The Perfect Choice
When shopping around for
a new floor covering, many consumers are impressed by wood's natural
beauty and durability, but forget another positive aspect of wood
flooring: its environmental soundness. From Its sustainable source to
its healthy qualities indoors, wood flooring makes a smart choice for
the world's environment and the environment in your own home. Often hard
surface flooring like wood floors, are recommended for people with
allergies because of their ease of
care.
FORESTS WITH A FUTURE
Unlike most floor coverings, wood
floors come from a natural resource that is sustainable. Long gone are
the days when timber was cut down with little thought for the long term
consequences on the nation's forests. Today most timber is cut from
forests that are carefully managed to ensure continued resources in the
future. In fact, according to U.S. Forest Service statistics, almost
twice as much hardwood timber Is added every year through new growth as
is harvested. Additionally, there is more standing hardwood timber today
than there was 50 years ago.
Consumers who want additional reassurance that their wood floors are
from sustainably managed forests can make sure their floors come from a
certified wood flooring manufacturer. Certified manufacturers have
verification from an independent agency such as Smart Wood
(802/434-5491) or Scientific Certification Systems (510/832-1415) that
their timber is coming from sustainable managed forests. Also, producers
of bamboo flooring promote the fact that their material (technically a
grass) is regenerated easily - bamboo stems mature sufficiently in four
to five years to allow harvesting.
Wood floors are produced with an efficient manufacturing process that
wastes very little material. Oftentimes, byproducts such as wood dust
are used to generate heat or electricity at the flooring mill. In
addition, producers of engineered wood flooring make maximum use of
lumber materials by using various grades of lumber for the different
layers in the flooring. Also available is reclaimed or recycled wood
flooring. Instead of using the forest as a source for flooring
materials, manufacturers of these products use wood salvaged from old
buildings such as barns and factories, as well as lumber recovered from
the bottoms of lakes and rivers. Once in the home, wood floors not only
Improve the structural integrity of the building but are one of the best
insulating materials, helping to conserve energy resources.
LIVING HEALTHY
The Environmental Protection Agency
has said that indoor air quality is one of our top health threats.
Installed in the home or elsewhere, wood floors help contribute to a
healthy living environment. Hard surface flooring such as hardwood
floors does not rap or harbor dust mites or molds. That creates better
air quality for all inhabitants, but especially for the estimated 35
million Americans who suffer from allergies. The hard surface of wood
floors also helps avoid artificial substances such as pesticides that
can accumulate on some floor coverings. A recent EPA study found that
pesticides used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other
surfaces in the home, but that wood floors greatly reduce the
accumulation of such toxins. Another concern for the home environment is
the off-gassing of toxins that results from some synthetic materials.
Any of these chemicals can make people in the home chronically ill.
LIFETIME FLOOR
Wood flooring is not a short-term
investment. In 10 years it won't be taking up space in a landfill
rather, it may likely last the lifetime of the building it's installed
in. If at some point the home owner wants to dispose of it, it's a
naturally biodegradable product.FAQ's when purchasing
wood floor products
Are hardwood floors expensive?
Is it cost
effective compared to other floor coverings
?
What species and color should I choose?
Which rooms can I install a hardwood floor in my
home?
Engineered floor versus a solid hardwood
product?
What Is there an advantage engineered products over
solid products?
Prefinished versus unfinished?
What about installing wood in high traffic areas
like kitchens?
Is there a difference between square-edge and
eased-edge designs?
Which installation method is best?
Which types of hardwood floors are best for in-floor
radiant heating systems and are some wood species better for radiant
systems than other?
Are hardwood floors hard to maintain and
can I damp mop them?
Are hardwood floors
expensive?
Hardwood floors are very
competitively price and represent an excellent value when compared to
other flooring options. Hardwood floors never have to be replaced and
will enhance or even increase the value of your home should you decide
to sell. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors
provide long-lasting value, as Real Wood Floors are "Beauty that
last a lifetime".
Is it cost-effective to
select wood flooring over less costly materials?
Yes! According to the National Wood
Flooring Association (NWFA) & Residential real estate agents, say
homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch
higher prices, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by
the trade organization. By a three-to-one margin, real estate agents
said that a house with wood floors would sell faster than a carpeted
house. Some 58 percent said a house with wood floors would bring a
higher price.
What species and color
should I choose?
There are several species,
colors and grain variations to consider. Other than the walls, the
floor represents the largest expanse of color or pattern in a room. Your
floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already
present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the
room as a whole.
The most popular color : red oak natural, maple natural running second,
but with today's eclectic decoration styles, anything goes.
Darker colors - Formal or traditional interiors,
Lighter colors - country, casual and
contemporary settings.
There are many choices when selecting
the right floor for the rooms in your home. There are several many
species, colors and grain variations to consider.
See
Wood Floor Species Chart: Domestic or Exotic
Wood Floor species
Which rooms can I install a hardwood
floor in my home?
Any room except a full bath. With the variety of
products available and a choice of installation options, hardwood
flooring can now be installed in any room of the home. The only
consideration is whether the floor will be
installed on above or below-grade.
For example, because of potential moisture problems, solid hardwood is
not recommended for installations below grade, such as in a basement. Engineered products, which
are inherently dimensionally stable, are better choices for this type of
area. All types of hardwood can be installed on-
or above-grade.
Does wood flooring go well with most design styles?
Yes. In a recent survey commissioned by the NWFA, more than
three-quarters of interior designers find that wood flooring works well
with many decorating styles. "It's the most versatile floor
covering there is," says one designer. "Wood goes with
contemporary and traditional and everything in between." Designers
rated natural materials as superior to man-made materials in beauty,
prestige, style, maintenance, and durability.
A variety of woods and finishes are available to complement the decor
and style of any room. Oak and maple are the most popular woods,
but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry and Purpleheart.
Engineered floor versus a solid
hardwood product?
Engineered products, available in Planks, Strips are
manufactured of hardwood using a cross-directional laminated
construction (3 to 5 layers), with a top layer of premium hardwood. This
construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and
contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, making
engineered products inherently dimensionally stable. Solid products,
available in Planks, Strips or Parquet, are manufactured from a solid
piece of wood.
What Is there an advantage engineered
products over solid products?
Yes. In general, engineered products can be installed in
any room in the home, whether
on-grade, below-grade or above-grade.
Engineered products can be nailed down, glued-down or stapled down,
depending upon the situation. Engineered product, can be glued
down, stapled down or some can be “floated” over most subfloors
without the use of nails or adhesives, making it ideal for remodeling.
Solid products are not recommended for below grade installations and must be
nailed down or glued down.( See installation procedures )
Should I use a prefinished versus
unfinished?
Most hardwood flooring sold today is
prefinished. Factory finished with several coats of UV-cured polyurethane are applied. These
factory finishes are tough and durable. Installing a prefinished floor
eliminates the time, the dust and the odors associated with the on-site
sanding and finishing of an unfinished product. A prefinished floor can
be installed in a day. An unfinished flooring installation may require
twice as much time for the same area.
What about installing wood in high
traffic areas like kitchens?
The urethane finishes on most new wood
floors stand up to water and traffic, bringing wood flooring into
bathrooms, kitchens, and other higher-stress areas. These finishes
resist wear and stains better than other finishes and require no
stripping, no buffing and no waxing. High traffic areas include exterior
doorways, hallways, mud rooms, and the areas in front of the sink, stove
and refrigerator. To protect the floor just inside exterior doorways,
use walk-off mats or small rugs to catch tracked-in dirt and grime.
Place small rugs or mats at other high traffic locations. Watch for grit
or pebbles that might be brought in on waffle soles of athletic shoes
and collect these with a hand-held cordless vac. This should be done a
regular basis.
Is there a difference between square-edge
and eased-edge designs?
Yes. With a square edge, the sides of each plank or
strip are square. An eased edge, more commonly known as a beveled or
micro-beveled edge, features a slight angle on the top edge of the plank
or strip. An eased edge can help mask slight subfloor imperfections, and
can be felt if walking on the floor in bare feet.
Which installation method is best?
The method used for your hardwood installation will
depend upon the type of product you have chosen, where the flooring will
be installed and the type of subfloor. Nail down, glue down &
floating are the three type of installation. For instance, if you are
remodeling your kitchen, some products can be “floated” over most
subfloors, including vinyl or ceramic tile, eliminating the mess and
cost of tearing up the existing floor and installing a subfloor.
Engineered products, which are dimensionally stable, are ideal for
basements and can be nailed, glued or stapled down. Your flooring
retailer or contractor can help you to determine the best method for
your situation.
See Installation methods & details.
Which types of hardwood floors are best
for in-floor radiant heating systems and are some wood species better
for radiant systems than other?
Engineered hardwood floors--in planks, strips are the
best floors to use with radiant heating systems. These floors are
manufactured of hardwood using a three-ply or five-ply laminated
construction, making them inherently dimensionally stable. This means
they are less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Of the
engineered flooring options, with a floating installation as the
best choice, because it can be "floated" over the subfloor,
without the use of nails or adhesives for a permanent
installation.
It is important to note that when installing any hardwood floor over a
radiant heating system, the maximum temperature of the subfloor should
never exceed 80º (F). For the correct water temperature inside the
heating pipes, refer to your manufacturer's guidelines.
Oak is an ideal
species for in-floor radiant systems. We
also recommend ash and merbau. We do not recommend that you use
maple or pecan for an in-floor radiant heat system. If you have a
question about your species choice see Radiant Heat & Wood Floors.
Are hardwood floors hard to maintain?
Can I damp-mop my floor?
No. A hardwood floor finished at the factory features
three to seven layers of a UV-cured polyurethane. This finish gives the
floor a tough, durable and smooth no-wax surface that is both luxurious
and easy-care. See
Maintenance and Do's & Don'ts for your wood floor.
DO NOT damp mop - Water and wood do not mix. Therefore, we
suggest that you use the maintenance products and procedures recommended
by the manufacturer of your floor. Maintenance kits can be purchased
from your retailer or contractor.
See these related pages:
