The 2022 color palette

When it comes to colors, designers and homeowners are opting for the lighter end of the spectrum across all flooring types, with an emphasis on neutral, flexible grays, beiges, whites and blondes, whether in wood grain patterns or multifaceted stone textures. The main attraction to this palette is that it opens up the space, adding a brighter and more expansive feel. It is also incredibly versatile, and can easily be worked into any decor scheme. In addition to this overall trend, there are some popular color preferences that are specific to each of the flooring types, which we will look at in more detail below. 

Trending looks and styles

Regardless of whether people choose laminate, tile, or vinyl, they tend to ask for one of five dominant looks: stone, marble, wood, concrete, and various decorative designs. Always looking for ways to create visual expansion, designers go beyond the light color palette and focus on innovative flooring sizes, shapes and patterns. When buying wooden flooring, people often opt for the wide-plank variety, while choosing larger format dimensions for tiles. Both of these choices help make a room look bigger. Chevron and herringbone layouts also create that sense of expansion, while bringing a dynamic feel, which energizes a room and can also work as an accent to guide the eye to a room’s chosen focal points.

Materials

In general, hard, durable surfaces are very much in vogue, with engineered hardwood being a particular favorite and laminate, tile and vinyl being almost as popular. Aside from their physical qualities, these flooring materials are in demand because they are available in an astonishing array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Manufacturing technology has advanced to such an extent that imitation wood, stone and concrete looks on these materials are more convincing than ever. This factor has certainly contributed to their rising demand.

Engineered and solid hardwood

Although homeowners adore hardwood floors, they are turning away from natural hardwood because it can be more costly. Engineered hardwood is an excellent alternative as it brings that natural hardwood appearance in a product that is much more durable, hardy, and easier to care for. Here are four of the biggest trends emerging for this beautiful, high-quality flooring type:

• Weathering and texturing: Homeowners and designers do not want perfection when it comes to wooden flooring; they want variety, character and texture. This preference has led to a rise in popularity of hand-scraped, wire-brushed and distressed engineered hardwood. These techniques bring out the grain pattern of each board, and create textured, undulating surfaces for a more natural look and feel.
• Wide planks: The taste for wider planks has been on the rise for some time. As opposed to regular wooden flooring boards, which are about two to four inches in width, wide planks measure anywhere between five and twelve inches. As mentioned above, these boards make a space feel larger and more expansive. They also create a more rustic atmosphere.
• Dark hardwoods: Although the 2022 color trend is towards the lighter end of the palette, there are some exceptions when it comes to people who choose engineered hardwood. Many homeowners who opt for wooden flooring want the warm and cozy feel that comes with dark wood. However, smart designers make good use of contrast in rooms with dark wood flooring, choosing lighter colors for walls, ceilings and other features. The eye is naturally drawn to the lighter parts of the room, turning attention away from the dark floor which serves to accent the brighter elements.
• High variation designs: Hardwoods such as Brazilian walnut are much admired for their multi-hued patterns. The eclectic mix of light and dark in the same floor layout creates a more natural impression, is quite an attention grabber, and will ensure that your floor looks unlike any other. Vary the width of the boards adds to this effect. 

Tiles

Realistic looks are the trend for 2022 – as much for hardwood as for ceramic and porcelain tiles. Homeowners love having the practical benefits of tiles – durability, easy cleaning, relative budget-friendliness, and variety – together with the world of patterns, colors and finishes that can be achieved with this material. Wood-look and stone-look tiles have increased in popularity over the past few years and remain extremely popular. Tile designers have done an excellent job of achieving authentic wire-brushed, hand-scraped and distressed appearances with their wood-look tiles. One rising trend this year is the concrete-look tiles. People love the industrial, modern look that these tiles create. 

Tile buyers are also looking well beyond the traditional square or rectangular tile shapes and seeking out an impressive variety of shapes, including hexagonal, diamond, fan, round, diamond, arabesque, linear and triangle.

Carpet tiles

Carpets remain popular in 2022, although they are used much more selectively than in the past, being used in certain rooms such as living areas and some bedrooms. Carpet tiles, in particular, are making a comeback, remaining the most popular choice for basements and making an appearance in other parts of the home too. Cutting and resizing carpet tiles is a great way to create rugs and runners, while the varied shapes and designs available allow a great deal of creative freedom for making unique floor layouts.

Room-specific trends

While the material trends described above are applicable to all kinds of spaces within your residential or commercial property, there are several developing trends that are specific to particular rooms in the house, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens

The trends in kitchen design this year lean towards the classic rather than the contemporary or modern. The primary practical consideration is water resistance. Luckily, this property can be found in a broad range of tiles with numerous colors and finishes. The most popular materials include engineered hardwood, bamboo, large-format tile and several varieties of vinyl. Grays and beiges dominate the color choices, as do the prevailing hand-scraped, distressed, and wire-brushed wood looks – both in engineered hardwood and imitation wood effects in tile and vinyl. 

While many decorators want a stone-look floor in their kitchens, they are not necessarily opting for genuine stone tiles but rather for stone-look ceramic or porcelain, such as our Salerno Coastal Travertine collection. Wide-plank white laminate and gray hand-scraped finishes are the two most popular options for wooden kitchen flooring.

Bathrooms

The most striking thing about bathroom trends this year is the sheer diversity on display. Kitchen trends are relatively uniform by comparison. Authentic wood isn’t ideal for bathrooms, but people still want the wood-like appearance, so wood-look tiles are on trend. Instead of opting for monochrome tiles, decorators favor stenciled and mosaic designs, as well as a variety of geometric shapes instead of straightforward square tiles in linear arrangements. The popular wood look can be approximated with laminate flooring, which offers many different shades and patterns while ensuring a waterproof floor. Vinyl is still popular for bathrooms, offering high water-resistance and the incredible range of colors and designs we mentioned above.  
Founded in 1999, BuildDirect is North America’s leading marketplace for flooring materials. We connect homeowners and home improvement professionals with international sellers, creating a simple and reliable shopping experience and access to one of the world’s broadest ranges of flooring materials. Through our platform, you can find the flooring you love at prices that suit your budget. We offer a wide selection of top-quality flooring products across categories in solid hardwood, laminate, engineered, bamboo, vinyl, and tile products. Whichever one of the 2022 flooring trends you prefer, you will find the materials you need for your home improvement projects at BuildDirect.

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If you’re looking for a beautiful way to update your floors, exotic hardwood flooring is a perfect fit. This durable, beautiful material adds a sophisticated component to your home. With the right products and the right design, you can literally transform any room of your home and make it uniquely stunning. Read on for some exotic hardwood flooring design ideas and inspiration that will encourage you to try this flooring in your own home.

Elevate Your Outdoor Space

You might think exotic wood flooring is just for the indoors, but there are outdoor options, too. Ipe Tropical Hardwood Deck Tiles can be installed anywhere, even over rooftop terraces, concrete, and directly onto the ground. The gorgeous ipe wood is extremely dense, so it’s tough enough to handle everything from inclement weather to lots of foot traffic. Each tile features slats for drainage, and they’re gorgeous when installed in an outdoor spa area. With this unique form of tropical wood flooring, you’ll instantly add beauty to your deck, update an old patio, or create a stunning walkway. Each tile slat may vary since this wood species naturally varies in color, which makes it an even better choice if you’re looking for a more organic look outdoors.

Get creative with these wood tiles and lay them in different patterns. You can place them in one uniform direction or try them in varying directions to create a parquet-style floor. If you’re looking for something to add style to your deck but you’re not ready for a brand-new addition, these hardwood deck tiles are an excellent alternative. No glue or screws are needed, and the smooth surface feels wonderful under bare feet.

Warm-up a Cold Home Office

If you work from home, make your space more inviting with some tropical hardwood flooring. The Vanier Brazilian Exotic Collection blends engineered hardwood flooring with the beauty and warmth of exotic South American wood. From Brazilian cherry to oak, walnut, and pecan, you’ll find this flooring in a wide range of inviting finishes. The natural grain and smooth finish give any office space an air of sophistication. The understated semi-gloss acrylic finish is UV-cured to prevent fading so you can enjoy working in an office with plenty of natural light.

This exotic hardwood flooring comes in light, medium, and warm brown tones that work in any style of home. The subtle sheen is beautiful yet strong enough to stand up to foot traffic and the scooting of office chairs. Micro-beveled edges give this flooring a nice clean look that keeps the eyes focused on the beauty of the wood. It can be nailed, glued, stapled, or floated for easy installation and enjoyment indoors in your office, living room, and beyond.

Create a Hygge-Inspired Living Space

While tropical wood flooring is often known for its depth of color, you’ll also find it in lighter tones, too. For example, Jasper Engineered Hardwood Exotic Collection features this beautiful flooring in a clean shade titled “Cathedral White” that makes it easy to create a calming, Hygge-like atmosphere. This creamy white color works wonderfully in any environment, and it makes every room feel crisp and modern. This flooring features a unique vertical pattern that adds instant modernity and uniqueness to the home. The flooring is built with a sturdy plywood core and is twice as dent resistant as conventional wood floors.

Jasper’s line of exotic flooring comes in other finishes, too, and it features eight coats of ceramic-based aluminum oxide finish to provide exceptional scratch and wear-resistance. The textured surface makes each plank of this durable flooring look and feel unique and natural. Installation is easy thanks to the tongue and groove edges. Simply nail, glue, or float them and enjoy these long-lasting floors for years to come. The Cathedral White color gives your space a clean and crisp aesthetic that perfectly sums up the Hygge design style.

Design an Exotic Abode

If you want to recreate the look of a tropical island, be sure to try Vanier Hardwood Brazilian Exotic Collection in the finish Tigerwood Natural. This gorgeous flooring features natural color variations and grains that will give any part of your home a luscious, jungle vibe. With its earthy warmth and bold, vivid colors, you can transform a sunny living space into an island-inspired getaway. Thanks to the smooth surface of this flooring, it’s also stunning in a bedroom, too.

Add some velvet furniture and fun décor to your living room to make this stunning exotic wood flooring stand out. A large potted tropical plant in a corner and a fun, colorful area rug are easy ways to complement this flooring choice. Apply tropical patterned wallpaper to the walls of your living room to round out the exotic theme. Thanks to the easy installation and ultra-rich colors, this tropical wood flooring will be a long-time favorite in your home.

Elegant Herringbone Floors

A classic herringbone pattern lends sophistication and elegance to any home. Try the Mamza Hardwood Exotic Kempas Collection flooring to create your own custom herringbone designs. Crafted from a tropical wood called kempas, this durable exotic hardwood flooring allows you to enjoy the durability of hardwood at an affordable price. It looks stunning when installed in a herringbone design since the species blends from reddish-brown into natural colors that darken over time. Each piece includes an interlocked or spiraled grain pattern that takes classic herringbone to a whole new, exotic level.

You can enjoy herringbone floors in any room, but it’s especially beautiful in an entryway or living room. The straightforward nail down installation of these floors makes it easy to create this pattern with just a nail gun. The UV finish ensures an exceptional surface resistance against scratches and scuffs. Thanks to the rich colors and smooth texture with a satin gloss, these kempas floors are sure to stun. When installing your flooring in a herringbone pattern, be sure to layout and cut each piece in advance for a beautiful outcome.

Exotic Flooring for Busy Homes

You can enjoy the stunning look of exotic wood flooring without worrying about damage thanks to new products like the Lamton Laminate Exotic Collection. These beautiful floors are made of laminate, but they feature hand-scraped surfaces and grain patterns that perfectly mimic exotic hardwood. Rated for residential use, you’ll love the way they look while enjoying an affordable floor that lasts. The easy click-lock system makes the floors easy to connect and adjust, yet they’re perfectly solid and sturdy once the flooring is complete. If you want to enjoy the beauty and splendor of exotic hardwoods but you’re concerned about longevity, this laminate alternative is a great pick. Lamton offers this flooring in your choice of beautiful color so you can create a modern or warm environment that looks high-end and sophisticated. The brand also sells moldings that are carefully selected to be the closest match possible to the floors for a seamless finish. Try this option if you’re in love with the concept of tropical wood floors but don’t want to worry about damage from little paws or feet. It’s a great way to design your home in a beautiful way that’s easy and worry-free.

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An overwhelming majority of homebuyers would choose a home with hardwood floors over most other options. If the house you are flipping already has wood flooring in great shape, then consider that a bonus. If not, consider the comparables in your area and see if installing new hardwood flooring makes sense for your investment property.

The Beauty of Real Hardwood

Whether you are flipping a 3-bedroom 2-bath ranch or a 6,000 square foot mansion, they both share one thing in common — flooring. Considering how competitive the marketplace is today, why not give your real estate investment property every advantage possible by installing real hardwood flooring — the number one choice for most buyers.

Real hardwood floors are gorgeous. In a world of vinyl, plastic, and synthetic floor coverings, real hardwood brings the warmth and comfort of Mother Nature into your investment. Among the advantages are:

• It is resistant to damage that can ruin other floorings. 
• It can be refinished and restored to its original condition. 
• The tight grain pattern and professional finish make real hardwood flooring moisture resistant.

Each type of hardwood flooring will have its own unique color variations and grain patterns and that is part of the beauty of the product. This is something that cannot be repeated in man-made synthetic floorings to the same degree. Hardwood flooring goes with virtually any decor. It is made from 100% solid wood and then milled to exact specifications guaranteeing that each piece is totally unique in appearance and will provide a stunning finished floor when installed.

The Cost of Hardwood Flooring

The national average for installing a hardwood floor is between $6 and $12 a square foot (including labor). The prices listed below are an average for materials only. Hardwood is not the cheapest flooring option but it has such universal appeal that the extra money spent to install it rather than less expensive flooring options is usually recouped, and then some. 

Of course, your actual cost will vary by region and the availability of professional installers. Hardwood flooring requires a level of expertise that may be above most DIYers with no previous experience, so do your research before tackling the installation yourself. An improper installation can result in cupping and buckling of the wood and defeat the purpose of upgrading your investment.

How Hardwood Floors Impact Resale Value

Buying an investment property to flip requires skill to maximize the ROI (return investment), and when there is the possibility of getting a better than 100% return on any part of the flip, you want to take advantage of it. A recent report issued by the National Association of Realtors says that it is possible to recover 6% more than you spent on installing hardwood flooring in your home. The report also shows that buyers in the entry-level market also prefer hardwood flooring to other options.

This is no surprise considering the history of hardwood flooring in this country. It has been connected with glamorous mansions since the 1900’s in the USA and has a history in Europe of being associated with elegance that goes back to the 1600s. The reason that hardwood flooring can give a great ROI is because the buyer feels like they are getting more than they are paying for. That is always a winning sales strategy.

Get a Better ROI with Hardwood Flooring from BuildDirect

You are going to have to determine which hardwood will best suit the needs of your flip, which is getting the highest ROI, and that means you are going to need a wide selection of product and prices to choose from, and you want to work with a supplier who understands the market as well as the needs of the installer. We offer over 100 different hardwood flooring options in various colors and grain patterns. In addition we have special clearance pricing available on some items and there are always hardwood selections that are on sale.

Our PRO Rewards program for installers can get you free samples within 2 business days as well as a responsive and knowledgeable customer service center. You can get answers on installation procedures, warranties, and product-specific information to ensure that the install is completed properly. 

Get a free sample today to maximize your options on the next flip.

The post The ROI of Hardwood Floors for Real Estate Investors and House Flippers appeared first on Learning Center.

Installing new flooring in your home isn’t as simple as measuring your space, ordering materials and putting down planks at random though. For a properly installed flooring, racking is an essential step you shouldn’t leave out. Use this guide to learn more about flooring racking and how to make use of this simple process before you begin your installation.

What is Floor Racking?

Floor racking can sound like a time-consuming task that should be left to professional installers only, right? The truth is that floor racking is quite simple and pretty much anybody can do it. If you can lift a plank of your chosen flooring material you can handle racking on your own.

That’s because floor racking is simply the process of laying out your flooring planks without fastening them with nails or glue. Doing this allows you to create varied patterns and mix and match different planks for a designer-inspired look you won’t get by randomly placing your planks at installation time. While you can do this with any flooring material, racking is a pretty standard procedure when you’re working with natural hardwood, engineered wood or laminate.

Not everybody takes the time to properly rack their floors. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes people make when installing flooring, and while avoiding it won’t necessarily result in damage, there’s a good chance your floors won’t look as good as they could have.

Why is Floor Racking Important?

A lot of people who are installing a floor in their homes wonder if floor racking is really necessary or if it’s just a step that will eat up valuable time. While it can easily add a few hours to your overall installation, floor racking is a vital first step when taking on a new flooring project.

Here are a few of the main reasons floor racking is so important.

Thorough Inspection

Floor racking allows you to inspect each plank as you take it out of the packaging. That means you get a look at each individual plank so you can check for defects. Once installed, defective wood won’t be covered under a standard warranty. Take the time to ensure you don’t have any defective planks before your installation. Racking early also allows you to get replacement planks before your installation is scheduled to begin.

Color Variation

Racking makes it easy to achieve proper color variation when installing flooring like engineered wood or natural hardwood. By racking your floors first, you can choose exactly what your flooring pattern will look like, giving your room and home more visual depth. With materials like wood, you can also blend light and dark planks or strategically place planks with more color variation.

Length Variation

You can mix and match plank lengths to create a smart design through racking. Varying plank lengths creates a designer-inspired look for your room. Racking also helps ensure that you don’t place all long planks together before switching to shorter planks, which will be very obvious once installed.

See the Full Picture

Racking allows you to view the floor from a standing position so you can see what your floors will look like once they’re permanently installed. This provides you with the opportunity to make changes for aesthetic reasons before nailing or gluing them down.

Understanding Acclimation and Moisture Content in Flooring Materials

Floor racking is a vital step that ensures you have high-quality wood, optimal color variation and appropriate plank lengths. Before you start laying out your floor though, allowing the wood to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the installation location is critically important.

Why does acclimation matter so much? Consider the possibility that your flooring materials may have been shipped from a region with a climate much different than yours. Your new flooring materials may also have been in storage for some time before being shipped to you. That means they may shrink or expand slightly in your home.

In general, 48 to 72 hours is an ideal acclimation time for most materials, though a longer time generally won’t cause any harm at all in a climate controlled space. One great way to ensure your new flooring material is ready for installation is to unpack it on a Friday before beginning your installation on Monday or Tuesday. That leaves ample time for even sensitive materials like natural hardwood to acclimate to your space.

You don’t have to leave flooring acclimation to chance though. Another option is to use a moisture meter to make sure your flooring materials are ready for installation. Here’s how you can use a moisture meter to check your flooring materials before you begin the installation process.

Racking 101: A Quick Step-By-Step Guide

Racking doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s a quick step-by-step primer to help you get a handle on the basics.

1. Inspect all flooring materials for damage and defects. Put aside any planks that are unfit for installation.
2. Pull planks from different boxes to ensure varied tones and plank lengths. You can sort them into “like” groups to organize your materials.
3. Allow your flooring materials proper time to acclimate to your home. Use a moisture meter to ensure your materials are ready for installation.
4. Take time to plan your layout. Give yourself a day to ensure that you love your design before committing.
5. Make sure you stagger joints correctly. You want to avoid weak spots that could lead to damage or the need for repairs down the road.

Ready to update the flooring in your home? We can help you find a range of materials like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, vinyl flooring, porcelain and ceramic tile and more. Our trained representatives can also give you more information about racking your floors before installation so you can proceed with the installation knowing you’ll love the outcome.

Reach out today to take the first step toward new floors. We can also help you plan your building project if you’re creating your dream home from the ground up.

The post Floor Racking: How to Lay Out Plank Flooring Before Installation appeared first on Learning Center.

Canadian hardwood flooring is one option that shouldn’t be overlooked whether you’re designing a home from the ground up, re-doing your ground level or looking for a way to improve visual appeal in a commercial space. Available in a range of different looks from white ash, birch and modern maple to match your design vision, Canadian hardwood flooring is versatile enough for traditional, transitional and modern spaces.

Use this guide to learn more about why Canadian hardwood flooring should be at the top of your shopping list for residential homes and commercial buildings.

Canadian Hardwood Flooring is Eco-Friendly

You know that hardwood flooring is made from trees – natural timber that’s harvested from around the globe. Unfortunately, not all hardwood flooring materials are harvested with sustainability in mind. Some manufacturers have problematic harvesting practices, while certain countries are known to look the other way when it comes to sustainability in general.

Canadian hardwood flooring is harvested following strict EU timber regulations designed to keep the natural habitat where timber grows healthy. This also means that you don’t have to worry about your flooring materials become an environmental hazard in your home or place of business down the road.

There’s another factor to keep in mind when considering eco-friendly harvesting practices and why they should be important to you though. That’s the fact that wood harvested illegally or from zones where timber is not allowed to grow to maturity may in fact produce an inferior product. This means less strength and long-term durability for you and your floors while also being bad for the environment at large.

In short, hardwood flooring that’s bad for the planet can be just as bad for you. With Canadian hardwood flooring, you can rest easy that you’re buying a quality, eco-friendly product.

You Can Find a Wide Variety of Different Looks

The beauty of hardwood flooring is a big draw from home and business owners looking to create elegant spaces. No matter what look you’re going for, Canadian hardwood flooring is an excellent choice because so many different varieties are available.

Maple

Maple flooring is a particularly popular pick when it comes to Canadian hardwood. Available in a range of different tones from whitewashed styles to modern silver maple and rich, deep brown, maple is a versatile flooring material that can blend in with antiques, transitional décor, Mid-Century modern furniture and more contemporary designs.

Birch

Birch flooring typically provides a more rustic look, though burnished birch in dark colors like charcoal is becoming particularly popular in modern homes. Wide plank widths are also a great choice when it comes to birch flooring, helping your space feel more open and natural while providing lots of visual variation between planks on the floor. Some birch flooring materials also come with a special coating designed to resist wear even in high-traffic parts of your home or commercial spaces.

Our popular Northern Canadian birch hardwood even comes with a 35-year limited warranty against manufacturing and structural defects, providing you with peace of mind for many years to come.

Ash

For builders, homeowners and commercial property owners, Canadian ash is an excellent option when a flooring material with lots of natural variation is desired. Allowing you to create a unique pattern that’s great for large rooms or adding interest to very small spaces, ash is a marvelous material for many modern spaces. Ash also comes in a range of different finishes including light, natural looks and stained designs that range from warm brown to dark charcoal.

Not sure which common Canadian hardwood flooring material is right for your home or office? We can send you samples so you can see and feel your different options from the comfort of your space.

Canadian Hardwood Flooring is Durable

Durability is a major factor when you’re installing hardwood flooring in your home or in any commercial space. Canadian hardwood flooring, like many other hardwood flooring options, are going to stand the test of time even in spaces that get a lot of foot traffic.

What makes Canadian hardwood flooring particularly interesting though is the fact that some believe that the cold climate helps produce naturally dense wood that’s extra-strong. That could make it an exceptional pick for spaces like your entry area, den, kitchen or living room. Added strength is also a virtue if you’re designing a commercial space like a lobby or office.

Canadian Hardwood Flooring Can Be More Cost-Effective

Natural maple, ash and birch flooring can bring a sophisticated, designer-inspired look to your home or place of business. Grown in a cold climate and under strict EU timber regulations, Canadian hardwood is especially durable. To many people’s surprise, it can also be a cost-effective option whether you’re installing hardwood flooring in a single room, a whole home or a large business with lots of square footage.

On average, Canadian hardwood flooring costs less than exotic woods grown in places like South America. For homeowners or commercial property owners on a budget, Canadian hardwood flooring can help you save money without sacrificing looks or quality and durability in the process.

Add in the eco-friendly nature of hardwood flooring from Canada and you’ll realize it’s the perfect pick for practically any space where you want the beauty and strength of wood.

Basic Maintenance is Easy

Strong Canadian hardwood flooring materials can deal with daily use without showing significant signs of wear. Keeping your Canadian hardwood flooring looking its best is also a simple process, making it a go-to choice for busy homeowner who don’t have tons of time for cleaning.

Sweeping your hardwood flooring or using a vacuum without a low beater bar is pretty much all that’s required when it comes to regular care. Simply doing that will help keep dust and other debris from marring the appearance of your floors.

Using a commercial solution designed for hardwood flooring once every week or two, depending on the foot traffic in your space, can provide a deeper cleaning that leaves your floors looking brand new. A little approved polish every few months can bring back that classic shine if your floors are stained and coated.

Is Canadian Hardwood Flooring for You?

Ready to add Canadian hardwood flooring to your home or place of business? Reach out to our trained representatives today so we can help you find the right wood type, finish and plank size to fit your design and overall aesthetic. We can even help you choose the right Canadian hardwood flooring option based on foot traffic and your overall maintenance needs.

When you’re ready to order we’ll ship your new Canadian hardwood flooring directly to your door so you don’t have to deal with scheduling a pickup or paying for crazy freight fees. Contact us today to so we can help you get the ball rolling on your brand new floors.

The post Canadian Hardwood Flooring: A Solid Choice appeared first on Learning Center.

Types of Plank Flooring

Before you can decide how you want to install your plank flooring, you must first decide what type of plank flooring you’ll feature in your home. Among the most popular options are:

• Hardwood
• Laminate
• Luxury Vinyl
• Engineered Hardwood
• Bamboo

Deciding the Best Direction to Lay Plank Flooring

Plank flooring features a rectangular shape that lends itself toward many different patterns and directions. The most popular options include:

• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Herringbone
• Diagonal
• Chevron

Aesthetic Considerations for Choosing Plank Direction

Focal Point

If you have a fireplace or focal point in your room, you’ll want to lay the flooring in a way that draws the eye to that focal point. Lay the planks so they point toward the item you’d like to feature. If you have an open-concept home, this method can be difficult because you could have more than one focal point in different areas of the home.

Cohesive Sight Lines

When you want to enlarge the look of your home and make the space seem less busy, run the flooring from the front door through the back of the house. If the home is open concept, it’s important that once you choose a flooring direction, you stick with it throughout all the rooms that open onto one another. Laying the flooring in the same direction as the pathway from the front of your house to the back of your house is by far the most popular choice. Not only does it make a space appear larger, but it also helps invite people into your home by showing them what direction to go.

Modernizing the Look

When you want to make a statement with your flooring, choosing a diagonal floor plank installation is a great choice. This look can get a little busy, so make sure to only consider this option in large rooms, as it can become overwhelming in smaller spaces.

Adding Visual Appeal

Show off your artistic style when you opt for a chevron or herringbone plank flooring pattern. This pointed way of laying flooring is a fantastic choice in large rooms or in homes where one space flows into another. Point the chevron from the front door through the back of the house to make the whole space appear larger and invite people into the space. This pattern could result in the creation of a statement hallway or passage from one space to another.

Showing Off the Flooring

When you absolutely love the look of your plank flooring and want to highlight all the colors and details of the product, run the flooring perpendicular to the light source in the room.

Material Consumption

Laying your flooring horizontally or vertically will help to get the most coverage out of the fewest materials. Any time you choose a more intricate pattern, you increase the amount of material needed to complete the job. If budget is an issue or the material is limited, this will be an important factor. Figure out just how much flooring you need to complete your project by knowing how to measure the space.

Functional Considerations

Sometimes, the needs of the space can supersede the aesthetic look of a flooring pattern. Before you make a final decision, consider the specific needs of your home. Some of the most common functional considerations include:

Floating Flooring

If you’ve chosen a floating floor, there may be a limit to how long you can extend the flooring without breaking it up with a threshold. If this is the case, the dimensions of the room may help determine which direction the plank flooring needs to be installed.

Installation Cost

There’s typically a standard installation price for running your plank flooring vertically or horizontally. If you start getting a little fancier with the design by choosing a chevron, herringbone, or diagonal arrangement, the price of installation is sure to increase.

Time Frame

When you’re trying to get your flooring installed quickly, choosing a vertical or horizontal arrangement is the most time-effective solution. The different methods used to piece together a diagonal, chevron, or herringbone pattern will also extend the time frame for installation.

Final Tips for Laying Plank Direction

If you still haven’t chosen on an ideal layout, we have a few final tips that will help you make that final decision.

Lay the Flooring in the Space

Once you have the plank flooring in the space, place a few of the planks down in the direction you’re considering. There’s no substitute for seeing the boards in the space. If you’re installing the same flooring in multiple rooms, test out the arrangement in multiple rooms, as well.

Consider the Style of the Material

If your plank flooring has intricate detailing, a simpler pattern is called for. If your flooring is more monochromatic in design, it can support a more visually interesting installation pattern.

Ask the Professionals

If you’re having the floors professionally installed, rely on the professionals to help guide your way. They have installed many floors and are sure to have seen every pattern in the past. Use their expertise as a guide to help you achieve the look you want.

When it all comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong way to direct plank flooring in your home. It really comes down to personal style preferences and what best fits the personality of your home. Check out pictures of rooms with different flooring designs and plank directions to help you determine which one will reflect your personal preferences. These tips don’t just apply to plank flooring. They can also be used as a guide for installing ceramic tiles designed to look like wood, as they often share the same rectangular design.

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While hickory may not be the most common choice when it comes to hardwood flooring, it should definitely be on your radar if you’re building a home, renovating your existing house or simply looking for ways to spruce up one part of your home like your living room or master bedroom suite. Use this guide to learn more about the benefits of hickory flooring for your home. You may find that hickory is the perfect pick for residential build or upgrade.

Hickory Flooring is Hard and Durable

Hardwood floors in your home can take a beating from kids, pets and even adults. From your hallways that can be scuffed and scratched to seating areas where chairs and sofas can take their toll, hickory is truly up to the challenge. That’s because hickory hardwood has a Janka scale rating of 1820, making it one of the hardest wood varieties commonly found in the country.

Janka scale ratings might look good on paper, but what do they really mean to you? When it comes to hickory hardwood, that high Janka number means that your floors will be resistant to scuffs, scratches, dings and dents – the stuff that’s basically everyday wear and tear. That makes them ideal for high-traffic spaces where you spend time with your family, friends, pets and kids.

Lots of Looks Are Available

Floors that can stand up to daily abuse are a must-have in entry areas, family rooms, dining rooms and shared spaces like kitchens and hallways. Durability won’t be wasted in bedroom and home office spaces either. You don’t have to give up the look you want to ensure that your floors will last a lifetime in your home though.

Hickory wood comes in a range of different looks. Classic, natural wood grain styles with lots of knots and imperfections are excellent for traditional or antique-inspired and rustic spaces. Sapwood options provider a lighter, more modern look with fewer knots and color variations.

Finding a balance between more rustic and contemporary looks is also possible. Unfinished hickory flooring is particularly popular since it provides some color variation and knotting without appearing too rustic or old-fashioned.

Hickory Retains Stain Well

Natural-look hickory hardwood flooring is extremely popular and can complement many different home styles ranging from more traditional to minimalist modern structures. Hickory does take stain well though, allowing you to get the ideal tone that works for your space.With many different looks available on the market today ranging from wire-brushed hickory to clean, modern blonde wood styles, pre-stained hickory is an excellent choice for residential spaces. By choosing pre-stained varieties, you’ll reduce the amount of in-home work required and ensure that you get a uniform look throughout your room or whole house.

If your floors need to be sanded and stained many years down the road, hickory will fare well and look exceptional again once your project is complete.

Engineered Hickory is an Excellent Choice for Humid Climates

Natural hardwood can swell considerably in humid climates, leading to plank separation and a less than perfect look over time. This is particularly true in rooms where you get a lot of natural sunlight or have limited climate control. Engineered hickory flooring is often the perfect answer for a humid space.

That’s because engineered hickory can be made waterproof and impervious to humidity changes that are common in the winter and summer months. This also makes engineered hickory an excellent choice for kitchens, powder rooms and bathrooms where you want the look of wood without risking water damage.

In many cases, you won’t be able to tell the difference between natural hickory and engineered hickory once its installed. Like natural hickory flooring, a range of style options are available to suit any home design.

Sustainable Options Abound

Hickory is a domestic wood that is common found and harvested in the United States. If sustainability is a concern for you, hickory is an excellent choice because it’s much less likely to be flown to your home from another continent.

The hardness factor also makes hickory a sustainable hardwood since it can last as long as your home. Properly cared for, your hickory floors should look spectacular for generations to come, making it a smart, sustainable choice if you’re looking for hardwood flooring.

Rugged Hickory is Worth the Investment

Hickory flooring is durable and stylish, and with many styles available today, easy to use in just about any home setting. This near-perfect wood does come at a price though. In some cases, hickory can cost 10% to 20% more than other types of commonly used wood like maple or birch.

However, it’s important to remember that hickory is an investment in quality flooring for many years to come. Resistant to scratches, scuffs, dents and dings, hickory will look exceptional in your home for many years. Easy to refinish, hickory will also adapt to style changes over time, allowing you to update your space as you see fit. Natural hickory floors can easily be sanded and stained two to three times or more.

Engineered hickory provides much of the same durability as natural hickory, but is often a better choice for humid climates and wet spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Like its natural brethren, engineered hardwood is available in many styles and finishes.

Hire Pros for Hickory Flooring Installation

Hickory is incredibly hard and durable. That makes it a smart pick for family homes and spaces where longevity and sustainability are concerns. It doesn’t make hickory a very good candidate for a do-it-yourself installation unless you have a vast amount of experience installing wood floors though.

In general, hickory floors should be left to the pros. The hardness of the wood makes it tough to cut, particularly around corners, angled walls and architectural elements like columns. Adding hickory to a staircase or other home feature is also an extremely difficult task that requires a lot of on-the-job experience to handle correctly.

From proper acclimation time to installation in uniquely-shaped rooms, wood floor professionals will know how to handle hickory properly. With a big investment like hickory flooring, hiring pros to ensure that your floors last for many years is a sound choice.

Ready to add natural hickory or engineered hickory flooring to your home? Whether you’re taking on a major home upgrade, updating one room or building a house from the ground up, BuildDirect is here to help you get started right.

Reach out to our trained professionals today to learn more about natural and engineered hickory flooring for your home. We can help you find your preferred style and choose the flooring material that will last based on your lifestyle and durability needs.

We’ll also ship your flooring materials right to your door so you don’t have to do any hauling on your own or pay professionals to pick up your wood. Contact us today to order samples so you can get your project underway.

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Flooring wood density doesn’t have to be particularly difficult to understand though. Choosing flooring with the ideal density and hardness for your space can also help ensure that your home or commercial floors look their best for many years to come.

In the end, a little research can save you quite a bit of money and ensure that you’re happy with the final results. Use this guide to learn more about wood flooring density and why it matters.

What is Flooring Wood Density?

Flooring wood density is all about hardness. To test hardness, the Janka Scale has been used since about 1972 in the United States. The test dates back to 1906 though, when Gabriel Janka, an Austrian wood researcher, developed it for use.

The test is a simple one that basically applies brute force to different types of hardwood to see when they will dent or show signs of wear. During the test, a 0.444″ diameter steel ball is driven into a particular plank of wood with more and more force as the test goes on. Eventually, the wood will show signs of wear and a final Janka Scale score is determined.

How Does it Impact My Flooring Choices?

Wood density might seem like a term that doesn’t really matter much or like some sort of scientific data point that really isn’t important for the end user. Wood density does matter when it comes to how long your floors are expected to last and how they’ll look over time.

With hard, dense flooring materials, you’ll get wood that is resistant to scratching and damage longer. That means that day-to-day wear like your dog’s toenails, dropped packages, backpacks and the movement of furniture will have less of a visible impact. Softer woods will show signs of wear much more quickly.

High-quality hardwoods can cost more than soft or engineered wood materials, but not in all cases. Depending on what style you’re looking for, both domestic and exotic hardwoods can be quite affordable.

When you do pay more, the initial cost is typically offset considering that your durable hardwood floors will likely remain in your home for a lifetime. Maintenance and repair costs will also be greatly reduced, allowing you to enjoy your floors a lot longer without having to go through the headache and expense of an upgrade.

Why Can’t I Use Softwood for Flooring?

Softwoods can be used for flooring material, but they simply don’t have the long-term durability of their harder brethren. Before long, they will show obvious signs of wear, including scuffs, dings, dents and scratches.

Woods with low hardness ratings are particularly problematic in high-traffic spaces like kitchens, entry areas, living rooms, family rooms and hallways. They are generally not suitable for commercial spaces either.

If you do love the look of a particular soft wood, you’ll need to find a place where foot traffic is minimal. A private master bedroom suite or guest room may be your best option. Hardwoods are still preferable in these areas though.

What About Bamboo and Engineered Wood?

Bamboo and engineered wood are two distinctly different materials that often don’t get discussed when talking about wood flooring density. That’s because bamboo is actually a grass product, while engineered wood is made from a combination of real hardwood veneer and plywood underneath. Some engineered wood varieties may contain other natural or man-made materials besides plywood as part of their substrate as well.

Bamboo Density

Bamboo flooring, along with other unique materials like eucalyptus, tend to fare well on the Janka Scale. Some types of bamboo flooring are even harder than certain natural hardwoods. That makes bamboo an excellent flooring option if you like the look.

Engineered Hardwood Density

Engineered wood is relatively strong and high-quality products can stand the test of time. However, engineered wood typically does not perform as well as the harder varieties of natural hardwood like cherry, walnut, ebony or oak. That’s because the lower layer of engineered wood is simply not as strong as a solid plank.

Still Unsure?

Looking to add high-quality hardwood flooring that will stand up to lots of foot traffic or a busy family lifestyle? Natural hardwood with a high wood flooring density or hardness rating is your best bet. Combining a look you love with serious durability, hardwood flooring can stand up to lots of abuse and continue to look excellent minimal maintenance.

Still confused as to which hardwood flooring material will work for your home or commercial space? Reach out to one of our trained representatives today. We can help you with your project from the planning phase to delivery, ensuring that you get the materials you need so you can complete your job on-time and on-budget.

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While trees do perfectly fine out in the wild when they get wet, your wood flooring material doesn’t fare so well when the moisture content is off. Use this guide to learn more about why wood moisture content matters during a building or renovation project. You’ll also learn how to properly check that the wood you’re using is in the right range for installation.

What Does Wood Moisture Content Mean?

Moisture content, in the simplest terms, is the amount of water that a piece of wood flooring material contains. For example, when a freshly sawn piece of wood is weighed, it may come in at 40-pounds. During the drying process, that piece of wood could easily lose 60% of its weight.

Of course, there is still moisture in any piece of wood that you intend to put down on the floor. In fact, even wood that is properly installed will vary in terms of moisture content with the weather, seasons and general indoor conditions. Since wood is porous, this is natural, and as long as the wood stays in a healthy moisture range, your wood planks and boards won’t look any worse because of these minor fluctuations.

Why Is it Important?

The concept of wood moisture content might not seem important to you if you’re buying wood flooring material to install in your home or commercial space. After all, that wood has already been kiln-dried in most cases, right? Yes, but wood moisture content still matters.

If wood with the wrong moisture content is installed, your floors could warp, crack, cup or shrink over time. This can lead to a dramatic reduction in the life of your wood floors. It can also be a costly mistake that could require replacing portions or all of your wood floors way before their lifespan should be up.

How Can I Test for Wood Moisture Content?

Simply inspecting a piece of wood or touching it with your bare hand won’t tell you much about the moisture content of that particular plank or board. To know the moisture content of your wood flooring material, you’ll need a special tool called a moisture meter.

For wood flooring, you’ll want to look for a moisture meter made specifically for wood use. A concrete moisture meter won’t give a proper reading that you can trust. Here are the two main types of wood moisture meters used for hardwood floor installation jobs.

Pin Moisture Meters

These moisture meters utilize two pin-like prongs and an electrical current to test the moisture content of your wood. These pins need to be hammered into the wood for a proper reading, so they can add unsightly blemishes to any wood that you are testing.

Pin-Less or Non-Destructive Moisture Meters

This meter type rests on top of your flooring material, using low frequency signals to test the moisture content through the depth of your wood. Since they don’t have pins that need to be hammered into the wood, they are often the most convenient choice for small jobs since you won’t need extra material for testing. Make sure the meter you choose is designed to test wood that matches the thickness of your flooring material. Otherwise you may get an inaccurate reading from the subfloor below.

How Do I Know What Moisture Content is Correct?

You’ve got your wood, your meter and you’re all ready to go, right? Here’s a quick guide to help you determine whether or not your wood is ready for installation based on the relative humidity of your region:

•   18-25% humidity: 5% wood moisture content  

•   25-32% humidity: 6% wood moisture content

•   32-39% humidity: 7% wood moisture content

•   39-46% humidity: 8% wood moisture content

•   46-55% humidity: 9% wood moisture content

Except in the case of exterior wood installations, where moisture content levels of up to 14% are generally safe, using wood with more than 9% moisture is not advisable. Reducing indoor humidity to around 50% is preferable.

Installation Tips for Proper Wood Moisture Content

Wet wood can wreak havoc on your flooring installation project and lead to floors that are warped, cracked or otherwise damaged. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that your installation project doesn’t get off to a slippery start:

Let your wood acclimate to its new environment.

This is particularly important if your wood was shipped or delivered to your home from a different region or even out of state. The best way to do this is to unbox or unpack your wood flooring material and leave it in the room where it is to be installed for 48 to 72 hours. Leaving wood in a space on Friday afternoon for an installation that begins on Monday morning is a great way to get started.

Know your area.

To properly measure wood moisture content, you need to know the average relative humidity in your area. You’ll also need to know what is a generally acceptable range for indoor wood moisture readings.

Test multiple pieces of wood in different areas of the room.

Some installers recommend testing wood planks every 100 square feet of subfloor. Testing near walls and areas more prone to moisture is also a smart idea once you have your layout planned.

Test both sides of your board if using a pin-less meter.

This gives a more accurate reading if both sides are flat.

Ready to dig a little deeper and learn more about how moisture can impact wood flooring? Check out our blog post all about the ongoing battle between moisture and wood in commercial and residential spaces.

You can also reach out to our skilled, knowledgeable representatives to learn more about wood flooring. We can even help you better understand the process of getting your wood flooring material acclimated to a new environment to make installation as smooth as possible.

The post How to Measure Wood Moisture Content in Flooring appeared first on Learning Center.

If you suspect water damage to your floor, here’s what you need to do:

1. Look for Signs of Moisture Damage

If you’ve experienced flooding, leaks or any water incident, you need to check your floor for signs of damage. Damage to hardwood floors is the easiest to spot. Wooden floors may show peaking, buckling, cupping and discoloration.

Telltale Signs of Damage in Different Floor Types

Hardwood Floors

The most common sign of floor moisture in hardwood floors is cupping. The board edges curl upward, leaving the midsection with a slight dip. In addition:

• Crowning or when the center of the wood gets higher than the edges
• Discoloration
• Dark spots (mold or mildew)
• Buckling or when the wooden planks detach from the subfloor (foundation for a floor) beneath it

Laminate Floors

Moisture isn’t a laminate floor’s friend. While it is considered more durable than hardwood floors and vinyl flooring, laminate floors give way when exposed to water or moisture.

Common indicators of water damage to laminate floors:

• Cupping
• Warping, swelling and separation
• Splitting, cracking
• Mold

Tile Floors

Tiles, especially those constantly getting wet (ex. bathroom tiles) also get damaged over time. Water can infiltrate the grout cracks and affect the subfloor beneath the tiles. This can cause the tiles to move and detach from the subfloor. Signs of tile floor damage include:

• Loose, moving tiles
• Cracked and/or discolored grout
• Hollow sounds when tapped
• Stains
• Mold and presence of pests (ex. Termites, ants)
• Musty odor

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is waterproof but it’s still susceptible to damages due to flooding or extreme moisture. Water-damaged vinyl floors may appear:

• Discolored (and/or moldy)
• Bulgy
• Warped
• Buckled

2. Fix the Leaks

Before doing repairs, you must eliminate the source to keep your new floor from getting waterlogged the next time. Excess moisture can come from:

• Clean water (rain, leaks)
• Gray water (waste from appliances and clean toilets)
• Black water (contaminated water, ex. sewage)
• Groundwater

Clean water leaks are safe to clean and with basic plumbing know-how, you can manage the leaks by yourself. Contaminated water leaks, however, need extra care. You can hire experts (ex. general contractors or plumbers) to get the leaks cleaned up and repaired safely. 

3. Prep the Floor for Repair/Replacement

Usually it’s best to have professionals perform both the cleanup and repair. However, you may do this by yourself.

Step 1. Remove the surface water. Use a shop vacuum to remove as much water as you can from the floor’s surface. Using a sponge/squeegee may also help, but don’t forget to wear a pair of rubber gloves!

Step 2. Clean the floor. Mix your preferred detergent with a mild disinfectant. Using a stiff brush, scrub the entire floor with the solution. Make sure to scrub away dirt, grime, silt or any organic material from the floor. If there’s mold, treat the affected area with trisodium phosphate.

Step 3. Let it dry. Allow the floor to dry naturally. Open the doors and the windows to maximize airflow.

4. Make the Necessary Repairs

The decision to repair or replace your water-damaged floor is entirely up to you. Light damages will only need repair, but floors with extensive and obvious damage will need replacement.

Special Tips for Recovering Different Types of Water-Damaged Floor

Hardwood

Simply screw or nail boards that appear slightly lifted back into place, but remove the water-damaged floor planks. Using a saw, cut the damaged floor planks. Lift the damaged section and remove it with a pry bar. Next, nail the new boards to the floor. Before staining, sand the old and the replacement boards so they match. Apply stain and a polyurethane finish.

Laminate

Water-damaged laminate boards show signs of swelling and separation. In this case, you may replace the damaged boards individually. However, in the case of extensive water damage (ex. flood), the usual option is to replace the whole floor. 

Vinyl

Make sure the floor is dry before attempting to replace or repair buckling on your vinyl floor. Cut out the damaged vinyl then pry it off the floor using a screwdriver. You can replace the damaged part or reuse the vinyl.

Tiles

Water-damaged subfloors expand and cause the tiles to crack or detach from the subfloor. To remove ceramic tiles, lift the loose tiles and pry them up from the floor. You may reuse the tiles (unless they’re cracked or broken) after cleaning them. To reinstall, make sure to use a matching grout. If you want to make sure the installation is water-tight, seek expert help.

DIY or Professional Repair/Replacement?

Depending on the extent of water damage, you can choose to do the repairs by yourself or you can hire general contractors to do them for you.

If you have the time and if there are minimal issues, you can save money by doing the repairs on your own. However, if your floor was exposed to water for long and if there’s visible mold infestation or decay, it’s better to leave this to the experts for the best outcome.

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