The key benefits of hardwood floors have been common knowledge since before Victorian times. Evidence of this still remains today, as lots of Victorian buildings still have their wooden floors down. It's a testament to the durability and reliability of a good quality wooden floor.
How your floor feels
Wooden Floors can be (and are) treated with a range of different oils, lacquers and waxes so as to alter their appearance and feel according to what the customer wants. The majority of wood floors are finished with lacquer. The appearance of lacquered wood flooring is that of a visible gloss with characteristic smoothness. Oiled floors (wax/wood oil) soak the oil in to the top layer of the wood, and, (following a wax finish) usually have a more 'damp' sheen compared to the lacquer alternatives.
Which grade of wood?
You can find different grades of wood floor available, and techniques for measuring them have been set into a standard. This particular industry standard happens to be a well established system of grading and is used across the country; in a similar way that meat is likewise graded by using a national standard. Rustic is the most cost-effective grade, and that is a pleasant way of indicating it's in the lower grade and hence cheaper. It'll usually have more knots and variances in colour throughout the wooden floor. Rustic can set off a nice balance within the room, if “Rustic” is actually the theme. Customers have been known to look for it especially. At the other end of the scale are the select pieces. The select pieces (again very similar terminology to meat grading) are going to be guaranteed not to hold any knots, the colour will also be consistent from one to the next. This is what's selected for an even and “perfect” floor. The grades however don't always represent the quality of the wood, since rustic grades are known to be as durable as select grades.
Which kind of timber should I choose?
Hardwood is perfect for wood floors. Softwood is generally too soft to resist the frequent use, load bearing, scuffs and knocks that a hardwood could withstand. The tougher hardwoods vary from maple, through beech to oak, all of which are perfect for wooden flooring. Trees such as pine and other soft woods are simply not tough enough.
Preserving your wooden floor
Wooden Floors can be maintained and cleaned in a really simply manner. As with every other surface area in a person's home that's cleaned with a cloth or mop, the wood floor can be cleaned in much the same way. It is highly recommended that cleaners try to stick to the usage of non-solvent based cleaning products (and polishes), since the lacquer on the flooring can be subject to corrosion or deterioration whenever 'attacked' by solvents for an extended period. Oiled floors require a “top up” of oil on a biannual basis. The oil can be applied using a cloth and just rubbed in gently all over. It is highly recommended that one uses natural wood oils as opposed to cheaper chemical-based alternatives.
Could it be a long term investment?
Wooden Floors are absolutely a long-term investment. A well-fitted hardwood floor will last a lifetime, and with the proper maintenance and attention, the property owner will not experience any issues. The reason why Victorian-era (and earlier) residences are known to retain their original flooring is because of this very reason. During the cold of the winter months, the wooden floor will contract and likewise, in the summer time, it is going to slightly expand. Installing the floor whilst allowing for these properties, is going to ensure that there's never a problem. The reason why reclamation yards continue to be visited day-in, day-out by eager buyers is because wood floors, when looked after, just never become “useless”.
Health qualities
Wooden floors, it has been proven, are healthier than using carpets and rugs around ones home. Wooden flooring cleans much easier than carpet plus its oils contain anti-bacterial properties, cleaning as they go. Carpets and rugs, on the other hand, often retain dust (as well as dust mites) which may also bother people who have allergies. Greenpeace (amongst others) recommend wood floors. Reports have established that carpeted floors can harbour from 10,000 up to 100,000 dust mites in a single square metre. Carpets also accumulate waste from household pets, all manner of waste walked in from outdoors as well as generally harmful dust which has settled over time.
Considering the huge selection of wood treatments on the market today, it's easy to modify the look of your wood floors as often as you change your carpets and rugs. A wood floor should last a lifetime. It is simple to clean and less maintenance than rugs and carpets. Real wood flooring is and will remain the best flooring you can purchase.
How your floor feels
Wooden Floors can be (and are) treated with a range of different oils, lacquers and waxes so as to alter their appearance and feel according to what the customer wants. The majority of wood floors are finished with lacquer. The appearance of lacquered wood flooring is that of a visible gloss with characteristic smoothness. Oiled floors (wax/wood oil) soak the oil in to the top layer of the wood, and, (following a wax finish) usually have a more 'damp' sheen compared to the lacquer alternatives.
Which grade of wood?
You can find different grades of wood floor available, and techniques for measuring them have been set into a standard. This particular industry standard happens to be a well established system of grading and is used across the country; in a similar way that meat is likewise graded by using a national standard. Rustic is the most cost-effective grade, and that is a pleasant way of indicating it's in the lower grade and hence cheaper. It'll usually have more knots and variances in colour throughout the wooden floor. Rustic can set off a nice balance within the room, if “Rustic” is actually the theme. Customers have been known to look for it especially. At the other end of the scale are the select pieces. The select pieces (again very similar terminology to meat grading) are going to be guaranteed not to hold any knots, the colour will also be consistent from one to the next. This is what's selected for an even and “perfect” floor. The grades however don't always represent the quality of the wood, since rustic grades are known to be as durable as select grades.
Which kind of timber should I choose?
Hardwood is perfect for wood floors. Softwood is generally too soft to resist the frequent use, load bearing, scuffs and knocks that a hardwood could withstand. The tougher hardwoods vary from maple, through beech to oak, all of which are perfect for wooden flooring. Trees such as pine and other soft woods are simply not tough enough.
Preserving your wooden floor
Wooden Floors can be maintained and cleaned in a really simply manner. As with every other surface area in a person's home that's cleaned with a cloth or mop, the wood floor can be cleaned in much the same way. It is highly recommended that cleaners try to stick to the usage of non-solvent based cleaning products (and polishes), since the lacquer on the flooring can be subject to corrosion or deterioration whenever 'attacked' by solvents for an extended period. Oiled floors require a “top up” of oil on a biannual basis. The oil can be applied using a cloth and just rubbed in gently all over. It is highly recommended that one uses natural wood oils as opposed to cheaper chemical-based alternatives.
Could it be a long term investment?
Wooden Floors are absolutely a long-term investment. A well-fitted hardwood floor will last a lifetime, and with the proper maintenance and attention, the property owner will not experience any issues. The reason why Victorian-era (and earlier) residences are known to retain their original flooring is because of this very reason. During the cold of the winter months, the wooden floor will contract and likewise, in the summer time, it is going to slightly expand. Installing the floor whilst allowing for these properties, is going to ensure that there's never a problem. The reason why reclamation yards continue to be visited day-in, day-out by eager buyers is because wood floors, when looked after, just never become “useless”.
Health qualities
Wooden floors, it has been proven, are healthier than using carpets and rugs around ones home. Wooden flooring cleans much easier than carpet plus its oils contain anti-bacterial properties, cleaning as they go. Carpets and rugs, on the other hand, often retain dust (as well as dust mites) which may also bother people who have allergies. Greenpeace (amongst others) recommend wood floors. Reports have established that carpeted floors can harbour from 10,000 up to 100,000 dust mites in a single square metre. Carpets also accumulate waste from household pets, all manner of waste walked in from outdoors as well as generally harmful dust which has settled over time.
Considering the huge selection of wood treatments on the market today, it's easy to modify the look of your wood floors as often as you change your carpets and rugs. A wood floor should last a lifetime. It is simple to clean and less maintenance than rugs and carpets. Real wood flooring is and will remain the best flooring you can purchase.
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