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Pantone Colour of the Year 2020

Fashion isn’t just limited to clothes. A few years ago, colour experts bit the bullet and decided to create a colour of the year to give those of you who are interior fashion conscious a guide. After the colour forecast changing dramatically over the years, from bright yellows to subtle greens, what’s exactly on the cards for 2020?

The answer is classic blue – a familiar and trustworthy shade, you’d have a job trying to find somebody who doesn’t like some sort of shade of blue.

You might be slightly underwhelmed to hear that the colour of the year is something as familiar as blue, but this shade is far more than that. We all know that blue is suggested by therapists to be a calming and reliable colour – therefore what better place to have it than your home where these feelings are exactly what you want?

So, what’s the point in having a colour of the year unless there’s a use for it. Well, we are all about keeping up with interior trends, so we’ve come up with some interior ideas where you can incorporate this fantastic shade. With it being a rich and classical colour, there are factors to consider when matching it up to really make your room pop.

First consider which room you’re looking at – using a colour you love in a room you use a lot is always a good place to start. This gorgeous colour would work beautifully in a living room as wood panelling – the perfect mix of contemporary and traditionImage result for classic blue interior

If you’re not a fan of anything too traditional and a clean-cut contemporary appearance is much more to your taste, then perhaps don’t overdo this colour. Although it looks great in quantity, it can work just as well in small amounts. Go for a feature wall, this will really draw attention to the colour and create the perfect contrast. Even if you’re not looking for a dramatic change – velvet sofas in this colour or even stylish lamps are a great cheaper way of getting in style.

Now for our favourite room for this colour – the bathroom! More and more of us are moving away from the classic totally white bathroom and opting for something a little more colourful. First it went from mint green in the bathroom, back to white and now for something a little more adventurous. We aren’t saying cover your whole bathroom with this shade – even we’d agree that would be too much! Instead, introduce it gradually, from bath mats, blinds to baths and toilets. Paired with a stunning Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, it’ll really make your room pop!

For those of you interested, the rgb code for this colour is 23,58,123 and the HEX is 173a7b.

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Best Flooring For Pets and Children

Our flooring comes into contact with many different elements, especially if you come from a busy family household! Pets and children not only take up our time and energy, but also add to the wear and tear of our floors. With this in mind, we’re going to explore what the best floors are for those of us who have little paws and feet running about.

Durability

Because there will be lots of paw and foot traffic, something that’s going to stand up to heavy use without showing wear is probably the most important factor – the last thing you want is to be spending your savings on a flooring for it to then look tired!

As a first rule, we’d stay away from carpet as it can discolour and go flat if it experiences a lot of foot traffic. The most durable floors includes: wood flooring, Luxury Vinyl Tiles and laminate. All of these options will offer incredible durability, often lasting for many years if looked after properly.

Maintenance

We completely understand that when you have a busy household to run, something that is easy to maintain is very important. Laminate and LVT are the easiest to keep clean, with little maintenance needed to keep them looking fresh. In terms of equipment, both of them require only warm soapy water and a sweeping brush or vacuum.

Although real wood presents us with beauty and style, they do generally require more attention than other options. You need to be careful with what mop you use though, don’t use a steam mop as this can cause the wood to swell over time.

Another factor to consider is if your flooring will cope with spillages and potential scratches. As we’re sure you’re aware, the likelihood of spillages resulting in stains is very common with small children – equally, pet’s claws are very likely to scratch. Wood flooring is also susceptible to water damage if it comes into contact with liquid spillages which if are not cleared up quickly, can also stain and become scratched easily if not properly protected. Although this isn’t ideal, wood can be sanded down a number of times to eradicate any damage. Therefore, if you’re prepared for a little more maintenance spread across a number of years, then wood flooring is totally fine.

However, if you’re looking for a floor which isn’t going to cause you any stress or worry, then we’d go for LVT. It is completely water, scratch and stain proof – there’s no better option! Laminate is another worthy contender – however it is only resistant to these, so bear this in mind when you’re making your decision.

So, don’t be worried if you have pets and children, as discussed there’s many options available that are suitable. Whether you’re prepared for a bit of extra maintenance or need something completely carefree, here at Luxury Flooring we have something that’ll accommodate everyone’s needs!

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EvoCore: Welcome to the Future of Flooring

EvoCore Flooring is the most versatile flooring range that we offer. Providing maximum protection from moisture, stains, dents and scratches, as well as  temperature fluctuations. Our EvoCore ranges are designed with many factors in mind to provide a great option for all areas of the home, including high-risk areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Our EvoCore range is still young and new to our collection of different flooring options, so this may leave you with a couple of questions. This blog will help explain every point and factor that you may be curious about.

What is EvoCore Flooring?

EvoCore is a combination of 7 different layers to create an extremely resistant and durable flooring:

  1. Built-in underlay backing.
  2. A standard vinyl board, eliminating any ripples or waves.
  3. Ridgid core board, enhancing stability and protection against water damage and expansion.
  4. Another standard vinyl board, adding additional robustness against chips and dents.
  5. Decor film, which provides different wood patterns and colours depending on your preference.
  6. Highly durable wear layer which provides commercial-grade resistance against foot traffic, scuffs and grime.
  7. UV protective coating, which not only provides protection against colour fading, but also keeping the decor film clearly visible.

The seven layers of EvoCore

These layers combined provide protection and durability that you simply cannot find in any other flooring range that we offer. Each layer works together to create different protection factors, thus making it perfect for any room in your home.

The Benefits of EvoCore

EvoCore Flooring provides many beneficial factors. They ensure the best protection and resistance against both common and rare household and commercial activities. Below is a bullet-pointed list of each benefit that this range offers: 

  • EvoCore is 100% waterproof
  • Built-in underlay backing
  • Anti-slip surface
  • No expansion or contraction when exposed to heat and cold
  • Pet-friendly
  • Durable and hard-wearing
  • No glue needed for installation, due to its easy click-lock installation feature
  • Real wood look and feel
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Compatible with underfloor heating
  • Hides subfloor imperfections
  • Can be laid over existing flooring
  • Eco-friendly

The sheer amount of benefits that EvoCore Flooring provides is completely unmatched when compared to other options. This waterproof flooring is a perfect flooring choice for bathrooms and kitchens, due to its waterproof and anti-slip features. There’s no need to worry about those accidental spills or crazy bath times! 

The EvoCore Ranges

Within our EvoCore Flooring range, we offer 2 different ranges that are better suited to different needs and situations. 

These two ranges, Essential and Premium, are split based on their thickness, coverage and warranty. Premium is classed as more of a luxury range due to its thicker and slightly more durable plank. EvoCore Premium planks are also registered embossed, therefore, the texture on the surface perfectly matches the design, which creates a true wooden look and feel.

EvoCore Essentials

Thickness:  5.2mm Wear Layer: 0.2mm
Pack Coverage:  2.2m² Board Length: 1220mm
Board Width: 180mm Species: Oak
Pack Contents: 10 boards Residential Warranty: 10 years

 

Essential Top Picks

EvoCore Essentials Stormy Grey Oak EvoCore Essentials Natural Almond Oak EvoCore Essentials Light Toffee Oak
Stormy Grey Oak Natural Almond Oak Light Toffee Oak
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EvoCore Premium

Thickness: 8mm Wear Layer: 0.55mm
Pack Coverage:  1.54m² Board Length: 1220mm
Board Width: 180mm Species: Oak
Pack Contents: 7 boards Residential Warranty: Lifetime

 

Premium Top Picks

EvoCore Premium Vintage Grey Oak EvoCore Premium Natural English Oak EvoCore Premium Crafted Georgian Oak
Vintage Grey Oak  Natural English Oak Crafted Georgian Oak
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Installing EvoCore Flooring

Installing EvoCore Flooring is similar to installing click LVT or tongue and groove and click wood flooring, due to its similar click-lock system. However, EvoCore installation is a quicker and easier process thanks to the built-in underlay. 

Fitting EvoCore over tiles with in-built underlay backing

EvoCore Flooring is installed using the floating floor installation method, as no glue or adhesive is needed to secure your flooring. You can also lay it over existing floor tiles, making for a much quicker fitting process:

  1. Measure your room to know how much flooring you will need to purchase.
  2. Choose your favourite range of EvoCore Flooring.
  3. Ensure your subfloor or existing floor is clean and clear of debris.
  4. Lay your waterproof flooring over the subfloor. No underlay is needed because EvoCore Flooring has underlay pre-installed on the underside of each plank. You can lay your flooring lengthways or widthways, depending on what style you are looking for.
  5. Use the click-lock feature on each plank to attach them to one another, which creates a tight seal between each plank.
  6. Cut the planks when necessary using a fine tooth saw or tile cutter to fit in the area of your room. As well as this, be sure to cut planks that need to work around set features of your room, such as a shower, toilet, cupboards, or sinks and so on.
  7. Once your flooring has been installed, add skirting to the perimeter of your room if necessary. We offer a wide range of matching EvoCore accessories such as skirting.

Questions and answers

Is EvoCore pet-friendly?

EvoCore is perfect for any pet owner. As its scratch-resistant surface makes it ideal for claw or teeth marks. Additionally, its easy to clean surface is also great for those muddy paw prints that always seem to show up!

Is EvoCore child-friendly?

Children’s activities can almost always lead to a mess of crayon marks and spillages. This stain-resistant and waterproof flooring makes the cleaning process a quick and easy task; all you need is a little soapy water for stains and marks to be removed.

Does EvoCore have an AC rating?

Only our ranges of laminate flooring offer an AC rating. However, our EvoCore premium ranges offer a commercial-grade durability rating.

Is EvoCore compatible with underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is no challenge for our ranges of EvoCore. It is 5 times less affected compared to LVT in environments which face extreme temperature fluctuations and exposure to direct sunlight. We have tested the effects caused by heat all the way up to 38°C and found no differences in its shape or size, thus making it perfect for practically any room.

Where can EvoCore Flooring be laid?

EvoCore can be laid in absolutely any room in your home due to its strength and durability. It can even be laid in wetter or more active areas of the home such as bathrooms or kitchens.

To conclude, EvoCore Flooring is a great option for any home. Its many benefits and easy installation makes for a great stress-free job. We hope any questions or queries that you may have had has been answered in this blog. If not, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 03308 088 777.

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Hickory and pecan

Hickory lumber (Genus: Carya) comes from eight different trees, four species called “true hickory” (shagbark, pignut, shellbark and mockernut) and four species of “pecan hickory” (bitternut, pecan, water hickory and nutmeg hickory).

In the marketplace, you can get any of the eight species when you buy hickory lumber. True hickory is found throughout the eastern United States. However, the range of pecan hickories is limited; bitternut is throughout the eastern United States; pecan is found from Texas to Louisiana, through Missouri and Indiana; water hickory is found in Texas through South Carolina; and nutmeg is found in Texas and Louisiana. Separation of lumber into the two groups is impossible unless chemical or microscopic tests are used. However, many users indicate that they prefer true hickory as they believe it has better color and seems to handle better. Character hickory (with knots, streaks and similar; low grade lumber which keeps costs under control) has also recently become popular for furniture, cabinets and flooring.

Hickory has many uses, including baseball bats (true hickory is preferred), tool handles (excellent shock resistance), drum sticks (true hickory only), furniture (growing in importance) and cabinets.

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Density. The density of true hickories averages about 50 pounds per cubic foot at 8 percent MC. This is heavier than oak. Pecan hickories average about 42 pounds per cubic foot. A dried and planed board foot of lumber will weigh more than three pounds.

Drying. Both hickories are difficult to dry and require close control of drying environments. The wood can check if dried too quickly. Staining if dried too slowly or stored when green is likely, especially a blotchy type gray stain or overall pinking. Shrinkage in drying is around 7 percent.

Final moisture content for hickory should be 6.5 to 7.5 percent. Higher MCs cannot be accepted due to hickory’s high shrinkage; lower MCs result in excessive chipped grain.

Gluing and machining. Hickory is very unforgiving when gluing due to its high density. Surfaces must be flat, smooth and freshly prepared. Clamp carriers are probably best for this wood. True hickory is more difficult to glue than pecan hickory.

Machining of hickory is difficult due to its density. Chipped grain is common if knives are not sharp. Dull knives also result in a rough flatsawn surface where the large vessel cells are located. Correct MC is critical. With proper knives and machines, the surface is excellent in quality, however. Usually, machine tools need to have a larger tool (or sharpness) angle, thereby increasing the amount of metal in the tool.

Stability. Hickory is not too stable when the MC changes. Hickory changes about 1 percent in size for each 3 percent MC change running across the grain parallel to the rings (tangentially), and about 1 percent size change for each 4 percent MC change across the rings (radially).

Strength. The hickories are one of the strongest native softwoods. Bending strength (MOR) averages 19,500 psi for true hickory and 16,000 psi for pecan. Stiffness (MOE) averages 2.0 million psi for true hickory and 1.8 million psi for pecan.

Color and grain. I think that the true hickory group has more uniform and lighter color than the pecan hickory group. Both seem to have nice grain and color character, however, after finishing. If dried correctly, the heartwood is fairly white colored, with tinges of brown and sometimes red. The large pores in hickory present some of the same finishing problems as oak, hackberry and ash.

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Which flooring goes with which decor?

Homes need to be both practical and comfortable, but it’s nearly as important for them to be stylish and reflect our taste too. Whether you’re a first-time buyer and renovating your entire home, or just making a quick adjustment to one room in a family home, it’s important to pay attention to your flooring so you get the most out of your interior. So, let’s dive into the main distinctions of flooring for each interior so you’ve got some ideas on where to start.

Traditional

Even with all the temptations of modern technology, many of us still strive after something from a bygone era. If you’re a fan of a traditional interior, then you probably enjoy a luxurious and grand space. It boasts highly detailed carvings, deep dark colour, more textures and lots of accessories! This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a clean-cut and fresh appearance, ironically updating your flooring can actually enhance the old-style look.

If you’re really wanting to fully take on this fantastic style, then go for richer darker woods. We’d therefore recommend a darker oak or walnut brown with a lacquered finish. However, don’t think the darker the better, try contrast your floor with lighter walls, this makes for the perfect back drop.

Modern/industrial

Typically, a modern interior presents us with slick, clean-cut finishes and minimalistic décor. In terms of flooring, something a little more discreet is ideal. For wood floors, go for one with calmed knots and grains so you get that fresh appearance. In terms of colour, most shades work, however we’d go for grey as it presents a sophisticated modern and stylish backdrop – complementing virtually everything, perfect if you do decide to change things around. Pairing it with materials such as glass and steel also provides that desirable modern appeal.

 Rustic/farmhouse

Rustic interior has blown up in recent years. With so many of us enjoying the beauty of a rustic interior, there’s got to be a flooring option that accommodates this unique style. With flooring being one of the main features of the room, your choice will greatly impact on how your interior will take shape! You can create a bold statement with distressed wood with lots of knots and grains, it’ll give your room real character! Don’t be shy with colours either, rich chocolate walnut will give your home an affluent appearance while still retaining a rustic premise, or a lighter flooring will show off the wood’s natural presence even better, even whitewashed for a shabby chic appearance would work well!

With so many variations of options for interior themes, it’s very hard to decide, we haven’t even scraped the surface! We hope these pointers have given you some inspiration if nothing else and where to start on your interior journey. Here at Luxury Flooring we offer a huge range of wood floors that will satisfy your style as well as offering impressive durability at a affordable price.

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New Floor New You!

New year, new you – but we prefer to say new floor, new you! Refurbishing your home can be a big and expensive project, but we can guarantee that if you do decide to treat your home to a makeover, then not only will it give your space a new lease of life, but you as well! However, with so many options it can be very hard to choose, so we’ve come up with a brief summary of each flooring we sell and help you make the best decision.

Real wood

Real wood flooring comes in two variations: solid and engineered. The main distinction between the two is that engineered is compatible with underfloor heating, whereas solid isn’t, so don’t fall in love with a solid product if underfloor heating is important to you. Therefore, we’d recommend thinking about whether you want this feature, then you can narrow down your search and make things easier.

We’d recommend wood flooring if you’re wanting to give your home a luxurious and timeless appeal. Not only does real wood look stunning and classical, but is highly durable and will stand the test of time and heavy use if cared for properly. Additionally, real wood is also scratch, stain and water resistant, however we’d think twice about laying it in rooms that have high exposure to these as they can cause damage. However, one of real wood’s huge benefits is that it is able to be sanded down a number of times depending on thickness to eradicate any stains and scratches. This should not normally need to be done for the first 15-20 years, so you can only imagine how long these beautiful floors can last!

With so many woods types, patterns and finishes available you’ll be spoilt for choice. We sell stylish grey wood, warm honey hues, to daring walnut browns. In terms of finishes, there’s oiled, brushed and lacquered to only name a few. If you want to know about them in more detail, then check out our finishes explained blog.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Although most of us lust after the look of real wood in our homes, sometimes we just need something at a cheaper price and easier maintenance. The good news you get some very convincing imitations of real wood through LVT, with even better practical benefits. LVT is water, scratch and stain proof, perfect if you come from a busy household where these are unfortunately part of the everyday grind! Many of them come with a textured surface, so not only do they look like real wood but feel like it too!

The other thing to mention about LVT is that you aren’t sacrificing real wood’s impressive durability. LVT is incredibly durable and perfect for high foot traffic rooms and commercial use. It is also able to cope with under floor heating – there aren’t really any negatives!

Laminate

The most inexpensive choice of flooring, laminate is perfect if you’re looking to refurbish your home on a budget, great for first-time buyers! Again, it also mimics natural materials such as real wood, tile and stone, you’ll really get that authentic look you’re after.

Yep – laminate is also able to work with underfloor heating, something we are seeing more and more of in modern homes, so it is worth getting on board with this trend if you can as it gives your home an added selling value! Scratch, water and stain resistant, laminate is an easy going and easy to maintain flooring. We sell a huge selection of affordable and impressive laminates in a range of colours and patterns.

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Red Oaks a diverse group

Of all the species in the eastern U.S. hardwood forest, the red oaks (Quercus species) are the most plentiful. The name “red oak” is actually the name given to a grouping of 12 major oak species. All the red oak trees are characterized by points at the ends of the leaves and bitter acorns that mature in two years and germinate in the spring after dropping the previous fall.
 
Red oak lumber’s widespread availability, fairly low price, distinct (heavy) grain, high strength and ease of finishing are certainly several of the most important properties making it currently desirable and popular for furniture and cabinet use.
 
We separate red oak into two groups: upland or lowland. As a rule of thumb, lowland oaks have annual growth rings spaced more than 1/4-inch apart; upland oaks have closer rings (slower growth). Upland, in general, processes easier than lowland. However, lowland dries more slowly.
 
Lowland also tends to check more easily and machines more poorly at times. It also tends to have more sapwood as well.
 

Processing suggestions and characteristics

Density. Red oak is one of the heavier hardwoods in North America, averaging about 43 pounds per cubic foot at 7 percent MC. Willow, cherrybark and scarlet oaks are somewhat heavier. Kiln-dried, planed lumber will weigh about 2.6 pounds per board foot.
 
Drying. Drying must be carefully controlled, because if the wood is dried too fast, it will check and honeycomb. Certainly, end coating the lumber is critical. Drying in an open shed or warehouse pre-drying are the best drying methods. If air-dried, piles should be roofed to prevent wetting of the top layers. Plastic burlap mesh fabric can be used to slow drying when needed in the warmer months. Air drying much more than 60 to 75 days increases the risk of drying damage due to rewetting. Most of the time, air-drying degrade will exceed 10 percent; hence air-drying is not recommended. Shrinkage in drying is 9 percent, with considerable variation between species.
 
Final moisture contents for furniture and cabinet oak must be between 6.0 to 7.0 percent MC. No MC variation is permitted due to oak’s high shrinkage.
 
Gluing and machining. Oak is known to be “unforgiving” when gluing. Pieces must be square and straight; surfaces to be glued must be very flat and freshly prepared; and pressure must be uniform and not too low. Any commonly used wood adhesive will perform very well with oak, although casein will produce dark glue lines.
 
Because of its high density, the wood is prone to developing chipped or torn grain. Knives need to be sharp and rake angles a little smaller than for the lighter-weight species. As with most species, using dull tools and worn sandpaper results in fuzzing.
 
Stability. Red oaks are subject to large size changes when the MC changes about 1 percent size change for each 3 percent MC change (ranging from 2.6 to 3.5 percent MC change for the different species of red oak) running across the grain parallel to the rings (tangentially), and about 1 percent size change for each 6 percent MC change (range of 5.5 to 7.5 percent MC) across the rings (radially). This big difference between tangential and radial also means that the wood is prone to cupping when the MC changes.
 
Strength. Red oaks are very strong and stiff. Bending strength (MOR) averages 14,000 psi. Hardness averages 1,300 pounds. Stiffness (MOE) averages 1.8 million psi. Often the lowland oaks are stronger than the upland, especially when there are more than 10 growth rings per inch.
 
Color and grain. The color of red oak heartwood varies from very pink (cherrybark oak) to a reddish hue (northern red oak) to light brown (black oak). The white-colored sapwood amounts are minimal except in lowland oaks, where entire pieces of 4/4 can be sapwood. Lowland sapwood often is gray due to enzymatic oxidation gray stain. Oak has large vessels in the earlywood portion of the annual growth ring, giving the surface a coarse appearance and feel. The grain is quite obvious and is called heavy or coarse.

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Red alder started from the bottom

Red alder (Alnus rubra), once considered a trash species and useful only for fuel, grows abundantly in the Pacific Coast regions of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. It produces excellent lumber, and now demands fairly high prices.
 
It is a pioneer species, coming into the ecosystem after fire and logging disturbances, thereby protecting the exposed soils and watersheds. Trees mature within 40 to 60 years, reaching a typical height of less than 90 feet and a diameter often under 24 inches. Due to its softness, alder is also desired as a premium carving wood. Where grown, it might be used locally for construction, but the highest prices are for furniture-grade lumber. Due to the small diameter logs, which yield a lot of narrow lumber, specialized, company-specific grading rules are often used instead of the NHLA alder rules.
 
The wood of alder, which is nearly 100 percent sapwood, is off-white when first cut, but changes color upon exposure to air. Depending on the temperature used in drying, the final color can be honey brown to a darker reddish brown. In fact, the key to color uniformity is in drying. Once dried, red alder’s soft grain can be finished to make the wood look like cherry and several other expensive, fine-grained species. Key uses for lumber are furniture and cabinets.
 

Processing suggestions and characteristics

 
Density. Red alder is one of the lighter weight hardwoods in North America, averaging about 29 pounds per cubic foot at 7 percent MC. This is 2/3 of the weight of oak. A board foot of dried and planed alder will weigh just under two pounds.
 
Drying. Alder dries very quickly with little risk of warp and checking; nonetheless, drying must be carefully controlled because of color concerns. Chemicals in the wood are oxidized during drying, resulting in the color development. Air drying often results in a mottled appearance. Kiln-drying soon after sawing is the recommended procedure to prevent mottling and to develop the desired color. Steaming in the kiln will darken the final color. Shrinkage in drying is 4 percent. Final moisture contents for alder should be between 6 percent and 7.5 percent MC. Slight MC variation is permitted due to alder’s low shrinkage.
 
Gluing and machining. Alder is one of the easiest woods to glue; it is very forgiving if surfaces are not quite perfect. Pressure must be uniform and not too high. Any commonly used wood adhesive will perform very well. Because of the uniform texture and lower density, the wood machines particularly well. Tools must be sharp or else some fuzzing might occur; likewise, sandpaper must not be worn. The rake angle is often a few degrees larger than for higher density hardwoods. Chipped or torn grain is rare.
 
Stability. Red alder is subject to modest size changes when the MC changes – about 1 percent size change for each 4 percent MC change running across the grain parallel to the rings (tangentially), and about 1 percent size change for each 7 percent MC change across the rings (radially). Due to smaller logs, a little warping may occur when the MC changes.
 
Strength. Red alder is one of the weaker native hardwoods. Bending strength (MOR) averages 9,800 psi. Hardness averages 590 pounds. Stiffness (MOE) averages 1.4 million psi. Corresponding values for cherry are 12,300 psi, 950 pounds and 1.5 million psi. The softness of alder is certainly notable; the other values, however, are just slightly lower than cherry and are close to soft maple.
 
Color and grain. The wood of alder is evenly textured with the annual rings making only light colorations. The grain is very fine. As mentioned, color depends on the promptness of drying and the temperatures used.

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A decade review on flooring

As flooring specialists, we appreciate and admire the huge variety of flooring available to our customers. Like many commodities, whether clothes, cars or jewellery, flooring too goes in and out of style, although perhaps not as quickly! Now that 2020 is here and the decade of the 2010’s is behind us, we’re taking a look back on the last ten years and review the flooring trends which shaped it.

Environmentally friendly

With the constant threat of global warming, many of us are watching our carbon footprint – and that reflects in the choice’s customers are making when it comes to flooring. Natural flooring such as: bamboo, cork and stone have popped up more and more in this decade, with real wood still retaining its popularity as well.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Forget the stereotype of vinyl being cheap, ugly and tasteless – it has been revolutionised to produce stunning Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Coming in very convincing representations of wood, stone and concrete, LVT is perfect if you’ve fallen for the look of natural products but need something at a cheaper price and easier maintenance. Not only does it look so similar to natural products, but is also incredibly durable and water, scratch and stain proof. Why wouldn’t you?

Hardwood floors

Not only has hardwood flooring stood the test of time, but it’s also stood the test of changing fashions! It’s easy to see why wood flooring never goes out of fashion and why its popularity has increased further in the last decade. Versatile, affluent and hard-wearing, it is always a fantastic addition to your home and will certainly add to its selling value. We are confident that no matter how much interior trends will change, wood floors will remain as stylish as ever.

Grey flooring

Many of us associate grey with being tired, dull and lifeless…well forget everything you might have once thought of grey. Its popularity has soared this decade – especially popular with modern interior lovers, it presents us with a stunning clean-cut and sophisticated appearance. However, if you’re a fan of a more rustic or traditional décor, then grey flooring also accommodates this. Coming in real wood, laminate, vinyl and stone, you can satisfy all your flooring desires! Grey presents us with arguably the most versatile colour for flooring, suiting virtually all furnishings and complementing most colour schemes.

Herringbone

With the hustle and bustle of modern life, some of us find we lust after something from a bygone era. We are always striving for more luxury in our lives, which is why herringbone is perfect if you’re looking at flooring. Although typically associated with a traditional interior, its popularity has increased over the last few years to make it a very popular modern style. It gives your room added character with the stunning plank arrangement, as well as being as smooth or as rustic as you like.

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Oiling Wood Floors: How-to and FAQ

Over time, your wood floor may start to lose the sheen and colour that it once had. This is very likely down to the fact that your floor needs refreshing and reviving with oil. Oiling wood floors helps to enhance the overall appearance of its surface, as well as adding protection and nourishment.

If you want to oil wooden flooring, it’s important to consider its benefits, the proper steps to take, and how often you should replenish its coat.

Why is it Important to Oil Your Wood Floor?

Firstly, oiled wood flooring helps with its longevity. The oil revives the appearance of the floor. It also protects the floor’s surface, to keep it looking brand new for longer.

Your floor is thirsty

Wood flooring is thirsty. It may sound strange, but it’s true. 

Without oil protecting the surface, your wood will drink up any water and moisture. If this water gets into the wood, the floor will move and can cause long-term damage. 

On the other hand, with a protective oil coating, your floor is unable to soak up this moisture, therefore protecting your flooring. 

Are you a pet owner?

The longevity and durability factors of oiling wood floors makes it perfect for pet owners. For instance, any scratches caused by claws or teeth can simply be sanded down and oiled over.

A lacquered floor, in comparison, is less of  a quick fix when it comes to scratch marks. 

Bringing out details in design

Oiled wood flooring brings out the amazingly fine details and grains of each plank. This, as a result, provides a wide range of tones and colours depending on the oil you use. 

Our selection of Osmo Oils does a perfect job of making your flooring truly unique, offering warm, rustic tones, to lighter and more subtle finishes. Similarly, even clear oils can help show a floor’s natural beauty.

Carved Whiskey Oak Solid Wood Flooring- Oiled Wood Flooring
Carved Whiskey Oak Solid Wood Flooring

 

Floor protection

Unfinished wood flooring leaves vulnerability for liquid stains such as wine, cola, or sauce. A simple oiled finish prevents unwanted stains. 

The oil itself acts as a protective layer, so that liquids can’t be absorbed into the wood’s fibres.

Prevent your floor from drying out and cracking

In extreme cases, your floor can crack due to the lack of oil that it receives on a regular basis. Although this is only in extreme circumstances, it’s important to be mindful about the necessity of regularly oiling your wood floor.

Ongoing maintenance

Any form of hardwood flooring requires maintenance. 

However, taking proper care of your oiled wood flooring means that you won’t need to re-sand and finish your floor too often. 

Oiling your wood flooring should be part of your wood floor maintenance routine. We’ll go into this more in a moment.

 

 

Quick re-cap:

  1. Helps with longevity.
  2. Protects against pet scratches. 
  3. Quick and easy fix if any marks appear.
  4. Brings out detail, tone, and colour.
  5. Helps maintain the look of your floor
  6. More protection against liquid stains.
  7. Prevents your floor from drying out and cracking.

How to Oil Wooden Flooring

Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to prepare and oil wooden flooring:

Prepare your flooring

  1. If your floor has previously been oiled, you can apply the oil directly on top. For floors with different finishes, such as varnish, you’ll need to sand the surface until you get to the bare wood. This is to make sure you are not adding additional layers of a different oil onto a different existing layer. 
  2. If you’re adding a touch-up layer after receiving new oiled flooring, you don’t need to sand it down. You can apply the new coat straight on top, due to the fact that the oil is the same as the previous layer.
  3. Be sure to wipe away any kind of dirt or debris from the surface of your flooring, as this stops any debris from setting under the oil.
  4. Make sure the room is well ventilated. This is to make sure any fumes from the oil are able to escape, and not linger in the room.

The process

  1. Stir the container of oil thoroughly to make sure all of the components are well mixed
  2. Use a stiff brush or roller and apply the oil evenly, going with the wood grain. Be sure to apply the oil thinly, as to keep your layers even.
  3. Leave the oil to dry before applying more layers. Use the same technique as the step above and go with the grain, applying thin layers at a time
  4. Depending on the type of oil, use anywhere between 1 to 3 layers, making sure each layer is dry before applying a new one.
Unfinished Parquet Oak Solid Wood Flooring - Oiled Wood Flooring
Unfinished Parquet Oak Solid Wood Flooring

To ensure the best results for your oiled floor, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This should be located on the container of the product.

How Often Does Your Floor Need Oiling?

For domestic use, we recommend to oil wooden flooring every 2 years, you may want to do this sooner depending on how much your flooring is used. 

This also adds an additional layer of protection from daily foot traffic or day-to-day mishaps that may damage your floor.

If you’re buying a range of flooring that comes oiled, we recommend oiling the floor again once it has been laid. 

This is because your flooring could have been stored for a number of months, and maybe a little dry. Re-staining your new flooring tops up the slight moisture that is needed. By doing this, you can also add more colour to the finish and increase its durability.

Castle Brown Oak 90mm Solid Wood Flooring - Oiled Wooden Floor
Castle Brown Oak 90mm Solid Wood Flooring

 

Oiling Wood Floors FAQ

What types of oil can you use for wood flooring?

Bona hard wax oil: One of the most popular waxes available, bona is easy to apply and dries quickly. It’s highly effective at combatting wear and tear that you would commonly see in unfinished flooring, this makes it a great option for high amounts of foot traffic in your home.

WOCA hard wax oil: This particular oil is more expensive, but provides a more effective result. WOCA oil is more commonly used by professionals, who have the necessary machines to apply the oil correctly.

Blanchon maintenance oil: Blanchon is very effective at reviving wood flooring. Its matt finish results in a professional-looking result if you are doing this on your own. Blanchon oil is known for quick drying if time is of the essence.

GRANWAX hard wax oil: This oil is completely clear, providing a great form of protection, without altering the appearance of your wood. GRANWAX is a great option for preventing any signs of daily wear and tear from showing on your flooring.

Will oil change the colour of your floor?

This depends on the oil you choose. Some change the overall colour or tint of your flooring, on the other hand, some simply add a protective layer to its surface. If you are looking for an oil that provides a different tint, our ranges of tinted Osmo Oils offer a wide range of options.

Osmo Polyx Oil – White Osmo Polyx Oil – Honey Osmo Polyx Oil – Terra

Should you oil wood flooring immediately?

We recommend that you oil wooden flooring as soon as possible after laying it. This is because the flooring can be slightly dried out during the storage period. Re-oiling acts as a little top up to the existing oil layer. This helps to bring some additional colour and tone, as well as added protection. 

Do all floors need oiling?

Not all floors need oiling, however, there are a few specific factors to consider depending on what flooring you have.

If your wood flooring comes oiled, as previously mentioned, we recommend you re-oil your flooring with a clear finish. This re-hydrates the wood.

Lacquered wood flooring will need to be sanded down to the bare plank in order for it to be oiled. This is because of the lacquer acting as an already existing protective layer. The oil will not absorb into the wood if a lacquer finish is already present.

Engineered wood flooring features a solid wood veneer as the surface of the plank. This means that you can apply oil to the planks of engineered wood, however make sure that the flooring does not have a lacquered finish already applied. Otherwise, you will need to sand down the veneer before applying the oil.

Laminate, LVT, Vinyl, and EvoCore flooring cannot be oiled, as they have no wood surface for the oil to absorb in to.

How do you maintain oiled hardwood floors?

To maintain your wood floor, we recommend our Impero Elite Wood Flooring Kit. This kit is efficient and effective at both reviving and maintaining the look of your wood floor. Included in this kit is our Reviving Wax, which provides optimum protection for your wood flooring.

To Conclude

Overall, the benefits of oiling wood floors are very important to know. As well as preparing your flooring for a new coat, using the procedures will guarantee the best outcome. As long as you keep on top of your flooring maintenance, your wood flooring will look much better and last a whole lot longer. It’s a no-brainer!

The post Oiling Wood Floors: How-to and FAQ appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

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