filledandchilled

by bug138

Tips to Protect Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is the type of flooring which is getting preference in areas like schoolhouses, theatres, gymnasiums etc. This type of flooring can remain attractive as new with little bit of care.

Hardwood flooring complements any kind of furniture as well as décor. So, it have been widely using in residential and commercial areas as well. Basic tips in the direction of preventing hardwood flooring are:

Prevention against Dirt and Grit

Dirt and grit are regarded as enemies for hardwood flooring. It affects look of floor by hampering its polishes. Dirt and grit acts as sand paper and causes dents and scratches over the smooth floor. The process of wiping and cleaning can help in this regard but it is more effective to use doormats at the door to not allow dirt and grit inside with one’s shoes.

Save from water spill

Spilling of water or other liquid also affects hardwood floor. The reason is that liquid remains on floor for longer times which in return warp the floor. So, liquid should be wiped as soon it spills over the floor.

Dragging of furniture

Most of furniture comes with sharp edges and dragging those harms the floor a lot. Dragging of furniture should be avoided so as to keep floor free of dents or scratches. The step of using proper pads to furniture legs is also helpful in this regard.

Use of quality cleaners

Use of neutral pH cleaners can help one to avoid any problem on floors. Quality cleaners do not react with floor material and keeps it to look natural.  Maintenance and cleaning of floor is important but one needs to avoid the usage of soaps to maintain the naturalness of floors.

Protect from UV rays

Direct and continuous exposure to sunrays also affects the floor badly. Using curtains is the best way to protect floor from long harmful UV effects. Thus, all these tips are effective to maintain the beauty of hardwood flooring at homes, workplaces or other related areas.

by timber_floors

Hardwood Flooring : Differences Between Solid & Engineered Hardwood

Solid Hardwood

Milled from one piece of wood, solid wood floorboards are generally three-quarters of an inch (3/4″) thick. Solid hardwood can be installed above or on grade, but you don’t want to install this type of wood below grade, since moisture makes it expand and contract. Remember: if even part of the area you’re finishing is underground (like a walk-out basement) it is considered below grade. Hardwood flooring is not suited to install below grade level or in other areas where it may be exposed to moisture.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood floors constructed of multiple layers of cross grain that are bonded together.The upper layer is made of a real wood selected from various species. The lower layers are made of different types of wood and it could be natural wood or man-made wood like plywood. The grains in each successive layer have a different orientation making the wood more stable and less prone to warping. Stability is the biggest advantage of an engineered hardwood over the solid wood floor, thus it could be installed Below, On or Above Ground Level.

Engineered hardwood same as solid wood is available in pre-finished or unfinished, and can be find in all known species used in hardwood flooring industries along with many different finishes such as urethane finish or Oil Finish.
Engineered wood floor depends on its construction and dimensions can be direct glue-down, nail, staple or floated.

Poor constructed engineered wood floors use substandard glues that may contain volatile organic compounds. These cheap wood floors will emit VOC’s for years. Engineered wood made from cheap glues or made with poor quality base layers is likely to unravel in the blink of an eye. It is also better to visit a physical store and get a first hand idea of the appearance and finish of a floor instead of relying on online pictures.

One of the most important fact we all need to consider while purchasing our new wood floor is that the plant has been taken, harvested, possessed, transported, sold or exported legally in any foreign country or the U.S. “Lacey Act” banning commerce in illegally sourced plants and their wood products. The following are “Lacey Act” plant violation:

Theft of plants Taking plants from an officially protected area, such as park or reserve, Taking plants without, or contrary to, the required authorization Failure to pay appropriate royalties, taxes or fees associated with the plant’s harvest, transport or commerce Laws governing export or trans-shipment such as a log-export ban.

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by rbglasson

Where to Get the Best Discount Carpet, Laminate Flooring Installers, and Hardwood Flooring in Burnaby

Burnaby, BC – Looking for flooring materials can be a big hassle. Although there are so many different kinds to choose from – carpeting, hardwood, or laminate, Burnaby boasts one of the best flooring and installation companies in the area: Mike’s Carpet and Flooring. Mike’s brings it all together for customers seeking top brand names in laminate Burnaby, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or carpeting. Getting a new floor is a very stressful time as daily routines are interrupted from floors that are ripped up making the area uninhabitable for a while. At Mike’s, a carpeting and tile store in Burnaby, experienced staff members can help by walking customers through each step of the flooring process, beginning with the selection of the floor material itself. Each home has it own identity and every home owner has their own unique requirements for making their perfect floor.

For high traffic areas vinyl, certain carpeting and linoleum are often used due to their lower cost and high durability. For a more elegant look, customers often choose stone, fine hardwood or a patterned tile. Burnaby, because of its reputation for being a diverse community, prides itself with homes that have a variety of styles and looks. Within a single community you may find a house with stylish dark hardwood floors and next to it a cozy bungalow sporting exotic bamboo flooring in the kitchen.

To each their own which is why Mike’s Carpet and Flooring has the choices you need for the floor that meets your tastes, home style and budget. For those seeking a nice warm feeling on their feet, we recommend carpet. Burnaby is a great place to install this type of wall to wall covering since the weather during the winter can be on the nippy side. Mike’s Carpet and Flooring is one of the best discount carpet stores in Burnaby and with its vast selection of residential and office carpets will satisfy all kinds of tastes, preferences, and budgets. Another flooring idea is cork which has the great advantages of being more environmentally friendly, has a low cost and is a great sound buffer. This makes it ideal for recreation rooms, children’s bedrooms and even the garage. The cork can be left natural or coated to add water resistance and greater durability.

Whatever your flooring choice may be, Mike’s Carpet and Flooring is the place to go for all your flooring needs. Regardless of what you need – tile, carpet, vinyl, or hardwood – Burnaby is just a short distance to drive to, from wherever you are in the Vancouver area. With everything you need from flooring materials, expert installation and a knowledgeable, experienced staff just waiting to assist you, there really is no better place to go. Installing laminate flooring in Nort Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, or wherever in the lower mainland it’s something that can easily be taken care of with Mike’s Carpet & Flooring. You can see all the different flooring brands on their website at www.1mikesflooring.ca.

by USACE Europe District

Engineered Hardwood Flooring – Designed to Provide Great Flooring Stability

Have you ever wondered what engineered hardwood flooring is? It is flooring that is made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF that has a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued to the surface of the core. You can find engineered hardwood flooring in just about any species of hardwood. The end product has the natural characteristics of the hardwood you selected instead of just a photographic layer. This engineered product has been designed to provide the flooring with greater stability, especially in areas of moisture or heat that would pose a problem for conventional solid hardwood flooring.

The difference between a laminate flooring, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring is this: a laminate core floor is usually made of High Density Fiber or HDF. The top layer is a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of the product it is replicating. This can be wood, vinyl, or tile for example. This product is usually about 3/8 inch thick and has a tongue and groove locking system that doesnt use glue. This enables you to install and reinstall the flooring several times if you wish. A laminate is the least expensive of flooring options.

Solid hardwood is the natural wood species throughout the whole flooring. This too usually comes with a tongue and groove installation. A solid hardwood floor has good sanding and refinishing capabilities. It tends to be more expensive, and solid hardwood flooring has limitations to where it can be installed due to moisture or heat issues.

Engineered hardwood flooring usually has three or more core layers. The more layers you have, the greater the stability you can expect. The core layers of engineered hardwood flooring can be made of plywood, high density fiberboard or hardwood. The best part of engineered hardwood flooring is that is does not destroy the natural warmth and beauty of a traditional solid hardwood floor. The top layer is the same genuine hardwood you would have in solid hardwood flooring.

You can add the warmth and grace of more expensive solid hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost when you decide to use engineered hardwood flooring. With all the money you save, you may want to think about remodeling the rest of your home.

Co-Founder Rob Banks hosts this overview of how to install an engineered floor. Take a look! learn.builddirect.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Related Engineered Hardwood Flooring Articles

by Mirage floors

Why You Should Use Engineered Hardwood Floors for Your Home

As a homeowner, you have various options available for your home flooring. There are traditional hardwood floors that portray the natural beauty of wood. However, there are some limitations when it comes to using hardwood floors. In humid environments, these floors can expand. Fortunately with the development of various flooring products, you have more choices such as engineered hardwood floors.

When getting engineered hardwood floors or other flooring products, you have to make sure that the flooring products that you get are high quality. By getting them from top floor covering providers such as FINfloor Store, you can be sure that the quality of the floors that you will be buying is high. So if you are planning on installing new floors for your home, consider getting engineered hardwood floors.

Just like hardwood floors, engineered hardwood floors offer the same advantages of a natural wood floor product. The engineered floors show the same style and look of real wood with its superficially lacquered finish. Resembling real wood, these engineered hardwood floors come in various wood styles such as hard Maple, Oak, and Red Oak.

Aside from its natural wood floor appearance, these engineered hardwood floors allow installation in humid environments as long as the humidity is 45% to 65%. You can also even use these floors in dry environments as long as you also use humidifiers. The reason why engineered hardwood floors can be used for these types of environment is because of the nature of how it is made.

Composed of three wood layers, engineered hardwood floors use two quick growth layers and one slow growth layer. After the layers are arranged, they are treated and finished with a mechanized edge. Plus, with engineered floors, doing hardwood floors installation in your home will be quite easy because of its assembly system.  Installing or disassembling the floors will take lesser time and effort since the flooring does not need glue.

T o find out more about the features of these engineered hardwood floors, please visit http://www.finfloorusa.com/engineered-floors-greenkett.html

by timber_floors

Tips for selecting Hardwood Flooring in Vancouver

Hardwood flooring has become a popular flooring choice in Vancouver and adjoining regions in BC. It helps add value and elegance to the floors and inner décor of offices and homes with their wide range of color and shades available for various moods, styles and corporate statement.

There are many people who actually identify themselves with specific hardwood flooring type. They select the best from the available hardwood flooring types based on their personal choice, wood percentage, resistance, durability and even luster. Some of the popular types of hardwood flooring include Solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring, floating floor systems, Laminate flooring and environment-friendly sustainable flooring.

For making a selection for the right hardwood flooring type for your home or office, one needs to keep a few important points in mind:

Appearance

The overall appearance of the flooring with respect to the room is an important factor in selecting a hardwood flooring type. A particular type of flooring is chosen with respect to the ambience and the blend of wooden flooring with the furniture and other items in a room.  Engineered hardwood flooring is a favorite in this regard.

Durability & Wear-Tear

A flooring type is also selected depending on its durability. There are many wear-tear resistant flooring types which are installed mostly for their rough usage like Solid wooden flooring etc. Whereas, there are some hardwood floors like Engineered and Laminate hardwood floors which offer luster and charm to the living room with their attractive look.

Water Resistance

In rainy areas and flood-prone areas, water-resistant wooden flooring is preferred over attractive types of flooring.

Budget.

Different types of Hardwood flooring are available and one can chose as per their needs well under their budget.

Maintenance

Most flooring types are low-maintenance but there are some which are classy though require excessive maintenance and cleaning. Hence, one can choose as per their need and convenience.

More Hardwood Flooring Articles

by NickDawson

What Exactly is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Nowadays, people prefer engineered hardwood flooring instead of hardwood flooring that is natural. The reason for this is that the construction of engineered hardwood flooring gives it features that are not to be seen in hardwood flooring that is natural. Engineered hardwood flooring is able to resist moisture more and is less expensive.

There are a number of differences in the construction of engineered flooring and natural flooring that is constructed completely out of hardwood. Hardwood that is used for engineered flooring is found in the top layer. The kinds of hardwood that are used for engineered hardwood flooring include bamboo, teak, ash, pine and oak. The top layer gives engineered flooring similar visual beauty like the natural flooring. A core layer is glued below the top layer. This core layer has layers of affordable and replenishable wood. These layers might be high-density or medium density plywood or fiber wood. The number of layers that make up the core differ as per the flooring manufacturer. A majority of flooring manufacturers make use of three wood layers in the core. But there are many flooring manufacturers who are starting to construct layers of core that will have about 5 to 7 wood layers. More wood layers are being added to the core as the extra layers make the engineered flooring even more durable. If there are extreme weather changes, traditional flooring that is natural tends to contract and expand to the extent that it will warp or buckle. Engineered flooring has a core layer that enables it to contract and expand without warping or buckling like the natural flooring. This implies that flooring is not affected much by conditions of the environment. It would be a preferable choice as compared to flooring that is natural. An engineered flooring could be installed in a damp or humid basement unlike a natural one. Such a type of flooring could even be fixed over a system of radiant heating without it suffering any kind of damage. If natural flooring is fixed over the heating system, it would shrink, cup or buckle. Engineered flooring could be fixed as a floating floor. In other words, it could be installed on a surface without making use of nails or glue. Such a floor would let you have flooring that does not have any gaps between the panels. For installing engineered hardwood flooring, a vapor barrier has to be placed between the floor and the surface.

A locking system of groove and tongue helps to install the engineered hardwood flooring as a floating one. Here, the hardwood planks have to be clicked and locked together. As you can see, engineered hardwood flooring can be fixed very quickly. If the owner of the house is moving, the hardwood planks can be taken apart easily and taken into the new home. The system of locking makes it easy to replace damaged planks. Don’t you agree that engineered hardwood flooring is cool?

by Ted Ingraham

Oak Laminate Flooring – A Better Choice Than Real Hardwood?

While most people find that Oak hardwood floors are visually stunning, they are not ideal for all homeowners. Oak laminate flooring can be a better choice for many homeowners because it is easier to install, not as expensive, and is usually more durable than your typical wood flooring.

Many homeowners opt for oak laminate because it provides the rich color that attracts a lot of people to hardwoods in the first place. Oak laminate floors allow consumers to create the same rich and warm feel in their home that hard woods do. You’ll generally find that there are many different colors and styles that oak laminates come in, ranging from natural oak colors, honey oak colors, and an almost deep cherry look. Most homeowners will discover that they love oak laminate flooring because it will instantly add some warmth, color, and texture to every room that it is installed in.

- Oak Laminate Flooring Manufacturers
There are many oak laminate flooring manufacturers, but we’ll give just a few examples here. Three well-known brands are Quick Step, Westhollow and BHK. It’s important to remember that these three brands as well as others usually have many different oak laminate offerings, so you’ll want to consider all of your options before you settle on just one.

- Quick Step Laminate Flooring
Quick Step is growing in popularity because they are generally quite affordable, offer all of the current styles, and are often very easy to install on your own. Quick Step offers some beautiful choices, like Natural Oak, with a starting price of about .00 a square foot. In addition to Natural Oak is a stunning option known as Dark Oak. As the name suggests, this has deep rich tone to it. Quick Step floors are very easy to use and can be used throughout the whole house or in specific rooms as you see fit.

- Westhollow Laminate Floors
Westhollow offers a large selection of striking oak laminate flooring. One of the most well known from Westhollow is from their Heritage Collection. “Cathedral French Oak” is one of the more common choices and is generally very affordable with prices starting right around .30 a square foot. This particular option is a beautiful floor and is great in any area of the home including the entry way, a staircase, as well as the dining room and living areas. Westhollow offers another beautiful oak laminate floor called “Barn Milled Oak”. This is also from the Heritage Collection and is similarly priced to their aforementioned product.

- BHK Laminate Floorings
BHK’s laminate Oak floorings are visually stunning. Their “Select Oak” option is very popular as it has what could be described as a traditional oak look and color. While the floor is very beautiful and expensive looking, it usually retails for about .30 and up, which I am sure you will agree is quite reasonable. Another beautiful BHK selection is Natural Oak, which will give a very warm and homey feel to any living space.

Choosing oak laminate flooring for your home is a great choice because it will allow you to add style and warmth to your home, but without the high cost that is usually associated with real Oak. Oak laminate floors work well in all areas of the home, including high traffic areas. It will allow you to infuse your home with style without worrying how they will wear over time.

A guide on installing Quickstep laminate wood flooring. Quickstep have a great range of laminate flooring to suit every budget. Check out our full range of laminate flooring at www.realoakfloors.co.uk

by dennyschmickle

Importance of Environmental Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is one of the most preferred forms of flooring due to its exotic and classic looks. It is used both in commercial as well as the residential sector for its elegant look. It adds the missing aesthetic sense to home and office décor.

But hardwood flooring also poses a threat to the environment. Most environmentalists fear the reduction in the number of trees due to the growing demand of hardwood flooring in Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia. But there is always a counter solution!

Hardwood flooring specialists in Vancouver have identified an environment-friendly way of hardwood flooring. The use of sustainable hardwood flooring is appreciated by the environment-lovers as well. This form of hardwood flooring uses wood only from sustainable trees. The trees and plants which are sustainable in nature find acceptance for the environment-conscious form of hardwood flooring.

There are several hardwood flooring experts who offer sustainable hardwood flooring solution as a highlight service. They also promote the sustainable hardwood products to initiate the use of naturally-sustainable hardwood products than the non-sustainable natural wood products like Solid Hardwood, Laminate flooring and Floating floors.

For environment-friendly flooring, there is use of sustainable wood like Cork and Bamboo. They are available for both commercial as well as the residential sectors. This form of hardwood flooring is equally attractive much like its other counterparts. It also imparts the beauty and luster of any other hardwood flooring and adds elegance to your home or office décor.

Moreover, these natural wooden floors are more advantageous than their other counterparts. Cork floors are more heat and sound insulating and can absorb any amount of impact easily than its other counterparts. Similarly, Bamboo is better than other general forms of hardwood flooring since it is very hard, durable and has unique grain patterns.

More Hardwood Flooring Articles

by GiantFightingBot

Increase Your Home’s Value with Affordable Hardwood and Carpet Flooring in Brookfield

With a variety of styles and price points, both hardwood and carpet flooring will look great in your home – and won’t break your budget. If you have been waiting to update old flooring or replacing stained carpeting, now is a great time to take advantage of affordable flooring in Brookfield. When shopping for your new flooring, key factors to consider include durability, price and style. Whether you choose hardwood or carpet, your new flooring will enhance your home’s style and add real value to your home’s bottom line.

Hardwood flooring in Brookfield: Instantly increase your home’s market value.
From sustainable bamboo and cork to polished oak and exotic Brazilian Teak, hardwood flooring in Brookfield offers something for everyone. Hardwood flooring is also extremely popular with potential homeowners. In today’s tight real estate market, upgrading from outdated or stained carpeting to hardwood flooring can instantly increase your home’s market value. And when properly maintained, hardwood flooring can truly last a lifetime. The major downside to hardwood flooring is that it can be expensive. Installation can take several days depending on the size of your room and whether your home also requires the installation of a proper subfloor. For these reasons, inexpensive and easy-to-install engineered floors made from compressed wood are a popular alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. Brookfield homeowners who love the look of wood but not the high prices should consider compressed laminate flooring.

Hardwood versus laminate flooring: Which is a better investment?
While hardwood flooring lasts a lifetime, laminate flooring can begin to show its age after eight to ten years. Over time, stress on the laminate from natural expansion and contraction caused by changes in air humidity can adversely affect engineered hardwoods. If you are looking for an affordable flooring upgrade and don’t plan to live in your home forever, compressed laminate flooring is a great option. However, if you plan on staying in your home for years to come, hardwood flooring, while more expensive, is a solid investment that will pay off in the long run.

Carpet flooring in Brookfield: Treat your feet to softness.
Even if you rise before the sun, sinking your feet into plush carpeting is a great way to start your morning. From bedrooms to family rooms, carpet flooring in Brookfield homes is a popular choice. Available in a variety of styles and textures, carpet flooring can add a sophisticated flair to your living room while keeping the kid’s playroom comfy and casual. Less expensive than hardwood flooring, installing new carpeting is a cost-effective way to add value to your home. If you have young children or pets, choose a carpet with built-in stain protection to minimize potential damage from spills. Carpet flooring in Brookfield homes provides warmth and comfort, and minimizes injuries when slips and falls occur. Carpet flooring also reduces noise, masking the sounds of foot traffic and blocking the sound transmission between different floors in your house.

Protect your investment.
Whether you choose hardwood or carpet flooring, Brookfield homeowners should protect their flooring investment with basic maintenance. Treat spills on carpeting promptly with a stain remover to minimize potential damage. If your carpet is in a high-traffic area, a weekly vacuum will keep the carpet clean and looking its best. Stop potential dirt at the door by using entry mats and asking friends and family to take off their shoes. Once a year, have your carpet professionally cleaned to remove embedded dirt and grime. Protect hardwood flooring in Brookfield homes by promptly cleaning up spills with a damp cloth. When moving heavy furniture, protect the floor by slipping a small rag under the furniture legs. Regularly sweep or dry mop your floors to keep them clean.