Month: April 2022

When it comes to home design, one of the most important decisions you will make is what flooring to choose. Flooring can really set the tone for a room and it’s important to select a style that will match your other decor. But what if you can’t find the perfect flooring to match?

Is it still possible to have a cohesive look in your home? In this blog post, we will explore the importance of matching flooring and provide some tips on how to achieve a coordinated look in your home even if your floors don’t quite match.

Consider the Cohesiveness

One of the most important things to consider when choosing flooring is how it will work with the other elements in your home. If you have a lot of wood furniture, for example, you might want to choose a wood floor that will complement it.

Alternatively, if you have very modern furniture, you might want to select a more contemporary flooring option. It’s important to think about the overall “look” you are going for in your home and what flooring will help you accomplish that “look”.

Think “blend and contrast”. The last thing you want is for your flooring to clash. The transition between two different types of flooring can be quite jarring if they are too different. If you have a hardwood floor in your living room and carpet in your bedroom, for example, try to find a carpet that has similar colors to the hardwood. This will help create a more cohesive look in your home.

Match the Flooring or Go for Contrast?

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Once you have considered the overall cohesiveness of your home, it’s time to decide whether you want to match the flooring or go for contrast. If you want to create a seamless look, matching the flooring is probably the best option.

This can be especially effective in open concept homes where different rooms flow into one another. By having matching flooring throughout the space, you can create a cohesive look that ties the whole home together.

On the other hand, if you want to create a more unique look, you might opt for contrasting flooring. This can be a great way to add interest to your home and make it feel more dynamic. If you choose to go this route, just be sure that the different flooring options complement each other and don’t clash. A good rule of thumb is to choose two different but complementary flooring options that are in the same color family.

Tips for Mixing and Matching Flooring

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If you can’t find the perfect flooring to match or you simply want to mix and match different styles, there are a few things you can do to ensure a cohesive look. One option is to choose one flooring style for the main living areas of your home and then use a different but coordinating style in more private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.

Another option is to use similar flooring throughout your home but in different colors or finishes. For example, you could use hardwood floors in your living room and kitchen but in different stains or finishes. Or, you could use the same tile throughout your home but in different colors or patterns. There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing and matching flooring, so get creative!

Mistakes to Avoid When Mixing Flooring

While there are many ways to successfully mix and match flooring, there are also a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Too Many Styles

One mistake is choosing too many different flooring styles. If you have too many different types of flooring, your home will look cluttered and busy. Instead, stick to two or three different flooring styles and use them throughout your home in a cohesive way.

Clashing Colors

Another mistake to avoid is choosing flooring colors that clash. This can happen if you choose two different flooring options that are in the same color family but have very different undertones.

For example, pairing a cool gray floor with a warm brown floor can create a clash that is very noticeable and off-putting. Instead, try to choose two different colors that have similar undertones.

Keep Carpets Away From Kitchens

If you’re going to have both carpets and hardwood floors in your home, it’s important to keep the carpets away from the kitchen. Carpets can be difficult to clean, and if you have spills or other accidents in the kitchen, they can be very hard to clean up.

Instead, stick to hardwood, tile, or laminate in the kitchen and save the carpet for other areas of your home.

Attempting to Create Contrasts That Are Too Extreme
Creating contrasts is a great way to add interest to your home, but you don’t want to go too extreme. For example, pairing a very dark floor with a very light floor can create a contrast that is too extreme and can make your home feel jarring and uncomfortable.

Instead, try to choose two different but complementary flooring options that are in the same color family. This will create a more subtle contrast that is stylish and sophisticated.

Poor Quality Flooring

When mixing and matching flooring, it’s important to make sure all of the flooring options you select are high quality. Choosing one high-quality flooring option and pairing it with a lower quality option will create a noticeable difference that can make your home look cheap.

To avoid this, only choose flooring options that are made from high-quality materials and that will stand the test of time.

Some Floors Just Don’t Match

There are some floors that just don’t go together, no matter what you do. If you’re having trouble finding two flooring options that match, it’s probably best in that situation to choose one flooring style for your entire home. This will create a cohesive look that is much more stylish and sophisticated than two mismatched floors.

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The Bottom Line

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not your home’s floors need to match. It really comes down to personal preference and the overall look you are trying to achieve.

If you want a cohesive look, matching flooring is probably the best option. But if you’re looking for something more unique, mixing and matching different flooring styles can be a great way to add interest to your home.

Whatever you decide, be sure to consider the overall cohesiveness of your home and choose flooring that will complement your other decor. With these tips in mind, you can achieve a coordinated look in your home that you love!

Learn how to get your own beautiful floors here.

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, the floor is an often overlooked aspect. Many people simply choose to go with whatever is cheapest or easiest. But when you put in a little extra effort, you can create a beautiful and unique floor that will really stand out.

There are many different hardwood flooring options available on the market today. You can choose from a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. But with so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best hardwood floors for your kitchen.

Engineered or Solid Hardwood Floors

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with engineered or solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors are made up of a core of plywood or HDF, topped with a thin layer of hardwood veneer. Solid hardwood floors are exactly what they sound like – they’re made entirely of solid wood.

There are a few things you’ll need to consider when making this decision. First, engineered hardwood floors are more stable than solid hardwood floors. This means that they’re less likely to warp or cup over time. If you live in an area with high humidity, this can be a big advantage.

Second, engineered hardwood floors are often thinner than solid hardwood floors. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your needs. If you’re looking to install the flooring over an existing floor, thinner floors may be a better option. However, if you want your floors to have a more substantial look and feel, you may prefer solid hardwood floors.

Finally, engineered hardwood floors are typically more expensive than solid hardwood floors. If cost is a major consideration for you, solid hardwood floors may be the better option.

What Type of Finish Should You Choose?

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Once you’ve decided on engineered or solid hardwood floors, the next step is to choose a finish.
The type of finish you choose will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your floors. It’s important to take some time to think about the style you’re going for before making a decision.

Because a kitchen’s hardwood flooring has above-average exposure to frequent use and abuse, the finish you pick is particularly vital. Since there’s a high chance water will get on the floor, your finish has to be waterproof. It also must be strong enough to endure the heavy foot activity that a kitchen receives.

Oil-Based Finish

One popular option is an oil-based finish. Oil-based finishes give hardwood floors a natural, warm appearance. They’re also easy to touch up and repair if they get scratched or damaged. Another advantage of oil-based finishes is that they’re very durable. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas.

Water-Based Finishes

Another popular option is a water-based finish. Water-based finishes provide a harder, more durable surface. However, they can be more difficult to touch up and repair than oil-based finishes. Water-based finishes are also easier to apply than oil-based finishes and are less likely to yellow over time.

Wax Finish

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned look, you might consider a wax finish. Wax finishes are easy to apply and provide a beautiful, natural sheen. However, they require more maintenance than other types of finishes and can be difficult to repair if damaged. Wax finishes are also more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Polyurethane Finish

For a high-gloss, durable finish, you might want to choose a polyurethane finish. Polyurethane finishes are more resistant to scratches and stains than other types of finishes. However, they can be more difficult to apply and may yellow over time.

Moisture-Cure Urethane

If you’re looking for a finish that’s extremely durable and resistant to moisture, you might want to choose a moisture-cure urethane. Moisture-cure urethanes are more difficult to apply than other types of finishes. They also have a strong odor and can be dangerous if used improperly.

Shellac

Shellac is a type of finish that’s made from lacquer. It’s easy to apply and dries quickly. However, it’s not as durable as other types of finishes and can be difficult to repair if it’s damaged. Shellac is also more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Penetrating Oil Sealer

A penetrating oil sealer is a good choice if you want to protect your floors from water damage. Penetrating oil sealers soak into the wood, creating a barrier that prevents water from damaging the floors. However, penetrating oil sealers don’t provide as much protection from scratches and scuffs as other types of finishes.

Acid-Cured Finish

An acid-cured finish is a good choice if you’re looking for a durable, high-gloss finish. Acid-cured finishes are more difficult to apply than other types of finishes. They also have a strong odor and can be dangerous if used improperly, as well as being more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Prefinished Flooring

Prefinished flooring is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of applying a finish to your floors. Prefinished flooring comes with a factory-applied finish that’s already dried and cured. Prefinished flooring can be a bit pricier, however you save time and money with flooring that is already finished. This option allows you to enjoy your new floors immediately.

Which Type of Flooring is Best for Your Kitchen?

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of hardwood floors available, it’s time to decide which one is right for your kitchen.

If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-maintain floor, engineered hardwood or a water-based finish might be the best option for you. If you’re looking for a more traditional look, solid hardwood or a wax finish might be the way to go. And if you’re looking for a high-gloss, durable finish, polyurethane might be the right choice. If you’d like to be able to enjoy your floors immediately without the hassle of applying a finish, prefinished flooring is your best option. It all depends on what you’re looking for in your kitchen’s flooring.

Chances are, you probably don’t know exactly what you want yet. The best thing you can do in this situation is to contact our team for a custom, free consultation. We would love to help you.

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?

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Once you’ve decided on the type of hardwood floors you want, you’ll need to decide whether to install them yourself or hire a professional. If you’re handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, installing hardwood floors yourself can be a great way to save money.

However, hardwood floors can be tricky to install. If you’re not confident in your ability to do it yourself, hiring a professional is your best option. Not only will they be able to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but they’ll also be able to offer advice and guidance if you run into any problems.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the best hardwood flooring for your kitchen, there are a lot of factors to consider. But with so many great options available, you’re sure to find the perfect floors for your home. Just take your time, do your research, and pick what works best for your unique needs.

Now that you know more about the different types of hardwood floors available, you can start planning your kitchen renovation. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create the perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Blackgum, also called black tupelo, tupelo gum, or just tupelo, is a tree that loves to grow in water and water-soaked soils. In fact, the genus Nyssa is the name of a water nymph. The tree grows throughout the eastern states, from Maine to Texas. Tupelo, Miss., (Elvis’ birthplace) was named after this tree. A close relative is water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) which has nearly the same characteristics. Honey from water tupelo is highly prized. The tree in the forest is often 3 feet in diameter and 80 feet tall. Some of the trees are more than 400 years old. Unlike most trees, the tupelo trees are either male or female, with flowers being abundant on the female trees. It is not unusual for the larger, older tree to be hollow due to decay fungi; yet the tree can live with this condition for hundreds of years.

The wood itself is characterized by interlocked grain (the grain swirls every which way), which leads to warp when drying, warping in use when the MC changes, and difficulty when machining. In the past, blackgum was used for oxen yokes and chopping bowls due to the toughness resulting from the interlocked grain. Today, although this is not an outstanding, beautiful appearing species, it still is widely used for furniture, cabinets, caskets, and railroad ties. Carvers of duck decoys also appreciate this wood.

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Weight: Blackgum has a dry specific gravity (SG) of 0.52. The weight, when dry, is 32 pounds per cubic foot or about 2.6 pounds per board foot.

Strength: For dry wood, the ultimate strength (MOR) is 9,600 psi, stiffness (MOE) is 1.20 million psi, and hardness is 810 pounds. Interlocked grain means that splitting is very difficult. Nailing is also difficult, as the interlocked grain wants to change the nail’s direction. Pre-boring holes for nails and screws can be helpful.

Drying and stability: The wood dries with considerable difficulty due to warp, especially twisting. End coating is suggested, even with 4/4 stock. Shrinkage in drying is moderate. Overall shrinkage from green to 6 percent MC is 6.2 percent tangentially (the width in flatsawn lumber) and 3.5 percent radially (the thickness of flatsawn lumber). Once dried, the wood does move slightly if there are large RH changes or if the MC is not matched to the environment’s EMC conditions. A typical, desired, final moisture range is 6.0 to 7.5 percent MC. Once dry, it takes a 4.5 percent MC change to result in 1 percent size change tangentially and 8 percent MC change radially. 

Machining and gluing: This wood machines moderately well, with some chipped grain due to the interlocked grain. If over-dried, the wood appears to be quite brittle. Sharp tools are essential. This wood glues without much difficulty if surfaces are perfectly flat. However, if the MC changes and the pieces warp a small amount, it is difficult to obtain high-strength joints.

Grain and color: The wood, which is mostly heartwood, is grayish brown to a light brown with hints of yellow at times. The finished surface is smooth, but without natural luster. If the lumber is quartersawn, blackgum exhibits a very attractive figure. The wood is odorless. However, when the tree is bacterially infected, sawn wood will have a putrid odor and is noticeable (and objectionable) in dry wood products especially when the humidity is high.

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Black locust is a member of the legume family; it can “fix nitrogen” in the soil. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains, from Pennsylvania to Alabama. However, in the last century, it has spread to almost every state. With a widespread, shallow root system, it is ideal for thin soils where it will prevent soil erosion; it is often used for strip-mine reclamation projects barren due to mining debris and acid soils.

The tree has long thin bean-like pods. (Do not confuse black locust with honey locust. They are not related.) The flowers are very sweet smelling during the early spring, and the pollen and nectar are used by bees to produce excellent honey.

High natural decay resistance of the wood has resulted in frequent use of black locust for fencing. It also was the popular species for the pins that held glass insulators on the cross-arms of electric and telegraph/telephone poles. It also was the prized species for wheel hubs for wooden wheels, such as used on the western covered wagons. Xylophone keys are another use. Today, this wood has fallen into neglect within our industry (lumber prices are often low, especially for cabinet grades; dry firewood is a common use). It deserves better treatment.

The tree is short-lived, so it does not grow to large sizes; a large tree would be 24 inches in diameter at the base and 50 feet tall. Wide, clear pieces of black locust lumber are not common. A wood boring insect often invades the tree. A leaf miner often turns entire hillsides into brown-leafed, “dead-looking” trees for a week or so in the summer, but this damage is not fatal.

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Weight. This is a fairly heavy wood, more than 10% heavier than red oak. The weight, when dry, is 50 pounds per cubic foot or about 4 pounds per board foot.

Strength. Black locust is one of the strongest, hardest native American species.  For dry wood, the ultimate strength (MOR) is 19,400 psi, stiffness (MOE) is 2.05 million psi and hardness is 1,700 pounds. Mechanical fastening is difficult because of a tendency for splitting. Predrilling for nails and screws is advisable.

Drying. The wood dries slowly with some risk of checking, end splitting, and warping. Slow shed air-drying should be followed by kiln drying. Shrinkage in drying is moderately high. Overall shrinkage in drying from green to 6% MC is 7.2% tangentially (the width in flatsawn lumber) and 4.6% radially (the thickness of flatsawn lumber).

Stability. A typical final MC range is 6.0 to 7.5%, unless used in a humid location. It takes a 4% MC change to result in a 1% size change tangentially and a 6% MC change radially.

Machining and gluing. This wood machines with difficulty due to its hardness. This wood glues with some difficulty.

Grain and color. The heartwood is often quite green when first cut, but ages quickly to a russet brown color. The grain is moderately fine, but the annual rings are obvious and add character to the appearance.

 

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