation. So, do make sure that you maintain your house well and be sure to avoid damp occurring in the area of you very special wood floor.

If you have recently moved into an old house with hardwood floors throughout you may find that the only problem is that they are old and that they really should be refinished. But, if you cannot immediately find the time and/or money to do that there are water-based clear finishes that will make it glossy again. If you are going to sand and re-finish later, then this might be something to consider. One coat will 'get you by' for now.

If with your hard wood floor you want the perfect floor to complement your original style and unique taste. Whether you're searching for something in particular or waiting to be stunned by he look of you house. We suggest that many people do like Bruce Hardwood floors. They offer premium hardwood flooring designed to keep up with your family's lifestyle. Bruce says that it offers the largest selection of colors and styles in wood flooring, and that these are virtually care-free finishes and come with their assurance of quality.

Hardwood floors are readily available from other manufacturers as well that are incredibly beautiful, highly durable and extremely affordable. And as an added bonus, they're natural and safe for the environment.

Hardwood Floors is also the name of an official magazine of the NWFA. It is distributed free of charge to NWFA members and other qualified wood flooring professionals upon request. We understand that it is the only magazine serving the hardwood flooring industry exclusively. It is published seven times a year, and is sent to more than 24,000 hardwood flooring professionals throughout the world, including contractors, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, builders, architects and other industry professionals.

It includes an annual Resource Book which they say is the ultimate guide to companies and products in the wood flooring industry. A searchable version of the Resource Book is available online.

Embarking on the search for just the right flooring for your home can become daunting. But if you want hardwood flooring ideas just think of plush, luxurious carpets in thousands of hues and patterns. Consider the hand crafted beauty of exotic and domestic hard woods in hand-scraped, distressed and smooth surfaces. There's also the diverse styles and durability of laminate flooring.

Also, do not forget the richness of ceramic tiles. Put these choices together from so many choices available at good stores and for every room in your home you can express your unique ideas express and your personal style against the ageless backdrop of a beautiful wood floor.

Steve Evans is a fan of hardwood floors visit the Hardwood Floors 'How to' website now for more information and additional ideas.

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

Monday, 23 March 2009

All About Heart Pine Flooring

Although "Heart Pine flooring" is a description that's used widely to describe a floor that's generally associated with antique & reclaimed wood, a good deal of misunderstanding prevails. While flooring of Antique Heart Pine has been a revered choice of builders for centuries, few people understand the diversity in the classifications of pine and descriptions can be confusing when purchasing Heart Pine Flooring today.

So what exactly is it and what's the difference between Antique Heart Pine, "New" HeartPine and regular pine?

Read to find out:

Where Does Heart Pine Come From?

First of all, all wood species contain "heartwood," not just pine, but that's where most misunderstanding begins.

It is the innermost of 4 layers in the cross section of a tree:

The first layer is Bark, the 2nd is the Cambium (typically a thin green layer under the bark), the 3rd is the Sapwood, or growing section within the tree which is most susceptible to decay, and the 4th most inner layer is the "heartwood," which is actually no longer a living tree component though more resistant to decay, and usually much darker in color .

But all "heartwood" is not equal, especially when we're talking about "Pine" heartwood. And With prices ranging from $4 - $15 per sq. ft. for Antique Reclaimed, you'd best be sure you know what you are getting.

Just know that just because pine comes from an old building or is dragged from a river, that doesn't make it "HeartPine." But what is referred to as "HeartPine" does not have to be reclaimed or centuries old either. Many pines have local names and many wood dealers will use the pine name that they feel will sell their product. You may hear it called Southern Yellow Pine, Antique Yellow Pine, or just Heart Pine. It can be the "heartwood" of any of a number of pines and should be more appropriately called "New" Heart Pine.

The pine wood which is most prized, what we refer to here as Antique Heart Pine, once called "The King's Pine" when this country was still owned by England, is specifically the Long-leaf pine which grew in the southeast, was notoriously slow-growing, and the 300-500 yr old trees were for the most part eliminated by overharvesting by 1910. Some 2nd & 3rd generation growth stands can still be cut today, but there's just not much heart to go after, as the trees haven't had the time to grow very large. The virgin stands of heart pine are gone forever and the wood from them can be recovered only from old buildings, factories and homes built over 100 years ago that are now being deconstructed.

Advantages

Whether more beautiful or more practical is a challenging question to ask. It's also one of the most durable wood floors available, rivaled only by red oak, and a floor whose tight grain patterns and deep hued coloration grows richer in color as it ages and continues to add beauty and value to homes graced with this very special reclaimed wood. It's also a "green" building material, there are often stories associated with it, and its quality, strength and stability has been sought after by craftsmen for generations.

Disadvantages

When you're paying $4 - $15/sq. ft., it's certainly a disadvantage if there's any uncertainty about the product you're actually paying for. Particularly when choosing higher quality Antique Heart Pine Floor, you'll want to be certain your supplier is as knowledgeable as he'd like you to think that he is.

Heart Pine Flooring in Homes

For over 200 years, heartpine has been used as a durable, long lasting building material in homes and buildings. The longleaf pine was the virgin growth tree of choice along the lower elevations from Maryland to Texas. Slaves with pit saws, and with water powered sawmills in later years, helped early Americans utilize this termite and rot resistant building material in their homes.

Longleaf pine was an extremely important part of the Industrial Revolution. Because of their tremendous strength, timbers could span 25 feet distances and hold up thick heart pine floors that supported the buildings machines. Today, most of those factories and mills are in poor shape, if they are still standing at all. They are now being torn down, but in many cases the heart pine can be reclaimed and reused for beautiful flooring, stair parts, doors, cabinets, and millwork in fine homes being built and renovated today.

Heart pine flooring is best acquired from a lumber mill whose focus is antique lumber. If you prefer vintage wood flooring or antique wood flooring, a lumber mill that specializes in reclaimed lumber and sustainable wood flooring options would be your best bet. Whole Log Lumber specializes in both. This lumber mill/wood floor manufacturer has been providing quality heart pine flooring, antique wood flooring, and vintage lumber supplies, to deserving homes across the nation since 1984

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

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Tips On Fitting Wood Flooring

When you install wood flooring there are things that you should know prior to and during the installation to be sure that you have the best fitted floor possible.

- To prepare your flooring you first must be sure that the sub-floor is dry, flat, and smooth. You should use an underlay or a barrier over the concrete first. If you have radiant heating in the flooring then you should be extremely careful and follow instructions per the radiant heating guides and by the flooring guide so nothing gets damaged. The flooring panels should be left in the room that they will be installed for over 48 hours so they can acclimatise to the temperatures of the room.

- When you lay laminate planks you will stagger them. The first row of flooring will be full sized planks. The second row will include 2/3 planks and the third row will include 1/3 planks. The joints of the planks should remain greater than 8" from one another. You should also repeat the patterns of the wood grain every 20 planks.

- When you decide on the direction of your laminate floors you need to think about the incoming natural light from outside. The planks should run parallel to the light coming in from the windows or any glass doors that are in the room. In any installation, the starting wall that you begin the installation should be as long as possible.

- When you are installing your laminate flooring be sure that you have enough. You should expect to have at least 10% of the flooring go to waste. This is because when you cut the planks you might damage a few and some may already be damaged. Other pieces of planks may not be usable. So when you purchase your laminate flooring, don't buy exactly enough to cover the floor or you will probably run out of planks.

- It is recommended to leave a 10mm gap around each of the planks. This is called an expansion gap because wood expands from temperature changes and humidity. When wood is exposed to warmer temperatures, humidity increases, and other issues, then there must be room for the wood to expand or when the planks do push outward they will buckle.

- You should also remember that the first line that you lay is the most important. The first line is the longest and must be totally straight. If the first line that you lay is not straight then you should not continue. You should pull the line up and start over. Poor alignment can cause problems with residue getting caught in the grooves of the planks. Mouldings can be glued or nailed to the wall only and not to the floor.

- You can install laminate flooring on stairs but remember on stairs you must use regular wood glue and the mouldings should be nailed. Laminate flooring should not be installed in areas that are controlled like porches or patios. You should also never install laminate flooring over carpet. Be sure to remove carpeting prior to laying down the flooring.

You should follow these few simple steps when you are installing laminate flooring to ensure the best installation possible.

About The Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For laminate flooring, he recommends Completely Flooring, one of the UK's leading suppliers Quick Step Laminate Flooring: http://www.completelyflooring.co.uk

http://www.articlecity.com/


Thursday, 11 December 2008

Engineered Wooden Flooring Vs Solid Wood Flooring

Engineered Wooden Flooring

Engineered floor boards come in a wide range of styles and designs, from rustic grains to tranquil floors with uniform patterning and everything in between! These boards can be laid on either a wood sub-floor or on cement. An uneven floor will be leveled prior to installation so that the floor is laid evenly. A special high quality foam underlay, with built in moist barrier, reduces creaking, movement and sound transmission.

So what is the advantage of engineered wooden Flooring?

-Relatively quick installation with minimal fuss, mess, smells or dust.

-Floor can be placed on most surfaces.

-Surface is pre-finished and needs no sanding or sealing once lay.

-Your new floor is usable straight away.

-Completely sealed surface eliminates smells, smoke and fumes from lower levels choice of lacquered or oiled finish

-Easily resurfaced and sealed

Solid wood flooring

Solid wood flooring comes in many varieties of wood, widths, thickness and colors to suit almost any requirement. Solid wood flooring is surface nailed onto joists or a quality sub-floor, but can also be glued onto a concrete or wood sub-floor with plenty of allowance for wood expansion. With the proper care and attention, your solid wood floor will last a lifetime.

The advantages of a solid wood floor are:

-Huge selection to choose from antique to modern

-Very flexible to create the exact look your require

-Random widths for extra character and individuality

-Un-finished boards can be treated on site to your color requirements

-Pre-finished boards easy and quick to fit and are usable straight away

-Easily refurbished and sealed

Floordealersoncall is a free service that enables you to fill out a flooring request form that then will be submitted to multiple local flooring companies. A representative will contact you with their best offer and possible recommendations. Get your Free Flooring Quote today.

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

Saturday, 21 February 2009

Floor Ideas For Luxury Homes

Sometimes you have to choose the flooring for a home before the home is decorated: how to go about this. Choosing different kinds of flooring to go with your decor.

Usually, the color of the floors is chosen after the color of the walls is chosen. However, in many expensive houses, where beautiful custom designed flooring such as tile, marble and parquet is installed, the flooring material is an integral part of the original architectural design, frequently requiring that the color choice of these expensive materials be made early in the design process. There may be some room for flexibility; for example, elaborate mosaic floors are used in limited areas and wood floorings are in natural colors that blend with any color scheme. Natural wood floorings even from the lightest to the darkest can blend with most color schemes and because of their tone become almost neutral with a strong color scheme. Some may even consider this a negative feature of wood flooring, since flooring can be considered such a strong feature of a room, combining the appearance of strength with the ability to blend into the background.

This is what makes the choice of flooring one of the most difficult in decorating a house. This may also explain why rooms that are decorated in lighter colors work better with hardwood flooring than rooms decorated in darker colors. A well installed wood floor should never be covered with another material; wood floors are clean, easy to care for, a good value and can complement almost any decorating theme. Yet, its very unobtrusiveness usually requires some additional treatment to give it some drama and carry through a certain style. The best solution is a combination solution. that is. cover the flooring with a rug that reflects the decorating scheme of the room but. at the same time leaves enough of the beautiful natural feature of the wood flooring showing through. A few smaller rugs might achieve the same effect, depending on the size of the room and the placement of the furniture in the room. The main idea is to make sure that the colors and decorating theme of the room is carried throughout on the floors, walls and furniture. If the room is very large. or the decorating theme requires a more luxuriant feel to it, more of the wood floor area will have to be covered. Bare wood floors convey a minimalist feel, so a room that is decorated in a luxurious style would need more of the wood covered.

The design and colors of the rug or rugs must complement the scheme of the entire room, but once that requirement is met, a great deal of variety can be added to the design without ruining the overall result.

About the Author
Andrew Caxton is a freelance writer for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information on floor coverings subjects visit his flooring ideas web site's section

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=110622&ca=Home+Management

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Laminate Hardwood Floor Installation - 7 Reasons For Laminate Floor Solutions

A laminate hardwood floor installation rips out all the high-maintenance management and warping woes that accompany real wood flooring projects. Flooring frustrations are replaced with easy-care, authentic wood looks and textures that are a snap to install. What are the seven main reasons behind the phenomenal growth in do-it-yourself laminate hardwood floor installations?

Reason 1. Laminate Hardwood Flooring Installations Happy Over Any Sub-Floor

There is no need for an expensive and time-consuming tearing up of the sub-floor. Glueless laminate hardwood floor installations can be done with confidence and success over virtually any existing type of flooring. This includes vinyl, tile, concrete and real wood strips. The only exceptions to the rule are carpeting and real hardwood on concrete.

Proper preparation of the sub-floor is vital, however. The surface needs to be absolutely smooth and even. Sand down all peaked joints and other bumps. Use a filler material for any holes or uneven areas. Make sure that the floor is spotless. Any bit of gravel trapped under your new floor, will eventually become an eyesore.

Reason 2. Laminate Hardwood Floor Installations A Long-Term Investment

With today's technology, the core and wear layers of laminate flooring are of a superb quality. Floors are treated to be highly moisture resistant. The aluminum oxide finish of the wear layer ensures maximum protection against scratches, fading, scuff marks, and stains. Many manufacturers include warranties of between 15 and 30 years. By choosing a quality decorating and interior design product for your floors, and following installation and maintenance instructions carefully, you will be ensured of stylish, elegant looks for years to come.

Reason 3. Care-Free, Calamity-Free Flooring For Your Family Home

No overloaded parent has time for finicky floor care day in and day out. With a laminate hardwood floor installation, you will lighten the cleaning load significantly. A mop and brushless vacuum take care of most chores. When necessary, a damp mop is used for a quick wipe. Flooring manufacturers supply dedicated cleaners for tougher spots. If there is a mishap with lipstick or paint, acetone nail polish remover should take care of it instantly. Always check with your flooring supplier to make sure that any cleaning process or solution complies with your warranty conditions. If you deviate from the guidelines, you may void your warranty.

Reason 4. Banish Allergies And Asthma With Laminate Flooring

If your kids suffer from dust-related allergies, new floors may offer the solution you are searching for. No matter how diligent you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap. By replacing the flooring surfaces of your home with laminate hardwood floor installations, you will minimize your family's exposure to the offending, irritating particles. The hard, smooth surface is easy to keep spotless. There are no fibres that are reluctant to give up their share of dirt. A quick wipe with a damp mop takes care of the dust problem in a jiffy.

Reason 5. Easy-To-Install Project For Home Remodeling Rookies

Laminate hardwood floor installations are a snap with the latest click-'n-go engineering. No more sticky, messy, frustrating and apprehensive adhesive struggles. Even the most 'unhandy' amateur handyman can tackle these glueless flooring projects with confidence. There is no need to call in the services of a professional hardwood flooring contractor. You can successfully install a new, ready-to-use floor within about a day. As long as you make sure that you don't have problems with moisture in the sub-floor, and are able to follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely, you should be able to complete the installation on your own.

Reason 6. Tempting Authentic Real Hardwood Grains And Textures

From Pergo Flooring, to Armstrong Flooring and Bruce Hardwood Flooring now include every real wood grain under the sun. Shadings vary from light and airy to the rich, warm hues of the darker woods. Textures are as close to the real thing as possible. Planks are now even beveled to give the appearance of real wood planks. A laminate hardwood floor installation can now come with rustic, weathered looks.

Recently the ranges have been expanded to include a variety of realistic ceramic tile and stone tile finishes, complete with grout lines. Every type of decorating or interior design project is catered for, from old-world to contemporary. The flooring planks can be matte or may present a gleaming, shiny face to the world. Thanks to innovative technology, the days of plastic and fake-looking laminates are long gone.

Reason 7. Much To Do About Mishaps On Laminates

If you have kids and pets you will fall in love with laminates. No only will you have far fewer worries about crayon stains, puddles, and other potential flooring fiasco's, you will know that in the event of a major accident, a section of flooring can replaced with ease. As long as you keep an unopened box or two of flooring planks in storage, you will be equipped to re-do an area of flooring in no time. Whereas a damaged carpet has to be replaced completely, a laminate hardwood floor installation allows you to handle the inevitable family mishap with a smile.

Have a bit of decorating and interior design face-lift fun by joining the laminate hardwood floor installation crowd!

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Thursday, 5 February 2009

The beauty and power of varathane wood floor finishing

There are many ways to finish a wood floor, of course, but varathane wood floor finishing has been one of the most consistently popular and sought after ways to finish or refinish any kind of wood flooring.


One of the best things about varathane wood floor finishing is how easy this great finishing product is to install. The easy three step process takes only a matter of hours, but it can provide many years of beauty and trouble free performance from all brands of hardwood flooring.


No precleaning or sanding is necessary to use varathane wood floor finishing, and in fact the patented formula used by varathane actually does the job of a good sandpaper, without any of the hassle or the mess of actual sanding. In fact, the varathane process helps to eliminate common contaminents on the floor that may otherwise prevent the adhesion of the finishing product.


In addition to eliminating the need to sand the current hardwood floor, varathane wood floor finishing also provides a special chemical formula which helps to provide a receptive surface to allow the finish to be applied in a straightforward and effective manner.


The varathane wood floor finishing process also includes an excellent system for rebuilding damaged hardwood floors and helping them shine their best. The unique catalyzing formula used by varathane helps to permanently lock the original formula with a clear and beautiful finish that is also very hard and very durable.


There are a number of important advantages to be had by users of the wood floor finishing programs using varathane. For instance, the product will not alter the original color of the floor, it requires no sanding and no need to wear a dust mask, it requires no specialized equipment or tools and it features a low odor, eliminating the need for additional ventilation. When you use a varathane wood finishing product, the room is ready within 24 hours, and the process can be completed even by those with no hardwood floor refinishing experience.

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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Alphonso Sirtle.. | Posted under Home Improvement

The beauty and power of varathane wood floor finishing


There are many ways to finish a wood floor, of course, but varathane wood floor finishing has been one of the most consistently popular and sought after ways to finish or refinish any kind of wood flooring.


One of the best things about varathane wood floor finishing is how easy this great finishing product is to install. The easy three step process takes only a matter of hours, but it can provide many years of beauty and trouble free performance from all brands of hardwood flooring.


No precleaning or sanding is necessary to use varathane wood floor finishing, and in fact the patented formula used by varathane actually does the job of a good sandpaper, without any of the hassle or the mess of actual sanding. In fact, the varathane process helps to eliminate common contaminents on the floor that may otherwise prevent the adhesion of the finishing product.


In addition to eliminating the need to sand the current hardwood floor, varathane wood floor finishing also provides a special chemical formula which helps to provide a receptive surface to allow the finish to be applied in a straightforward and effective manner.


The varathane wood floor finishing process also includes an excellent system for rebuilding damaged hardwood floors and helping them shine their best. The unique catalyzing formula used by varathane helps to permanently lock the original formula with a clear and beautiful finish that is also very hard and very durable.


There are a number of important advantages to be had by users of the wood floor finishing programs using varathane. For instance, the product will not alter the original color of the floor, it requires no sanding and no need to wear a dust mask, it requires no specialized equipment or tools and it features a low odor, eliminating the need for additional ventilation. When you use a varathane wood finishing product, the room is ready within 24 hours, and the process can be completed even by those with no hardwood floor refinishing experience.


About The Author:
Alphonso has been working in the home remodeling industry for last 5 years. Take advantage of his experience and written material on flooring ideas at his website at http://www.improve-home.com

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Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Wooden Floor Installation And Renovation

We specialise in floor sanding, wood floor restoration and wooden floor installation, we are not just an 'add on' service.Our dedicated team of experienced floor fitters carry out high quality wooden floor installation from sub floor preparation, installation and finishing.

Our wooden floor installation processes can replicate many classic floor or boarding construction styles.

We are now able to offer a total flooring solutions package being able to fit all types of commercial flooring including ceramic tiles, vinyl's and carpets as well as our wooden floor installation, floor sanding and sealing and court marking.

Whether you need a home improvement, house or flat refurbishment in London, new bathroom, a replacement kitchen, wooden floor installation or renovation, extension or loft conversion, internal or external complete refurbishment, then our name is for you!

Here are the main wooden floor types: Hardwood floors.

Hardwood flooring is available in both unfinished and pre-finished form. They are made up of geometrical patterns, composed of individual wooden slates held together by a mechanical fastening or adhesive. We sand and restore all wooden floors from floorboards to parquet floors, from a small domestic hall way to full size commercial sports halls, schools. We fit all wooden floors specialising in solid oak plank flooring / parquet flooring / re-claimed pine boards / new pine boards / block flooring / hardwood flooring / repairs / sanding in new floors / new to old.

Installing solid wood flooring. Before installing any wood floor you must first make sure the sub-floor is free of loose materials. Before you begin installing a floor, you should give careful consideration to the type of floor you want. Basically when it comes to how to install bamboo flooring, the installing procedure is pretty much the same as with conventional hardwood flooring. Make sure you read all installing instructions from the bamboo flooring manufacturer carefully, because humidity can backfire if it comes to any wooden floor installation.

Parquet flooring this has a very different look from typical hardwoods. All our floor fitters are experienced in all types of wood floor fitting such as: solid wood, laminate, engineered, reclaimed timber, pre finished, unfinished and all types of parquet. We can fit overlay, solid wood, engineered boards and the more specialized herringbone parquet blocks.

It is our particular expertise in Sanding and Refinishing floors, especially in the staining process, which gives us the edge to create individual and exquisite floors for you.

Our wooden floor installation processes can replicate many classic floor or boarding construction styles. Quality of subfloor installation Subfloor is one of the main elements of the wooden floor construction. A suitable floor installation construction should be used. For this reason, all wet construction works in the premises must be completed prior to installing wooden floor on heated or unheated subfloor. Additional factors influencing the use of heated wooden floor Use of wooden floor is influenced by the following additional factors: timber species; method of wood cutting; and wooden floor construction

By: Ovidiu Diaconu

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Monday, 15 June 2009

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

Monday, 27 July 2009

Bamboo Flooring Cost - The Benefits Far Outweigh the Actual Costs!

Remodeling the home can be a great way to increase the value of your home and one of the things you may want to consider is to refinish an older floor or to even consider putting in a new floor. One of the types of floors that has grown in popularity is bamboo flooring. While there are a variety of reasons to choose this type of flooring, cost is an important consideration. Bamboo flooring has been heralded as a reasonably priced alternative to traditional wood flooring. Part of this is because bamboo grows much faster than most trees and as a result, can be harvested and turned over sooner.

Since it can grow faster than a traditional tree, it qualifies as a "green" material. By being able to replace itself at a more rapid pace, farmers are able to take advantage of this and grow more product. For buyers, it means that bamboo flooring is also typically priced lower than many other types of high-end flooring. More importantly, it also means that homeowners who are interested in remodeling can look to bamboo as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional tree flooring.

In addition, bamboo can be installed with more ease than most wood flooring. This can be important if you are trying to calculate how much it may cost to install flooring, as labor costs can often eat up a significant portion of your budget. Additionally, bamboo flooring tends to require lower maintenance, which will save both time and money. By handling moisture better than many other materials, it will save money over time by requiring less preventative care. Its ability to resist many insects, also means less money spent on fumigation and other extraneous costs. Overall, a bamboo floor can provide a great alternative to other materials!

Tag : floor,flooring,bamboo flooring,wood floor,hardwood floor

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

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Cleaning Bamboo Flooring - Simple Yet Effective Techniques

Now more than ever, bamboo flooring is becoming more popular because it provides homeowners with a relatively low-maintenance option to other types of wood flooring. This type of flooring is able to save a significant amount of time and many people are now looking to it for home remodeling projects. Whether a homeowner or someone looking to remodel, there are some simple things that can help make it easier for cleaning bamboo flooring.

First, if nothing else, make sure to avoid letting water sit on top of the flooring. This is similar to wood flooring and although bamboo flooring is generally resistant to moisture, this does not mean that it absorbs moisture without showing some side effects. You can use a damp cloth or mop to wipe it but avoid anything that might be sopping wet. Beyond avoiding a lot of water on the surface, a simple broom or vacuum will go a long way. Simple sweeping or using the extra attachment to collect dust and particles will keep the floor clean (and pleasing to the eye!)

One important thing to note is that a bamboo floor should not be cleaned with the same cleaners that are used on other surfaces like wood or even man-made materials like tile. The bamboo will not react well to the chemicals that are in the cleaners and will probably take some of the shine off of the floor. On a related note, standard waxes and other polishes that are appropriate for wood floors will not work well on bamboo floors.

Lastly, there are some other things that you can do to keep your floor looking good. First, try to avoid wearing high heels or other items that can leave small dents in the floor. Similarly, if you need to move around heavy things on the floor, place small pads underneath the legs of chairs, sofas, or tables, as these have the potential to leave scratches or other damage on the floor.

Monday, 6 April 2009

Eco-friendly Hardwood Flooring

Choosing hardwood flooring can be overwhelming. There are endless suppliers out there, each offering a variety of hardwood flooring options. There's solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, unfinished, pre-finished, wide plank, antiqued, distressed, hand-scraped. And it's available in maple, oak, cherry, alder, birch, fir....in what seems like a thousand different color options and ten different finishes. Now, add to that the desire to make your flooring "Eco-friendly" and you're probably ready to leave the sub floor exposed and forget the whole thing. Fear not. There are plenty of flooring manufacturers who practice responsible flooring manufacturing methods including sourcing their raw materials from responsibly managed forests.

Mercier Hardwood Flooring: As one of the largest flooring producers in North America, Mercier makes products that are widely available through flooring retailers. The company has been certified by three independent forestry groups: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for its products as well as chain of supply and manufacturing methods. Not only does the wood come from managed forests, the varnish used on their refinished hardwood floors gives off zero formaldehyde emissions, exceeding LEED standards. Visit Mercier's website to find a retailer near you.

Kahrs: A Swedish company with operations around the world, Kahrs selects suppliers who have been approved by either the FSC, PEFC and/or the International Tropical Timber Organization. During the fabrication process, waste is minimized as the leftover timber cuts are used to heat heat homes located near the factories and the resultant ash is used as fertilizer for forests. Visit Kahrs' website to find a retailer near you.

Torlys: A Canadian company, Torlys supplies hardwood flooring is engineered and pre-finished. The benefits of engineered hardwood are: 30 times more flooring can be produced from a single tree, while wood is sourced from responsible managed forests. The floor adapts to weather and humidity changes better than solid wood. The floor can be installed by the homeowner as it snaps together, it can be walked on during installation, and disassembled and reused up to three times. Visit Torlys website to find a retailer near you.

Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring: If you're after a more weathered or antique look, reclaimed flooring is another option. Look for companies in your region that specialize in using reclaimed wood. This is a particularly "green" option as the wood used is usually sourced from local barns that are slated to be torn down. Floors have a beautiful antiqued look to them, as scratches and weather marks are usually left on the planks.

Cathy Rust writes a weekly column featuring new products from countertops to flooring, energy efficiency and green building products and services. Go to http://blog.homestars.com for more articles. HomeStars.com is a free website where you can read and write reviews on home improvement companies in your neighbourhood. http://www.homestars.com

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

Monday, 22 December 2008

Lean How To Install Wood Floor Throughout Your Home To Add Beauty, Warmth, And Comfort

Before you install wood floor in your home, make sure you check out your options on the many different kinds of wood flooring that’s available to you. There is a specific floor type suitable for every room in your house. Standard flooring is available in a wide range of hardwoods in random lengths wood strips. These type of flooring; mahogany, maple, ash, pine, and oak, is available in different colors and grain, allowing you to choose a finish to suit your needs.

Natural wooden floor surface can be sealed in a great variety of finishes. If you are satisfied with the existing natural color of the wood, seal the surface with layers of clear wax or a commercial transparent sealer in either a matte or a gloss finish. Once you have decided which type wood floor is best suited to your need, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the preparation of the floor.

If you are fortunate enough to have sound wooden floorboards in your home, you can renovate and paint them to great effects. Once the floor is painted, it is advisable to treat it to one or two coats of varnish for a truly hardwearing finish. To maintain your floor at its best, keep it properly sealed and cleaned regularly. It would be a crime to cover up these fine floorboards. Wood floors are warm, secure, and comfortable.

There are a lot of flooring choice that vary in appearance, technology, and cost. Just about anything can go over a wood floor. To figure out how much you’ll need to cover a floor, calculate the floor’s surface area: measure the length and width or the floor, round the measurements up to the nearest inch, and multiply the figures to find the room’s square footage in inches. If the room is irregularly shaped, calculate the square footage of each area and add the figures together.

About The Author:

Roger King has install wood flooring for several years, and have done several homes. Since then he's been helping people find and review the best floor selection, to meet their needs. Visit his Web site to learn more about this service: http://www.install-wood-floor.com

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

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

Tips for choosing the best kempas wood floor

There are of course many types of woods that make up the hardwood flooring market, but the kempas wood floor is among the most beautiful and the most durable on the market. It is important, of course, for every homeowner to shop carefully in order to get the best possible deal on the hardwood floor they need, just as it is important to care for that floor properly after it has been installed.


There are of course many places to shop for a quality kempas wood floor, and these days wood floors are sold in more places than ever before. One good place to start searching for a quality kempas wood floor is at the local hardware store or home improvement warehouse. Many of the best warehouse stores and hardware stores have an excellent selection of quality traditional and exotic hardwoods on the market, and shopping around a lot will help you find the best type of wood for your floor, as well as helping you get the best possible price on the flooring you need.


The beauty of hardwood flooring is that installing a quality hardwood floor is one of those few home improvement projects that can actually pay for itself through the increased value of the home. It is possible to install a quality hardwood floor and have its cost recouped by the increase in your home's value. Your family gets to enjoy years of the beauty and durability of a quality hardwood floor, while you get to enjoy an increased home value.


Of course installing a kempas wood floor yourself is the best way to maximize the value of the project, while keeping its cost to a minimum. Hiring a flooring contractor can be very expensive, and it can greatly reduce the value of the hardwood flooring project.


fortunately, installing a hardwood floor yourself is not beyond the means of most homeowners, and with a few instructions, some research and some knowledge it should be possible to install a great hardwood floor with little hassle. Most hardwood flooring products these days come with complete instructions, and many even come with their own adhesive to make installing the wood floor even faster and easier. If you are a beginner, buying one of these hardwood flooring kits may be a good solution.

About The Author:
Alphonso has been working in the home remodeling industry for last 5 years. Take advantage of his experience and written material on flooring ideas at his website at http://www.improve-home.com

http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Tips-for-choosing-the-best-kempas-wood-floor/952374

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

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.

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