Month: July 2022

There are two separate tree species that are called white-cedar. Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), also called arborvitae or just cedar (there are over 40 local names), grows in Quebec to Maine to New York and westward to Minnesota as well as down the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Tennessee. Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), also called southern white-cedar and boat cedar, grows in swamps in the coastal regions from Maine to Florida. Northern white-cedar lumber is manufactured primarily in the Lake States; Atlantic white-cedar in the Carolinas and Gulf States.

The two separate species are not closely related, but sometimes are grouped together, as the properties are almost identical. The lumber is highly resistant to decay and insects. The surface is fairly soft, and the strength, overall, is fairly low, compared to other North American species.

In the past, these two species were used for tight cooperage, boat building, fences and tableware. Northern white-cedar is often used for log cabin logs today; Atlantic white cedar is used for furniture. White cedar is one of the primordial trees the Ojibway honored with the name Nokomis Giizhig, Grandmother Cedar. Native Americans used the leaves and twigs to treat malaria, coughs, gout, and rheumatism. This purported medical benefit is most likely the origin of the term arborvitae (tree of life).

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Density. The density at 9% MC is approximately 20 pounds per cubic foot. A board foot of 4/4 dried (9% MC) and planed lumber (3/4” thick) will weigh only about 1-1/4 pounds.  This is the lightest weight native American species.

Drying. The wood is very easy to dry without many defects. However, if dried under 9% MC or dried at over 180 F, the wood will become quite brittle. In practice, this wood is often, inadvertently, over-dried. Shrinkage in drying is 3% maximum-a very low shrinkage value.

Machining and gluing. This is one of the easiest woods to glue and is quite forgiving if gluing parameters are not perfect.  Machining is very good, although the softness of the wood means that machine pressures must not be excessive. When these cedars will be used for fine woodworking, it is critical to avoid over-drying.

Strength. The ultimate strength (MOR) is 6500 psi, the elasticity (MOE) is 800,000 psi, and the hardness is 320 pounds. Screw, staple and nail holding are quite low.

Stability. The wood is extremely stable. It takes over 6% MC change to result in a 1% size change in the tangential direction (the width of a flatsawn piece of lumber) and a 12% MC change in the radial direction.

Grain and color. The wood color is light brown, perhaps with a little reddish color. There is a distinctive spicy odor and a bitter taste. The grain is very even and fine, with a little oily feel at times. This is a good utility wood and would be a top choice for outdoor furniture, as well as many indoor uses.

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

Are you looking for a stylish and contemporary hardwood floor? Ash is the perfect choice. Ash hardwood floors are growing in popularity because of their beautiful grain and rich color. They can be stained to match any decor, and they always look elegant.

If you’re considering installing new flooring in your home, make sure to consider Ash hardwood floors. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the benefits of Ash hardwood floors, how they’re made, and how to care for them.

What Exactly is Ash Hardwood?

When you think of Ash, you probably think of the powdery residue that is left over after burning something. Others might think of the tree that it comes from. Ash trees are tall and have light-colored wood. The wood from these trees is strong and durable, which is why it’s often used to make furniture and flooring.

How Are Ash Hardwood Floors Made?

[Image source: Superior Flooring]

If you’ve ever wondered how those beautiful Ash hardwood floors are made, wonder no more! It all starts with a tree, of course. Once the tree is cut down, the logs are transported to a sawmill where they are cut into planks. The planks are then kiln-dried to remove moisture and make them easier to work with.

Next, the planks are milled into tongue-and-groove boards which are then sanded smooth. Finally, the boards are stained and sealed with a protective finish which gives a glossy appearance. And that’s how those beautiful ash hardwood floors are made. At this point, they are ready to be installed in your home.

Benefits of Ash Hardwood Floors

[Image source: Superior Hardwood Flooring]

There are many reasons to choose Ash hardwood floors for your home. Let’s talk about them.

Ability to Withstand Heavy Foot Traffic

Ash is a strong and durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic. For those with busy households, this is the perfect type of flooring for you. Other floors might show wear and tear quickly, but Ash floors will last for many years.

Stain Resistance

Ash hardwood floors are known for their durability and toughness. But did you know that they’re also stain-resistant? That’s right, those pesky spills and drips can be easily wiped away without leaving a mark. But how exactly does this work? Well, it all has to do with the wood’s natural composition.

The pores in Ash hardwood are smaller than those of other woods, which makes it more difficult for liquids and stains to penetrate the surface. In addition, the wood itself is naturally dense and tightly grained, providing an extra barrier against unwanted stains. So next time you’re looking for a hardwood floor that can withstand daily wear and tear, be sure to consider Ash. Stain resistance is just one of the many reasons why it’s such a popular choice.

Resistant to Scratches & Dents

Ash hardwood floors are well known for their resistance to scratches and dents. In fact, they’re so resistant that you could say they’re the ‘bulletproof vest’ of the flooring world. But what makes them so tough?

Well, it all comes down to the structure of the wood. Ash floors have a very dense grain, which makes them more resistant to surface damage. They also have a high lignin content, which gives the wood extra flexibility and strength. In wood, lignin is the substance that gives the cell walls their rigidity. So basically, what we’re saying is that Ash floors are pretty darn tough.

Beautiful Grain Pattern

[Image source: Preverco]

Ash hardwood floors have a beautiful grain pattern that is unique among other types of wood flooring. The grain is caused by the growth rings of the tree, which are visible on the surface of the wood. Ash hardwood floors are also known for their durability, which makes them ideal for high-traffic areas of the home.

The grain pattern adds character and warmth to any room, making it a popular choice for both homes and businesses. For all these reasons, Ash hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add beauty and value to their environment.

Ability to Refinish

Ash hardwood floors are one of the best investments you can make for your home. Not only are they beautiful and timeless, but they also have the ability to be refinished multiple times over the years. This means that you can enjoy your floors for many years to come, and they will still look as good as new.

Increase Property Value

[Image source: Preverco]

For those looking for a flooring option that will increase the value of your home, you can’t go wrong with ash hardwood. Not only is it beautiful and durable, but it’s also one of the most popular choices among homebuyers.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, an ash hardwood floor will give you a leg up on the competition. And even if selling your home isn’t something that you’re planning for, an ash hardwood floor will still add elegance and sophistication to your space. For a flooring option that will make your home more valuable, choose ash hardwood.

Easy to Care For

Nothing says “class” like a hardwood floor. And when it comes to hardwoods, few species can match the beauty and durability of ash. Ash floors are also easy to care for, which is an important consideration for busy families.

Dust and dirt can be easily swept away, and spills can be quickly wiped up. Ash floors also don’t require the use of harsh chemicals or special cleaners. We recommend MacDonald Hardwoods’ special hardwood cleaner which is natural and extremely effective.

Final Thoughts

Ash hardwood floors are a stylish and contemporary choice for any home. They’re resistant to scratches and dents, easy to care for, and they increase the value of your property, among all the other benefits. If you’re looking for a flooring option that will stand the test of time, choose ash hardwood.

Are you interested in installing ash hardwood floors in your home? Be sure to contact MacDonald Hardwoods today. We would love to help!

If you have hardwood floors, you know how beautiful they can be – but you also know that the risk of them being scratched or damaged is worth your attention. Pets and children are often the culprits when it comes to floor damage, so what can you do to protect your floors?

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for protecting your hardwood floors from your children and your four-legged friends!

Wipe Up Messes ASAP

If you’re a parent with pets in the home, you know that messes are inevitable. Whether it’s food crumbs, spills, or muddy paw prints, there’s always something that needs to be cleaned up. And while it may be tempting to leave the cleanup for later, wiping up messes as soon as they happen is actually the best way to protect your hardwood floors.

By quickly dealing with messes, you can prevent stains from setting or dirt from grinding into the surface. In addition, regular cleaning will also help to extend the life of your floors. So next time you’re faced with a mess, don’t delay–wipe it up right away!

Trim Your Pets’ Nails & Keep Paw Pads Smooth

Trimming your pets’ nails on a regular basis is not only good for their health, but it can also protect your hardwood floors from scratches. In addition, keeping the paw pads smooth will help to prevent slipping and sliding on the floor, which can be a hazard for both pets and children.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.

Put Rugs Over Heavy Use Areas

[Image source: Unsplash]

To protect your hardwood floors from spills, scratches, and dirt, consider placing rugs in high-traffic areas. Rugs can help to absorb impact, prevent slipping, and trap dirt and debris before it has a chance to damage your floors.

Plus, they add a touch of style to your home. So whether you’re covering up stains or just want to add a pop of color to your space, rugs are a great way to protect your hardwood floors while also adding a bit of personality to your home.

Put Protective Pads on Furniture Legs

Any pet owner knows that fido or fluffy can do some serious damage to your floors. And if you’ve ever had a puppy, you’ve probably also had to replace a few couch cushions. Pets can be hard on furniture, and children aren’t always the gentlest either.

But there is a simple solution that can protect your floors and furniture – put protective pads on the legs! These inexpensive pads create a barrier between your floor and the leg of the furniture, preventing scratches, scuffs, and dents.

And they’re not just for hardwood floors – they work on carpet and tile too. Whether you’re trying to protect your investment or just keep your sanity, put some pads on your furniture legs.

Vacuum & Mop on a Consistent Basis

[Image source: Unsplash]

Between muddy paws and sticky fingers, it can seem like your floors are never really clean. Vacuuming regularly and mopping with a mild soap can help to remove dirt and grime before it has a chance to damage the finish on your floors.

Place Mats at Entryways

Pets and children can be especially hard on floors, tracked in mud and dirt from outside, or spilling food and drinks. Placing mats at entryways can help to protect your floors and keep them looking their best.

Doormats are an easy way to remove dirt and debris before it has a chance to be tracked into your home. In addition, placing mats in high-traffic areas such as the living room or kitchen can help to protect your floors from scratches or spills. With a little care, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful for years to come.

Don’t Overclean

It’s only natural to want to keep your hardwood floors clean and free of messes. However, overcleaning your floors with harsh chemicals can actually do more harm than good. These cleaners can strip away the protective finish on your floors, leaving them susceptible to scratches, stains, and moisture damage.

In addition, these chemicals can be harmful to your family members (the fluffy ones too), triggering allergies and respiratory problems. So the next time your little ones make a mess on the floor, go with a natural solution.

We recommend purchasing the MacWoods Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner and the MacMop™ as the best natural alternative. You can call to place us to place an order.

Refinish Instead of Replace

[Image source: Unsplash]

If you’re like most people, your hardwood floors have seen better days. They’re scratched, scuffed, and maybe even starting to show their age a bit. But instead of scrapping them altogether and starting from scratch, why not refinish them?

It’s a much cheaper way to save money, and it can be done in just a weekend. Plus, it’s a great way to make your floors look like new again. Just be sure to use a child-friendly finish if you have kids or pets who are susceptible.

Have Your Kids Play in an Area That Doesn’t Have Hardwood Floors

[Image source: Unsplash]

There are many benefits to having your kids play in an area that doesn’t have hardwood floors. For one, it can help protect the floors from wear and tear. Hardwood floors are susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and children can be particularly hard on them.

By confining playtime to a separate area, you can help keep your floors looking new for longer. In addition, playing on soft surfaces helps to cushion falls and prevents injuries.

So if you want to keep your floors in good condition, it’s best to create a designated play space for your children.

Final Thoughts

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be a challenge to keep in good condition. Thankfully, hardwood floors are easy to clean up messes caused by pets and children. With this guide, you can learn how to protect your hardwood floors so that they’ll look like new for years to come.

Are you interested in installing hardwood floors in your home? MacDonald Hardwoods has a wide variety of hardwood flooring options to choose from. Contact us today to learn more!