Hardwood Flooring encompasses many different types of flooring composed of wood such as acrylic floors, engineered hardwood floors and natural wood flooring. Hardwood floors are available in a large selection of different species both domestic and exotic. Read the rest of this entry »
Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world and it plays a crucial part in Asia’s economy. While it is not technically a tree and is actually part of the true grass family, bamboo is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for hardwood flooring. Read the rest of this entry »
Sapwood is the younger wood on the outside of the tree and the living part. It deals mainly with the distribution of water.
Heartwood is the wood located at the center of the tree. The heartwood is dead and usually darker than the sapwood. Most hardwood flooring is taken from the heartwood because it is stronger and has a more luxurious color.
Distressing is the act of intentionally making hardwood flooring look aged, worn or imperfect. This is done to give the floor extra character and doing this also reduces the appearance of unintentional imperfections in the wood.
Refinishing hardwood flooring involves sanding the floor to remove the top layer of finish and wood. This is for floors that exhibit heavy wear and large imperfections.
Resurfacing hardwood flooring involves buffing the floor and then applying a new coat of finish to it. This process is to repair minor imperfections and blemishes on the floor.
Penetrating Seals are a type of finish that protects the wood from within and can add color and strength to the wood. Acrylic floors have a type of penetrating seal.
Surface Finishes: These types of finishes protect floors from damage and usually consist of polyurethane. This type of finish will appear as what looks like a thin layer of plastic. Surface finishes also allow wood floors to be refinished and restored.
Color Change will occur in all types of natural hardwood flooring due to direct and indirect sunlight. The amount and speed at which the wood changes color will vary from species to species.
