Blog Archive | December 2009

Hardwood flooring is the best choice for your home

There is no doubt about the fact that your floors have the ability to add beauty to your home. Hence, many people all across the world are giving importance to their floorings. They want to get the best flooring that will give their home a very aesthetic appeal. Hardwood flooring is one such flooring that gives your home an elegant and attractive look.

Hardwood floorings are perfect for modern homes. They enhance the look of your home, giving it a striking and beautiful look. Hardwood has a very natural and classy appearance and hence is very popular. If you have installed hardwood floorings in your home, then you need to take proper care of them. These floorings are durable if they are maintained properly.

If you fail to take care of your hardwood flooring then there are possibilities that your floor will get scratched, damaged and will look dull and old. In order to keep your hardwood flooring in good condition, make sure you keep it clean and dry. Avoid wiping your hardwood flooring with wet mops. Instead it is recommended that you vacuum clean these floors regularly.

Everyone wants their home to look clean, stylish and unique. Hardwood flooring will make your home look attractive and distinct. However, keeping the floor clean is your responsibility. Maintain your floorings and maintain the elegance of your home. Clean hardwood flooring will help to enhance the overall beauty of your home.

Assess the condition of wood flooring to identify any flaws

Wooden floors are widely used in the UK. Such flooring types last for a long time with little maintenance. Wooden floors are usually preferred for their beautiful and elegant appearance. The superior quality and look of such floors certainly adds to the overall value of the home.

Solid wood flooring certainly enhances the look of the living room. However, maintenance plays an important role in increasing shelf-life. Besides regular maintenance, you should examine the condition of the wooden floor. Such floors may appear tarnished after a few years. A thorough assessment will confirm if your floor requires cleaning or repair.

Follow the given guidelines to assess the overall condition of the solid wood flooring.

Wood flooring finish

Confirm if the finish of your floor is worn out or requires a simple cleaning procedure. Check if the floor is chipped or scraped due to any sharp objects. You can ascertain if the flooring is chipped by pouring on two tablespoons of water. If the water is absorbed then it is an indication that the finish is worn out. If the water is not immediately absorbed but leaves a mark on the wood surface, then it is a sign that the floor finish is worn out moderately. However, if you observe water beads then it means that the finish is in good condition. The above procedure should be conducted in a high traffic portion of the home.

Repeat the same procedure in a low traffic portion of the home. If the condition of the hardwood flooring is worn, then you should replace it as soon as possible.

Understanding the different features of hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is a suitable choice for any home. The overall appearance and durability further adds to the value of the building. A property with hardwood flooring will certainly fetch a good price. Are you considering a replacement for your current flooring? The following points will provide you with adequate knowledge pertaining to hardwood flooring. This is necessary if you are unfamiliar with the different features of hardwood flooring.

Materials used in hardwood flooring

Oak is one of the most widely used materials for hardwood flooring. The versatile and durable nature of oak is one of the major reasons for its popularity. Oak can look good in various decorating styles ranging from traditional to modern. In addition, oak is sturdy in nature and can resist any strong physical impact. It also lasts for several years with proper maintenance. Ash, cherry and walnut flooring are some of the other popular materials used. A darker shade enhances the look of the floor and makes it appear warmer than before.

Engineered and solid wood

Engineered and solid wood are the two types of hardwood flooring commonly available nowadays. Engineered wood is manufactured via multiple thin layers of wood that are laminated with finished hardwood.

Installation types

Users can also install the wood in different styles. The room selected for installation will affect the installation pattern. You can also fix the new floors to a subfloor.

Consult an expert to assist you in the installation process. Augment the beauty of your home décor with hardwood flooring.

Proper maintenance affects the lifespan of oak flooring

Nowadays, oak floors have become one of the most popular floors, as they add a natural look to the appearance of the room. Oak wood is available in two types - white oak and red oak. You can opt for either, as both of them have their own sets of advantages.

After installing oak floors in your home, you need to consider the maintenance of oak floors to increase the lifespan.

How to maintain oak floors

You should use protectors under the legs of tables and chairs, as it will help in avoiding scratches on the surface of the floor.

You also need take care that there is no direct sunlight hitting the floor, as it will fade it. So, you can use curtains, UV-resistant film or blinds to protect your oak floors from sunlight.

You also need to take care that there is no water spilt on the floor. If any kind of spill takes place then you need to immediately wipe it with a dry piece of cloth.

Maintaining your wood floor

When purchasing a house, one of the things you will pay close attention to is the floor. A floor must be beautiful and easy to maintain. Wood flooring is one the most preferred types of flooring in the UK. You can keep wood flooring in great shape with the help of the following tips.

Keep the floor neat: You can either sweep or vacuum the floor on a regular basis. Avoid using hard or needled brooms.

Use doormats: To keep the dirt out of the room, you need a heavy door mat. This door mat should have dirt brushes to remove all the grit entering the house. The dirt particles settle on the wood and make it black. Vinyl protectors will prevent the colour fading.

Exposure to sunlight: A wood floor loses lustre and colour through direct exposure to sunlight. You must choose curtains or blinds that will prevent direct access to sun rays on the floor. Going for translucent material will allow sufficient light to come in the house.

Water spills: Any water or beverage spills should be immediately treated. These can leave a long lasting impact on a wood floor.

Check your pets: The biggest threat floor wood can have is your pet. You need to ensure your pet is trained well. Pets often scratch the floor when playful.

Hardwood flooring versus carpet flooring

Hardwood flooring has always been a symbol of exotic home décor. Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for any home.

Here are some advantages of hardwood flooring over carpet flooring

Longevity: Hardwood flooring can last for a really long time. Other materials have not been so durable and strong. Hard woods, especially oak, stand the test of time.

Sensitivity: Laminates and other flooring materials give a cold feeling beneath your feet. Hardwood is naturally warmer than laminates. Wood holds heat for longer and this makes it ideal for flooring.

No breeding ground: People with allergies can be safer with hardwood flooring as they do not capture these things as carpets do.

Cleaning and maintenance: Wood floors are easier to mop and sweep. They are also easier to maintain than laminate floorings as they require a lot of scrubbing and washing.

When you have plans to stay in a house for long time, you must go for wood flooring. Any scratches or marks from pets and kids do not affect the aesthetics of the floor, as they can be polished and covered. Hardwood floorings give an exquisite look to your house.

Different types of hardwood floorings

Wood flooring gives an exotic and exquisite look to the entire house. The plethora of styles, cuts, colours and shapes makes wood flooring an excellent choice for any home. There is a huge range of hardwood flooring available. You can choose from conventional pine, mahogany, oaks and cork.

Wood flooring is eco friendly and in no way pollutes the environment. These hardwood floors can be recycled too. They will keep your house looking good for years to come.

Here are some styles and types of hardwood floors that can be used for your home.

Strip flooring: The floor is divided into linear strips. The floor looks bigger because of the layout. This is ideal for small houses.

Parquet flooring: This style is most experimented with. Parquet flooring is famous for its geometric shapes. Hardwood such as oak is recommended for living rooms.

Plank style: The floor is laid out in a linear pattern, but the pieces of wood are slightly shorter. White ash and red oak are suitable for this style.

Wood flooring is the best choice for homes. If you are looking for a good flooring option, you must try wooden flooring.

Simple tips when choosing hardwood flooring

Choosing hardwood flooring for your home is no easy task. You need to assess your needs carefully before you choose hardwood flooring. Listed below are a few tips to assist you in making the perfect choice.

The room: The room is an important consideration before you choose hardwood flooring. Do not use hardwood flooring for rooms that are exposed to moisture or harsh conditions. This may damage your flooring making it a bad investment in the long run. In addition to this, you should keep the aesthetics in mind. Do not use very light or very dark flooring in the kitchen area.

The finish: Choose the finish of your hardwood flooring according to the usage of the room. For a seldom used room, you can choose hardwood flooring that has a delicate finish. Rooms that receive continuous traffic need a tougher finish. A tough finish will ensure that your hardwood flooring can take up constant wear and tear.

The installation: This is one more important consideration. You can install your own wooden flooring. If you lack the expertise, or want a perfect job done you should accept professional help. This will be less stressful for you.

The style: The style and colour you choose are also a pertinent consideration. Choose a colour and style that will not go out of style for long. Go for a classic option that will be likeable to all.

Keep these simple and basic considerations in mind before you choose wooden flooring for your home.

3 Tips for cleaning hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is durable but you need to care for it too. Listed below are a few tips that will be helpful when maintaining hardwood flooring.

1) Cleaning on a regular basis:

You should watch out for dirt, sand and grit on a regular basis and clean any mess when possible. Do not let the finish of your hardwood flooring get dull. You can do this by vacuuming your hardwood flooring every now and again. Wipe your flooring with a slightly damp cloth and use a vacuum cleaner with a soft head. Do not use beater brushes, as these can damage your wooden flooring. Use good quality rugs at entrances in order to trap fine particles of dust from visitors.

2) Cleaning every three months:

Use a cleaning agent with a neutral PH balance in order to remove the accumulated grit from between hardwood flooring. Buy a cleaning product that is specifically formulated for wooden floors only. Do not use ammonia-based products or strong solvents to clean the floor. This will dull the finish of the floor and in the long run the wooden floor may also experience discolouration.

3) For stains:

The first step should be wiping the stain with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Do not just use paper towels or tissue paper. When cleaning, use mild detergents meant for wooden floors and then rub clean. Use rubbing alcohol for urine stains. Before you use any product on wooden flooring ensure that you try a small amount of it on a part of the wooden flooring first.

These three tips if followed to the tee can ensure that your wooden flooring stays looking new.