Month: September 2022

American holly (Ilex opaca), the state tree of Delaware, is a fantastic tree, with brilliant red berries and dark green leaves that are popular decorations during the Christmas season. 

The tree has leaves, so it is a hardwood, but the leaves stay on for three years, which make it an evergreen.
The red holly berries are mildly toxic to people when ingested and the sap is also harmful to humans. However, many species of birds love the berries.

Holly trees are scattered from the maritime forests of Massachusetts along the coast to Delaware. It grows inland into several Pennsylvania counties and then abundantly southward throughout the coastal plain, Piedmont, and Appalachians. The range extends south to mid-peninsular Florida, west to eastern Texas and southeastern Missouri. 

The tree is often 60 feet tall and up to three feet in diameter, although the larger trees have been found. Heavy foliage harvesting for decorations mean it is hard to find large trees; in other words, wood supplies are limited and prices are high for good holly lumber.

The attraction of holly, in addition to the foliage and berries, is that holly is one of the whitest woods known. In the past holly veneer and veneer inlays were very popular. Certainly, the use for specialty items, such as engravings, scroll work, and carvings has been very important. Whip handles was one old use, as well as for keys, pegs and other items in musical instruments. One surprising use is that sometimes this beautiful white wood was stained black and used as a substitute for ebony, even though holly is not as hard.

Processing suggestions and characteristics
Density. The density is approximately 38 pounds per cubic foot, typical for many hardwood species. Kiln-dried lumber will weigh about 3 pounds per board foot.

Drying. Drying is tricky. The wood is subject to discoloration if dried too slowly. For best results, use only winter-harvested logs. The wood needs to be put into a kiln at a low humidity within hours after sawing; hence, most drying is done at the sawmill site. Dry promptly using a white hard maple schedule. Use 12-inch sticker spacing and weights on pile tops. Shrinkage of flatsawn lumber during drying is nearly 8 percent.

Gluing and Machining. Gluing is fairly easy for a hardwood species. Machining is high quality. When sanding with fine grit paper, the wood develops a high luster or polish.

Stability. Holly is reasonably stable when the moisture changes, but irregular grain can result in some warping occasionally.

Strength. The strength (MOR) of holly is 10,300 psi. The stiffness (MOE) is 1.1 million psi. Hardness is 1,020 pounds.

Color and Grain. The sapwood is much whiter than the heartwood, but both are very white. Actually, sapwood is quite wide in the tree, so often the lumber is 100 percent sapwood. The wood can be buffed to provide a high polish. The grain is very fine. There is no figure in the grain, so irregular grain is not easily detected in the finished product. When purchasing holly wood, be sure to clearly state the color that you require and what the process will be for returning wood that is off-color.
 

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Have you ever wondered how hardwood floors are made? It’s a process that involves a lot of careful craftsmanship and engineering.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the process of making hardwood floors and find out what goes into making them so strong and beautiful. Stay tuned!

It All Starts From Trees

The first step in making hardwood floors is to obtain the wood from trees. The most common type of wood used for hardwood floors is oak, although many other types of wood are used as well.

Transportation to The Sawmill

Imagine you’re standing in a forest. All around you are trees of all sizes, shapes, and colors. The air is fresh, and the sun is shining through the leaves. Suddenly, you hear a sound in the distance. As it gets closer, you realize it’s a sawmill. The sawmill is where logs are brought to be cut into lumber for hardwood floors.

Remove The Bark

After the wood arrives at the sawmill, the logs are debarked, which means the bark is removed. The bark is removed so that only the smooth wood beneath is left. First, it helps to prevent damage to the saw blades. Second, it makes it easier to transport the logs through the rest of the mill.

Softer woods are usually used for the construction of furniture while harder woods are used for flooring and other purposes where durability is important.

Drying The Wood

Before wood can be turned into beautiful hardwood floors, it must first be dried. This is a crucial step in the process, as wet wood is much more susceptible to damage and rot.

By drying the wood, builders can be sure that their floors will last for many years to come. The drying process also helps to bring out the natural grain of the wood, giving each plank its own unique character. The process of drying is done through a kiln, where the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled.

However, drying wood is not always easy. Depending on the type of wood and the climate, it can take weeks or even a month to achieve the perfect level of moisture. But in the end, it is always worth the wait. After all, there’s nothing quite like the beauty of a freshly installed hardwood floor.

Cutting The Wood Into Planks

Once the wood is dry, it is time to cut it into planks. This is done by a machine called a gang saw. The gang saw consists of a large frame with a series of rotating blades.

As the wood is fed through the saw, the blades cut it into planks of the desired thickness. The planks are then sorted according to their width and length. The thicker the plank, the more expensive it will be. The wider the plank, the more it will cost. This is because it is more difficult to find wide planks of wood.

The exact dimensions of the boards will depend on the type of wood and the desired final product. For example, thinner boards are typically used for flooring, while thicker boards are used for furniture or construction lumber.

The cutting process is usually done by large industrial saws, although some smaller mills still use hand-powered saws. Regardless of the type of saw used, the goal is always to produce high-quality boards that can be used in a variety of applications.

Get Rid of Defects

After the boards are cut, they are then inspected for defects. Defects can include things like knots, cracks, or other blemishes in the wood. The boards with the fewest defects are set aside to be used for high-end products like hardwood floors.

The boards with more defects are often used for cheaper products like particle board or construction lumber. However, even these boards can be used to create beautiful hardwood floors. It all depends on the desired final product.

Molding The Planks

After the boards are cut and inspected, they are then sent to a molder. The molder is a machine that shapes the boards into the desired shape. For example, many hardwood floors are made with tongue-and-groove planks.

This means that each plank has a small groove cut into one edge and a small tongue cut into the other edge. The tongues and grooves fit together like a puzzle, allowing the planks to interlock. This system makes it easy to install hardwood floors without any gaps or spaces between the boards.

Sanding

After the boards are molded, they are then sent to a sander. The sander is a machine that smooths out the surface of the wood. This gives the boards a nice, even finish that is perfect for hardwood floors.

The sander also removes any rough edges or splinters from the boards. This is important because it makes the boards safer to handle and less likely to damage the flooring during installation.

Sort By Color & Grade

After the boards are sanded, they are then sorted by color and grade. The grade is a measure of the board’s quality. The higher the grade, the better the quality.

For example, a first-grade board will be free of defects and have a consistent color. A third-grade board, on the other hand, may have more defects and be less consistent in color.

The grade of the board will affect its price. Higher-grade boards are more expensive, but they are also more durable and easier to install.

Tongue & Groove Treatments

Once the boards are sorted by color and grade, they are then sent to a tongue-and-groove machine. This machine applies a small strip of wood to the tongue and groove of each board.

This strip is called a v-groove or an interlocking strip. It helps to keep the boards locked together, making it easier to install the flooring.

Final Checks

After the tongue-and-groove machine, the boards are then sent for a final inspection. This is to make sure that they meet all the necessary standards for hardwood floors.

Prefinishing

Once the boards pass inspection, they are then sent to be prefinished. Prefinishing is a process that applies a protective coating to the boards.

This coating helps to protect the boards from damage during installation and makes them easier to clean and maintain. It also gives the boards a nice, finished look.

Pack & Ship

After the boards are prefinished, they are then packed and shipped. This is usually done on pallets, which makes it easy to load and unload the boards. The process is now complete and the hardwood floors are ready to be installed!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot that goes into making hardwood floors. It is a complex process that involves many different steps.

However, the end result is always worth it. Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. They can add value to your home and make it look more stylish and inviting.

If you are in the surrounding Denver area and are interested in having hardwood floors installed in your home or business, we’re help to help. We service the entire state of Colorado.

Contact MacDonald Hardwoods today to get a quote for your unique needs!

When it comes to choosing hardwood floors for your home, there are a lot of things to consider. It can be tricky to make the right decision, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. In this blog post, we will talk about some of the most common mistakes people make when choosing flooring for their homes. We’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid these mistakes and make the best decision possible for your needs!

Not Considering the Climate & Environment

One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing hardwood floors for their homes is not considering the climate and environment. It’s important to think about how the wood will react to your particular climate before making a purchase.

For example, if you live in an area with high humidity, you’ll want to choose a hardwood that is less likely to warp or cup. And if you have pets or small children, you’ll want to choose a hardwood that is more durable and can withstand some wear and tear.

Not Budgeting For Installation & Other Costs

Another common mistake people make when choosing hardwood floors for their homes is not budgeting for installation and other costs. The cost of hardwood floors can vary widely, depending on the type of wood, the size of the room, and the complexity of the installation.

Many people assume that they can simply purchase the boards and install them themselves, but this is often not the case. Installation can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is important to factor in the cost of professional installation when budgeting for hardwood floors.

In addition, there are other costs to consider, such as floor sanding, staining, and finishing. Plus, you may need to pay for the process of removing your current floor. These additional costs can add up quickly, so it is important to make sure that they are included in your budget.

Choosing the Wrong Color or Style of Wood Flooring

So many people choose the wrong color or style of wood flooring for their home. There are a wide variety of colors and styles available, and it can be tempting to choose something that is simply “pretty.”

However, it is important to consider how the color and style of your floor will affect the overall look and feel of your home. For example, if you have a small space, you’ll want to choose a light-colored hardwood to make the space appear larger.

And if you have a large or open floor plan, you may want to consider a dark-colored hardwood to create a more intimate feel. There are endless possibilities when it comes to color and style. If you are not sure what to choose, it is often best to consult with a professional who can help you select a floor that will complement your existing décor.

Ignoring Potential Problems With Subflooring or Joists That Could Affect Hardwood Installation

Honestly, homeowners rarely think about this, but it is extremely important to consider when installing hardwood floors. Installing hardwood floors is a big investment, and you want to make sure that the job is done right.

That’s why it is so important to have your subflooring and joists inspected before installation. If there are any problems with these components of your home, they will need to be fixed before the hardwood floors can be installed. Otherwise, the floors could be at risk for damage or even collapse.

Hiring an Inexperienced or Unqualified Installer

This is a risky move that can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. When it comes to hardwood floors, you want to make sure that the job is done right.

An experienced and qualified installer will have the knowledge and expertise to properly install your hardwood floors, and they will also be able to identify any potential problems that could affect the installation.

Hiring an inexperienced company in order to save money is often a false economy, as it can end up costing you more in the long run.

Buying Low-Quality Wood to Save on Costs

This is another false economy. Yes, you can find cheap hardwood floors, but they will not last as long or look as good as a higher-quality floor.

When it comes to hardwood floors, you get what you pay for. It is important to invest in a high-quality product that will last for many years.

Not Considering the Amount of Traffic the Floor Will Endure

This is an important factor to consider when choosing hardwood floors. If you have a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen or entryway, you’ll want to choose a hardwood that is more durable and can withstand heavy use.

There are many different types of hardwoods, and each one has different characteristics. Some are more durable than others, and some are better suited for high-traffic areas.

Neglecting to Perform Basic Maintenance & Cleaning

The truth is that keeping your hardwood floors in tip-top shape is very easy compared to other types of flooring.

But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean you should just let it be.

Performing basic maintenance, such as sweeping and mopping regularly will go a long way in prolonging the life of your hardwood floors.

And if you spill something, make sure to clean it up right away! Hardwood floors are very easy to care for, but they do require some basic cleaning and maintenance in order to stay in good condition.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the most common mistakes people make when choosing hardwood floors for their homes. If you take the time to do your research and hire a qualified professional, you can avoid these mistakes and end up with beautiful hardwood floors that will last for many years.

If you’re in Colorado and are considering hardwood floors for your home, you’re in the right place. Here at MacDonald Hardwoods, we are experts in the field, and we would be more than happy to help you choose the perfect hardwood floors for your home.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

Balterio was founded in 2001 by Balta group and in 2015 was taken over by the Unilin group. The Unlin group is one of the largest flooring manufacturers in the world and Balterio is one of its premium brands. Balterio has 4 core principles which are: DurabilityAll Balterio floors have superior wear, impact and scratch… Read More

The post Is Balterio laminate flooring any good? first appeared on Discount Flooring Depot Blog. This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk