The Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring for the Home

A flattering and stylish look for the home has always been authentic hardwood flooring. It improves the value and look of the home, but it can be out of reach for most people on a budget. Laminate and vinyl flooring have an appeal all their own, but, while they might be purchased to resemble hardwood flooring, they leave something to be desired. When looking for an authentic look but with a more reasonable price, the obvious choice is engineered wood flooring, with advantages all of its own.

How it is made

There has recently been a significant increase in the popularity of engineered wood flooring, primarily because of its more economical price but it is also of equal quality with hardwood flooring, with none of its inherent problems with long use. Instead of lengths of expensive hardwoods being shaped and finished for installation as planks to fit the room, this type of more affordable wood flooring is created in a wholly different way.

Created through a method known as cross-grain construction, engineered flooring uses multiple layers of wood to create a stable whole. Each layer is placed, glued and pressed in a specific pattern that extends the life of the wood, as well as making it more resistant to warping and rotting from water damage or moisture.

Solid wood has no flexibility when it comes to being saturated with water. As it dries, it warps and bends from the inside out, destroying it. With engineered wood, each layer is placed in strips laid in alternating cross strips, there is more flexibility, and air and moisture pass through without destroying its integrity.

Easier to Install and Easier to Use

Because its construction makes it so much more moisture resistant and does not warp easily, this type of wood flooring can be used in a lot more climates than regular hardwood flooring can. Before the advent of this type of wood flooring, the only other type of wood that had the same versatility was bamboo flooring, which also retains its natural resistances, including mold and mildew.

It is also far easier to install in your home than regular hardwood flooring. When installing hardwood flooring, it has to be laid out plank by plank with each piece cut to be fitted to the next in the tongue and groove style. This can take hours to accomplish, in addition to which it takes time for the glue to dry and then the finish must be applied. The entire job can take a day or more to complete, whereas this more affordable type of wood flooring comes fully assembled to be laid out in either the antique looking tongue and groove fashion, or as floating panels over a sub floor. And, there is no need to add a finish to the mix, because it comes with it, reducing overall installation to just a few hours.

Tops in Durability Too

Like we have said before, engineered wood flooring is far better than hardwood flooring for a number of reasons. Price and installation make it more economical, and easier to set in place in just a few hours. But did you know that it is also more durable than hardwood flooring? Just like it is far better when it comes to resisting moisture, it is also more durable, and can be used in high traffic areas in your home. Unlike its counterpart, it can withstand the pounding of feet, the scratching of animal feet, and the scraping of furniture much better than its more expensive cousin. The secret lies in the number of layers used, and the thickness of those layers, simple as that.

Parquet Wood Flooring Services

A parquet wood floor surface provides a different kind of beauty to the floor of any home. Parquet wood floors are made of different strips or planks of wood that are attached together to create an intricate design. Some of the most common designs are the checkered and rectangular designs. Most of the time, these designs have the small wooden floorboards facing in different directions. This is the reason why it is particularly hard to refinish it.

Trouble with Parquet Wood Floors

Most homeowners are skeptical about it. This is because of the myth that they are difficult to maintain. In fact, most think that it is not possible to refinish it because of their design, but that assumption is wrong. Floor service providers can refinish parquet wood floors just as well as they would any other wooden floor surface. Reviving these floors' original colors and stability is indeed possible.

Their designs that have wood in different directions mean that polishing can be quite difficult. In fact, a normal polishing method will not do a job well enough. There are gaps between each of the small wooden floor boards. There are two different gaps that are common in it. The first is the gap between each of the wooden floorboards. Overtime, they can become loose and move around. The other kind is the gap between wooden floorboards due to the differences in thickness. Some of it are higher than others, while some have already sunk. These gaps can be caused by the temperature changes and moisture that forms on the floor.

These are the reasons why it is very difficult to it, especially if it is not done by professionals. DIY videos and guides do exist to assist homeowners, but these might not be enough to give your parquet wood floor a satisfying refinish. This is why it is important to have professionals with the right tools to refinish parquet wood floors for your home.

Expert Flooring Services

Floor service providers such as a flooring team company are prepared to give any kind of floor a good quality refinishing, and that also includes parquet wood floors. They can restore and refinish any condition of parquet wood floor no matter how badly damaged the surface is. A flooring team company professionals know the best methods for refinishing it and they are also equipped with the right tools. They can sand it to even the surface out. Then, with their polishing tools, they easily polish the floor. In no time, your parquet floor will be restored to a condition that is as good as new.

Besides the basic service to refinish parquet floors, a flooring team company can provide replacement and repairs too. They can assess any floor in your home and estimate the repairs and services that it needs. The floor might have been damaged by bleaching, scratches and rotting. All of these can be taken care of by a flooring team company.

Why Engineered Flooring May Be Right For Your Home

Homeowners in need of new flooring may want to consider the many benefits of engineered wood floors. If you consider investigating this style of floor,then you'll find you have a large selection to choose from as this is the most utilised style today.

Engineered wood flooring is constructed with real lumber that has been flattened into several layers. Furthermore, multiple thicknesses are created through the engineering process to build the wood planks, and each sheet is set in different directions to increase durability. From this construction method, you can feel confident that your engineered wood floor could in fact be sturdier than solid wood.

You may of course be contemplating buying some laminate or solid wood flooring instead of engineered, but there are of course pro's and cons. Laminate flooring can scratch and may not last very long is exposed to water, and the hollow sound that they can make when you walk across them can be bothersome for some homeowners.

Solid wood as an options can turn out to be very expensive and also time consuming to install (or indeed therefore expensive to install). Moreover, solid wood can lose its shimmer over time requiring maintenance, yet too much polish and it may become slippery, which can of course cause falls.

Engineered flooring is affordable and easy to install. This style of plank is laid using a floating method, and this increases the speed of installation since the planks are not nailed down. There are also benefits regarding repair and replacement as they will be easier to access and remove.

You also have the option of selecting wider planks is you decide to go for engineered wood. Additionally, it can be installed without the use of sub-floors increasing its cost-effectiveness. You may consider this type of flooring for areas where solid hardwood cannot be installed - such as over concrete, in basements and with the use of radiant heating. Also, engineered floors do not crown or buckle like hard wood can.

This is also a great flooring option to install if you have children since spills and accidents are a common child occurrence. Additionally, homeowners with pets will benefit from the easy clean-up that engineered wood flooring provides. Furthermore, they are recommended for high traffic areas where they are able to withstand the extra abuse.

The choice of finish is also something that you get control over. You can choose from styles that include distressed and wire brushing to oiled and lacquered polishes. Also, you'll have a variety of colour options to create the ambiance that you desire (choose the colours through different woods, like oak or walnut).

Another great benefit is that if you or someone in your family has allergies, then relief can be found when you remove carpeting and install your new flooring. Carpets tend to accumulate dust, dander and mould spores causing allergy sufferers to be greatly affected. This does not happen with plank based floors, so the allergens have less places to reside.

Another benefit over carpets is the fact that carpets require additional maintenance; frequent vacuuming, regular shampooing etc., especially if you have children and pets that can easily stain your carpets with smelly substances.

As a homeowner, you'll enjoy the look of hardwood flooring in your home without the problems that solid hard wood can cause. Furthermore, engineered wood flooring will increase the value of your home while you enjoy the comfort and elegance that it provides.

Which Rooms Benefit Most From Solid Wood Flooring?

With more and more choice being made available in varying styles, colours and finishes, having a solid wood floor installed in your home is becoming a firm favourite when people decide to redecorate. One of the benefits of a wood floor is that it is timeless and with this comes the hidden benefit that it will help you to sell your house. Another benefit is that it is easily installed. The only major decision you have to make is what style of wood flooring and which room do you want to install it in.

When looking into which room would benefit the most from having a solid wood floorboard installed you will not only see the usual rooms but also a few surprises.

When it comes to restyling your living room, people often feel that if you make it too modern and contemporary it becomes cold and uninviting, especially with all the modern gadgets that are now available. So they often tend to choose wood flooring to make it more traditional. Similar to the living room, the bedroom can also be enhanced with wood flooring. Solid wooden floor can give any room an immediate impact some may even say it can be overpowering, but you can always soften it with a few clever decorative finishes, such as a giant rug in the centre of the room, to give the room warmth. It is not only your decorative styles that can make your room feel even cosier; a solid wood floorboard is also a great insulator so it will help keep the room warm in those cold winter months. If you want a classic vintage look go for a patterned rug, but if you decide you do want something a bit more contemporary then go for a solid block colour rug.

Wood floorings have become more and more popular and with this high demand it means that more choice is now on offer. There is no doubt that wood flooring is highly durable and easy to clean making it a perfect choice for any family room such as the living room. But it is also becoming popular in other rooms such as the hallway or dining room. Some people may often choose against having a solid wood floor installed in these rooms, as they believe it will darken an already dark room due to the limited amount of natural light, but wood flooring is now available in a variety of different finishes and shades, making it more adaptable. For instance a highly polished wood floorboard that shines can be extremely inviting as it brings warmth to any room.

Most astonishingly kitchens and bathrooms can also benefit from having wood floorboard. Wood flooring is easily cleaned and protected, especially when varnished or even by making it water resistant. Also, it is durable no matter what the wear and tear or the spillages, all you have to do is wipe them up or if more drastic action is required you can have it stripped and re varnished.

With so much choice such as the different types of wood or the finishes any room can be transformed with a solid wooden floorboard.

5 Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring That You Should Know - Consider This Before Buying One

Engineered wood flooring is a common choice among homeowners because of its homely and beautiful appearance which is also economical with various designs available in the market. Hence, this type of flooring has been widely used in every home because of its main advantages - hence, take note of the main advantages below:Advantage #1: Prevent the wood from bending over long period of time

Basically, engineered wood flooring is made of sandwich of several laminations of wood which comprises both finish wood (on top) and unfinished plywood (underneath). Each layer of the material is meticulously arranged and placed to form a cross-grain construction which contributes the sturdiness and durability of the floor and making it withstand high moisture conditions.

Advantage #2: Resist high moisture conditions

Unlike traditional wood flooring, this particular flooring is perfectly installed in most of the rooms including bathroom and kitchen - as these rooms usually have high moisture and you need to choose flooring materials which has good threshold to water and dampness. In other words, you do not have to worry about your floor when it is exposed to high moisture, or it is overly wet.

Advantage #3: Easy and fast installation for homeowners

Normally, most engineered wood flooring is available in prefinished form. It means that upper layer of the floor is already been sanded and sealed so that you can walk on it after installation. Therefore, you can save up installation cost because you can practically install it on your own. Its instant installation feature has caught attention of many DIY-enthusiasts to add-in aesthetic value to their property by installing such flooring with various designs (differs from the types of hardwood species used) including hickory, oak, bamboo and maple wood flooring.

Advantage #4: Nail-less flooring installation - lengthy panes and tongue and groove type

Although this flooring has a range of installation methods including staple, nail, glue, or float - most homeowners prefer nail-less installation and the common installation choices available are either the "floating" style - which lengthy panes are installed (by gluing or snapping them together) without nailing down the sub-floor, or the "tongue and grove" style - which the planks are joined together lengthwise as the "tongue" (projecting part along an edge's center) of one board fits into "groove" (also known as the slot along the edge) of the other board. It is much easier as compared with solid wood flooring.

Advantage #5: It can be sanded (but only for a limited time of sanding only)

A little-known fact about engineered wood flooring is that it can be sanded when there are scratches, ding and dents on the floor. However, sanding can only be done only for 2 times - which is solely based on the thickness of the floor. If you are unsure whether you should perform sanding, it is appropriate that you call a flooring expert to perform such task.

By knowing the advantages of having engineered wood flooring, you can start comparing prices among the same flooring product as this product is manufactured by different flooring companies. Be sure that you get the right product at affordable price.

Choosing Flooring Inspired by Nature

People choose flooring inspired by nature because they may want their room to have a unique and natural feel to it. It may add depth, elegance and beauty to a room. It is the sort of thing that interior designers tend to go for, but you can get the effect yourself without having to go to that expense. That is why many people choose flooring inspired, in some way, by nature, and these are in more abundance than many people may think.

Wooden flooring is obviously nature inspired because of its origins. But many people, for cost purposes, may want flooring as near to a wood pattern as possible - giving the illusion of wooden flooring without being wood itself. Other wood flooring that is influenced by nature is white oak hardwood flooring. White oak is a natural wood dating back centuries, with a precise grain texture dating back to medieval times. It is more of a pale gold colour than straight white. There are different grades of white oak hardwood flooring, the two most near to nature being clear white oak which is taken from the core of the oak tree itself, raw and undisturbed. There is also common oak that has natural dark streaks. This is also the lowest price hardwood flooring material. Therefore White oak flooring is not only costly but also brings nature to your room and is strong as it is natural wood. Engineered wood flooring can give the illusion of real wood flooring, even something as accurate as lines on wood, looking as accurate as possible for nearly half the price of natural wood.

Cork flooring is not only a renewable source, but the way it is sourced means it does not cause any environmental damage. This means that a person can enjoy nature inspired flooring without worrying about the environment. With cork flooring the cork is stripped without causing any destruction to the tree.

Hardwood bamboo flooring comes from a bamboo plant which has matured. This is a natural and sustainable source which helps if you want flooring reflecting true nature. Because it grows really fast it is more viable to use this for wood, rather than cutting down trees in the rainforests, for natural wood. This natural wood is available at affordable prices and so can be seen as an ideal flooring type for people who appreciate nature.

There are also patterns and colours that can be inspired by nature. The reasonably priced laminate flooring which can give the illusion of real nature at a cheaper price. Vinyl flooring offers the customer the chance to decide how their flooring looks. They can select patterns that look like wood and give their room the feel of nature whilst not actually being the real thing. A child's carpet may resemble nature to give them comfortable surroundings or simply incorporate tree designs or animal patterns. No matter how far from nature some may intend to be, nature can still be present.

Choosing flooring inspired by nature can involve simply buying flooring that comes from natural resources, and as another option, people can buy cheaper flooring types that give the illusion of wood or patterns and colours that represent nature. When choosing your flooring there are plenty of types that are inspired by and come directly from, nature.

Things to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring

Nothing makes a home look more elegant, warm and inviting than wood flooring throughout. You simply cannot ask for a more durable and beautiful flooring scheme, and that may just be the reason that more homeowners than ever are choosing hardwood flooring for their homes. It not only lasts for years, but it also adds value to your home and property. If you do not currently have it in your home, but would like to install it, please do, but there are some things that you may want to consider before settling on any one type.

How it is created

Most of the wood used to create wood floors is pre-finished at the factory long before it is installed in your home, although you do have the choice of ordering unfinished wood. Unfinished wood can always be stained and finished on-site, before being installed. This type is known as solid wood, and has been the favorite when homeowners are choosing hardwood flooring, and has been used for centuries. It can be finished and refinished several times over the years, and will last for decades.

Another kind of wood flooring, engineered wood, uses several layers of real wood that is sandwiched together. Each layer is laid crosswise to the previous layer, creating a solid weave of real wood planes that is just as durable as the solid wood version. This type can also be refinished when necessary, but the number of times this can be done will depend on the thickness of the topmost layer. In recent years, a layer of aluminum oxide has been added to most manufactured wood flooring, which extends its durability, so much so that it is not unusual to see manufacturer's warranties that extend fifty years or more.

Species Available

Another choice that will have to be made when ordering wood floors to be installed in your home is the species of wood that you wish to have. The most popular styles are generally broken down into two distinct categories: domestic hardwoods and exotic. The domestic type includes more than fifty different species, with the most popular being walnut, maple, pine, ash, hickory and beech. The exotic category includes species that are imported, like tiger wood, Brazilian cherry and Amendoim. The most popular exotic out there today, however, is bamboo.

Bamboo is, by far, the best-selling choice in wood flooring today. It is an environmentally conscious alternative to real wood, and is equally as durable as any domestic hardwood available today. It is available in both horizontal and vertical grains, and can be left natural or in a carbonized form. The carbonization process will heat the bamboo to achieve a darker tone, and improves its durability. Bamboo can be stained into uniform darker colors, or it can be left as strands, with alternating dark and light grains throughout. It is available in both engineered and solid formats.

Widths and Finishes

The last few choices to make when ordering wood floors for your home are to decide on the widths of the wood, and the decorative finishes that are available. The different widths these are available in can make its own decorative statement in your home, when used properly. It all depends on the total look you are striving for. Traditional oak strip, for example, has narrower pieces of wood, measuring around 2 ½" in width. Wood planks are another popular choice, which range anywhere from 3" to 7" in width. The wider planks make for a more modern look, while the narrower choices make it look more antique.

When choosing hardwood flooring, you must also take into consideration the finish you want for the overall decorative effect. Still others prefer that the wood remain its natural color, or stained to a color of their choice. Whitewashed or a distressed finish is also an option for anyone who wishes their flooring to look older and more classic, if that is what will fit in best in their home. That look will also provide a dramatic backdrop for any antique rugs that you may want to utilize as well.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Wooden Flooring

Wood flooring is an effective option for almost any residence. Wood is definitely a natural material with a lengthier life span, looks stunning and adds value to your property. Wood flooring offers lots of advantages however you have to keep in mind the following points when weighing if wooden flooring could be the solution you're looking for concerning your flooring.

What Is The Budget For Your Wood Flooring?

Wood flooring extremely differs in cost. The finish and quality of the wood, among other things, changes the overall expense. Rustic grade wood flooring will cost you more than select or A grade wood flooring. The concern of the fitting also has an effect on its rate.

What Kind Of Sub-Floor Do You Have?

The sub-floor that already exists in your house will determine which kind of wood flooring you may use. Your subflooring can be concrete or wood depending on the model of your home and also when it was built. This is one of the major factors in your selection of wood flooring.

Where Are You Going To Put The Flooring?

If its going to be placed in the living room, the kitchen, hallway or perhaps the dining area, every single room has various attributes and demands appropriate flooring types. As a result, if you are intending to lay out the actual floor in various rooms or are doing the whole house you need to select a form of wood that will best suit your needs.

What Colour, Grain and Pattern Do You Want?

There is a wealth of variety in the type available as there are generally a huge number of colour varieties. Colour is dependent on varieties, age of the tree, the place it was basically harvested and how it was subsequently handled after harvest. A few species are typically lighter in colour, while others are dark. So much choice can be overwhelming! We suggest you select the colour you want before delving into the grain and pattern types.

What Kind Of Finish Do You Want?

The four primary finishes available are oils, hardwax oils, lacquers and varnish. The type of finish determines the final look of the floor. It will also affect the sustainability of the floor and how frequent it needs servicing.

What Grade and Quality of Wood Flooring Should You Choose?

Grading is influenced by knots along with other imperfections. There are many different grades of wood and as you'd assume, better grades of wood cost more. Quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and is also impacted by factors such as from where the wood is grown and how it is normally dried. The grade and also quality of the wood you select relies upon the budget along with your particular preference, but don't forget - low cost wood may not definitely be the most effective.

We hope this article will be as an effective guideline if you're considering purchasing this to improve your property.

Why Training Benefits Both Fitters and Suppliers of Real Wood Flooring

As in any industry, the appropriate training is essential to guarantee the job gets done properly and that everyone benefits from the process. There are many fitters of real wood floors - builders, carpenters and trained wood flooring specialists.

Each fitter has a different skill-base, experience and technique using a wide range of products, therefore there can be a lot of variation in the workmanship of the end product. Why problems arise for fitters Installing a real wood floor is not an easy task. Laminate and engineered real wood floors can be installed on top of an underlay, but the sub floor needs to be in a good condition to start with.

Solid wood floors need to be fixed to a subfloor. On a concrete subfloor they need to be fixed with an adhesive. On a wooden subfloor they need to be fixed with a porter nailer - the existing boards need to be checked to make sure they aren't loose and secured first. Engineered and solid floors need to acclimatise to the environment to be fitted. Packs need to remain closed in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. Room temperature should ideally be around 18 degrees C with a relative humidity between 45-55%.

The moisture content of the fitting environment is one of the most important factors. Changes in humidity cause expansion and contraction of real wood floors. Other moisture considerations are wet-trades work - concrete floors being completely dry, all plasterwork complete and dry, painting and wallpapering has been given time to dry out, wall or floor tiles installed for at least 3 weeks and radiators have been bleed to name a few. There are so many possible variants and therefore room for problems with fitting that it's important that trade workers have the relevant experience.

Fitting Floors

Why problems arise for suppliers Because of the wide variety of issues that can arise from the actual fitting of a real wood floor, when a job does go wrong sometimes the fitter blames the supplier or manufacturers product and not their skill in fitting. This obviously causes many problems the supplier. Once their product has been delivered to a fitter, they have little or no control over what happens to it next.

Experienced fitters should check the wood supply before fitting and raise any concerns with the supplier. Also a detailed fitting process should be listed to the supplier so that they can carry out their own inspection on the fitting to determine whether the issue is their product or the installation. If the dispute is still not settled, an independent inspection can be brought in for a fee of up to £500 - a cost shared by both parties.

The solution is training Even an established fitter can benefit from additional training. Use of moisture meters and understanding how to fully use them can help eliminate problems further down the line. The British Wood Flooring Association (BWFA) runs 2 day courses in skills such as installation, and sanding and finishing. They also offer an NVQ qualification in wood floor installation. Even if you know what you're doing, anyone can improve their skills by learning more advanced techniques such as inlay work.

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.

Depending on your floor's finish, you may also need to wax and polish your wood floors regularly, at least once a year, to ensure your flooring remains as protected as possible. If you're just too busy to carry out this hefty maintenance task, contract with a hardwood flooring contractor.

Laying of Engineered Wood Flooring Yourself

Engineered wood flooring is finished wood veneer placed over manufactured particle board that is almost indistinguishable from solid wood when installed. It is thinner, straighter, more uniform and somewhat easy to install. You can lay engineered wood flooring yourself using the floating method in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Assemble the materials you'll need

You will need:• Tape measure

• Broom and dust pan

• Moisture barrier (If laying on concrete sub floor)

• Pad

• Adhesive (If your wood is tongue-and-groove)

• Saw

• Rubber mallet

• Tapping block

Step 2:Determine how much wood you'll need

Measure the dimensions of the room you want to lay the flooring using your tape measure. Multiply the length of the room with its width to get the room's exact square footage.

Add about 15 per cent to the room's square footage to get the actual size of wood you will need. 15 per cent extra footage is added to cater for cutting mistakes and waste during installation.

Step 3:Clean the floor

Remove everything in the room to allow for thorough cleaning before laying the floor. Sweep and mop the floor to get rid of all visible dart particles and debris.

Step 4:Install a moisture barrier

If your sub-floor is concrete, cover it with a moisture barrier to prevent ground moisture damaging your wood flooring. Fit the pad on top of the moisture barrier once the barrier is in place.

Step 5:Lay the flooring

Lay down the first flooring board starting from the furthest corner of the room. Lock the next flooring board into place, if the wood has a snap-lock feature.

Apply adhesive at the first and second boards' point of contact to hold the boards together, if your wood is the tongue-and-groove type.

Repeat the process and lay a complete vertical row first. Measure the last board at the end of the row and cut it to the exact fit against the wall. Use your rubber mallet to fit the board perfectly against the wall.

Add a second row to the side of your first vertical row and work your way to the end of this row. Add another row to the side of the second row and repeat this working pattern with subsequent rows until you've laid out the whole room.

Arrange the rows in a systematic order from where previous rows start to ensure the end joints will look beautiful when the job is done. Finally, attach baseboards around the floor and wall joints to complete laying your flooring.

Step 6:Clean Up

Pick up anything laying around on the floor. Sweep saw dust and other debris away and mop any visible dirt on the new flooring to finish a job well done.

Tips

• Keep your new engineered wood flooring in good condition by cleaning it regularly with a soft broom. You may also use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of minuscule dirt particles on the floor.

• Never use regular floor cleaners on engineered wood flooring because these damage the wood itself and its veneer finish look.

• And, keep your wood flooring dry at all times to ensure it lasts longer.

Why Switch to Solid Wood Flooring?

More and more consumers are making the switch from carpets to solid wood floorboards. Styles and colours of carpet date over time and when you redecorate, the colour of your carpet needs to be considered before you choose which colour to splash on your walls. With wood flooring this is not such a problem as it complements most colours.

Solid wood floorboards can increase the value or your home, but there are a few things to consider before laying it all over your house.

Newly laid solid wood flooring looks fantastic, but it can become damaged when wet so it may be wise to install a different type of floor, such as vinyl flooring, in bathrooms and kitchens where spillages happen more frequently. A basement is also not a good place to install the flooring as these are usually damper than other areas of the house.

Once you've avoided those areas, the flooring can be laid throughout the rest of the house, giving your home that classic finish. Your floor will now complement both traditional furniture and contemporary furnishing leaving you the opportunity to style your home the way you've always dreamed of.

Wood floors will cost you more than laminate floors alternatives but the flooring will more than pay for itself over the years. Many believe that solid wood flooring improves with age and more often than not will outlast the homeowner. Carpeting needs constant vacuuming and if red wine is spilt then a new carpet is often the only option. If there is a spillage on your wooden floor, as long as it is mopped up quickly it shouldn't stain.

If you have a family pet, then wooden flooring may not be the right choice for you. The paws of cats and dogs can often cause scratches and you wouldn't want them to spoil the look of your new home improvement investment, instead you should consider a laminate alternative as many come with scratch resistant properties.

Solid Wood interiors are the latest trend this spring, so now is the perfect time to address your flooring in time for summer. Maintenance is no longer an issue as new technology in stains and finishes mean that little more than sweeping is required.

There are also many health benefits to installing solid wood flooring. The flooring does not collect dust like carpets, so any family members who suffer from allergies could potentially see their symptoms improve just by changing the floorboard. The wood also flexes as you walk across it which means that less stress is put on your bones.

Online is a great place to shop for solid wood flooring. There are great discounts to be found and many retailers will deliver samples through your door for no extra cost.

What Type Of Wood Do I Want For My Home Flooring

With so many choices available in the market, it might be difficult to make a decision as to what type of flooring is best for your home. Read on for some useful suggestions.

Reasons for choosing wood flooring

There are many advantages wooden floors have over ceramic or fitted carpet floors. Perhaps the most significant advantage lies in wood's longevity. While initial costs may be higher when compared to other types of flooring, wooden floors have a shelf life of up to a century, if maintained regularly and adequately. Therefore, wood flooring is a good long-term investment.

Wooden floors require minimal maintenance and cleaning them is an easy and hassle-free task. As a result, wooden floors are ideal in those homes whose residents suffer from environmental allergies. There are never dust build-ups, animal dander and other allergens trapped in wooden floors.

Wooden floors are aesthetically pleasant. Wood adds a delicate and classy touch to any floor. Also, due to the huge variety of woods, wooden floors are highly versatile. Homeowners can choose to create both modern and traditional looks, since there is a colour, cut and style of wood for every need.

Last but not least, woods can be recycled and therefore are a green option when it comes to home decoration.

Wood types

Maple

Maple wood is a step above oak in terms of durability. The colour range goes from creamy white to brown, including some reddish tones. The lighter tones can be used in kitchens or living rooms, to open up the space and bring in some brightness. Darker tones can be combined with orange or cream-painted walls to create a welcoming and warm space.

Walnut

Walnut is a relatively soft wood. Black walnut wood in particular will add a touch of formality to any room, therefore being ideal for office and studio floors. Combine a dark walnut wooden floor with a colour-block rug for a striking effect.

Ash

Ash wood is available in colours going from light cream to dark chocolate. Mix, match and contrast with your existing decoration to create a homely feel in bedrooms and living rooms.

Oak

Red oak is one of the most popular choices, although it is not as durable as white oak. The natural highlights in both white and red oak can immediately warm up a room, so they are ideal to be used in bedrooms. Red oak floors are a great match to rooms painted in vivacious colours, such as children's rooms or modern studios.

Dark oak tones can be used to create a comfortable atmosphere in living rooms decorated in contrasting tones (such as deep reds or indigo blues).

Black oak is a rare wood that can add a sober and elegant touch to a room. It is a perfect match to a minimalist-style dining room.

And remember, wooden floors are always in style!

In Defense of Solid Wood Flooring

When choosing a nice new floor, many homeowners won't even consider solid wood flooring as an option. Wood gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes, and most of the criticism focuses on the amount of maintenance that real wood products require. And then there's the element of risk - nobody wants a floor that can be ruined by the slightest spillage. Unless you're some kind of ultra-cautious, clumsy-proof superhuman, you'll want your home to allow for at least the occasional error.

But you shouldn't let your chronic butterfingers be a barrier between you and your dream floor. It's time to stop talking about the drawbacks of solid wood flooring and start acknowledging the positives. Frankly, nobody would bother with wood if it were nothing but a persistent pain, so let's take a look at some of the arguments for wooden floors:It Looks Great!

This is without a doubt the main selling point of solid wood flooring. Laminate floors might be more durable and versatile than hardwood, but if we're going exclusively on appearance then wood is the winner every time. The natural-yet-luxurious veneer of a genuine oak wood floor is one heck of a good way to brighten up a room, and whether your interior design tastes lean towards untarnished elegance or vintage-style shabby chic, there's bound to be a solid wood floor out there that suits your palate.

It Feels Great!

Okay, if you've just gotten out of bed on a cold winter's morning then you'd probably rather have a nice, warm carpet under your feet. At any other time, though, solid wood's grainy terrifically tactile texture is utterly unbeatable. It's a nice, smooth feel, although the subtle grain of the surface feels pleasantly organic, which makes it lovelier even than laminate.

It Keeps On Giving!

As demanding as solid wood flooring can sometimes be, it's also the most rewarding kind of floor on the market. Sure, carpeting is cheap and doesn't need very much attention, but solid wood is a product that you'll never stop loving. It will still be just as appealing in a decade's time as it is today, and if you do your best to take care of it, the stunning effect it has on your home won't have diminished either.

Potential Buyers Will Love It!

And if you don't intend to stay in your current property for as long as ten years, you can still benefit from a beautiful bit of hardwood. When an estate agent sees that you've got real wood flooring in your living room, their estimate will skyrocket; everyone knows that wood does wonders for a house's market value, and if you're looking to sell then a wood floor will have potential buyers falling over each other to make you an offer.

So while it's true that real wood flooring isn't for everyone, it's hard to deny that it has an awful lot going for it. Perhaps the next time you're re-flooring a room, you won't be so scared of solid wood and its sumptuous style!

The Benefits of Engineered Flooring Over Solid Wood

Engineered wood flooring is becoming increasingly popular in the UK flooring market, with homeowners looking to recreate the look and feel of a solid wood floor without the substantial outlay.

Engineered wood flooring provides a number of benefits that solid wood simply cannot match. In terms of the aesthetics of this product, you will be hard pushed to tell the difference. The top layer of engineered wood flooring is solid wood, so all the whirls and knots you would expect from a solid wood floor are present, along with the warm, natural hues traditional solid wood floors provide.

But what about the functionality of an engineered style of flooring? What are the benefits over a solid wooden floor?

Functionality

Engineered flooring is inherently stronger than solid hardwood, ensuring added stability and a flooring solution that can be installed by the homeowners themselves without the added hassle and expense of assistance from a professional. Modern engineered styles of flooring come with a glueless lock system, turning it into what is essentially a simple, if not rather large jigsaw puzzle; simply lock each floorboard into place and hey presto!

Durability

The durability of an engineered floor makes it an excellent choice for households with little feet running around, whether they belong to the family pooch or your little darlings. This type of flooring is resistant to scratching, dents, UV rays and moisture, so whatever accidents should occur, engineered flooring can be mopped, brushed or vacuumed and it will look as good as new. If you do somehow manage to damage engineered flooring, it can be remedied with a quick sanding down, which will restore it to the condition it was in the minute after it was laid. This added durability makes engineered flooring suitable for kitchens as well as living and dining rooms.

Maintenance

Maintaining an engineered style of flooring is a far less time consuming process than the maintenance of solid hardwood. Spillages can be simply mopped up without worrying about the damage the moisture might otherwise do to the integrity of a solid wood floor. Wood is also highly susceptible to denting and scrapes which engineered flooring can easily withstand.

If you're looking at flooring options for your residential property and your heart is set on solid wood, it is certainly well worth taking a look at engineered flooring alternatives just to see how much money you could save; we can guarantee you'll be surprised just how fantastic an engineered style of flooring options look.

Changing the Colour of Real Wood Flooring

Years of direct sunlight, water and grit can dull and scratch your real wood flooring. Staining your floors can revitalise the warmth and give you the option to change the colour. Place some water droplets in a frequently used area. If it penetrates the surface, the wood isn't sealed and needs refinishing. If the water beads up, your floor only needs cleaning. In either case, you can change the colour of your real wood floor using these easy steps.

1. Calculate your floor's square footage. You'll need this information when purchasing your supplies.

2. Remove all furnishings and secure your window coverings away from the floor. Insert a putty knife between the wall and base molding. Remove the molding with a pry bar. Hammer nails that aren't flush with the floor. Remove waxy buildup with mineral spirits and use a broom to remove debris. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and give the floor time to thoroughly dry before you sand it.

3. Removing the finish is the most labor-intensive part of the process. Follow the instructions that accompanied the power sander. Start with 40 to 60 grit sandpaper, and then smooth it out with 100 grit paper. Vacuum the debris between each complete pass. After the floor is even and smooth, use a putty knife and stainable wood filler to correct imperfections. Dampen a cloth with mineral spirits and wipe the floor.

4. Use a roller or paintbrush to apply a protective basecoat to seal and protect your freshly sanded floors. This provides moisture and a barrier to keep your floors clean.

5. For a consistent colour, pour the stain into a large container and blend it with a wood stir stick.

6. Test your colour on an inconspicuous portion of your floor. Invariably, the colour on your floor will differ from the stain depicted on the container.

7. Use a lint-free cloth to apply the stain. Follow your stain's instructions and begin in a corner of the room. Work your way toward the door. Occasionally blend the stain to maintain a consistent color. Excess stain can blemish your floors' appearance. Promptly remove drips with a fresh lint-free cloth.

8. Give your floors sufficient time to dry. This may take up to six hours. For a darker shade, apply a second coat.

9. After your floor is thoroughly dry, apply a finish to protect the floor. Oil-based polyurethane finishes can be applied after eight hours. Wait 24 hours before applying a water-based finish. Transfer your finish to a paint tray and use a lambswool applicator or natural bristle brush. Follow the same process you used to apply the stain. It will take approximately four hours to dry.

All you need is to make sure you are careful and patient and there is no reason why you can't save some expense and change the colour of your real wood flooring yourself.

Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring

There are many types of flooring available in the market today, so when it comes to picking one most suitable for your home, you'd be stumped for choice. However, it is known that engineered wood floors are a current favorite and a trend in times of today because of its homely feel, gorgeous appearance and minimal cost. If you've been leaning towards this type of flooring, here are a few things that could help you make your flooring choice.

It's solid. The wood is properly engineered to last a long time and with all the detail put into it, you can be guaranteed that the wood won't bend after a period of time. This works because the wood is made up of layers of unfinished plywood with finished wood on top, played in a cross grain fashion which gives the wood flooring its durability.

Resistant to high moisture. Most wooden floorings cannot be installed in places such as the bathroom, kitchen and anywhere else where there is a constant use of water because it will damage easily when in contact with water. This engineered wood is one of a kind because it's common to have it installed in kitchens and even parts of the bathroom because it has got a high moisture resistance. The wood is so sturdy, it won't damage when it's damp so you won't have to worry when it comes to maintaining or cleaning. You can mop the floor as you like and not be paranoid that there may be excess water.

Save installation cost. The beauty of this wood is that you can get it prefinished, meaning that you can buy it in perfect form and there would be no need to have it sanded or sealed. This gives you the benefit of installing it yourself if you'd like to keep to a small budget. Engineered wood is a favorite among those who love do-it-yourself projects because they can use different types of engineered woods and design their own floors. Also, there isn't a specific way to install this flooring as it can be done by stapling, gluing or using the floating method. You can pick the one that suits your preference best as the wood won't damage under any of these choices.

Fix it. The beauty of this wood is that you can sand away any little defects on the wood such as scratches or dents on the floor, and you can usually sand it yourself. However, depending on the thickness of the wood, you would only be able to sand it a couple of times, so if you experience a lot of damages, then it would be best to call a professional to analyze the wood before you sand it.

Engineered wood flooring is basically flooring made easy. You'll have no trouble in maintaining it and it will last a long time. If this is what you're looking for then give it a go.

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring: Solid and Engineered

Selecting new hardwood flooring for your home can be an alarming and unexpected time consuming task. With the never ending selection of hardwood flooring materials available today with as many locations, each offering discounts, advantages and recommendations over competing rivals, home or business owners are often left in a cloud of confusion with difficulty in making a formidable decision. Far too many times, frustrated home and business owners throw up their hands in surrender, giving in to uneducated sales presentations, purchasing the lowest priced wood flooring material to bring closure to a very un-eventual process. Unfortunately, purchasing hardwood flooring material based on price eventually results in floors once installed, with surprising negative consequences in less time than expected.

To date, there are two types of pre-finished hardwood flooring materials available, solid and engineered, available in a wide spectrum of colors and finishes. Where each type of wood flooring material is similar in durability, however there remains a significant difference in composition and pricing per square foot that remains a determining factor often over-looked by price conscious, weary purchasers.

Solid pre-finished hardwood flooring is as the name implies, "solid" wood with un-limited species to choose from. With thicknesses of 5/16" to ¾" typical, solid wood flooring is fabricated in tongue and groove configuration locking all members together in a "no-glue" fashion. Tongue and groove solid pre-finished wood flooring is typically nailed in with specialized tools, however may be "free-floated" over appropriate underlayment to allow for contraction and expansion during temperature changes. Three- quarter inch (3/4") tongue and groove solid flooring is not recommended for below grade installations, such as basements, due to adverse effect on the wood when installed over existing concrete surfaces. Buckling, cupping and seam separation are common indications of solid wood flooring installed in improper locations or in an incorrect manner.

Associated costs per square foot for solid hardwood flooring are as expected considerably higher due to solid wood composition. With typical costs per square for material only starting or exceeding $4-$5 per square foot, ¾" solid hardwood flooring should be installed by qualified and experienced flooring installers for best results. Home or business owner installation is not recommended due to the complexity of installation and specialized tools required. Of noticeable cost per square foot concerns, home or business owners should take note of professional installation raising the cost of solid wood flooring exceeding $10-$12 per square foot, however the results far out-weigh the additional cost of the original investment. Solid hardwood floors have a life expectancy of 50 years or more when properly installed with the possibility to change finishing colors by re-sanding, keeping abreast with the latest in interior designs.

Engineered pre-finished wood flooring is rapidly becoming the most popular selection of hardwood flooring beyond the conventional means of floor covering, carpet. Constructed from 3-10 layers of wood, typically 5, the layers of engineered flooring are oriented in opposite directions glued under extreme pressure for endurance. The term, "engineered" has long been associated with stigmas of poorly constructed or "cheap" flooring upon initial introduction; however has little or nothing to do with the composition of pre-finished hardwood flooring material other than a manufacturing process used in the production of this superior flooring material.

Of the five types of hardwood flooring material available, engineered pre-finished wood flooring has gained recognition and notoriety for value and affordable pricing. Similar to pre-finished solid hardwood flooring material, engineered wood flooring material is installed in a tongue and groove manner however offers options in installation over solid pre-finished wood flooring, increasing consumer awareness two-fold.

Nailed, glued, glue less or floating, pre-finished engineered flooring is both "eco-friendly" and "user-friendly". With latest in installation design technology, engineered pre-finished hardwood floors offer "click and lock" design with no glue, nails or special tools required. The simple "click and lock" technology allows home and business owners to self- install pre-finished floors in their home or place of business saving hundreds of dollars in professional installation costs. With novice experience, a home or business owner can install a pre-finished hardwood floor over s week-end with dramatic results in overall room appearance.

Ranging in pricing and depending on grade selected, engineered pre-finished flooring is available starting at $3.50 per square foot, home or business owner installed. Subsequent selections of better quality grades (thickness of material) and finishes will increase overall costs per square foot accordingly.

Taking all choices, styles and colors into consideration when selecting a flooring material, the eventual outcome will produce a hardwood floor that is beautiful, long lasting, tested by time and performance. While the debate may continue for many years yet to come a home or business owner can be assured of one remaining factor, a superior floor that is solid and engineered.

Advantages of Using Narrow Plank Flooring

The choice of whether to go with wide or narrow planks in your natural material floor is usually thought to be one of taste. But there are many other considerations when choosing flooring. Floors have a huge amount of wear and tear to worry about. How will differing widths affect that? Woods are susceptible to humidity and temperature changes. Maintenance is another factor to think about. Cost may be what ultimately sways you one way or the other as the wide vs. narrow is quite a price difference. Going into your flooring experience with your eyes open will ensure that you love your floor for years and years to come.

Wood flooring has been popular for centuries. In times past it was mostly out of necessity that wood was used. Now wood flooring is valued as a top of the line flooring for its rich textures, colors, and enduring wear. These days more exotic woods are available and are becoming popular. Cork flooring is beautiful and wears well. Bamboo provides a different sort of grain to traditional wood that many prefer. Drastic changes can be made to the look of a home with a simple home improvement of changing the flooring.

The weather can affect a wood floor quite a bit. High moisture environments can wreak havoc on wood. Wide plank flooring is much more susceptible to warping than narrow planks. The more the wood the more likely it is to warp. Large flat pieces of wood always take a hit in high humidity. Small compact pieces endure it well. Temperature also affects a wood floor. Temperature is especially an issue during installation. Wide planks must be acclimated to their environment before installation. Narrow planks can benefit from this process as well. But wider planks require more time than narrow ones.

Maintenance of wood flooring can be relatively simple for narrow plank floors. Occasional sanding and resurfacing along with careful cleaning is enough to keep a narrow plank floor looking its best. Wide plank floors require much more daily maintenance and professional care. Once again, larger slabs of wood are much more susceptible to change through environment and how they are cared for, or neglected. Cost is the final point to consider. Wide plank floors can be the most costly type of floor to install, hands down. Even marble might cost less. Narrow plank floors on the other hand can be afforded by many. Costs also depend upon the type of wood used.

Underfoot - Flooring Choices for Your New Home or Renovation

10 design tips to help make your flooring choices easier

"Should I use tiles or wood flooring for my main living area floor?"

I wish I was given a dollar for every time that I have been asked this question. The answer is not a simple yes or no. If you are struggling with this and other questions and want to make an informed choice and not a costly mistake then read on.

Flooring tips

Investment property or private home? - if the property is an investment property then the flooring chosen should be easy to maintain, have longevity and be practical for the space. In this case I would probably choose tiles as they are easy to maintain, have longevity and are very practical.

Ceramic/porcelain tiles?- there is a wide array of tiles on the market at the moment. You can choose porcelain, ceramic, polished porcelain with either a rectified edge or a nonrectified edge. It does not matter if you choose ceramic or porcelain providing that it is rated strong enough for the main traffic areas. The majority of floor tiles have a high enough rating for internal domestic use. A rectified edge just means that the grout line between the tiles only needs to be 1mm in width; a nonrectified edge tile means that the grout line between the tiles is larger at 3-5mm in width. Just be aware that it is generally more expensive to lay a tile with a rectified edge.

Polished Porcelain tiles - polished porcelain tiles have a very glossy look and may require sealing although some companies are now producing some of these tiles with a built in sealant. I would not recommend these tiles for an investment property unless it is explicitly for an expensive, luxurious home or apartment. You may be disappointed that you cannot use wood but if you want the look without the maintenance issues, why not choose wood look tiles.

Wood flooring- for the wood lovers among us just be aware that this flooring choice may be in conflict with the trend to building environmentally friendly homes. Bamboo is a fantastic wood choice that does not impact on existing forests and is a quick growing resource that is extremely hard wearing and available in many different colours and environmentally friendly. If you still wish to be environmentally conscious then why not consider recycled wood boards.

Finishes for wood flooring- there are many types of finishes for wood flooring. As a general rule the higher the gloss the more the scratches will show. A satin finish is the least likely to show scratches. There are also many environmentally friendly finishes available through a variety of stores along with the environmentally friendly cleaners. Taking the time to compare them is well worth the effort for your investment. If you have dogs you may also want to think about this choice carefully.

Wood laminates- a wood laminate gives a wood look without the same cost as solid wood flooring. Wood laminates are basically achieved by layering and compressing many sheets of paper with a polymer to produce a wood look. Wood laminates look good but the laying process can produce a floor that produces a noisy clicking sound when walked on in shoes.

Polished concrete- if you don't like any of these choices so far and you are building then why not consider polished concrete. If you do decide to go down this trail just be aware that the builder needs to know that you want polished concrete at the very early stages of the project. Polished concrete is a very practical floor covering which comes with many different colour choices. Just be aware that it can give a very industrial look unless softened with rugs and other natural elements such as wood.

Carpet- when thinking about this choice it is very important that the occupants of the home are taken into consideration. If you have asthma sufferers in the home studies have shown that it is better to consider smooth floor finishes such as concrete, tiles and wood rather than something that harbours dust mite. If you do not have to deal with these issues then carpet can provide a luxurious feeling while creating warmth underfoot. Carpets also provide sound absorbency and are best used in a theatre room situation.

Carpet types- carpet suppliers are generally producing carpets that are 100% wool, 80-20% mix of wool and synthetic or 100%synthetic carpets. With the advancement in technology there are some fantastic synthetic carpets available that are solution dyed and stain repellent.

Types of carpet pile- carpets come in a twist pile, loop, cut pile and many others. A cut pile gives a very luxurious look but just be aware that some cut loops can show "tracking" so road test the carpet sample before purchasing so that you are not continually vacuuming out footprints. Wherever possible use the best underlay that you can afford as this helps with the overall feel of the carpet when it is laid and its longevity.

In my article "Match or Mismatch - Creating a flow in your home", I suggest when you are renovating or building you should choose the largest area of the home first. In the majority of cases this is your living area floors. This should be the very first decision you make even before the kitchen and bathroom as it affects so many of your colour choices. A new home or renovation is a large investment for many people so make sure you do your homework and that you are well informed about the myriad of flooring choices that you can make. If possible have a large prefinished sample of your flooring when you make other colour and material choices. When completing a jigsaw puzzle, it is always best to have the biggest piece of the puzzle in place first.