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Things To Consider When Buying Beautiful Oak Wood Flooring

Mar 31st, 2011
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Things To Consider When Buying Beautiful Oak Wood Flooring

If you are allergic to other types of flooring and you want to have some enhancement to your house in regards to flooring, then Oak wooden flooring is considered to be the one of best options. These wooden floorings are very beautiful, durable, and affordable. Their installation is easy and they are easy to maintain with only minimal care needed. Oak flooringis available for use in all rooms, except for the bathroom, as this type of floor is not suitable for areas that have a lot of water and moisture.

These floors are solid and durable, so you don’t have to worry about damage being caused if you drop something. Oak wooden flooring comes in natural colours and there are even some varieties of laminate that have created a similar look.

Here are a few facts that will help you to buy Oak Wooden Flooring:

Decide on the amount that you would be willing to spend. There are laminates that look like flooring, but they are not real wooden floors, so check carefully before buying. There are several colours, species and grain variations in the wood used for flooring. The most popular is red oak natural and this look can really ignite a room. There are many varieties when it comes to colour choice, so consider if you are looking for something dark, or something light. This choice will also depend on the amount of light that you currently have within your house throughout the day. If you have a dark home with minimal sunlight, choosing a light floor tone can make the room look lighter. Darker shades are usually appropriate for formal interiors, while lighter colours look great within casual and contemporary interiors.

Decide upon the rooms that need new flooring, or if you are looking to replace the entire floor of the house. Be careful in areas that gather a lot of traffic, dirt and water. Many people avoid using wood in wet areas of the home, due to the damage that water can have. The installation of a wooden floor is quite easy and when people are laying the boards themselves, many prefer to buy pre finished wooden floorings. This option will save you time and money too. The majority of flooring types should come with a warranty and it is a good idea to choose one that does. There should be adequate protection from direct sunlight, as wood can fade in colour if placed in this constant situation. There are different price ranges and ultimately, the price will depend upon the grade of wood that you choose. Buying engineered wood is also a good option, as it is stronger and will last indefinitely.

Oak Wooden Flooring has 14mm and 20mm of thickness and is available in narrow or wide planks. They are also available in a matt or satin finished and your choice will depend entirely upon your budget.

Are you looking for <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.cutdiamondflooring.com/”>Oak Wood Flooring</a> to finish off your home? <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.cutdiamondflooring.com/”>Cut Diamond Flooring</a> is an East Sussex company that has a wide range of wood floors for you. For more information visit the website at http://www.cutdiamondflooring.com/


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Solid Wood Flooring in the Home

Mar 18th, 2011
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Solid Wood Flooring in the Home

A solid wood floor can add warm tones and a stunning finish to any room. Constructed with pieces of solid wood they have tongue and groove sides so they can be easily connected together. Each piece has a different grain which combines to form a unique look whenever it is used. There is a huge variety of solid wood floors available with many types of wood species, colours and widths available at hardwood flooring suppliers.

The most popular option is oak wood flooring. Europe and America are both the main consumer and producer of this type of hardwood flooring. Oak is available in various types including red, white and European oak, each with their own hardness, grain and colour characteristics.

A cherry wood floor is another popular choice due to its striking grain markings and solid composition. Like other wood floors it is highly resistant to damage. Over time cherry wood flooring darkens from a pale pink colour to warm dark red tone

Exotic hardwoods can give a room a unique look are now readily available at major hardwood flooring suppliers. They can be found for sale alongside other classic real wood flooring such as maple, oak and ash. Real wood flooring can be purchased in pre-finished or unfinished styles. When laying unfinished wood flooring the product can be recoated many times to increase its life and make it last considerably longer than other flooring options.

When laying solid wood floors, begin with a flat, dry and solid sub floor such as concrete, wood or cork. Carpet is not suitable as a sub base and must be removed. Any deviations in level should be rectified with suitable floor filler. A plastic barrier to stop moisture is recommended for floors that are being installed on concrete or in damp areas. Harwood flooring should also be allowed time to acclimatise before it is set down by leaving it the room for several days. For a bathroom wood floor contact you local flooring supplier for suitable product support.

If you are using a wood floor sub base the solid wood floor should be installed at right angles to the original floorboards to aid strength and stability. An expansion area around the perimeter of the room is also recommended to allow for contractions and expansions throughout the winter and summer months. This expansion gap can be covered with skirting boards or a cover strip.

Solid wood floors are tough and hard wearing and by taking care of them their life can be prolonged. Keep gravel, dirt and grit at bay by using a doormat outside and inside the front door. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will take care of any dirt that does settle on the floor and will reduce scratches and everyday wear and tear. Avoid wearing stiletto heels on solid wood floors and if possible only wear indoor shoes or slippers on its surface.

Nothing comes close to the finish that can be achieved with a solid wood floor. By installing solid wood flooring the value of a home often increases and it can give a home the edge over similar property on the market. Solid wood floors are stain resistant and do not trap dust so are especially good for allergy sufferers. There is a wide range of tones, styles and prices on the market so whether you are looking for a cheap wood floor or the ultimate in hardwood flooring, you are sure to find the right match for your room.

Rami Nseir is a consultant for UK Carpets Direct who are specialist UK suppliers of hardwood flooring & laminate floors.


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Discover How A Solid Wood Floor Can Improve The Value Of Your Home

Mar 7th, 2011
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Discover How A Solid Wood Floor Can Improve The Value Of Your Home

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Everyone knows that a solid wood floor can add character, beauty and warmth to any room. Apart from its aesthetic appeal there are also quite a lot of other benefits of having a real wood floor. Although real wood floors can be quite expensive compared to the cost of the other types of flooring options, the fact is that the benefits of this type of flooring are so many that their cost is justified. Solid wood floors can increase the value of your home. Quite a lot of people who are planning to sell their property intend to fit their homes with wooden floorings before selling so that they can get a higher price for their property.

Benefits of Solid Wood Floors

Unlike the other types of flooring, the wooden floors manage to retain their value and their beauty for quite a lot of years. In fact, as they age they gain more charm because of the natural elements. Wooden floorings continue to age through time and gain more characters and it continues to evolve. This is particularly known as patina and it is one of the main benefits of a solid wooden floor.

Another major benefit of solid wood floors is that they are very easy to maintain. Today the types of wooden floorings which are available do not require any type of regimes for maintaining them and therefore nothing more than sweeping would be required in order to keep them clean. In the last few years, wooden floors have come a long way and today there are several different types of stains, grains, wood and styles available. With so much variety available, no matter what your tastes are you would be able to find the type of wood that matches your tastes. There are also quite a lot of online retailers where you would be able to find what you need for a good discount.

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Wood Floors Increase the Value of Your Home

Solid wood floors can increase the value of any home. According to a particular survey which had been done with estate agents in the US, 90% of the agents said that the houses which have real wood floors tend to sell faster and for higher prices. The beauty of wooden floors is maintained for years and it would retain its value over a long period of time.

Another reason why it increases the value of your home is that real wood tends to trap air and therefore has great insulation properties. For this reason you would also be able to save a lot on the heating bills. Also, since they are completely natural they are good for health. Wood does not accumulate any dust like the other floors and therefore they are great for the families that suffer from allergies. Wooden floors have quite a lot of benefits as can be seen above. For this reason it is not surprising that they add to the value of your house.

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Beginner’s Guide to Wood Flooring

Mar 1st, 2011
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Beginner’s Guide to Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is the most popular flooring option. You can select from the several stunning wood flooring options to beautify your home interior. If you are uninformed about the many benefits of wood flooring, this article will provide you with a crucial insight on wood flooring.

 

Nowadays, different types of materials are used to produce flooring. The material selection depends upon important factors like cost, comfort, moisture, noise, durability, and maintenance. Carpeted floors or marble, granite and limestone flooring have been used since ancient times. Vinyl flooring and laminates have also gained popularity in last few decades. The most significant change is visible in wood flooring. More and more people are now experimenting with different wood flooring options.

 

Wood Flooring Benefits

Wood flooring offers several benefits. It is among the most durable flooring options. Unlike carpets, you don’t need to replace a wood floor after a few years. Even the maintenance of wood floors is easier by comparison. Wood floors are a better flooring option than regular tile flooring since wood flooring provides warmth. For people who are allergic to dust, wood floors are far better than carpeting. Even after regular vacuum cleaning, carpets can become host to allergy aggravating bacteria, parasites or dust mites. But with wood floors, you can have peace of mind. In order to keep wood floors shining like new, you just need a little polish. To restore the original glory of your wood flooring after years of use, a simple sand and seal is enough.

 

Wood Flooring Options

You have a variety of wood flooring options. You can select from classic wood floors, exotic hardwood floors, hand-scraped wood floors, and wire brush hardwood floors. Experienced wood flooring contractors also offer numerous shades and wood selections. Some popular wood options nowadays are ash, beech, birch, cherry, elm, hickory, maple, oak, mahogany, pine, walnut, and more.

 

Wood Flooring – Look and Feel

Wood flooring complements your homes ambiance with a sophisticated look. In terms of beauty, nothing can beat wood floors. The elegant look of a hardwood floor can add warmth and character to any room. In fact, the natural characteristics of wood add depth and a visual appearance that many other types of flooring can’t duplicate.

 

In addition to the several benefits and exclusive look and feel; wood floors also add value to homes. A home with elegant hardwood flooring always fetches a higher resale price in comparison to similar homes with traditional flooring. That means choosing wood flooring is always a win-win situation.

 

 

 

 

 

Please visit at http://www.cmaflooring.com/. Wood flooring product offers many features and benefits to the home. Come to Carrollton wood  Flooring Showroom to learn if hardwood is the flooring solution for the way you live. Hardwood floors certainly answers the need for beauty in your home and our Carrollton Hardwood floors experts are waiting to show you how.

 


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Fundamental Details Regarding Engineered Wood Flooring

Feb 28th, 2011
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Fundamental Details Regarding Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood actually is made of wood. It consists of 1/16″-1/8″ finish timber on the top layer and non-finish plywood under, therefore, it is a real wood.

Laminate is composed of wood chips at the bottom and paper infused with melamine on top. This is not exactly what we call genuine wood. Firm hardwood is a true wood all over, from top up to the base.

Here are some options of engineered flooring species:

- Hickory – this is a rich, hand-scraped specie which gives your home an everlasting feeling of contentment
- Oak – this is the usual red oak which is Discount Wood Flooring and forever looks great
- Bamboo – all bamboo floors are engineered. These floorings are cheap and green.
- Maple – it is a well-designed finish suitable for family, living and dining rooms.

Several homeowners want hardwood floors when they desire to remodel their homes. But, solid hardwood floorings are not easy to install, you are required to hire installers for hardwood floors and it will cost you more. So it is advised that you buy engineered wood flooring to save more time and money.

Engineered wood flooring is pre-finished. The covering of the finish layer is pre-finished, which indicates that it is sanded and sealed already. You may walk on it, after the flooring has been installed. By contrast, solid hardwood which unfinished should be sealed and waiting time is needed before using it. Take note, there are available solid hardwood and also pre-finished wood flooring that can be bought.

Discount Wood Flooring are advantageous as compared to laminate because engineered wood can be polished or sanded as soon as scratches develop.

- Limited Sanding – engineered flooring must be sanded only up to the third time, depending on the width or thickness of the top layer, it must exceed three times sanding because it will destroy the finish layer.

- Professional Sanding Recommended – it is suggested to have professionals to do the sanding. It is extremely simple to gouge the engineered flooring which reveals the plywood under.

Engineered wood floors work well in basements, bathrooms and kitchens wherein slight moistures may be present. Yet, it does not cling to truly wet areas like the basements which flood often or in bathrooms of the kids that have a tendency of flooding frequently.

Truly, there is no product of wood flooring which is great intended for extremely wet spaces like tiles, vinyl, concrete or some other synthetic product is best. However, in relation to some flooring products, engineered wood floors are not bad. Discount Wood Flooring are suggested for more conveniences, cheaper cost and durability.

helen mae quinn is a simple woman that loves to explore and share things through writing. She loves to share her knowledge to the usrs who care to understand everything about Discount Wood Flooring. Go and visit free Discount Wood Flooring website to get plenty of more information. Come and visit us at: http://discount-wood-flooring.org/blog/


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Wood Fireplaces and Stoves

Feb 23rd, 2011
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Wood Fireplaces and Stoves

Traditional wood fireplaces and stoves have been used for centuries. Traditional fireplaces are very inefficient in heating a room, as they primarily use radiant energy to provide warmth.  Traditional fireplaces and stoves use the air from the room to provide oxygen for combustion. Wood fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles and building materials.  Wood burning stoves also are available in a multitude of styles colors and features, based on your heating needs.  Wood burning appliances  require a class A chimney.  The chimney may be built of masonry or of double lined steel.  There are options to consider for both wood burning fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

Wood Fireplace Options

Traditional fireplaces, constructed of firebrick and mortar, are designed to burn logs.  The styles and sizes of fireplaces are as varied as the architects who have designed them.  Traditional fireplaces are usually built onsite utilizing brick masons, cinder blocks, fire brick and ceramic flues.  The chimney of the fireplace needs to extend above the highest point of the roof to avoid downdrafts. The size and weight of a traditional fireplace requires a substantial and stable foundation.  Usually traditional fireplaces are built during new construction.

Fireplace inserts have gained in popularity, as they are much cheaper and lighter than traditional fireplaces.  Fireplace inserts are built in factories and shipped pre-assembled to the home, resulting in less labor costs for installation.  Wood fireplace inserts also are designed to be installed next to wood materials, with close clearances, allowing wood framing to be used in chimney construction. Many metal fireplace inserts have air ducts and fans to increase the amount of heat transferred from the fire.

Both fireplace inserts and traditional fireplaces require the installation of flame proof  hearth on the floor.  The hearth is required to prevent logs that may roll out of the fireplace from setting the floor on fire.

Wood Stove Options

Traditional wood burning stoves are made of cast iron.  Antique stoves are not air tight, preventing accurate regulation of the fire. Because the flame is hard to regulate, more heat is lost in the flue gases, reducing the stove’s overall heating efficiency.  The thick cast iron used in construction of older stoves allows an extremely long useful life.  Stoves built in the early 1800’s are still in use with little restorative work.  An ornate antique stove from the Victorian era could be a main architectural feature of a house.

Airtight stoves became popular during the 1970’s because of their greater efficiency.  One load of wood could be set to burn all night. The advantage of the airtight stove is in the long burning time and greater fuel efficiency.  Less heat is lost up the chimney.  Also, modern airtight stoves have catalytic converter options that help reduce the amount of creosote and other unburned gases going up the flu.

Both types of wood stoves need to be placed on fireproof surfaces.  Because of the radiant heat emitted, adequate clearance of the stove from flammable walls, floor materials and fabrics needs to be maintained.

Both wood burning fireplaces and stoves provide an impressive architectural feature for a room.  A well built fireplace or stove could be an added source of heat for your house.

Variety of Fireplaces

Fireplaces have been a traditional architectural feature of a house.  Fireplaces originally provided heat for cooking as well as keeping the house warm. Fireplaces kept the same basic design for thousands of years.  In the 16th century, the idea of raising the wood on a grate improved the heating effectiveness of the fireplace.  Ben Franklin implemented the next improvement in fireplace design.  The Franklin stove, built out of cast iron, captured more heat from burning wood.  Count Rumford modified the fireplace by creating a tall, shallow box, resulting in greater radiant efficiency.  Now, fireplaces are available with advanced options and features to meet any design or lifestyle need. The following five fireplaces are the most popular:

Wood Burning Fireplaces

Wood burning fireplaces are either masonry or factory built inserts.  Masonry fireplaces are labor intensive, and are built on site out of fire bricks, cinder block, clay chimney liners and brick or stone, depending on the surround. Masonry fireplaces usually include a hearth, mantel, grate, firebox, and damper.

Fireplace inserts are manufactured off-site and are easier to install.  Fireplace inserts use a double walled steel chimney that is light and easy to install.

Gas Burning Fireplaces

Gas burning fireplaces come in a huge variety of styles to meet any decorating requirement.  There are three major types of gas burning fireplaces: Direct vent, vent free, and inserts.  Gas burning fireplaces may be double sided, or any unique shape to make a design statement for a room. Direct vent gas fireplaces use outside air for combustion.  Since gas fireplaces have electronic ignition, some have remote controls or thermostats to create a comfortable room temperature.

Vent free fireplaces  provide greater options for placing fireplaces in rooms that may not have access to an outside wall or for a chimney.  Vent free fireplaces are extremely efficient, as no heat is lost through flu gas.  However, the room supplies the oxygen needed for combustion.  Some building codes require fresh air sources for vent free fireplaces.

Direct vent fireplaces use outside air for combustion.  This type of fireplace has the option of venting through a wall to the outside instead of a chimney, reducing labor for installation.  Advanced Do-it-yourselfers may be able to successfully install a direct vent fireplace, with the help of a plumber for the gas connection.

Pellet Fireplaces

Pellet fireplace inserts have become more popular as a source of heat for a room and because of the improved efficiency of a pellet fire over a traditional log fire.  Pellet fireplace inserts are available for new installations and retrofits into older masonry fireplaces.  Pellet fireplaces offer the advantage of a controlled burn through pellets supplied through a hopper to the firebox.  Some models are thermostatically controlled with electronic ignition.

Electric Fireplaces

For convenience and ease of installation, electric fireplaces offer new alternatives.  The new electric fireplaces have a more realistic appearing fire than in earlier models.  Most electric fireplaces have built in electric heaters to help provide warmth to a room.

Gel Fireplaces

A vent free gel fireplace provides the option of a real fire with the portability of an electric fireplace.  Gel fireplaces are starting to increase in popularity with buyers who want a real fire, but want the ease and mobility of an electric fireplace.

For further information, please visit Electric Stoves and Fireplaces


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Laminate Wood Flooring

Feb 22nd, 2011
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Laminate Wood Flooring

Laminate wood flooring provides that unmatched look in your home and it is a great method of flooring. This kind of flooring comes with durability and is guaranteed to bring long lasting beauty into your home. Laminate wood flooring is very easy to care for. If you have no idea where to begin with flooring, you need information on varieties of floors so that you can make the best decision. The internet provides many resources plus gives you a guide into what to expect from various flooring products. First, manufacturers of the flooring products are the main source of information about wood flooring and visiting their sites will be very helpful.

Laminate wood flooring is not meant for high traffic areas. The good news is that they come with warranties ranging from 10 to 15 years and this is a great incentive that will provide that needed security that will enable you enjoy your flooring with confidence. When you subject the flooring to high traffic wear and tear is definitely going to be observed and the product will only last for 3 to 5 years. You therefore need to be cautious of this. It is very easy to maintain the flooring and it is advisable to keep a door mat that will trap all the harmful substances that may harm the floor. A damp mop will usually do the trick of cleaning the floor. At all times, prevent a lot of moisture, humidity or water because it works for the detriment of the floor.

Laminate wood flooring consumer reviews are vital and they provide first hand experience to what you will expect from the floor. One major disadvantage of the flooring as seen above is that the wood flooring is not meant for high traffic areas and this can hinder a lot in your home. If you have a large family or many people in your space, this kind of flooring might not be suitable for you. You need flooring that will suit your every need. However, if you have a relatively quiet space with minimal traffic, this might be the best way to have your flooring. Another factor that is extremely vital to consider is the cost. You need flooring that will suit the budget you have in mind.

Laminate wood flooring can be very affordable to many people and it is up to you to decide what price is affordable. The products are widely available and you can also inquire online to the specific companies that offer the product. Many will continue to enjoy the presence of these floors in their homes as they appreciate every moment in warm welcoming floors. There are a variety of designs that you can choose and you do not have to worry about various shapes and sizes because every style is in plenty and you will find your preferred one. It will be helpful if you compare the many flooring options in the market to know which range is suitable. Some products come with superior quality but are too expensive. Find a product that will have almost everything you are looking for.

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Laminate Flooring for Years. For More Information on Laminate Wood Flooring, Visit His Site at LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING You Can Also Post Your Views About Laminate Wood Flooring On My Blog Here LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING


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The best way to clean laminated wood floors is with a combination of vinegar and water, while traditional wood cleaners should be avoided. Prevent wax buildup when cleaning laminated wood floors with help from a professional house cleaner in this free video on housekeeping tips. Expert: Rachel Yatuzis Contact: www.greenkleeninc.com Bio: Rachel Yatuzis is a professional house cleaner in Nashville, Tenn., specializing in using everyday household items for cleaning purposes. Filmmaker: Tim Brown
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Laminate Wood Flooring And Its Benefits

Feb 12th, 2011
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Laminate Wood Flooring And Its Benefits

When it comes to finding a way to increase the value of your home there are many topics that can be addressed though the most popular is found with laminate wood flooring. Laminate wood flooring reviews displays to owners that the installation of laminate wood flooring has the opportunity to increase the selling value of a home.

In addition, the laminate wood flooring reviews reveal that new home buyers are attracted to the appearance of laminate wood flooring increasing your chances of making a sale close to your asking price. If a home seller takes the advice of laminate wood flooring reviews they open up the possibility of not only making a sale with their home but the opportunity to increase the value of their home with only a small remodeling investment.

Laminate wood flooring represents a low cost flooring option to home sellers that is easy to install. In addition to the low expense that is found with laminate wood flooring representing a material expense savings you can save more by installing the product on your own or still save when you have another person complete the quick and easy installation.

There are many different styles of laminate wood flooring and one that is growing in popularity can be found with wide plank floors. In the perspective of the buyer, the addition of new wide plank floors creates a clean and modeled appearance for them to imagine themselves in their new residence. In addition the wide plank floors provide a simple cleaning option and the reduced number of groves provides fewer areas for dirt and dust to collect.   Wide plank floors are a low maintenance product which is highly attractive to new home owners.

Home owners benefit from the installation of wide plank floors when consumers have the ability to take advantage of the perspectives that were previously identified. When looking at the competition you will face in the housing market the advantages of wide plank wood flooring help to set your house a step above the rest. Also with wide plank wood flooring you have an even easier installation process with the need for fewer pieces in the assembly of your floor.  At first the difference in size with wide plank wood flooring may not seem like a lot but after installing for a while you will see the benefit of wide plank wood flooring.

For more information on practical flooring requirements, visit http://www.GeorgiaCarpet.com, a well known site used and recommended by many people. Get great deals on laminate wood flooring, hard wood floor and many more!


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The difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring

Jan 16th, 2011
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The difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring

On first inspection there isn’t any great aesthetic difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring. However before you rush out and opt for the cheapest wood floor there are a few pros and cons to weigh up for both engineered and solid wood floors.

Construction

Solid wood flooring is milled from the tree to give a solid wood plank which has an uninterrupted wood grain and is solely constructed of one solid section of wood. They are mostly constructed with a tongue and groove format.

Engineered wood floors consist of a top layer of natural hardwood which is stuck to a cross layered section of natural soft or hard wood known as ply wood. The cross layering of the ply enables the plank to be more stable due to the glue used so that when the wood expands width ways the different angles reduce the amount of expansion.

Durability

Solid wood flooring is more durable than engineered as it gains its strength from being one solid piece of wood and can be re-sanded and refinished with different waxes, stains or oils more times then engineered. Though the life of any floor does depend on how well it is looked after with recommended care products.

Engineered wood flooring is still very durable and can only be re-sanded five times as the top hardwood layer cannot withstand more.

Really good maintenance is key to durability as when the right cleaning products are used a wood floor can last a very long time.

Stability

Solid wood floor isn’t considered as stable as engineered due to its seasonal movements, meaning that they are susceptible to expansion and contraction with humidity changes in the home. A small perimeter gap accommodates this movement. Solid wood floor is not generally recommended if underfloor heating is already installed as the heat can cup and warp the boards. It is also not advisable to lay solid wood flooring on concrete, unless a full moisture test has been carried out and it is sealed, as the levels of moisture can also affect the boards.

Engineered wood flooring is more stable and more multi functional then solid wood as it is suitable for laying on underfloor heating, concrete and is compatible with most types of underlay making it a good option for those living in second floor and basement flats.

Installation

Solid wood floor can be stuck down or secret nailed and it is not recommended that they are floated over underlay as the joints are glued down and wouldn’t allow the boards to move with seasonal humidity and moisture.

Engineered wood flooring can be stuck down, nailed and floated. It is versatile but does still require a perimeter gap just to be on the safe side with slight board movements.

 

Jordan Stavrinou is the Managing Director of Jordan Andrews Ltd; London’s leading hardwood flooring company. With 20 years in the hardwood and construction industry and a team of industry professionals, Jordan is considered an expert in his field. Visit www.jordanandrews.com for all your hard wood flooring needs.


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Wood Flooring. Reclaimed Vs. Old Growth Wood. Northern Va, Antique/Reclaimed Wood Floor Specialists. Madera Floors

Jan 11th, 2011
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Wood Flooring. Reclaimed Vs. Old Growth Wood. Northern Va, Antique/Reclaimed Wood Floor Specialists. Madera Floors

 

In the wood flooring industry, the term ‘old growth’ continues to be the subject of interpretation and controversy. At Madera Floors we make it our business to know more about wood than any other company, and to educate our customers so that they can make more informed purchasing decisions. We frequently address questions about ‘old growth’ trees, especially in relation to reclaimed timber. In fact, we have talked with many consumers who thought the terms meant the same thing and were misled into thinking their old growth flooring was the same as our antique reclaimed flooring. Here we define some of the terms and address questions surrounding the mystery of ‘old growth’.

Old Growth refers to established forests that, up until the time trees are cut, have had little or no disruption. Advocates of cutting old growth timbers suggest that pruning selected trees is good for the forest. We disagree. Old growth forests maintain themselves through a natural process that does not include cutting into the delicate fabric woven by nature.

How Old is “Old” Growth? The actual age that determines “old” growth varies depending on the specie, but it refers to the age at which a tree has reached its maturity. For an eastern white pine, it is between 130-150 years, while many of the hardwoods reach maturity at 80 years. But, what is most important is that at maturity and thereafter the old growth tree is still contributing to the ecosystem in which it lives.

Virgin Growth refers to dense stands of various species of hardwood or pine trees that are indigenous to their habitat; they have never been harvested. Many virgin forests are protected, but tragically there are also many that are still being cut today for purposes that include mass-produced wood flooring. Essentially, virgin timber is old growth that has never been cut, while old growth may or may not be virgin timber.

Reclaimed Wood is also referred to as Antique wood, and for us the terms are interchangeable when describing the wood we use to make our floors. We agree that old growth flooring is beautiful; however, we prefer to reuse this majestic timber that was originally cut to build structures that have shaped our history in the United States and in interesting places all over the world.

“Deconstruction” is the core of the reclaimed wood industry. The emphasis is on utilizing materials that have outlived their usefulness and would otherwise be demolished, discarded or left to decay. Deconstruction helps to close the resource loop that we now realize is so valuable in this world of finite resources.In recycling this precious material there is a significant positive environmental impact.

Deconstruction differs from ‘demolition’ in that it is a painstaking process involving the selective dismantlement of building components. We work with experts who carefully manage dismantling projects to preserve the grand dimensions of the beams, posts and floor joists; this will be reflected in your floor as we work to maintain the superior widths and lengths of these ancient timbers.

Demolition, on the other hand, is unfortunately the more common method of taking down a building. Implosion or ‘wrecking-ball’ style demolition is relatively inexpensive and offers a quick method of clearing sites for new structures. Consequently this process results in significant waste and unusable material.

For more information please visit our website at

www.maderafloors.com or our blog www.maderafloors.blogspot.com

Thanks

Madera Floors is a state of the art wood floor company which serves all of Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. We are growing to encompass a staff of highly trained craftsmen who execute each job skillfully and meticulously.


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