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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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.

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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Hardwood flooring is an often sought-after flooring, especially for more traditional or historic homes. The natural wood construction makes it easy to sand down and refinish as time goes on. As with many flooring types, hardwood flooring comes in a variety of different grades. The different grades of the floors speak to their characteristics and effect the price point of the product.

Hardwood Flooring Grades

The grade of the hardwood flooring is determined by the features of the planks. The numbers of knots, variation of color tone, and imperfections in each plank all go into determining what grade the flooring will receive. One thing that all flooring grades have in common is that they are well-constructed and designed to last. The hardwood flooring grades include:

• Prime Grade (AB)
• Select Grade (ABC)
• Natural Grade (ABCD)
• Rustic Grade (CD)
• Utility Grade (Cabin)

First-quality hardwood floors are chosen for their lack of imperfections, impeccable milling, and overall uniformity of design. Cabin grade flooring is considered the lowest of all the hardwood flooring grades and includes the pieces that did not make the cut to be a higher grade. It is also commonly referred to as shop grade, rustic grade or tavern grade flooring because of its rustic characteristics. The variations are largely due to the fact that these flooring planks are harvested from the outer edges of the tree, as opposed to the more uniform inside of the tree.

Characteristics of Cabin Grade Hardwood Flooring

Each of the flooring grades offers distinct characteristics. Cabin grade flooring appreciates the natural imperfections that occur in each piece of wood and provide a casual look. With these floors in place, you won’t be afraid to wear shoes in the house or have pets because the light damage that they could cause to the floors will only further enhance the distressed look of the planks.

Perfectly Imperfect

Because hardwood flooring is sourced from a natural product, variations including knots, pinholes, dents and streaks occur. Cabin grade hardwood flooring is characterized by the ample imperfections running throughout each plank. These imperfections may be in the center of the plank or extend to the edges of the planks. The amount of imperfections can vary greatly from one floor to another, resulting in a rustic and worn look once the floor is installed. The natural variations of these plank call attention to the natural beauty of the wood.

Natural Color Variations

The tone of cabin grade flooring can vary greatly from one plank to another. The natural color variations give cabin grade flooring a distinct character, much unlike the uniform look of some higher hardwood flooring grades. The natural color variations make these floors easy to coordinate with many different furniture finishes.

Thickness Variations

In addition to offering color variations, cabin grade flooring also offers slight differences in the thickness. Slight variations during the milling process cause the variations in thickness, which is how many of the planks receive a cabin grade rating. The length of the flooring can also vary from one piece to another. You may find that many of the planks are shorter in length than with first-quality hardwood flooring grades.

Highly Affordable

Cabin grade flooring is the most affordable of all hardwood flooring grades. The low cost of this flooring makes it more accessible for a variety of budgets and can make it a good choice for expansive spaces.

Tips for Installing Cabin-Grade Hardwood Flooring

As with any flooring, there are some tips and tricks to get the best finished look out of your cabin grade hardwood. Mixing up planks and using the right boards in the right places will help to cut back on the waste you have throughout the installation process.

Mix Up Planks

Because the planks can vary so much in appearance from one piece to another, it is important to open multiple boxes of flooring and mix them up during installation. This will help to disperse pieces from different boxes into each area so the whole room has a more cohesive look. Throughout the installation process, make sure to have multiple boxes open to pull from.

Thoughtfully Place Boards

If you run across boards that aren’t ideal for the center of a living room or bedroom, save them for installation in a closet or another inconspicuous place instead of scrapping them all together.

Purchase 20 Percent Extra Flooring

Because it is a lower grade flooring, you are bound to come up with some planks you don’t want to use at all. Purchase an overage of about twenty to twenty-five percent to account for any planks that will be discarded. Make sure to factor this overage in when determining which grade of flooring to purchase

When you want a well-loved and rustic look for your space, choosing cabin grade hardwood flooring makes a great option. It is much less expensive than higher grade hardwood flooring and features numerous natural characteristics. Cabin grade flooring isn’t just a great option for lodges and cabins. It is a suitable choice for any casual living area, including guest bedrooms, family retreats, and game rooms. You can achieve the same rustic look with enhanced durability by opting for luxury vinyl floors.

The post What is Cabin Grade Hardwood Flooring? appeared first on Learning Center.

Hardwood flooring is an elegant and timeless choice for any style of home. Before committing to any hardwood flooring product, order a couple of samples and test them in your home to ensure a great pairing. The flooring is the foundation for any room design and will be a focal point of the décor for many years to come. Make sure the product selected is the best material for your space by taking the time to test the hardwood flooring samples that arrive at your door.

You aren’t committing to the samples themselves. Go ahead and order a wide range of options, even in finishes that you might not initially think you want. Getting the products into the space may make you fall in love with a color that will surprise you.

Test Hardwood Flooring Samples Before You Commit

How It Looks in the Space

Natural and artificial lighting can look very different on the same flooring sample. Place a flooring sample in the space and look at it in a variety of lights at various times of the day. The same flooring you love first thing in the morning may not be your favorite when the sun goes down and the artificial lighting in the home is the only thing illuminating the hardwood.

The different areas of the room receive different amounts of light. Move the sample from one room to another and look at it in multiple locations to make sure you like the finish and design in all types of lighting. Take note of how the flooring looks against your wall color, cabinetry, trim, and existing furniture.

What Does it Feel Like?

Hardwood flooring needs to feel comfortable under foot. Some products are smoother than others. Run your hands and feet over the flooring samples to make sure the material feels as good as it looks. Hardwood flooring with beveled edges will feel differently than hardwood flooring with a straight edge. Look for one that isn’t so slick that you’ll slip in socks or so rugged that you won’t be comfortable in bare feet.

Consider Durability

The flooring you choose needs to hold up to daily life. Shoes, furniture, and all the people in your home will pass over the floors. Make sure the product you choose is designed to hold up to even the highest-traffic areas of the home by testing their durability. Take various sharp or pointy objects and drag them over the flooring simple to see how badly the floors get marked up.

Scratches aren’t the only ways that floors show signs of wear. Try staining them with coffee, oils, and other cooking essentials to see how well they wipe up. Make sure to clean up the mess with the same cleaning products you would typically apply to the floors to see how the products affect the finish of the floors.

Compare Wood Variations

Both the species of the wood and the surface texture alter the way the finished flooring looks in a space. Some of the most common flooring textures include:

• Smooth: Smooth hardwood provides a sophisticated look
• Hand-Scraped: These boards are distressed by hand and come in a variety of different looks, from barely distressed to truly rugged.
• Distressed: When you’re worried about signs of wear showing, distressed hardwood floors make a great option because they are already beautifully imperfect.
• Antique: Traditional or rustic homes deserve the old-world charm that antique-finish hardwood floors bring to a space.
• Wire-Brushed: Infuse rugged style into a space with wire-brushed flooring designed to conceal scratches by providing a scratched-up look in the first place.

The species of wood also alters the appearance of the product. White ash, beech, birch, black cherry, hickory, maple, and oak are a few of the most popular domestic hardwood flooring options. For something more exotic, opt for bamboo, Brazilian cherry, cork, spotted gum, mahogany, wenge, or teak. Some types of hardwood flooring are even sustainable, making them an environmentally friendly addition to the design of your home.

Compare Different Grades of Flooring

Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of different grades. When selecting flooring samples to test at home, make sure to test products from different grades to see how they vary. The various grades of hardwood flooring include:

• Clear Grade: These boards provide the fewest knots and color variations from board to board.
• Select & Better: Minimal pinholes are featured on these almost uniform hardwood boards.
• #1 Common: This grade features the occasional knot and subtle color variations from one plank to another.
• #2 Common: These high-character boards offer color variations that showcase pinholes and knots for a natural sophistication.
• Cabin Grade: These hardwood floors boast a loved-over-time appearance with a rough, natural look showcasing knots and pinholes without any open holes.
• Shorts: When you’re looking for character, shorts are the way to go. These planks feature pinholes, knots, and plenty of color variation from one piece to the next.

Clear grade flooring provides the fewest variations from one plank to another while shorts offer the most variation from one plank to another. Within the same color family, order samples from a few different grades and see which one provides the best look for your space.

Don’t treat your hardwood flooring samples as though they are precious. Feel free to put them through the paces to see if they are really going to hold up to the rigors of day-to-day life. Once you really see them in the space, it is easier to make a confident decision about which product will be a long-lasting addition to your home. For wet areas of the home where hardwood flooring isn’t an option, consider luxury vinyl flooring. It provides the same look but is completely waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and even basements.

The post How to Test Your Hardwood Flooring Sample appeared first on Learning Center.

Tungston Hardwood – Unfinished Oak / SKU: 10095300

Due to its beauty, versatility, and durability, flooring has become a popular choice for the home. If you’re thinking about having hardwood floors installed in your home, you’ll discover two basic alternatives: finished and unfinished. While finished hardwood flooring is more common, there are some circumstances when unfinished hardwood floors are more desirable. Learn more about the advantages of unfinished hardwood flooring to see if it’s the right option for you.

Customization

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of unfinished hardwood floors over the finished style is that unfinished wood offers many attractive ways you can customize your floors. Since working with unfinished flooring is basically like working with a piece of raw wood, it’s like having a clean slate, and you can do anything you want to it.

If you’re going for a certain style or look in your home, unfinished wood makes it easy to get exactly the appearance you want. When you select unfinished floors, you can customize them with colors and stains that perfectly suit your interior decor. Often, these colors aren’t available in finished floor products, so you’ll get to enjoy a unique look when you opt for unfinished hardwood floors and finish them yourself.

If you’re interested in a one-of-a-kind look for your floor, you can ask the installer about inlays, borders, and other custom features that simply aren’t possible with flooring that’s finished at the factory. Since unfinished hardwood floors are sanded on-site, it’s also possible to customize your floors with different edge profiles. For example, you can ask for a smoother edge that’s easier to keep clean than the micro-beveled edge that comes with most factory-finished floors.

Unfinished flooring also comes in a wider variety of wood species. This is ideal if you’re installing new floors in your dining room and either want something exotic or want them to match the existing floors in your living room. If you’re interested in an uncommon plank size, you might only be able to find it by selecting unfinished hardwood.

Installation Flexibility

Unlike finished hardwood floors, unfinished hardwood floors offer outstanding flexibility during the installation process. You can install the floor at any time you want. You can even wait until everything else in the house is finished before installing the floors. Plus, if you’re trying to make your new floors match existing flooring or other features inside your home, selecting on-site hardwood finishing makes it easier to get that coordination.

If you want the most flexibility possible when installing floors in any area of your home, you need to turn to hardwood. For example, since solid hardwood isn’t recommended for below-grade applications, such as in basements, many homeowners turn to engineered hardwood floors instead. This is because hardwood can handle changes in moisture level and humidity. Of course, finished hardwood flooring only has select stains and colors available. To get the look you really want, you need to choose unfinished hardwood.

Unfinished hardwood has another advantage if keeping your floors clean is a top priority. Since traditional hardwood flooring is finished at the factory, installers don’t apply a sealing agent to the seams between the planks when they put in the floor.

This lack of sealing agent can make it easier for dirt and other debris to get caught in the seams. Open seams are also susceptible to water penetration, which can cause mold to grow beneath the surface and permanently damage your floor. However, when you finish your floors on-site, you can get this sealing agent applied to the entire floor.

The Color Options Are Endless

With unfinished hardwood, you can change the look of the floor by applying a stain finish before you seal the wood. This gives you the opportunity to use colors that you can’t find in finished wood products, and your color options are almost endless. Along with traditional stain colors, you can also combine stains to create a truly distinctive look. You’ll also find an impressive range of finishes available, including matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.

When you get finished wood directly from the manufacturer, the stain and finish are already applied, so you can’t change the color if it isn’t what you were expecting. However, since the staining on unfinished hardwood is happening in your home, you can adjust as you go. Did the stain look darker in the store but now that it’s in your home it’s too light? You can easily add another coat or go with an entirely different color on the same floor.

It’s Cheaper Than Finished Hardwood… Usually

Another advantage that unfinished hardwood floors have over finished floors is that they’re usually cheaper. If you’re working with a tight budget, you’ll appreciate these savings. Of course, you do have to keep in mind that while the product itself is typically cheaper, you’ll need to consider installation and finishing costs when you’re calculating your budget for flooring.

Natural Wood Look

Tungston Hardwood – Unfinished Oak / SKU: 10083305

Though you have a large choice of colors, you can also choose to go with no stain at all when you select unfinished hardwood floors. This is an ideal way to go if you’re trying to get a more natural look in your home. In this case, you simply leave the natural wood as it is and then finish it.

You then get to enjoy the simple and pure beauty of the wood without any unnatural colors or stains. When you install unfinished hardwood in your home and finish it after installation, you’ll help preserve the natural characteristics and elegance of the wood.

If you’re considering hardwood flooring for your home and can’t decide between a finished or unfinished style, you now know the several advantages that unfinished floors offer. To enjoy the most control over the appearance of your floors, you may want to select unfinished hardwood floors.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-engineered-wood-floor/

http://sequoia-ltd.com/2015/10/16/the-benefits-of-unfinished-engineered-wood/

https://blog.cityfloorsupply.com/unfinished-vs-prefinished-engineered-hardwood-flooring/

https://www.ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk/wood-flooring-guide/advantages-of-unfinished-hardwood-floors/

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/prefinished-or-unfinished-wood-flooring/

https://www.thespruce.com/prefinished-hardwood-floors-pros-and-cons-1314693

The post Why Should You Buy Unfinished Hardwood Flooring? appeared first on Learning Center.

Pros and Cons for Handscraped Hardwood

Pro: Beautiful and Rustic Aesthetic

Hardwood floors are known for their innate beauty, as they’re designed to showcase the natural features of the wood. While most types of hardwood flooring offer a sleek, clean look, handscraping instead creates a wonderfully rustic aesthetic.

Unlike most wood floors, handscraped hardwood doesn’t have a smooth look or feel. Instead, these floors feature a rougher texture. The myriad grooves and divots come from the intricate handscraping process that these planks undergo during production. To create this three-dimensional style, either artisans or machines use tools to wear away select portions of each plank.

When complete, the unique features of each plank truly shine, taking the natural appearance of hardwood to new levels. Although this flooring type can work in a wide range of spaces, it tends to fit best in homes with a rustic design. Because no two planks of handscraped hardwood look the same, this flooring type also lends a unique aesthetic and a distinctive personality to any room.

Pro: Highly Durable

Wood floors can last for decades, but handscraped hardwood takes durability to new heights. With most hardwood types, you’ll need to constantly take precautions to prevent scratches, dents, and impressions. If you have kids or pets or if your home has high-traffic areas, you could end up worrying about damage throughout the life of the flooring.

Since handscraped planks already have a unique texture, regular wear and tear doesn’t have to be a concern. Any scratches or impressions that occur after installation are much more likely to enhance rather than detract from the weathered look of these hardwood floors.

While a few extra scrapes and scores won’t take away from the beauty of your floors, in most cases, you’ll still want to take basic steps to safeguard your handscraped hardwood. Using furniture pads and area rugs can help these beautiful floors look stunning and last even longer.

Pro: Anti-Scratch Finish

Most wood floors feature a protective finish that keeps them safe from light wear and tear and helps them last for several years. You’ll need to refinish most wood floors periodically to increase their longevity and durability, but handscraped hardwood floors typically come with a highly durable finish designed to last for two decades or longer. This anti-scratch finish helps protect your floors from wear and tear and prevents you from having to refinish your wood floors frequently. After the initial 20 years or so have passed, you can screen and recoat them to revitalize them without having to deal with sanding or refinishing.

Pro: Easy to Maintain

One of the biggest perks of handscraped floors is the almost effortless maintenance they require. After installing this type of flooring, you’ll want to use a dust mop fitted with a microfiber head for basic weekly cleaning. Every two months or so, use a wet mop and a gentle cleaning solution for a deeper clean.

To maintain hardwood between wet mop sessions, take care to wipe up spills and prevent liquids from pooling on the floors or seeping into openings between planks. Place doormats at entrances to your home to encourage family and friends to wipe their feet and lower the chances of tracking moisture or dirt inside. By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the maintenance handscraped hardwood needs even more.

Although you can also use a steam mop for even deeper cleaning, these devices tend to be necessary for removing stains and caked-on dirt. Since handscraped hardwood has a natural ability to hide these issues, it doesn’t usually require steam cleaning.

Con: Can Be Costly

You can find wood floors at virtually any price point, but handscraped hardwood tends to be one of the most expensive types. While many hardwood options rely on highly automated production processes that are easy and inexpensive to execute, making handscraped hardwood isn’t quite as systematized. In fact, many manufacturers rely on artisans to do manual handscraping, adding a personal touch to the finished product but raising the price in the process.

If you want only the highest-quality handscraped hardwood for your home, there’s a good chance you’ll need to budget for a higher price point. However, if you love the look and durability but you don’t mind a mechanical production process, you’re much more likely to find options that work with a more limited budget.

No matter which price point you opt for, keep in mind that the higher initial cost doesn’t necessarily reflect the cost of the flooring over the course of its life. Since authentic handscraped hardwood is incredibly durable and easy to maintain, this type of flooring can be an affordable long-term investment.

Con: Installation Difficulty

Handscraped flooring can be challenging to install, but investing in pre-scraped planks and choosing the right time to install hardwood floors can make the process easier. To install handscraped hardwood, line up the planks to create an appealingly rustic look. Then join the tongues and grooves, and use a flooring nailer to secure the planks into place. Just like that, you’ll have beautiful, weathered floors for your country home.

Since handscraped hardwood comes with a durable, anti-scratch finish, you don’t have to worry about sealing or finishing the floors after installation. Simply enjoy your beautiful handscraped hardwood floors for decades to come.

If you’re up for a challenging installation and you consider this flooring type to be a long-term investment, handscraped hardwood could be the perfect choice for your space. With its rustic look, excellent durability, and easy maintenance, beautiful handscraped hardwood floors offer a myriad benefits for any home.

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Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their classic beauty and excellent durability. Despite all their benefits, the main downside to hardwood floors is that they don’t absorb sound very well. Even if your household doesn’t have pets or children, the simple act of walking across the floor in shoes is sometimes enough to disturb other people in the home. However, with the proper soundproofing techniques, you can minimize the amount of noise your hardwood floors make and enjoy them even more.

Types of Noise: Airborne and Impact

If you want to know how to soundproof your gorgeous chestnut hardwood flooring, it first helps to know the different types of noises. You can classify noises into two categories: airborne or impact. Airborne noises, which are also sometimes called ambient noises, are sounds transmitted through the air before they pass through walls, ceilings, or floors. Examples of airborne noises include a radio or television playing, people talking, or a telephone ringing. The best way to deal with airborne noise is to use sound-absorbing material, such as fiber insulation, inside cavities in the floor and ceiling.

Impact noises are caused when one object makes direct contact with another object. Examples can include someone walking or running on the floor or someone dropping an object on the floor. The sound from an impact noise travels differently from airborne because the impact itself creates vibrations in the structure of the home, such as the beams and wood joists that connect the floors, ceilings, and walls.

Because of this difference in the way impact noise travels, reducing this noise is more difficult. The best way to reduce impact noise in a home is to separate the materials that are normally connected to each other. In the floor, this means installing a flexible and durable subfloor beneath the floor covering.

The best way to reduce either type of noise is to do so as close to the source as possible. Therefore, if the hardwood floors are in the upstairs part of your house and you have access to them, you’ll get better results by treating the upstairs floor rather than treating the downstairs ceiling.

Hardwood Floor Underlayment

One way you can soundproof your hardwood floors is by installing the flooring with a resilient underlayment and damping compound. The resilient underlayment separates the construction materials, and the damping compound helps to further disperse sound energy. The damping compound is especially important when dealing with lower frequencies that an underlayment can’t absorb.

When choosing a resilient underlayment, there are several material options available, including fiber, rubber, foam, and cork. One of the best choices for absorbing sound is a shredded rubber mat. It’s heavier than cork or foam, which gives it extra soundproofing abilities.

As long as your subfloor isn’t too thick and is made of a material you can screw into, you can often apply the damping compound directly to the existing subfloor layer. Since the damping compound needs to exist between two hard surfaces to do its job correctly, you must make sure it has a firm layer above it. A cement board is an acceptable choice. However, if the thickness isn’t a concern and you want even more sound isolation, consider a thicker sheet of oriented strand board or medium-density fiberboard.

When you’re ready to install your hardwood floors on top of the underlayment, you want to do so as a floating raft. This means you won’t attach the hardwood floors to the layer underneath with any type of screws, nails, or adhesive. You also want to leave a gap between the edge of the floor and the walls. You can then fill this gap with acoustic sealant. The gap acts as a separator and helps reduce impact noise that carries through the building structure.

Carpets and Rugs

While underlayment is ideal for hardwood floors that haven’t been installed yet, if you already have hardwood floors down and you’re looking to soundproof them, there are several ways to do this. Carpet and pad is the most effective way to reduce noise on your floors. The thicker you can get your carpet and pad, the better they will work at absorbing noise. Carpet and pad will dissipate noise before it even has a chance to enter the structure and carry to other parts of the house.

Of course, installing a carpet and pad means covering your hardwood floors. If you don’t want to give up enjoying the beauty of your hardwood just to cut down on the noise, you have a few other options. Thick area rugs will work to reduce some noise, and they won’t completely cover your floors. You can also use fabric in other spots around your house, such as fabric wall hangings, tapestries, fabric-covered wall panels, and thick drapes, to absorb unwanted airborne sounds.

Before You Build: Do You Have Soundproof Requirements?

Whether you’re considering hardwood floors for an apartment complex or a rental unit in your home, it’s important to note that building codes throughout the United States have certain soundproof requirements between floors. These codes are designed to create a standard of privacy and to make living conditions more comfortable for everyone.

While some building code inspection departments require completed field tests before they’ll issue a certificate of occupancy, others do not. The departments that don’t require field tests typically rely on the specifications and design recommendations from the architect. Purchasing a multi-family unit or renovating your home to create a rental space is a significant investment, and you want to make sure you’re following all the requirements. Take time to understand the regulations and recommendations before you start a project so you don’t waste any time or money doing it incorrectly.

Hardwood floors are easy to maintain and add exceptional style to your home. If you want to enjoy the beauty of your floors and yet control the noise they produce, these tips on how to soundproof your hardwood floors will help.

Resources:

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When building a new home or remodeling an existing home, flooring choices are everything. With pets in the home, this becomes even more important, because pets are just as hard, if not harder, than people on flooring surfaces. What are the best flooring for pets in the home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of several types of flooring to help in the decision-making process.

Finding the Purrfect Flooring for Pets

Laminate Flooring

Due to the hardness of laminate flooring, pet owners may turn to it instead of traditional hardwood. While this may work to provide the décor people want, it can be difficult for pets, especially dogs, because they will slip and slide as they walk or run through the home. This will cause their hips to move in unnatural ways, which may cause damage to their bodies. This is pronounced in smooth, high gloss laminate floors and can be mitigated somewhat by choosing a laminate floor with an embossed or textured finish. Laminate won’t show scratches as easily as some other surfaces, but because they are slippery and uncomfortable to lie on it is not a great flooring for pets. Rugs are recommended throughout the home to help the pet if you choose laminate.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an excellent flooring for pets for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It won’t wear out, and it’s completely renewable. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to be green. Bamboo is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Bamboo’s hardness will help save money when compared to flooring that will require repairs from scratches. For those who are trying to decide between using wood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise. If you choose bamboo snap lock flooring, the installation will be easy too.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone is an amazing flooring for pets because it does not scratch easily, and scratches don’t show as they do in other types of flooring. When pets have accidents on the stone tile floor, there is much less reason to worry about how it will impact the flooring. With these two factors considered, this is a good choice for pet owners, but the floors are hard and cold so they are not very comfortable to lie on. However, you can use radiant heat to make it warmer. Consider using area rugs and pet beds to alleviate this problem.

Granite is the hardest of natural stones and is the best choice for scratch resistance. Softer stones such as marble, slate, and travertine may require somewhat more maintenance than granite, especially if they feature a polished finish.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Similar to stone, porcelain or ceramic tile floors are is a good choice in terms of wear and tear for pets. It won’t scratch easily. If pets don’t manage to make it outside before relieving themselves, the urine won’t damage the condition of the floor as it would with hardwood. However, much like stone, the surface is hard and uncomfortable for pets to lie on, but rugs will help.

Vinyl Flooring

While many people wouldn’t think of vinyl flooring for pets, the new luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice. It’s great for small children, too! The flooring is scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens, easy to clean and maintain. It’s even quiet to walk on.

Carpet

When it comes to flooring for pets, carpet is likely the worst choice one can make. This is because it is easily damaged by pets. Even normal wear and tear on carpet in a pet-free home happens faster than with other flooring options. If carpet is the only choice because it is the most cost-effective option for home flooring, the best thing to do is choose a carpet without loops as pet nails can snag on the loops and cause the carpet to wear faster.

While budget and ease of installation will be factors impacting the flooring decisions of a home, taking time to consider the best flooring options for pets beforehand may save money in repairs and frustration in the long run. Cutting corners on flooring to save money is not a good choice if the flooring needs to be replaced in a few months or even a year due to the wear and tear from the pets.

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Whether you’re installing hickory or maple flooring, underlayment is essential. Underlayment may not be visible underneath your beautiful wood floors, but this material offers many key benefits. Along with providing added support and sound protection, underlayment also improves durability and helps your flooring last longer. To get the most out of the underlayment, however, you’ll need to select the right material. Find out how to choose the best underlayment for your new hardwood floors.

Know Your Underlayment Options

Underlayment comes in a range of materials and thicknesses. Take a closer look at some of the most common types of underlayment for hardwood flooring.

• Felt: Perhaps the simplest type of underlayment, felt offers basic sound absorption and moisture barrier capabilities.
• Foam: This material is one of the easiest and most affordable types of underlayment to install. Foam underlayment provides a high level of sound insulation, making it a great option for limiting hollow noises.
• Rubber: This type of underlayment takes sound insulation to the next level, easily absorbing noises and disturbances. Thanks to its pliability and flexibility, rubber underlayment is also one of the easiest types to install.
• Cork: This material offers both temperature insulation and sound absorption. Since it’s made from a natural material, cork underlayment is one of the most eco-friendly options you’ll find.

Consider the Hardwood Species

Not every underlayment material pairs perfectly with each hardwood species. To find the ideal match, consider the type of hardwood flooring you’re planning to install.

• Cherry: This hardwood species is known for its warm, cozy hues, but you may not realize that it’s one of the softest types of wood flooring. Cherry works best with an underlayment that provides extra support and padding, such as cork or rubber.
• Hickory: One of the hardest and most durable hardwood species, hickory flooring doesn’t need much help to withstand traffic and wear. Hickory flooring typically pairs well with flexible foam underlayment.
• Maple: Along with hickory, maple is one of the hardest types of wood flooring. It generally works best with foam or rubber underlayment, as both offer a moderate amount of support and insulation.
• Oak: Whether you choose white or red, oak flooring is on the softer side. Both types of oak pair well with rubber underlayment, which provides the insulation and absorption capabilities white and red oak need.
• Walnut: This type of flooring may look impenetrable, but walnut is one of the softest types of hardwood flooring. Consider pairing it with cork underlayment for extra support and added durability.

Think About the Subfloor Condition

While the hardwood species certainly impacts the type of underlayment you’ll choose, don’t forget to consider the subfloor, too. Take note of both the material and the condition as you make your decision. Subfloors that are damaged or uneven tend to work best with the most flexible underlayment options, as these materials can make up for any subfloor imperfections.

If the subfloor is plywood, opt for an underlayment that’s semi-permeable. This type of underlayment allows both the hardwood floor and the wood subfloor to breathe without trapping mold and mildew or causing the material to rot. If the subfloor is concrete, choose an impermeable underlayment instead. This type of material is designed to stop moisture in its tracks and prevent water from seeping through the concrete and into the hardwood floor.

Evaluate the Purpose of the Room

In many cases, the room itself determines the ideal underlayment. For example, a condo or apartment on a higher level of a building may need a rubber underlayment which can provide additional sound insulation and vibration absorption and prevent disruptions in the unit below. Along the same lines, a family room or entryway that experiences a high level of traffic may need a cork underlayment, an underlayment which is more supportive and can boost durability.

Accommodate Radiant Heating Needs

If your new wood flooring needs to accommodate radiant heating, you’ll need to be more selective with the type of underlayment you choose. You’ll want to rule out any underlayment options made with asphalt, as this material tends to produce strong odors when heated. Since radiant heating can cause temperature fluctuations that may produce condensation, you’ll also want to choose an underlayment type that can handle moisture without damaging either the hardwood floor above or the subfloor below.

Mazama Hardwood – Handscraped Acacia Collection / SKU: 10082300

Assess Environmental Concerns

Whether you want to keep harmful chemicals out of your home or you want to minimize your carbon footprint, you’ll also want to assess any environmental concerns with your underlayment choice. Many types of rubber underlayment are made with recycled materials that make this option more sustainable than most. In addition, cork is easy to recycle after use, making it one of the most eco-friendly options on the market. Before you choose an underlayment, check the specifics to confirm the materials and the environmental impact.

Check the Building Requirements

If you’re installing hardwood flooring in a larger building, remember to check the building requirements for underlayment. Your building may require you to use an underlayment with a certain impact isolation class (IIC) rating, which absorbs footsteps, or a particular sound transmission class (STC) rating, which refers to noise reduction.

Your building may also regulate materials for safety or durability reasons. Before proceeding with your hardwood floor installation, make sure your underlayment choice meets or exceeds what your building requires, or you could have to schedule a second renovation project sooner than you had planned.

Confirm the Manufacturer’s Approval

Finally, don’t forget to confirm the flooring manufacturer’s approval. Many hardwood flooring manufacturers recommend certain types of underlayment for use with their products. You’ll want to make sure that the underlayment’s material, thickness, and installation requirements are compatible with the flooring. After all, selecting the best underlayment for the hardwood flooring ensures that your floors will look fantastic, feel comfortable, and last for years to come.

Keep the tips above in mind as you pair the ideal underlayment with your hardwood of choice. Once you’ve chosen the right underlayment, you’ll be one step closer to installing new hardwood floors and creating your dream home.

Resources:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/wood-floors-guide

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-hardwood-flooring/

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/5-hardwood-flooring-options-to-match-the-style-of-rooms/

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/hardwood-flooring-installation-5-tips/

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/what-to-ask-when-shopping-for-hardwood-flooring/

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