There are so many factors to consider when planning for a hardwood floor — wood type, stain, location, board width … it’s easy to forget. One factor not to miss is what type of polyurethane finish you choose. Some people may swear by oil-based finish, while others stand up for water-based. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, and depending on the look you’re going for and the room you’re considering, one may be better than the other. What’s the difference? Polyurethane is a polymer compound that, depending on its structure, can be used to make anything from rigid foam installation [...]

Hardwood floors are all about care. However, keeping your new wood floors pristine begins before they’re even installed — they have to be acclimated. With a little preparation and some advice, it’s a simple process that can save a lot of heartache later as wear and tear and weather leave their marks on your floors. Acclimation is the process of bringing the wood to the same level of moisture content and temperature as the room in which it is expected to perform. It works the same way a mountain climber acclimates to very high elevations — gradually changing conditions so [...]

It’s time to ring in the new year, and that means it’s time to set some new resolutions. For many people, that means tackling major projects — like renovating a home! With a whole year ahead, there are new hardwood flooring trends coming down the line. While carpet is still a common choice as flooring in the U.S., most types of hard flooring like hardwood, tile, laminate and vinyl are gaining popularity. However, there are many variations on color, texture and wood type that designers can offer to keep your home looking unique, so it can be hard to choose. [...]

Entering a home with beautiful hardwood floors, it may not be immediately obvious what kind of material was used. A casual eye can fairly quickly tell laminate wood floors from real wood, but what may escape a layman is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood. While both are made of real wood fibers, there are some significant differences. One is not necessarily higher-quality than the other — it truly depends on customer preference and the individual situation. It’s important to know the benefits and drawbacks of both before deciding which type of wood would be the best fit [...]

With Thanksgiving come and gone, Christmas lights are coming on and the ground is turning white with snow. Across the country, temperatures are falling and, in many places, humidity levels are falling with them. Those seasonal changes in humidity can take a toll on beautiful hardwood floors over the years, damaging their integrity and appearance. There are steps you can take as a homeowner to combat damage to hardwood floors over the seasons, depending on your region and individual home’s needs. But first, let’s take a look at what’s happening. Humidity and hardwood The relative humidity percentage describes how much [...]

Looking at your home before remodeling, it can be hard to decide what kind of flooring to choose. In one corner, traditional and warm carpet; in the other, sleek and efficient hardwood. When weighing the costs versus the value and quality of your home, which way do you go? Hardwood floors have been shown to be a high-quality investment in your home, whether you stay or whether you’re planning to sell. They also have advantages to your family’s health and comfort over carpet. Hardwood is more of an investment up front, but it’s an investment that can pay off soon. [...]