|
Author: Barry Hutch Article source: http://www.hardwoodflooringdirect.net/. Used with author's permission.
Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments; they feel at home with modern or traditional and will compliment the decor of both minimalist and eclectic designs. Hardwood can be classic, rock, jazz, country, or hip hop. Today's State-of-the-art technology coupled with an almost limitless choice of stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood flooring one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings available. Their beauty is enduring and like a fine wine, they mature with age.
Nature provides the inspiration when designing with hardwood floors. The abundance of natural hardwood species provides a plethora of wood grain structures, each unique and each matching a particular décor. Oak woods contain a lot of growth ring patterns and knots, and are best suited to traditional and rustic decors. However, adding a high gloss finish can make them elegant enough for any formal dining room. Woods such as Maple, Walnut and Birch contain very little graining and lend themselves well to contemporary and modern designs.
The aesthetic appeal of hardwood is also influenced to a large extent by mineral streaking, the presence of knots and shade and color variation. These features are also used in the classification of hardwoods.
Clear - This grade of hardwood is free of defects though it may have minor imperfections. Flooring in this category tends to be very consistent with little mineral streaking and knots, also making it the most expensive grade.
Select - This grade is almost clear, but contains more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.
Common grades (No. 1 and No. 2) have more markings than either clear or select and are often chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room.
No.1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and worm holes. No.2 Common is rustic in appearance and will show all wood characteristics of the species. These grades have always been the least expensive, but the recent revival of the antique rustic look has resulted in prices skyrocketing.
Performance is a very important aspect when selecting a hardwood floor. Some hardwood species are less porous than others, making them harder and less susceptible to staining. The Janka Hardness Test provides the relative hardness of numerous wood species used in flooring. This rating should only be used as a general guide, as the hardness is also affected by growth region.
Plank construction and finish are also important factors when determining the durability of any wood floor. Plank construction comes in two forms, solid and engineered. Factors such as type of existing subfloor and relative air humidity will determine which floor is best suited to your needs.
Great advancements in finish technology have resulted in floors that are less susceptible to scratching, denting, fading, and are easier to maintain. The addition of Aluminum Oxide to the surface finish has added a measure of performance resulting in a hardwood floor that, maintained properly, should never have to be replaced. This flooring article was written by Barry H. Get more tips and techniques at: Flooring information
Shut The Door Buddy: Simple Dog Tricks To Teach and Impress
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to all dog breeds. The only consideration maybe would be asking small size dogs to close large or heavy doors ...
Do You Know Where Your Email Address is Today?
eMail addresses are often hidden from a potential business associate or customer. You may think you are protecting yourself against spam but in reality, you are...
Common RV Insurance Policies
Recreational vehicle (RV) insurance policies are more complicated than either car insurance or homeowner's insurance policies. RV insurance policies blend aspe...
Evaluating Vendors of Ecommerce Fulfillment Services
Once your website has secured an order, you have to fulfill it. While the fulfillment of digital goods is usually handled online, the delivery of physical goods...
Imagination
How does someone come up with a new idea? Where does it start and how can I come up with unique ideas? I want people to know me for what I can contribute that i...
Strategic Internet Marketing
How to gain more online customers...
Do You Know Your 401(k) Plan?
Taking full advantage of your 401(k) - how well do you know your plan.
Musicians: How to Look for Band Members
Looking for band members is never an easy task. You may first want to ask yourself what exactly you're looking for - whether it is to join an existing band or f...
Beads—A Sign of the Times?
A short history of the use of beads in jewelry and fashion. From love beads to Swarovski crystal.
Ladder Safety Tips
One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top...
Its War I Tell You!
As you may or may not know, a new computer is extremely vulnerable when you first get online with it...
Optimizing Your Cash Flow With Proper Accounts Receivable Management
Profitable businesses often struggle with cash flow due to poor accounts receivable management strategies. Included in this article are some practices and advi...
MLM versus Pyramid
Many people don't know the difference between MLM and pyramid, and I must admit sometimes the line between the two is very thin, but as a simple rule you can se...
50 Ways To Generate More Money In Network Marketing (Practicing The Obvious)
If the art of Network Marketing is your "pin-point" passion, you may certainly want to take note and put into play these 50 "best practice" marketing techniques...
How Do You Define Success?
If we really want this success then we will set ourselves on fire. We won't wait for spontaneous combustion.
MLM - Its NOT About You
When MLMers work their business, really work it, there are things going on inside that person that are totally dictated by what goes on outside of that person. ...
Baby Shower Invitation: Announcing the Arrival of the Little Cherub!
Customized baby shower invitation cards with personal touches are what you need for making your baby shower party a memorable one. A baby shower invitation card...
Top 10 FSBO Tips to Selling Your Home by Owner
Tips to selling your home by owner. Sell your own home without the assistance of a real estate agent.
Why We Chose The Person We Love
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -- George Santayana "Why do I always wind up with the wrong person? I want someone who is k...
Acquaint Yourself with the Types of Impotence
Impotence is men's inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Diabetes Awareness: Will They Recognize You?
Taking charge of your diabetes through exercise can give you a younger look and feel not to mention …… a younger attitude!
Luxury Real Estate In Fremont California
For those looking to invest in a piece of luxury real estate, the time has never been better. The selection of luxury homes and properties stretches around the ...
Getting 100% Financing With Bad Credit - Is No Down Payment a Good Idea?
Here are some points to consider about 100% financed bad credit mortgage loans.
High Protein Diets Can Have a “Bad” Impact on Your Career
With all the excitement regarding high protein diets, one area that is often not talked about is a diet rich in protein can be a major contributor to bad breath...
|
Print this page