I Like Bleached Hardwood – Is It The Right Choice For Flooring?

We like to keep our finger on the pulse of the flooring industry, and we can’t help but notice that bleached hardwood is trending.

But what is it exactly?

When people express interest in bleached hardwood floors, what they really are looking for is hardwood void of color. They want a white, natural look without the dark colors or stains.

Is bleached hardwood flooring for you? Let’s dig a little deeper into this trend.

Bleached, whitewashed, and natural – what’s the difference? 

When homeowners visit our retail location, they will describe this look in several ways. However, it’s a good idea to understand the different nuances of lighter wood floors to ensure you get what you’re looking for.

Bleached hardwood completely takes out the color. This will bring the hardwood down to a white color, and strip away the browns. It’s best performed with an already light wood, such as white oak floorboards. If you use it on stronger, more prominent patterned wood such as exotics, it can cause discoloration, which may not produce the look you’re trying to achieve.

Whitewash is created by using a white wood stain. Whitewash or white stain will seep into the wood and change its appearance. White stain will lighten the hardwood, but won’t hide color from hardwood such as red oak or exotics. You may still have brown color tints shining through.

Natural hardwood brings out the beauty of whatever hardwood flooring planks you’re installing. You apply a clear sealer and several coats of natural polyurethane to bring out the natural beauty in the quality of the wood.

Do-it-yourself bleaching 

I Like Bleached Hardwood - Is It The Right Choice For Flooring?Do a quick search online, and you’ll find many sites that instruct you through the process of bleaching out your flooring. Take note: this is more difficult than it seems. And it can damage the hardwood.

Bleach has become a staple in cleaning. But when used to strip down to the surface of hardwood planks, it can do more than clean the surface area.

Chlorine bleach destroys lignin. This is the part of the wood structure that hardens and strengthens the cell walls. It’s what gives hardwood its integrity.

If you use too much bleach and it seeps into the wood, it destroys the integrity of the hardwood plank, making it resistant to whatever you put on the surface area.

Even with bleached flooring, you still need surface coats to protect it from day-to-day living. And without having a bondable surface, you’ll never be able to use it as flooring.

How do you achieve a bleached hardwood flooring look? 

The simplest and most effective way to create a bleached hardwood floor is to buy prefinished hardwood already bleached to the color you prefer.

Prefinished is as the name implies – it’s prefinished and ready to install. When you select a prefinished hardwood plank, you can settle on the exact color you’re looking for. Keep in mind that with most prefinished hardwood planks, they’ve achieved the look through whitewashing or color enhancement. But what you see is what you get – and it can allow you to select exactly what you want for your home.

Prefinished is produced and sealed, topped with a polyurethane coat before it’s boxed up and delivered to your home. That means it’s one of the strongest hardwoods you’ll be able to install for your flooring. Plus, if you order an extra box, it’s easy to replace damaged planks if the situation arises. You won’t have to try and achieve the same look with a bottle of bleach and a scrub brush. You’ll have the planks ready for replacement.

What about site bleaching? 

For many homeowners, they prefer hardwood to be sealed and finished after installation. This ensures sealant gets between the floorboards, and creates a more water-resistant topcoat that protects against daily living. If that’s the case, site bleaching will be done after your hardwood is installed. This process is best left to the professionals to ensure you achieve great results.

Professionals can perform several different processes to achieve the results you’re looking for. Lime washing can give the appearance of a seaside beach house. Ammonia bleach removes the stains and dyes but will not alter the original hardwood color. It brings out the natural beauty of the wood.

What’s the right choice for you? It depends on what look you’re trying to achieve. Create a pinboard of ideas and options to see what truly motivates you in your final design.

Once your bleached hardwood floors are in place

Integrity is everything. No matter which method you choose for getting the right color hardwood for your home, maintaining the proper finish is what gives you longevity over time.

Hardwood can be one of the most durable flooring choices you’ll install inside your home. But quality matters.

First, ensure you select hardwood that stands the test of time. By choosing a high-grade hardwood, you’ll have the ability to refinish the surface area multiple times, changing the look based on your current desires.

Pay attention to Janka ratings. What matters most to hardwood is the hardness of the species itself. No matter what manufacturing process is used, if you don’t start with quality wood species, you’ll never end up with a durable hardwood plank.

Janka ratings run from zero to around 4,000 pounds. Balsa wood is extremely lightweight, and is often used for crafts. Moving to the other end would be Brazilian walnut, which is often used in decks and furniture. Once crafted, it can take a high degree of wear and tear before it starts to show its mark.

A good ranking often falls in the middle. A popular choice is oak – both the red and white varieties do well under normal living conditions. With a specific species in mind, selecting the one that will perform best for your desired effects will create a flooring choice you’re happy to live with for years.

Once you’ve achieved the color you desire, sealing and protecting it will create a surface area that works best for your lifestyle. This will protect it from stains, spills, and accidents that are a part of daily living.

Are you ready for a change? Are you remodeling your home, with new flooring at the top of your list?

Bleached hardwood flooring may be the perfect choice to set the backdrop for your new furnishings.

What questions can we answer about bleached flooring?

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Is Parquet Flooring Making a Comeback?

Remodeling your home this year? One of the most difficult choices can be in determining what flooring to install. Select wisely, and it can be an investment that will last for decades.

For many homeowners, the thought of installing “the same” flooring as everyone else is a turnoff. You want uniqueness, personality. Why settle for anything but the best?

What about parquet flooring? Is it the right choice for you?

What is parquet flooring?

Decades ago, homeowners didn’t have a lot of choices in flooring materials. That made builders more flexible and innovative when using what they had access to.

Parquet flooring was a way to use smaller hardwood pieces and create tiles by rearranging them in geometric patterns. They are designed with repeating patterns to create truly unique looks.

Is Parquet Flooring Making a Comeback?While popular in the 1960s, this option gradually decreased over time as laminates, vinyl, and other flooring choices became more commonplace. Gradually hardwood flooring dealers moved to other options, leaving parquet harder to find.

Like other flooring trends, you’ll find parquet flooring popping up through time as people look for ways to innovate in their home decor. It’s starting to make a comeback in recent years because it has a lot to offer a homeowner.

It’s affordable

When homeowners originally started installing parquet flooring, it was because of cost. Parquet comes in tile format, which makes it easier to install. That cuts down on both product and labor costs.

It’s stylish

While it may cost less than other flooring options, it doesn’t lack on beauty. What makes parquet flooring unique are the many colors and patterns available. While they vary greatly, the most popular include:

Herringbone – this is a classic design that has been installed in homes across the world for decades. Herringbone is achieved by laying wooden planks in a rectangle, with each one placed at a 90-degree angle to create a zigzag effect.

Double herringbone – to create an even more sophisticated style, a double herringbone is made the same way as the herringbone design. However, the planks are doubled to create a bigger focus on the zigzag pattern. Because this takes more space for the pattern to shine, many people recommend this in larger spaces. However, when worked correctly, it can add grace and elegance to any room in your home. Diagonal placement is best to really let the beauty of this design out.

Chevron – unlike the herringbone, the planks are cut at an angle to create an arrow point. It can be laid diagonal or parallel to the wall, depending on the look you’re striving for. Because there are more angles to produce this look, it does take more labor costs to ensure it’s laid into place correctly.

Basketweave – this takes on the classic design of the handmade craft of basket weaving, where different planks are laid together to give the appearance of a basket. It can be installed parallel or diagonally, depending on your preferences. This design is usually created by weaving two or more colors together to ensure a pleasing visual effect.

Brick – the planks are laid together to simulate traditional brickwork. It’s one of the simplest and effortless designs that can keep classic good looks running throughout your home.

It’s different

Let’s face it, flooring can start to feel the same when you head down a traditional path. Hardwood is everywhere, especially here in Colorado, when it’s a big part of our culture. You love hardwood, but you want something different. Parquet flooring may be the perfect solution to suit your needs. It stands out in today’s industry because it brings a fresh new look into your home.

It can make your flooring shine

Sometimes flooring blends into the woodwork. It’s nothing more than a base for your decor. That will never be the case with parquet. Your flooring will be the center of attention, depending on the design you ultimately choose. Depending on the pattern, wood type, and color, it will be the star of the show.

It gives you a chance to create something new

While we’ve mentioned the basic patterns in this article, it by no means includes everything available. The good news is with a little creativity, you can design something truly unique. We suggest picking out a room and focusing on style – how about the dining room? Weave a pattern together, and it can complement your dining room furnishings. Who needs a rug when your flooring says – Wow!

Parquet flooring installation

Parquet flooring tiles are easier to install than traditional hardwood planks, since they are usually glued into place rather than nailed. They can be professionally installed, or if you’re looking for a DIY project, this may be one you can take on. If you select a urethane-based adhesive, you’ll have up to 60 minutes of working time to make movements in the tile placement. This gives you wiggle room if you adjust the way the tiles are laid into place.

The tiles are relatively thin – about 5/16 inch – so they are easy to cut with a jigsaw. They are primarily prefinished, meaning you won’t have to sand, stain, or varnish.

Yet because these tiles are relatively thin, it means you’ll have to ensure your subfloor is properly in place. Ensure that the subfloor is flat, clean, without anything to cause the tiles to flex. You’ll notice this visually and as you walk over it.

Also pay attention to getting the layout correct. Because of the dramatic geometric patterns of parquet, if they aren’t symmetrical along the edges, you’ll notice the way it makes the room feel.

Another distinct difference between today’s parquet and the products from yesteryear is construction. Most parquet tiles today use solid wood, which means you might be able to refinish the flooring in the future. It’s still thin material, meaning you might not be able to refinish multiple times. But if you’re considering parquet and want that as an option, it’s work finding the right manufacturer to suit your needs.

Is parquet flooring making a comeback?

Because homeowners are adding their own personality into design, and the modern midcentury style is coming forward once again, interest is growing in parquet. If parquet flooring is for you, stop by today. We’ll show you options you’ll love for your home.

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Why Engineered Hardwood Is Great For Your Laundry Room

Nearly all homebuyers – 91 percent – state that a laundry room is essential or a must-have on their list of desires. Not only is it high on the list, but it is also the top item that will turn people away if you don’t have it.

People define laundry rooms in different ways. What used to be located in the basement, or behind a closet door in the main living space is no longer acceptable. What homeowners want now is a convenient room that is as attractive as the other spaces inside their home.

No longer are homeowners willing to have tight spaces with few options. They want dedicated sinks, space for drip-drying clothes, and a place to sort, fold, and press items before returning them to the bedroom.

Where do you start if upgrading your laundry room is on your to-do list this year? We have a few ideas for you, including selecting the right flooring for your space.

Start with a plan

Laundry rooms are evolving. Depending on where they are in your home, they may be large enough to house additional features. Put them on the main living floor and they might house mudrooms, hobby benches, workshops, or pet care storage centers. If they are located near the bedrooms or on a separate floor, they may be combined with art stations, sewing centers, play rooms, or extra storage areas.

These spaces can be as functional as they are creative. It starts with identifying your needs. Then determining what makes the most sense with your creative spirit in mind.

Why Engineered Hardwood Is Great For Your Laundry RoomAccording to a Time Use Survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American woman spends 17 minutes a day on laundry. That leaves a lot of time open for additional activities. What can you add and combine to create a functional room that suits your needs?

With work from home and distance learning changing the way we function each day, there are many ways you can add these activities to a multi-purpose room. How about an area to record your podcasts? Or a quiet space to take Zoom calls? While it doesn’t take much workspace, it can easily be built into counter space that can be used to fold clothes too.

Before you finalize your decisions, dream big. What can a new laundry space provide for your family?

Engineered hardwood and laundry rooms go together

Every remodel begins at the bottom – with selecting the flooring. While it’s easy to repaint wall color or add new decor, your flooring sets the base for everything. It has to flow with the rest of your home design. Yet it has to be functional too.

That’s why many homeowners start by considering hardwood for their laundry rooms – then doubt their choice when they read more about it.

Hardwood floors and water don’t mix. They are prone to buckling and cupping when they come into regular contact with water. No matter how careful you are, it’s hard to avoid water in a laundry space. Whether you spill laundry detergent, drip water as you move clothes from the washer to the dryer, or prefer to drip-dry your clothing, moisture is inevitable. And that can spell disaster. You’ll be replacing your flooring in no time.

Enter engineered hardwood flooring. While engineered may not be as affordable as laminate, it is more stable in varying environments than traditional hardwood. With today’s technology, you’ll find engineered hardwood can stand up to a lot of abuse, including humidity and moisture-prone areas.

A deeper dive into engineered hardwood – what is it really? 

Engineered hardwood starts with a thin layer of hardwood that sits on top of multi layers of backing. Different manufacturers produce different products, so the thickness and construction may vary a little from product to product. This is what determines the strength of the product, and how long it will stand up over time.

What makes engineered hardwood more durable is its construction. While the top layer is a thin layer of hardwood, the core layers consist of multi layers of wood, each positioned in a different direction to add to the hardness of the plank. This protects the board from warping or cupping the way hardwood would in moist situations.

This gives it the advantage of being able to be installed in areas most experts would say hardwood should not. This includes below grade and in places like laundry rooms and kitchens. It’s a great way to get the look of traditional hardwood – because it is – and combine it with the easy care and maintenance of a more durable product.

Is engineered hardwood flooring the right choice for your home?

Real hardwood creates a look like no other product can. Here in Colorado, it adds a certain appeal that many homeowners want throughout their homes.

Engineered hardwood gives you the option of combining the look and feel of traditional hardwood with the ease of other products that are easier to maintain. Depending on the thickness of the plank, the quality of the product, and how well you care for them, engineered hardwood can last for years – decades – and still give you a beautiful floor.

Todays’ innovation also means it stands up better to normal use in ways that weren’t possible even a few short years ago.  Yes, it’s hardwood. But with the multilayer function, and the rigid top layer, it can provide a moisture layer that stands up to all your family can dish out. Add a protective moisture barrier underneath, and you can install it in places traditional hardwood simply can’t.

Engineered hardwood is real wood. It’s not created from plastics. If that’s important to you, you’ll love what engineered hardwood has to offer. Many products provide zero VOCs, and provide eco-friendly and sustainable measures throughout the production process. Just ask. We can direct you towards products you’ll fall in love with.

Is engineered hardwood right for your home remodel?

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What Is The Most Luxurious, High-End Hardwood Flooring?

Bubinga. Purpleheart. Bloodwood. Sandalwood.

If you’ve been looking at high-end hardwood flooring, you may be stretching for something beyond the standard oak or maple.

Whether you’re designing a home or business interior, sometimes only the best will do. If you want something that stands out from the norm, that takes people entirely by surprise when they enter the space, high-end hardwood flooring may be just the thing you’re looking for.

Hardwood flooring has been around for centuries. It hasn’t lost its popularity even with many new entries to the marketplace. It’s still one of the most sought-after flooring choices because of its classic good looks, and easy maintenance.

Still, why settle for just the “norm” when you’re designing your dream space?

What is high-end hardwood flooring?

If you shop for hardwood, you’ll quickly notice the wide variance in looks and price. What sets hardwood apart is the accessibility of the wood. High-end hardwood flooring in either residential or commercial grade is made from more refined materials with a higher concentration on the details. High-end wood flooring isn’t always created from newly crafted wood. A popular choice right now also includes reclaimed hardwood, which is salvaged from a variety of places.

What Is The Most Luxurious, High-End Hardwood Flooring?What you’ll notice with high-end hardwood is the difference in the details. High-end hardwood adds personality and character you won’t find in standard materials.

While high-end hardwood flooring can be created from a variety of resources, you’ll also find them in various sized planks up to 20 inches in width. These wider boards allow the personality of the wood to shine through, putting more emphasis on the individual grain patterns. If you want to make a statement from the bottom up, this is a great way to do it.

Reasons why high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you

People invest in hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons. Whether you prefer a different look from what you see in other homes, or you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home, a high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you.

High-end hardwood flooring can:

Let your personality shine – let’s face it, the reason most of us turn to hardwood is because we love the classic design. Hardwood just looks good inside your home or business. But sometimes you want to stretch past what everyone else is installing, and create a look as unique as you are. That’s when high-end hardwood materials shine. If you can dream it, you can achieve it when looking towards higher end products. Whether you stick with one material, or incorporate several different materials for dramatic effect, you’ll find rich color and pattern combinations that will set the stage for any room you’re remodeling.

Make maintenance even easier – just because you install something different from the norm, doesn’t mean you want to spend more time cleaning and maintaining it. Depending on the hardwood you select, it may be even easier for your weekly cleaning routine. Hardwoods are ranked according to hardness based on the Janka rating. Select one at the harder end of the scale, and your routine may include daily sweeping and occasional deep cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Make your home more valuable – if you are building your forever home, selling it may be the last thing on your mind. But it is nice to know that when you install certain features, they hold up well over time. Hardwood flooring is seen as an upscale feature that buyers want. Studies show that you can expect up to 80 percent return on investment when you install hardwood, and increase the market value of your home by as much as 2.5 percent. If you use an exotic hardwood that sets your house apart from others on the market, that price bump may continue to rise.

Create a healthier environment – many families turn to hardwood because it creates a hard surface area. Dust bunnies can’t hide. You sweep or vacuum away problems that may exacerbate allergies or asthma attacks. In today’s environment, it’s nice to know that a solid flooring choice allows you to reach the nooks and crannies easier, ensuring your floors are as clean as you can get them.

Ensure you use environmentally friendly materials – hardwood most often comes from trees. [Materials like cork and bamboo are the exception.] High-end hardwood comes from trees that are rarer, or more difficult to harvest. As such, it can lead to problems in the supply chain, and less than stellar harvesting practices. No matter what hardwood flooring choice you settle on, be sure to do your research to ensure it’s harvested ethically and meets guidelines of regulatory organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Provide durability for years – when you install hardwood flooring, it’s nice to know that clean up will be easy. Another thing to think about is how durable the materials will be throughout the years. Durability comes from standing up to all your family can dish out. If it scratches easily, or dents when you drop something on it, you may fall out of love with your hardwood flooring choice just as quickly as you fell for it. Overall, hardwood is a great choice because it stands the test of time. When it begins to wear and show marks, you can sand it down and refinish it, making it truly a flooring choice you can enjoy for decades.

Are you ready to give high-end hardwood flooring a try?

People turn to hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons – what’s yours? But sometimes you don’t want “normal,” but prefer to select something that says “wow” instead.

High-end hardwood can give you the color, pattern, style, or personality you’ve been longing for. It can give you a chance to create a room you’re happy to come home to, and equally as happy to share with family and friends.

Are you ready to install high-end hardwood flooring in your home? Stop by today and see our full selection.

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What I Really Want Is Hardwood Floors In The Bathroom

Think about your dream home for a moment. What does it look like? What kind of decor is on the inside? What materials do you use to finish off each room?

According to a study done by Hardwood Floors Magazine, two-thirds of homeowners stated their dream home would include hardwood floors.

Especially here in Colorado, we take our outside living seriously. Hardwood isn’t just a wishlist item; it’s a way of life. And while we use hardwood in the main living space, we also wish we could use it in every room in the home.

Yet if you’ve done any research, you know hardwood and water don’t mix. How can you use hardwood in bathrooms? Is it possible? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

Done properly, hardwood can be a welcome addition to any room. If you want a continuous look as you move from room to room, hardwood may be a suitable choice for your bathroom. Before you install it, take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of using hardwood flooring in the bathroom. Consider your options, and you’ll love your flooring for many years to come.

Advantages of hardwood flooring in the bathroom

What I Really Want Is Hardwood Floors In The BathroomBefore you install hardwood throughout, the first step is taking your lifestyle into account. A half bath off the living room might not be a problem for hardwood. Hardwood in a child’s bathroom where bath playtime is a daily event might have you regretting your decision. Despite the aesthetics of having one flooring material throughout, there are other considerations to keep in mind.

Warmth

Tile is one of the most popular flooring choices in bathrooms. Yet if you’ve ever stepped on a cold tile on a dark, winter’s morning, you know it has its drawbacks. That’s why many homeowners are attracted to adding hardwood to the bathroom. Hardwood gives a comfort factor not found in other flooring products. It also provides a natural soothing sensation, making you feel like you’re a part of nature. Who doesn’t want that for a room, especially if you’re trying to create a spa-like atmosphere?

Aesthetics

Speaking of aesthetics, very few flooring choices offer the beauty of a hardwood floor. That’s its biggest advantage. It’s also why many of today’s top flooring products do whatever it takes to mimic the look. What further enhances the use of hardwood is the fact that no two rooms will ever look the same. Each board is handcrafted to draw out the natural beauty of the material being used. That makes it a classic choice to allow your own personality to shine.

Longevity

Hardwood flooring is one of the oldest materials used in home construction. It comes from a natural resource that can last for decades if well cared for. And when you do have a problem with the top layer, you can sand it down, smooth it out, apply a new finish, and guarantee yourself many more years of use. Even if you spend a little more on the initial installation, you’ll know it can be with you for as long as you own your home if it’s well cared for.

Disadvantages of hardwood flooring in the bathroom

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already have concerns about installing hardwood flooring in a bathroom. There are good reasons for that. Hardwood is a porous material that allows moisture and other liquids to seep in, even through finishes. Technology is changing that, but it can still be of concern. Especially in a bathroom.

Water

Water is the biggest problem hardwood will face in a bathroom. If you’re continuing your flooring from a living space to a half-bath, the water can be more easily contained. But water in a place where you take daily showers and baths will present issues. Water droplets can splash out at bath time. Shower spray can hit the floor every time you open the door or slide the curtain into place. To protect wood from water damage, you’ll need to wipe up all water spills quickly. That’s difficult when it’s a constant barrage of water.

Floods

Droplets from showers and tubs present issues. Floods from broken pipes and overflowing toilets are disastrous. No matter what finish you apply to hardwood, that much water will have an impact on the integrity of the floor. Chances are you will be replacing the flooring if and when this happens. Regular maintenance for all of your bathroom appliances should be on your to-do list, as well as paying extra attention to the way you move around while getting ready.

Humidity

While standing water and floods can cause problems, the humidity that appears when you bathe or shower adds a new level of wreaking havoc on your hardwood floors. When bathrooms get steamy, the effects of the humidity can settle in everywhere. It gets between the boards and settles in along the baseboards. Over time this can cause a variety of issues, from cupping to warping. Once damaged, you can’t just refinish the planks. It requires starting over with new floorboards.

Chemicals

Think of the variety of products you use in a bathroom: toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, hairspray, body lotion, and other personal items. As these settle onto the floorboards, they can impact the hardwood in many ways. It can stain the wood, lighten the color, or even penetrate through the finish. This leaves the planks more vulnerable to other potential problems.

Other bathroom flooring options

Hardwood flooring in the bathroom isn’t something you necessarily have to avoid. It’s up to you and your lifestyle. Just be aware you will have additional maintenance requirements if you decide to install it.

Luckily, there are many other options to give you the look and feel you desire. Engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl planks, and even wood-look tile can all give you the look you desire coupled with easier maintenance.

Want hardwood flooring in the bathroom? Open to other options? No matter what your preferences are, we can help you find the perfect flooring option to suit your needs.

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Deciding On Hardwood? Is Oak Still Popular?

Are you shopping for new hardwood flooring? You may have noticed that oak hardwood is overwhelmingly one of the most popular species on the market.

Why is oak hardwood so popular?

Oak is one of the most abundant hardwoods for lumber in the United States today. It’s native in North American and can be found all across Canada and the United States. Most red oaks grow over 150 feet in height and up to 6 feet in diameter before harvest. White oaks reach 80 feet in height and up to 6 feet in diameter.

What makes oak hardwood popular

Oak hardwood flooring is used throughout American homes because of its hardness, strength, and durability. Because oak trees grow in abundance and are readily available here in the States, it’s easy for harvesters to keep up with demand. That keeps prices low while quality remains high, meaning it’s a great option for homeowners. It’s supply and demand.

Of course, the only reason it continues to be in demand is because it works well as flooring. If homeowners didn’t like its durability, it would fade from use. Overall, homeowners choose oak flooring because of its:

Character – most homeowners start with looks. And you can’t go wrong when you select oak flooring. Oak has a natural character that’s accentuated when it’s turned into planks. You’ll notice the knots, streaks, and other blemishes that give it its unique look.

Deciding On Hardwood? Is Oak Still Popular?Versatility – if you want a timeless look that goes well with any decor, look no further than oak hardwood. You can use oak as your base, from country charm to traditional decor, and create classic good looks. It isn’t easy to find that with any other species of hardwood flooring.

Hardness – hardwood makes great flooring. But it’s still wood, and with wood comes the possibility of marring the finish. With too much pressure, you can scratch, dent, or even buckle the planks. That’s all determined by how hard the species of wood used is during production. That’s why oak flooring remains popular. The Janka hardness test is used to measure the hardness of wood floors. The higher the Janka rating, the more pressure required to dent the floor. The Janka score for a Northern Red Oak will be 1,220-foot-pounds. Compare that to Maple at 1,010, or Knotty Pine at 690. White oak flooring isn’t the hardest wood, it does well with most of what homeowners can dish out.

Home value – while homebuyers have specific desires in mind while they shop, they don’t want too much personality already existing inside potential homes. They want hardwood – but may be cautious if it’s too exotic for their tastes. A well maintained oak flooring will allow a homebuyer to check off that on their wish lists without giving it another thought.

The difference between red and white oak

Oak flooring is the most popular hardwood for flooring in America. But what a lot of people don’t realize is there are two separate types of oak commonly used for flooring – red and white.

If you are installing new hardwood floors, either red or white oak will do a great job over time. Which wood you select ultimately will determine what style and color you prefer. Both are durable and rank well on the Janka scale. Even the pricing can be similar depending on the market you’re in. What’s the difference then?

Color – if you install your oak flooring with a natural finish, red oak tends to have a pinkish tint. It will also be brighter than white oak. White oak tends to have warmer brown tones, and finishes darker than its red counterpart. When you stain it, red oak will continue to have red undertones, especially with stains in the lighter hues. White oak will take well to browner undertones, creating a darker look. The darker the stain, the more this difference disappears.

Grain – traditionally, red oak will have a more robust grain pattern. That means you’ll have more variance in the look of your floors. White oak is smoother and has more continuity; it’s great if you desire a uniform look. If you prefer grains to help hide scratches and marks, red oak may be better suited for your living environment. If you are minimalist and want clean lines, white oak may give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Having a house built means you can go with any type of wood and create continuity throughout your home. But if you’re replacing specific sections of your home, and want to match what already exists, knowing what’s already installed becomes a bigger challenge.

We’re happy to help you determine what you have in place. This becomes especially important if you’re butting up against hardwood stairs. Overall, red oak is used more frequently in stair treads, banisters, and other transitions. If you have them in place and won’t be replacing them, chances are good it’s red oak. They are both beautiful and will handle well over the years as you enjoy your new hardwood.

Red or white oak hardwood – which should you choose for your flooring?

If you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, either red or white oak hardwood will do. Either species stands the test of time, and will give you a beautiful base for any decor you choose.

If you’re just starting the process of looking for flooring, start by asking yourself some questions.

  • What are you looking for in flooring?
  • What colors and hues do you prefer?
  • Are you looking for easy maintenance?
  • Will you be selling your home in the near future?
  • And finally: What is your budget?

While there are many different species and types of hardwood on the market today, few have the chance of taking the place of oak. Both red and white oak are here to stay because of their availability and durability. If you install an oak hardwood flooring today, you won’t regret it in the coming weeks and months.

Nothing says beauty quite the way hardwood does. And if you install oak hardwood in your home, you’ll never go wrong.

How can we help you find the perfect oak hardwood to suit your needs?

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Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring The Right Choice For Your Remodel?

Unfinished hardwood flooring has been around for centuries.

Before painting, staining, and sealers, people would use wood harvested from local resources. They would cut, sand, and lay the boards into place.

A lot has changed over the years, but the natural beauty of hardwood lives on. It’s in discerning houses across the Front Range.

What is unfinished hardwood flooring?

By calling it unfinished hardwood flooring, certain characteristics come to mind. It can be a bit confusing until you dive deeper to discover what “unfinished” really means.

Unfinished is still processed flooring ready to be installed in your home. The difference comes with the final process of sanding it, staining it, and sealing the wood.

In the 1940s, prefinished hardwood found its way to the market as an option to speed up the installation process inside homes. The difficult process was handled as a part of the manufacturing process, meaning you could see exactly what the flooring would look like just by glancing at one of the boards. That was a big draw for flooring and home improvement stores, as it allowed shoppers to “see” what they would be installing before making their final selection.

Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring The Right Choice For Your Remodel?That gave consumers a greater choice when shopping for goods for their homes.

  • Unfinished hardwood comes without a finish applied; homeowners finish it after the hardwood is installed.
  • Prefinished hardwood is ready to install, and will be completed once the final board is laid into place.
  • Unfinished hardwood is laid with flat boards to create a smooth appearance.
  • Prefinished hardwood has beveled edges to hide inconsistencies as it’s butted against other boards.
  • Unfinished hardwood requires additional work after installation.
  • Prefinished hardwood is ready to go once it’s installed.
  • Unfinished hardwood may take additional cure time depending on stain and sealer preferences.
  • Prefinished hardwood can be ready to walk on and have furniture moved into place right after installation.
  • Unfinished hardwood gives you unlimited opportunity for style and color.
  • With prefinished hardwood, what you see is what you get.

Why many homeowners think unfinished hardwood flooring is the only way

In our consumer-driven world, being able to walk into a showroom and find a perfect choice is part of who we are. It’s nice being able to see your ideas in front of you, select, and have them installed in a short period of time.

Prefinished was created exactly for those scenarios. It’s a perfect way to find your ideas easily, match colors and textures, and “see” what you’re getting before you finalize your decisions.

Yet for others, they envision a color palette that is uniquely their own. They want something only unfinished hardwood flooring has to offer.

One of a kind look

Have you ever entered a home and recognized the flooring immediately? It’s popular, and everyone is using it. While it may be popular for a reason, it’s just not your style. You want your own unique look, and you can’t get it when you see the same thing in every store you visit.

Unfinished flooring may be for you. An experienced installer can help you create the exact look you’re looking for.

It starts with the hardwood. Different species will have different variants and characteristics that shine through when stain is applied.

It also is about what stain and sealer you use. The possibilities are endless when you’re mixing colors to create the right choice to suit your needs.

Uniformity

If you’ve ever picked out prefinished hardwood before, you’ve heard the sales associate tell you to ensure all of your product boxes are from the same dye lot. That’s to ensure a similar color resonates through to all the boards used for your flooring. Even with careful mixing, color might vary over time.

When you install unfinished hardwood, all of the finalization techniques are handled on site, meaning you’ll have uniformity no matter how large or small the room size. Sanding ensures every board is tightly fitted together. Staining on site ensures a uniform color spreads to every corner of the room. And every inch of space will be properly sealed, giving you less chance of spills seeping between the cracks.

That’s one of the biggest reasons people often select unfinished. When the final sealant goes into place, it fills in the empty spaces and cracks, giving you an even structure across all of the flooring planks. You’ll have extra protection throughout the wear life of your flooring.

Remodeling and rematching

You want new hardwood floors, but you also want to stay true to some of the home furnishings you already have in place. And every time you bring home a sample prefinished hardwood board, something isn’t quite right. It’s not the correct shade. The color is a little off.

That’s where prefinishing has the advantage. Whether you’re trying to match an antique dining room set, the cupboards in your office, or the cabinets in your kitchen, you’ll never be able to match them with prefinished in quite the same manner as you can with unfinished.

That’s because an experienced installer can mix color combinations to give you the perfect look you’re vying for.

Along with color, an installer can help you match the consistency of finishes and sheens throughout your home. From high gloss to matte, when you’re in control of the final look, you can achieve anything you desire.

A quick thought on DIY

While some flooring products are great for do-it-yourselfers, unfinished hardwood flooring is best left to the pros. If you have a certain look you desire, it can be difficult recreating that look without the experience behind you.

For example, a red oak species will provide strikingly different results than maple. You may like the appearance of the wood in the store, but how will it appear after staining and sealing?

And with the sheer amount of options with stains and sealers, do you know which combination is best to suit your needs? Get it wrong, and you could find yourself experiencing buyer’s remorse almost as soon as you have your new floors in. Worse, they could be compromised with the first spill landing on the boards, meaning you might have to change the floorboards out shortly after they’ve been installed.

Finishing unfinished hardwood flooring is labor-intensive and time-consuming. As a DIYer, it’s best to choose other projects, and leave this one to the pros.

Is unfinished hardwood flooring the best choice for your upcoming remodel?

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Why The Popularity of Bamboo Flooring Is Growing

People choose different flooring options for a variety of reasons.

Some want something new, something durable, sustainable.

Some have been dreaming about a certain material for years. It’s their dream flooring.

Others look for the latest trends.

Do you see yourself in any of those? For all those reasons and more, now may be the time to give bamboo flooring another look. It’s growing in popularity, and makes an excellent flooring choice anywhere in your home.

How bamboo flooring is made 

People love hardwood flooring. But one of the downsides to using hardwood is its sustainability. It can take decades to grow a tree. Depending on the species, there may be other risks associated with harvesting, such as deforestation issues.

While bamboo looks like hardwood, it isn’t harvested from trees. Instead, bamboo flooring comes from the stalks of a bamboo plant, which can be harvested in a matter of years, with the added benefit of being able to produce stalks again and again, without being chopped down at the core.

The bamboo plant is cut into thin strips, then bonded together in layers using an adhesive resin. These layers can be layered horizontally to reveal the plant’s natural shape, or vertically to reveal a striated pattern. Another option is to shred the stalks into fibers, pressing them together with adhesive into “strand woven” bamboo flooring, which is one of the most durable bamboo products on the market.

Like hardwood, you can select solid bamboo made from one of the three mentioned processes above. The planks will be made entirely from bamboo fibers. Or select engineered bamboo, which offers a thin solid strip of bamboo placed on the top of a plywood or fiberboard core. Like engineered hardwood, engineered bamboo has the benefit of being easy to install, as the planks can be floated into place using click and lock technology. No glue. No nails.

People love bamboo’s sustainability

Green living. Eco-friendly design. Sustainable materials and production.

While homeowners once paid attention only to how products looked, they are now looking beyond to determine how they are made.

Why The Popularity of Bamboo Flooring Is GrowingAnd in some cases, flooring materials are created from less than earth-friendly resources.

It’s hard to ignore the sustainability factors of using bamboo flooring.

To start, bamboo grows and reaches maturity in a fraction of the time it takes a tree to reach maturity. While a bamboo stalk can be harvested in just a few years, trees can take decades to reach the same point.

Once you chop a tree down, your only option is to plant a new one. The growing process starts all over again, with decades to move from seed to maturity. But a bamboo plant starts to regrow new stalks from the moment it’s been harvested. This means you won’t have to replant a bamboo plant every time you cut down a stalk.

This process is also more earth-friendly to everything around it. Because you’re only taking the stalk and not the entire plant, it leaves the forest more intact. Less disruption for the wildlife in the area that depends on it. It also leaves the forest floor more stable, meaning it’s less likely to cause soil erosion and other environmental damage.

Bamboo is stylish, versatile, and showcases its own unique beauty

While many homeowners pay attention to sustainability first, a product wouldn’t grow in popularity if it didn’t look good too.

Luckily, bamboo checks all the boxes a homeowner looks for when selecting new flooring. The bamboo stalks give bamboo flooring a unique beauty that many homeowners are demanding. Yet because it looks and feels like hardwood, it’s a flooring choice that can easily be laid into place and enjoyed for years to come.

https://pro-flooring.com/not-all-bamboo-floors-are-created-equal/

Like traditional hardwood, bamboo flooring comes in a wide range of colors and styles. From there, it extends to unique patterns that can only be found with bamboo. If you’re looking for a specific color choice, a certain texture, or a look that screams your personality, we think you’re going to love bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is durable too

When bamboo first hit the market, there was some question about its durability. It was softer than some hardwood, and didn’t stand up to an active family home life.

No more. With today’s technology, you’ll find bamboo floors can be just as hard, if not harder than some hardwood choices. Strand woven bamboo flooring is woven together and compressed to be even harder than oak flooring.

Are you looking for a flooring product to lay over radiant heating? Bamboo flooring fits the bill there too. The stability of strand woven technology means it has the right structure for laying into place.

With a hardness factor that moves up the Janka rating, you can install it in commercial applications if you select the right bamboo flooring. It stands strong to even heavy footfall, making it a reliable choice in some office settings.

Low maintenance makes it an even better deal

We all lead busy lives. That means when it comes to selecting the right flooring, it’s important to do so with daily upkeep in mind.

Do you really want to be fussing over your flooring when there are better things to do? Luckily, that’s another reason bamboo flooring will meet your needs.

Because of bamboo’s durability, it requires little more than an occasional sweep to remove dust and debris from the surface. Wipe up spills right away, and it will continue to look great throughout the year.

Bamboo also provides moisture resistance. As long as you wipe up spills in a timely manner, they shouldn’t penetrate the floor. That makes it a good choice for areas you’ve been leery of installing hardwood before. While it’s not waterproof, it still does a pretty good job of keeping moisture on the surface, and not having it impact the individual planks.

Is bamboo flooring the right choice for you? 

To see our entire line of bamboo flooring, stop by today. We can answer your questions, show you which lines meet your specifications, and help you select a new bamboo floor you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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Notice These Signs? It’s Time To Replace Your Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is one of the most preferred flooring options for homes across the Front Range.

A National Wood Flooring Association survey found that just over 50 percent of homeowners had wood in their homes. But when they were asked what kind of flooring they would install in their dream home, 66 percent said hardwood.

We love hardwood. And right here in Colorado, we love it even more. Maybe it’s because we love being outdoors, enjoy all the Rocky Mountains have to offer. And when we want flooring that stands up to both our summer fun and winter activities, what could be better than having hardwood flooring?

But all of that activity can sometimes take a toll on hardwood. If you’ve been enjoying your hardwood floors for years, maybe it’s scratched, looking a little dull, and in need of repair.

You were excited when you moved into your home because you knew hardwood would last for years. But now, all you can do is see age, and signs of wear. What should you do? Is it time to replace your hardwood flooring? Here are a few ways you can tell.

There are deep scratches and marks across the floor

Hardwood holds up great to a variety of family activities. But every once in a while, something impacts the flooring, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. You see it all across the floor.

  • The place you drug the chair across, and it made a deep gouge.
  • The area where the dog loves to scratch and play.
  • The space where the Christmas tree goes each year – it’s clearly marked by a ring.

A few scratch marks might not be of concern. But it might be time to replace it when you start to notice the scratches more than you do the flooring. If a scratch is deep enough to move through the stain and finish and into the wood, the surface area is more vulnerable to staining and water damage. This is especially true in the kitchen or near entryways where it’s more likely to receive moisture.

The wood is soft and spongy

Notice These Signs? It’s Time To Replace Your HardwoodWhen you walk across a hardwood floor, it should be hard without give. When you hit soft or spongy spots in your floor, it’s a sign the wood underneath is starting to decay.

This impacts your entire hardwood floor. It’s a sign there’s something underneath the flooring, something that may affect the subfloor as well as your hardwood floors. You can’t buff out rot. The only way to fix your flooring is to get to the root of the problem. And most often, that means taking up the hardwood flooring materials, and fixing the subfloor before installing something new.

Certain sections have water damage 

One of the drawbacks to installing hardwood throughout your main living space is that water damage quickly shows up on the flooring. While engineered hardwood does a better job of staving off water damage, wood and water generally don’t mix.

When spills occur on hardwood, wiping up the moisture quickly prevents it from soaking into the wood. If you have hardwood near outdoor entrances, placing a rug at the entrance can help soak up moisture before it’s tracked onto the floors.

But if water settles in, even in small amounts, you’ll begin to see it over time. You might see warping or separating between the planks. This is something refinishing can’t correct. If you begin to see water damage in separate places, it’s time to replace it.

Nailheads are peeking through

As the years roll by, and wear starts to take its toll on your hardwood floors, a common occurrence is nail heads peeking through. This is especially common in high traffic areas such as living rooms, family rooms, or kitchens.

One or two nails might not be of concern. A lot depends on where they start to appear. Do you consistently snag your socks when you walk over them? Do they injure you or a family member if you step the wrong way?

If you’re starting to find more nailheads peeking through a larger section of your floors, it might be time for replacement. Sanding the surface area will only make the nailheads more pronounced.

You’ve already tried refinishing

The average lifespan of hardwood varies according to species and household activity. Homeowners live installing hardwood because you can refinish the flooring when it starts to look worn, and then years later, finish it again.

How many times have you refinished the floors? If it’s been a few times, it might be time to consider a total replacement. Refinishing makes the floorboards thinner. If they become too thin, the structure of the floorboards may be compromised, making them even weaker. They won’t stand up to your daily activities even after refinishing. You’ll notice scratches and dings more frequently even after they are redone.

Why spend the time or energy needed for refinishing flooring that will look dull and dingy in a short period of time?

There’s movement every time you walk across the floor

If walking across your hardwood floors becomes a sporting event, wondering which boards will creak and which will move underfoot, it’s time to replace your hardwood floors.

When boards creak as you apply pressure, it’s a sign the wood is rubbing against another plank or the subfloor. This often comes with aging hardwood, but it can also be a sign of compromised integrity. The only way to get to the root of the problem is to start taking up boards and finding the heart of the problem.

Movement in floorboards is also a sign of integrity problems within the hardwood. It can be something as simple as water damage to one or two boards, or a compromised structure to the entire subfloor. Usually, a flooring expert can help you analyze the situation, and help you make the right choice for replacing your flooring. If you fix it early enough, you might be able to save your flooring.

Or maybe it’s time for something new

You don’t always need to find a problem with your hardwood in order to change out your flooring.

Maybe you’ve lived with your hardwood for years, and it’s time for something new. A new species. A warmer tone. Or wider planks.

Changing out your hardwood flooring is the perfect way to transform your home.

How can we help you with your flooring?

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Finding and Living With Eco-Friendly Hardwood Floors

When it comes to the definition of eco-friendly, the Global Ecolabelling Network says it well:

Eco is an abbreviation for ecology, the system of relationships between living things, and with their environment. Friendly implies beneficial, or at least not harmful. It should follow that the term eco-friendly, when added to services or products, indicates positive, or at least not harmful, effects on living things.

And there is a good reason for homeowners to be concerned. The EPA has shown indoor pollutants can be two to three times more toxic than outdoor levels. Because we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, that can be of great concern. And toxic chemicals exist in many of the things you use every day. Did you know:

  • Asbestos can hide out in old roof or flooring tiles
  • Benzyl benzoate is a common insecticide
  • DEHP is commonly found in PVC pipe
  • Formaldehyde is in pesticides, building materials, textiles, cosmetics, and more
  • Parabens are in abundance in personal care products
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are in a variety of products used throughout your home

Finding and Living With Eco-Friendly Hardwood FloorsVOCs are especially concerning because of the many places they exist. They impact your health in many ways, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation in the short term, to cancer, kidney damage, and nervous system problems in the long term.

In the past, flooring often was filled with harmful VOCs. Pollutants from new carpet installation, for example, could fill the air with hundreds of VOCs. That new carpet smell isn’t just telling you it’s new; it could be dangerous for your health.

But times are changing. The more aware we become about harmful chemicals and less healthy eco-friendly flooring choices, the more conscious we become with both manufacturing and installation practices.

Maybe you want hardwood – it’s the number one flooring choice here in the Rocky Mountains. But part of you is questioning: is hardwood eco-friendly? Is it a sustainable, environmentally friendly option when it comes to installing in your home? Read on.

The first thing you should know about eco-friendly hardwood

If you’re looking for eco-friendly flooring, keep in mind it’s not all about the actual product you bring into your home. It starts at origination, how sustainable the wood source is from the beginning.

In 2008, the US banned timber shipped in from illegal sources. Of course, that doesn’t stop unscrupulous marketers from trying to sell illegal wares. That puts some of the burden on you to ensure you know where your final product is sourced from. Reputable flooring dealers only work with manufacturers with sustainable business practices. Ask questions before you buy; high quality flooring dealers will be happy to share with you the differences.

You should also look for manufacturers with proper certification. Sustainable wood should carry the seal of the US Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC ensures forests are regrown, biodiversity is preserved, and resource quality is well protected. Sustainability certification relies on 57 separate criteria to ensure the forest is managed according to FSC standards.

What are eco-friendly hardwood flooring options?

Taking all of the above into consideration, here are the most environmentally friendly hardwood choices you can bring into your home and use as wood flooring.

Bamboo

If we had to pick one hardwood flooring product to top the eco-friendly list, it would have to be bamboo. And what makes that even more impressive is bamboo isn’t a hardwood at all.

Instead, bamboo is a regenerating grass that takes only three to five years to harvest. Compare that with up to twenty years needed for most other softwoods used in floor production.

When you harvest bamboo, the roots are self-generating, meaning they start growing once again. You can get multiple crops from the same plant. Try that with any softwood or hardwood producing tree. That gives bamboo an additional edge in renewable technology.

And just like different species of trees will give you different types of wood, bamboo is versatile with hundreds of different choices. It’s not a “one size fits all” product line. You’ll find a variety of colors, styles, patterns, and textures to suit every personality.

Cork

Cork is sourced from the cork oak tree. Instead of cutting down the tree and using it as a resource, cork comes from the bark. Harvesters remove the bark of the cork tree, leaving the tree in place. The bark will regenerate about every three years, without harming the tree itself.

That makes cork a great eco-friendly addition to your home. It’s made from organic and renewable materials that are biodegradable, and recyclable. If you’re paying attention to lifespan, that throws the weight in favor of cork because of its sustainable qualities from beginning to end.

It also has properties that don’t come with other types of hardwood.

  • It’s soundproof. Want to put it in a music room? It’s a good choice. Have people who work all hours of the day? This can add quietness where you need it most.
  • It’s a great insulator. Remember the coldest day of the year? Cork naturally feels warmer underfoot.
  • It’s comfortable to walk and stand on. And that can be a big deal if you deal with back pain.

What’s more, cork produces stunning results in flooring. And with today’s technological advances, you don’t have to worry about it scratching, denting, or wearing down quickly. Cork can create a beautiful ambiance for years to come.

Oak flooring

While some homeowners look for reclaimed or repurposed hardwood, and use that as flooring for their homes, we would be remiss not to mention oak. Oak has long been the most popular type of wood flooring. That means there are an abundance of resources creating oak planks, and many of them putting a lot of resources into ensuring it’s a sustainable, eco-friendly product.

If you’re installing your dream floors, oak flooring can be a good choice. If you look carefully at the manufacturing process, care for your flooring well, it can last for decades. Pay attention to how the manufacturer manages their forests, and only select products with the FSC label. And if and when you’re ready for new flooring, be aware of what happens to the product when you pull it out. Can it be repurposed rather than ending up in the landfill?

When you’re ready for eco-friendly hardwood flooring …

Be aware you have choices.

Don’t rely on “sales” online, or your local big box store giving you a good deal. They buy in bulk, and it’s rarely a “good deal.”

Instead, take the time to study your options. Learn all you can about the product you’re installing into your home. It’s the only way you’ll be 100 percent satisfied with your purchase.

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