Month: October 2022

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is found throughout Central and South America, from Cuba to Peru and Brazil.

It is an extremely tall tree, reaching heights of 100 to 170 feet. Diameters are often 5 to 6 feet. The central stem is often straight and free of branches for 50 feet or more. As a result, clear lumber is common.

The tree is fairly adaptable, growing in various climates. As a result, the wood properties and characteristics also are variable.

This can be a problem in some cases, so, to avoid variations, it is probably wise to find a supplier that will be obtaining its wood from the same geographical location.

Andiroba’s grain and color appear identical to Honduras mahogany, so it is used for fine furniture, cabinetry and flooring.

Compared to mahogany, andiroba is usually finer textured and has less figured grain.

Finishing is easier with this finer grain. Andiroba is also heavier, stronger and stiffer, but does not have the exceptional stability of mahogany.

Lumber prices are less than for mahogany, but availability is more limited.

This wood is subject to powder-post beetle attacks, so fumigation or other treatment when imported should be considered prudent.

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Density. Kiln-dried andiroba has an average density of 44 pounds per cubic foot. A board foot will weigh about 3-3/4 pounds at 6 percent MC. Honduras mahogany has a density of 32 pounds per cubic foot. Compare to cherry, which is 33 pounds per cubic foot.

Drying. Some wood dries slowly with a tendency to check and split, while other (probably lower density) wood dries much easier with fewer defects. Shrinkage from green to 6 percent MC is 6 percent tangentially (width of flatsawn lumber) and 2-1/2 percent radially (quartersawn width).

Gluing and machining. This wood glues well with all conventional adhesives. Machining is average for such a dense wood. As always, tools should be fairly sharp.

Stability. This wood is as stable as most North American hardwoods, requiring a 4 percent MC change to produce a 1 percent size change tangentially and a 9 percent MC change for a 1 percent size change radially, although there is some variability depending on the site where grown.

It is wise to check the incoming MC to assure that no movement will occur in use.

Strength. Andiroba is fairly strong. The ultimate strength (MOR) is 11,100 psi. It is also fairly stiff; the MOE is 1.56 million psi. The hardness is average for a hardwood 1,060 pounds. It does have a tendency to split when nailed or screwed, so predrilling of the holes is suggested, especially when fastening near the ends of a piece.

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There’s nothing like the beauty of hardwood floors. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home. But keeping them looking their best can be a challenge. Here are some tips on how to care for hardwood floors to keep them looking beautiful:

Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

One of the best ways to maintain hardwood floors is to avoid using harsh cleaning products. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of wood floors and leave dangerous fumes in the home. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective hardwood floor cleaners on the market.

Our top pick is the Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™.

MacDonald Hardwoods is pleased to introduce the Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™. Our ready-to-use, water-based and biodegradable solution is safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane-finished wood floors.

The Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™ is also phthalate and paraben free. Just spray and mop – it dries fast and leaves no residue. Plus, it also meets EPA product standards, making it safe for use in any home and without any worries about environmental impact.

Avoiding Water

One of the most important things to remember when caring for hardwood floors is to avoid tracking in water. Water and de-icing agents can easily ruin the look of your hardwood floors. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent this. The first is to always remove your shoes before entering your home. Another way is to use floor mats or throw rugs to keep dirt and other debris from ruining your floors.

While you may think that using a wet mop is a good way to keep your floors clean, you’ll want to avoid the water altogether. Water will make hardwood floors swell and can even cause cracks. In addition, water can damage the sealant on wood floors, so you don’t want to use too much water on your floors.

To maintain the beauty of your hardwood floor, it’s important to clean up any spills as soon as possible. Don’t wait until they become big enough to ruin the look of your floor. In addition to regular vacuuming and dust mopping, you should occasionally use a damp mop to deep clean your floors. However, you should never leave water sitting on your floors.

Cleaning With a Dry Mop

One of the most important parts of cleaning hardwood floors is using a spray mop. When cleaning your floors, mopping will remove dirt and dust that accumulates on them. This will keep your floors from scratching.

Before mopping, sweep the floor to remove any loose dust or dirt. Depending on the amount of traffic you have on your floors, you may also need to apply a dusting agent. These agents help to remove dirt and pet hair. You can also use a dry mop that has a microfiber head to trap dust. A few of these mops don’t need additional cleaning agents.

The best hardwood floor cleaning products include those that are natural. This way, you won’t have to worry about scrubbing the floor with chemicals or damaging it further. You can also make use of a vacuum attachment that is made for hardwood floors.

We recommend the MacMop™. Gone are the days of hauling out the heavy vacuum and dust mop for a seemingly endless list of cleaning chores. With the MacMop™, you can say goodbye to hours of tedious work – and hello to gleaming floors! The MacMop™ is ideal for cleaning all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane-finished wood floors safely and easily. The included refillable cartridge and machine washable microfiber cleaning pad make it a snap to keep your floors clean, while the durable and lightweight design with a retractable hook makes storage a breeze.

Protecting From Direct Sunlight

One of the first steps in caring for your hardwood floors is to protect them from excessive direct sunlight. You can do this by installing blinds or drapes on the windows. Also, try to keep the shades or curtains closed to reduce the sunlight. As a bonus, this will keep your house cooler during the summer and save energy costs.

Exposure to sunlight can cause your floors to fade and change color. To avoid this, you can also consider tinting your windows to block out UV rays. This will also help protect your hardwood floors from fading. Direct sunlight also causes damage to your furniture and other home furnishings. Decorative rugs and artwork can fade if they are not protected. It is also costly to repair these items.

Another way to protect your hardwood floors from direct sunlight is by installing window film. These films block out a great deal of UV rays. It also helps reduce interior temperatures. Window films are available in stationary and retractable varieties. They can also be used in combination with blinds.

Protecting From Scuffs

There are many ways to protect hardwood floors from scuffs and scratches.

Make sure you take off your shoes at the door. This will prevent nicks and scratches from getting onto your floors and will also help keep your home free from germs.
You can also add a shoe bin for your guests to leave their shoes in.
Be sure to discourage the use of spikey shoes in your home.
Use furniture pads or coasters on all furniture legs to avoid scuffs and scratches.
Never slide furniture across the floor; always lift it when moving it.
Remove your shoes before walking around.
Keep your kids’ toys off of hardwood floors. This is important because kids’ toys can grind along the floor and you don’t want them to scratch your floors.
You should also avoid putting high heels and dark-soled shoes on hardwood floors.
Make sure you place rugs on high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen and hallways.

Maintaining Shine

If you want to keep the shine of your hardwood floors, you should know some tips to clean and polish them properly.

Firstly, you should use the right cleaning solution for your floor type. Some cleaning solutions are suitable for hardwood floors, while others are appropriate for laminate, vinyl, and bamboo floors. Many of these solutions are inexpensive and most of us have them in our kitchen or pantry.

Apart from the best option, our Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™, one effective cleaning solution for hardwood floors is a solution of vinegar and oil. This mixture should be applied to your floors and then allowed to soak in overnight. Afterward, buff them with a dry cloth. You should not apply the solution to your floors on a daily basis, but at least once a week. It is advisable not to use a chemical polish, as it may bleach your wood floors.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many ways to care for hardwood floors. By following these tips, you can keep your floors looking shiny and new for years to come. One of the best parts about keeping your hardwood floors in tip-top condition is the fact that it increases your home’s value! Learn more about that in our previous post [link to the previous post].

To make the most of your hardwood floors, you’ll need the Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner™ and the MacMop™.

Get in touch with MacDonald Hardwoods today to learn how you can get these amazing products!

Whether you’re selling your home or looking for a way to refinance your mortgage, there are several things that you can do to increase your home’s value. You can make it more appealing by adding more rooms, or you can improve its energy efficiency. There are also ways to improve your mortgage, which is a popular option for many people.

Energy Efficiency

There is a growing body of research demonstrating that energy efficiency increases home value. This is good news for homeowners, business owners, and utilities alike. Energy efficiency improves property values by reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs. In fact, energy-efficient buildings and homes are often sold at a premium.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has recommended that homeowners adopt mandatory policies that promote energy efficiency. Making home improvements and incorporating new energy-efficient features is a simple way to increase the value of your property. Whether it is installing energy-efficient windows and insulation, making your home energy efficient can increase your property value.

In fact, studies have demonstrated that properties with high energy efficiency ratings can command higher rental rates and sell at a premium. According to the IEA, a high-energy-efficient home can increase a property’s value by as much as 10%. Several organizations have also developed ratings for homes to prove that they are energy efficient.

Some states, however, do not mandate home energy ratings, although they do require an energy assessment. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s Summer Study on Building Energy Efficiency found that the market value of energy-efficient homes was understated by as much as 6%. The authors also found that a home’s market value reflects its projected fuel savings discounted at the after-tax mortgage interest rate of a typical home buyer.

Making Your Home More Attractive

Making your home more attractive to potential buyers is an important way to increase its value. There are several ways to do this. One way is to add more square footage. Adding square footage can add a significant amount of value to your home. However, it can be expensive, so you may want to consider hiring a contractor to do this.

To get the best results, do your research and make sure the contractor is licensed to work on your home. Another way to make your home more appealing is to replace dated fixtures and hardware. This can be as simple as replacing a front door with a new one. You can also add smart technology to your home, which many buyers are interested in. We’ll talk about that later on.

But one of the best things you can do is add wood floors to your home. Wood floors are very popular among homebuyers, and they can increase the value of your home significantly. If you’re not sure about adding wood floors, you can always consult with a real estate agent to see if this is a good option for your home.

With wood floors, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you have a home with beautiful hardwood floors, that will definitely increase its value. Therefore, if you have the budget for it, adding wood floors to your home is a great way to increase its value. Since it pays for itself, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

Refinancing Your Mortgage

When you refinance your mortgage, you will usually pay less each month, which will reduce the financial burden on your household and make it easier to invest in other areas. However, this process is not without risks. Predatory lenders can tack on hidden fees and costs and you should know what to look out for.

Interest rates are a huge factor to consider when refinancing your mortgage. They vary depending on your credit and market conditions. For example, a mortgage that was taken out in 2007 may have a higher interest rate than the one you are currently paying. If interest rates are likely to rise in the near future, you may want to lock in the current interest rate.

The benefits of refinancing your mortgage go beyond lower payments. Depending on your situation, you may be able to qualify for a lower interest rate, shorten your loan term, or get more equity in your home. These benefits will help you achieve your financial goals. Refinancing your mortgage may even enable you to access your home equity without selling it.

There are several types of mortgage refinancing. You can opt to use the cash to pay off debts or invest it in another project. However, it’s best to weigh the rewards and costs of each option. Some homeowners may choose to cash out their equity and use the money for debt payoff, while others may prefer to wait and see if their home value increases further before investing it.

Painting

If you want to increase your home’s value, consider painting the exterior. A well-maintained exterior can increase your home’s value by two to five percent. Moreover, it makes a statement to passersby and shows pride in your home. Besides, the exterior of your home also hints at its interior condition, which is equally important for selling purposes.

The cost of painting the exterior and interior of your home is usually between $900 and $1,400 depending on a variety of factors. But on average, your home value can subsequently go up several thousand dollars. This is one of the most affordable ways to increase your home’s value. However, it is important to choose the right color for your house.

Before you start the painting project, make a list of rooms that need the most attention. Prioritize the rooms that will be most visible to potential buyers. If you aren’t sure which rooms to paint, start with the foyer, entryway, and primary bedroom. If your home has paint damage, be sure to fix it before painting. Otherwise, the damage will stand out to potential buyers and appraisers. In addition, consider painting only certain rooms at a time.

You can also consider painting the exterior of your home a neutral color. Neutral colors have the highest appeal because they go with anything. They also help highlight your home’s exterior features and architectural details.

Adding a Smart Thermostat

Adding a smart thermostat is a great way to increase your home’s value and reduce your energy bills. Many smart thermostats include indoor air quality controls, which help keep your home clean and fresh. In addition, health is a big concern for many home buyers, and smart thermostats can help to assure that your home is healthy.

Smart thermostats are connected to the internet and can be controlled through an app or other Wi-Fi gadget. They also have a variety of smart lighting options, which are energy-efficient and can be controlled from a distance. Multicolored Wi-Fi smart bulbs can help you create different ambiances in different rooms. Tunable white smart bulbs are great for adjusting the temperature to fit the time of day and night. The right lighting can even improve sleep patterns!

Smart thermostats are becoming a popular addition to smart homes. They can be controlled remotely and can even learn your habits and recommend energy-efficient settings. Another smart home feature is a smart lock, which provides an extra level of security and convenience. These types of features can be installed quickly and easily.

Smart home technology is one way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and increase its value. While these devices aren’t cheap, they can help you save money while making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. They can cost between $200 and $500. Other upgrades can include replacing old leaky windows and installing energy-efficient appliances, as well as adding insulation.

Conclusion

There are many ways to increase your home’s value. Installing wood floors in your home is our recommended tip. Not only will this make your home more valuable, but it will also make it more comfortable and inviting.

If you’re in the Denver area and have an interest in installing wood floors in your home, MacDonald Hardwoods is a great place to start. MacDonald Hardwoods has a wide variety of wood floors to choose from, as well as a team of experts who can help you select the best floors for your home.

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