When it comes to redecorating, one of the single most effective things you can do is update your flooring. Trading your old carpet for a beautiful hardwood floor can really add a splash of style to your space and instantly update the overall look and feel of your home.

But before you take the plunge and invest in hardwood flooring, it’s important that you understand the specific care requirements that come with them. Although timber flooring may seem like a low-maintenance option, a certain amount of TLC is required to keep it looking spick and span.

What’s more, you may have to throw out everything you know about cleaning too! It is all too common that those with wooden floors end up ruining them simply by cleaning them incorrectly.

While it may seem a daunting prospect to choose a flooring option that is a little temperamental, don’t reconsider just yet. All it takes is a little knowledge of what not to do so you don’t make the mistake of inadvertently damaging your floors.

Here are five of the most common traps people fall into when cleaning their hardwood floors.

1. Using An Incorrect Vacuum Attachment

Unfortunately, not all suction tools were created equal. In reality, some vacuum attachments can have adverse effects on hardwood floors. Over time, an incorrect vacuum head can scratch wooden surfaces and leave more pesky spaces for dust or dirt to hide, all in all, making them harder to clean. In this case, definitely steer clear of any attachments that contain rotating brushes or a beater bar with stiff bristles, as these heads are too abrasive for soft wooden materials and will cause damage.

Alternatively, you should opt for an attachment which has a soft brush or felt component with less resistance. You could also consider using a vacuum with a lighter or smaller canister as these machines aren’t as heavy and are less likely to create dents or marks.

2. Mopping Wooden Floors As You Would Tiles

Wooden floorboards are porous, which means they absorb and hold moisture. So, it makes sense that using a wet mop to clean is a no-go when it comes to wooden flooring. The greatest risk you run into here is water seeping down into the floors and causing warping, movement, or swelling.

That said, you can still mop your floors, but it’s best to avoid mopping with a saturated brush. Instead, grab a mop that’s basically dry, or only slightly damp, to maintain that polished look. Your wood floors will thank you later!

3. Using Common Household Cleaners

Vinegar and ammonia-based cleaners are highly renowned in the household cleaning world, as they are known to be both cost-effective and versatile. However, using such products on hardwood floors is an absolute faux pas. While these products, will without a doubt eliminate debris or stains, they will also damage the wood’s finish by slowly eating away at the surface. 

Not only this, you should also avoid natural cleaning agents like baking soda and abrasive bottled sprays, as these cleaners will lessen the protective coating of your hardwood floors.

Opting for an oil-based cleaning product is your best bet. Oil-based cleaners are best for hardwood floors since they will not damage the wood’s appearance, prematurely age the wood, or diminish the protective surface.

If you’re unsure what cleaner to use, you should contact your flooring manufacturer who will be able to advise you on the best care instructions for your product. 

4. Excessive Amounts of Water Left On The Floors

Water is the enemy of hardwood flooring. Although it is impossible to avoid small spills here and there, it is important to note that excessive amounts of water can cause the wood to buckle. Not only this, exotic hardwood styles like Brazilian Cherry, Jarrah or Merbau could develop discolored patches as a result of water.

5. Neglecting Regular Hardwood Maintenance

After your hardwood floors are installed, you’re home free, right? Unfortunately, no! Wooden floors need long-term care to ensure they continue to look good as new. Most people don’t realize this, but sweeping regularly can not only eliminate dust but also extend the lifespan of the wood.

Also, if you begin to notice scratches here and there, it’s best to repair these floorboards as soon as you can. The sooner you attend to little problem areas, the easier the repair job will be; it’s the difference between buffing out a spot and sanding the entire board down to refinish. To this end, think about caring for your hardwood floors like you do lawn maintenance: regular mowing takes considerably less time, energy and money than tending to an overgrown jungle of weeds!

Know the Difference: Wide vs Narrow Wood Flooring

 

 

Wood flooring has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why. Alongside style and practicality, classic hardwood boasts unrivalled longevity, and charisma that is almost impossible to replicate.

 

But if you’re new to the wood flooring marketplace, it can be difficult to know which choice is best for your home. With so many variations available, it’s easy to get lost, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

 

Whilst some alterations like species and shade are easy to understand, subtle changes to plank dimensions may appear to make less of a difference. However, the truth is wide and narrow wood planks offer very different benefits.

 

Whilst ultimately the choice is down to personal preference, here are a few things to keep an eye on when making your decision.

 

 

Aesthetic

One of the most important things to consider when choosing between wide and narrow wood flooring is the aesthetic. Both choices can make dramatic differences to the appearance of the floor, even if the boards are manufactured from the same species of wood!

 

Narrow boards offer energy, formality, and intricacy. As more narrow planks can fit into a given space, this increases the number of joins and grooves that are visible. Consequently, the flooring can appear more complex, especially when paired with a bevelled edge.

 

On the other hand, wide boards allow the natural flair of the grain to shine. With a greater surface area on show, the naturalistic details of the wood are given space, exhibiting more depth, more texture, and more variation. Pair this with square edges and a high gloss finish for a seamless, airy look and feel.

 

 

Room Size

Interestingly, it’s not always the size of your room that determines how big it feels! There are a number of factors that can open or close your interior space, including the width of your flooring.

 

As discussed above, narrow boards can make a room feel busier due to its high volume of joins. This is especially advantageous in extra-large spaces where the room can feel bare or sparse. Narrow wood flooring brings proportion to the space, filling the gaps with much needed character. This, however, may not work quite as well for those looking to achieve that popular minimalist aesthetic. Alternatively, narrow boards can be used to elongate corridors, utilising their uniformity to the advantage of the room.

 

Conversely, wide boards are particularly suited to small and moderately sized rooms. Unlike narrow wood flooring which tightens the space, wide boards are intrinsically more open. This allows for the impression of greater size, which may be needed if your room feels claustrophobic. Additionally, wide boards are somewhat more versatile than their narrow counterparts, and will prove a stunning addition to larger spaces too, emphasising the scale of the room.

 

 

Fitting Time

Next to appearances, practicality is often a key aspect homeowners look for when choosing between products. Whilst it’s true that, once installed, there are only minor differences in the functionality of the flooring, fitting time can be drastically altered by the dimensions of the plank.

 

Although narrow boards are unique and eye catching, they can be somewhat problematic when it comes to installation. This is due to the additional quantity of planks needed to fill a room. Naturally, the fitter will have to spend more time laying your wood flooring, resulting in more time, and inevitably, more money. Even for experienced fitters, narrow planks require more cutting during the installation process. This, however, is dependent on the shape of your room.

 

Aside from taking longer to install, narrow planks are also more restricted in terms of subfloor. Concrete, plywood, and existing flooring will present minimal issues, whereas joists may be completely incompatible. This is because the smaller plank size may not rest properly over the gaps between the joists, thus requiring alterations. Consequently, wider boards are considered more versatile.

 

 

Cost

Wood flooring is known for being expensive. But with the right retailer and the right dimensions, it’s not uncommon to find a great product at an even greater price.

 

With solid wood, narrow boards are often cheaper, requiring less resources during manufacture. Wider boards have to be milled from a larger piece of timber. Put simply, the bigger the board, the more material used, and therefore, the higher the cost. This, however, is not always the case with engineered boards. This is because solid wood is only used to create a wear layer, which can vary irrespective of the plank width. As a result, it’s easier to find cheaper wide engineered boards compared to traditional hardwood planks.

 

It’s important to bear in mind that cost can be altered by other factors, such as species and finish. Make sure to thoroughly check the product details when purchasing your flooring. This will ensure that you’re making the right decision for your home.

 

 

Have Your Say

Which style of wood flooring do you adore? Do you love the spontaneous grains of narrow boards, or the warm and welcoming character of wide planks? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment section below!

 

Alternatively, you can find us at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, products, and updates!

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Know the Difference: Wide vs Narrow Wood Flooring

 

 

Wood flooring has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why. Alongside style and practicality, classic hardwood boasts unrivalled longevity, and charisma that is almost impossible to replicate.

 

But if you’re new to the wood flooring marketplace, it can be difficult to know which choice is best for your home. With so many variations available, it’s easy to get lost, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

 

Whilst some alterations like species and shade are easy to understand, subtle changes to plank dimensions may appear to make less of a difference. However, the truth is wide and narrow wood planks offer very different benefits.

 

Whilst ultimately the choice is down to personal preference, here are a few things to keep an eye on when making your decision.

 

 

Aesthetic

One of the most important things to consider when choosing between wide and narrow wood flooring is the aesthetic. Both choices can make dramatic differences to the appearance of the floor, even if the boards are manufactured from the same species of wood!

 

Narrow boards offer energy, formality, and intricacy. As more narrow planks can fit into a given space, this increases the number of joins and grooves that are visible. Consequently, the flooring can appear more complex, especially when paired with a bevelled edge.

 

On the other hand, wide boards allow the natural flair of the grain to shine. With a greater surface area on show, the naturalistic details of the wood are given space, exhibiting more depth, more texture, and more variation. Pair this with square edges and a high gloss finish for a seamless, airy look and feel.

 

 

Room Size

Interestingly, it’s not always the size of your room that determines how big it feels! There are a number of factors that can open or close your interior space, including the width of your flooring.

 

As discussed above, narrow boards can make a room feel busier due to its high volume of joins. This is especially advantageous in extra-large spaces where the room can feel bare or sparse. Narrow wood flooring brings proportion to the space, filling the gaps with much needed character. This, however, may not work quite as well for those looking to achieve that popular minimalist aesthetic. Alternatively, narrow boards can be used to elongate corridors, utilising their uniformity to the advantage of the room.

 

Conversely, wide boards are particularly suited to small and moderately sized rooms. Unlike narrow wood flooring which tightens the space, wide boards are intrinsically more open. This allows for the impression of greater size, which may be needed if your room feels claustrophobic. Additionally, wide boards are somewhat more versatile than their narrow counterparts, and will prove a stunning addition to larger spaces too, emphasising the scale of the room.

 

 

Fitting Time

Next to appearances, practicality is often a key aspect homeowners look for when choosing between products. Whilst it’s true that, once installed, there are only minor differences in the functionality of the flooring, fitting time can be drastically altered by the dimensions of the plank.

 

Although narrow boards are unique and eye catching, they can be somewhat problematic when it comes to installation. This is due to the additional quantity of planks needed to fill a room. Naturally, the fitter will have to spend more time laying your wood flooring, resulting in more time, and inevitably, more money. Even for experienced fitters, narrow planks require more cutting during the installation process. This, however, is dependent on the shape of your room.

 

Aside from taking longer to install, narrow planks are also more restricted in terms of subfloor. Concrete, plywood, and existing flooring will present minimal issues, whereas joists may be completely incompatible. This is because the smaller plank size may not rest properly over the gaps between the joists, thus requiring alterations. Consequently, wider boards are considered more versatile.

 

 

Cost

Wood flooring is known for being expensive. But with the right retailer and the right dimensions, it’s not uncommon to find a great product at an even greater price.

 

With solid wood, narrow boards are often cheaper, requiring less resources during manufacture. Wider boards have to be milled from a larger piece of timber. Put simply, the bigger the board, the more material used, and therefore, the higher the cost. This, however, is not always the case with engineered boards. This is because solid wood is only used to create a wear layer, which can vary irrespective of the plank width. As a result, it’s easier to find cheaper wide engineered boards compared to traditional hardwood planks.

 

It’s important to bear in mind that cost can be altered by other factors, such as species and finish. Make sure to thoroughly check the product details when purchasing your flooring. This will ensure that you’re making the right decision for your home.

 

 

Have Your Say

Which style of wood flooring do you adore? Do you love the spontaneous grains of narrow boards, or the warm and welcoming character of wide planks? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment section below!

 

Alternatively, you can find us at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, products, and updates!

 

The post Know the Difference: Wide vs Narrow Wood Flooring appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

This post appeared first on http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com

When it comes to remodeling your home, wooden flooring can beautifully transform your space like nothing else. That said, many people don’t fully understand the implications of their design choice when making it; namely that you can’t just pick any old wood and be done with it!

Choosing your flooring is a little more complex than just picking out the type you like the look of. But with a little knowledge under your belt, you’re sure to find a flooring option you love which is fit for purpose too.

Here are 6 things you need to think about before you choose your flooring. 

1. Your Specific Circumstances

Depending on your living habits, your floor might take an awful beating, so it’s important to choose a wood that can withstand your lifestyle. Those with young children or pets, or those who have a lot of traffic through their house should opt for a hardier wood, like White Oak or Australian Cypress.

Likewise, if your floors barely see a high heel, paw or toy, then a softer wood like American Black Walnut or Beech are options for you. 

If you’re unsure of the durability of a specific wood, you can check out its Janka rating or discuss your options with a local flooring consultant who will be able to give you recommendations on suitable woods for your lifestyle.

2. The Type Of Look You’re Going For

Once you’ve narrowed down your search by the wood strength, you need to consider the type of look you’re going for. While you may love one style in the showroom or online, you must think about how it will fit with your overall aesthetic; it may not have the desired effect in your space. 

As a rule of thumb, darker woods create a sophisticated edge and suit larger homes while lighter woods are great for a modern, fresh vibe.

It’s also really important to pick a wood that doesn’t clash with the cabinetry, fittings and overall style of your room. Taking home a sample piece of flooring can help you establish whether a certain wood type will work or not.

3. The Lighting Inside Your Home

Design elements aside, lighting is another crucial factor in choosing a flooring option. Dark woods lend themselves to spaces that have a lot of natural light and lighter colored cabinets, trimwork and décor. Conversely, if you don’t have a lot of natural light and your design aesthetic is on the dark side, a lighter flooring can not only compliment your other design choices but also ensure the room doesn’t appear smaller than it actually is.

4. General Maintenance And Upkeep

Hardwood flooring isn’t just set and forget. The upkeep of your floor is something you need to be aware of before installing it. When you install your floor, a protective coating will be applied to the surface to ensure the longevity of the boards, but over time this will fade, and you will need to recoat them. 

Although you won’t have to do this too often over the lifetime of your floors, the frequency in which you do this will depend upon how much wear your floors endure and how well you upkeep them in terms of day to day maintenance.

That said, general maintenance is generally quick and easy, but it’s something you must be diligent about. While vacuuming and sweeping should be part and parcel of your floor cleaning routine, mopping should not. Applying steam or excessive wetness to your floors can damage their finish so wiping up spills with a damp cloth as soon as they occur is essential. Any cleaning product you use on your floor should be fit for purpose. 

5. Whether You Want To DIY

When it comes to installation, you have two options; to DIY or not! Obviously, professional installation will save you time and effort, but doing it yourself will undoubtedly save you money. Before you balk at the idea of installing your own flooring, it’s not as difficult as you may think. While it may seem a daunting prospect, with the right training and support (usually provided by your floor supplier), it can be a piece of cake! 

6. The Most Important Thing To You

Essentially, choosing your wood comes down to you deciding what the most important factor is to you. By doing this, you can dramatically narrow down your search and pick the right wood for you quickly, rather than aimlessly wading through a myriad of options. You can spend hours trying to decide which way you should go and you’ll usually always have to compromise somewhere. Outlining your main requirement can really help you feel more comfortable in choosing a floor that doesn’t tick absolutely every box! 

If your main concern is budget, opt for a cheaper wood. If longevity and hardiness are paramount, choose a wood in line with this, and so on!

Happy wood hunting!