What a Difference the Finish Makes?

You'll spend quite a bit of time deciding what kind of hardwood flooring to install in your home. But it's about more than just the species of wood, the finish is just as important and will affect your flooring's final appearance. We're ready to discuss all of the options with.

The type of finish on a wood floor makes a difference on looks, durability and wear. From traditional oak hardwood floors to exotics such as Brazilian walnut (also known as ipe) and Bolivian rosewood, selecting a floor finish to best suit the type of wood is critical to protect it.

More and more varieties of hardwood flooring are coming from the manufacturer already finished, which typically eliminates the need for any sealer or finish after installation. Manufacturers provide information on the factory prefinish they apply and will give recommendations for any additional finishing after installation.

Most exotic wood floors are manufactured as solid floors, while some varieties are available as an engineered floor. Cork and other exotics are becoming increasingly popular as prefinished products with an aluminum oxide finish or UV-cured acrylic finish.

Also increasing in popularity and use, bamboo comes in a natural, yellow color or medium-brown tone, with grain patterns that run either horizontally or vertically. It is unusual to see it stained a dark color, but not unheard of. Bamboo can be easily sanded and finished successfully. It is not as easy to stain because of its hardness rating, which is similar to maple—harder than oak.

Most unfinished hardwood floors require one coat of sealer and at least two coats of protectant finishing. Sealing is very important, especially under polyurethane finishes, because it seals the wood and helps to prevent panelization, or the separation of groups of boards from others or from the rest of the floor. Stain can sometimes be used as the substitute for the initial seal coat, depending on the look you want, but manufacturer's recommendations should be followed. Staining most exotics, even maple, because of their cell structures and hardness, will usually give you poor results.

Beyond the application of stain and sealer, it's essential to apply a water- or oil-based finish to protect the wood. The choice depends on the type of wood, desired results, color and grain pattern. Differences in the polyurethane finishes:

Water-based

• Fast drying, need to be applied with focus to avoid brush marks
  
• They let the natural color of the wood come through. Sometimes water-based finishes wash out rich, dark hues.
  
• Many flooring professionals consider water-based finishes to be superior to oil-based finishes.
  
• Often recommended for many types of exotic woods.
  
• Because they are water-based, they are considered environmentally-friendly.

Oil-based

• Add more color and depth to most woods giving an amber or yellow effect over light woods while darkening the hue of stained and dark woods.
  
• They are more forgiving than water-based when application is uneven.
  
• The drying time is 12 to 24 hours.
  
• Enhance the wood of species such as walnut and red birch.
  
• Hand-rubbed finishes occasionally are used on special wood. Tung oil is an alternative for rustic or reclaimed-wood floors to get a natural look.

Satin finishes are an overwhelmingly popular choice. A low sheen offers a natural look that shows less wear. High gloss will show wear easily - think basketball court or bowling alley.

Following manufacturer's recommendations and your flooring professional's advice will get your the best results. Call us today for a Free Quote!

What about the forests?

I came across an old blog today that had an interesting summary of the National Forests and the effects of harvesting for manufacturing. I've always known about these numbers but to see it in black and white was very encouraging. I thought you might like to see for yourself...

United States Forestry facts:

FACT: Forests cover over one third of all land in the United States.
FACT: Over 72% of hardwood forests in the United States are privately owned.
FACT: Over 70% of forest land that was here in 1600 is still forest…over 737 million acres!
FACT: In 1952 the volume of timberlands in the US was 184,090 (in million cubic feet)
FACT: In 1999 the volume increased to 335,722 (million cubic feet) an increase of 82.4%
FACT: Forests in the US are increasing at an average rate of 5.27 BILLION cubic feet per year AFTER mortality and harvesting!

Total growth…12.22 Billion cubic feet
Mortality……..<2.50> Billion cubic feet
Harvest……….<4.45> Billion cubic feet

FACT: Harvest has over doubled (102%) since 1952 and we are STILL showing growth in our forests.
FACT: There is 82% more growing timber in the US now then in 1952
FACT: Over 1.5 billion trees are planted in the US every year…that’s 4.1 million seedlings per day!
FACT: Each year 6 trees are planted for every 1 that is harvested.
FACT: 43,700 companies in the US employ 1.75 million workers.
FACT: Wood is recyclable, biodegradable and durable, lasting often for centuries and can be returned to the earth at anytime with a benefit to the earth!
FACT: Wood is renewable while stone, iron or coal once used is gone forever.
FACT: Wood makes up 47% of all industrial raw materials used in the US yet require only 4% of the energy used to produce these materials!
FACT: Steel structure materials require 3 times as much energy and 16 times as much clean water to produce then wood.
FACT: As an insulator, wood is 16 times more efficient as concrete, 415 times as efficient as steel and over 2000 times as efficient as aluminum!

There is also a lot of great info over here about Reforestation and why it is so important, which you may or may not realize. It's good to know that what we are a part of, is good for our environment!

More about Applegate

If you haven't made your way to our website, we encourage you to do so. In the meantime, here is some information about us, Applegate Wood Floors:

We've worked regionally and nationally and have provided our customers with expertise, service and a definitive sense of style. With forty years of combined experience in the industry, we enjoy a solid reputation for over the top performance and first class service going beyond expectation. Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. supplies exclusive wood flooring and custom installation throughout the continental US.

We at Applegate Wood Floors have only two real passions: wood floors and our clients. Thanks to a carefully selected network of manufacturers and suppliers across the U.S., Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. features over 15 wood species in a wide range of widths, finishes and grades to suit any taste and lifestyle. With a solid industry reputation for over-the-top products, performance and price, Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. specializes in serving discriminating clients throughout the continental U.S.

Premium Products... Performance... & Price.

Please visit us anytime at www.applegatewoodfloors.com. Or call for a Free Estimate so that we can help you get started on the project of your dreams!

Wood Flooring Maintenance Refresher

After all the time, money and effort in making the right choice for your hardwood flooring project, remember that simple maintenance will make your choice a lasting choice for a lifetime.

- Use mats and rugs at all exterior doors. Throws rugs inside entrances are also helpful. Both keep dirt that can scratch your floor from tracking in.

- Protect your floor from direct sunlight because it speeds the oxidization of chemicals in the wood and change its color. To avoid uneven coloring, move area rugs and furniture occasionally. Also, cover any large west-facing windows, particularly when the sun is at its most intense.

- Put fabric glides under the legs of your furniture so it can slide easily without scuffing the floor's finish. Clean or replace the inexpensive pads regularly, as dirt can get embedded in them. For extremely heavy furniture, like pianos, use wide, non-staining rubber cups to keep the weight from denting the floor.

- Vacuum regularly. Vacuum floors at least as often as your vacuum your carpets. The brush attachment works like a charm. Sweep or dust mop regularly. Products like Swiffer work perfectly.

- Wipe up spills right away with a damp white cloth or paper towel. Then pat the area dry.

- Trim pet's claws to keep your best friend from scratching your floor.


- Don't use a damp mop. Water and wood floors don't mix

- Avoid household dust treatments intended for furniture. Products like Pledge can make your floor too slick or dull its finish.

- Don't use oil soaps because many brands can actually damage or dull the finish of your floor.

- Avoid wax-based products if your floor has a polyurethane finish. A paste wax will form a sticky film on your urethane finish that traps dirt and will prove impossible to finish again.
Seasonal Care

- Humidity and ventilation are critical considerations for wood floors, especially in the first year. Keep the relative humidity in your home between 45 and 50 percent to minimize the natural expansion and contraction if the wood.

- Dry air shrinks the wood, making cracks more visible. In solid 2 1/4" wide oak floors, cracks might reach the width of a dime, though wider boards can reveal even wider cracks. If the humidity level is persistent at 35 percent or less, prevent excess drying and possible wood shrinkage by:

* boiling a pan of water,
* turning off the bathroom exhaust fan after a shower,
* opening the dishwasher after the rinse cycle,
* placing a pan of water in the furnace fan compartment,
* hanging wet laundry to dry in the basement,
* or installing a humidifier to maintain a steady moisture level in the house.

In humid summer months, too much moisture can cause the wood to swell to the point it buckles. Your air conditioner can act as a dehumidifier; make sure it's operating within the 45 to 50 percent humidity range. In extreme humidity, periodically turn on the heating to reduce the humidity.

These simple guidelines will help to ensure your beautiful wood floors last a lifetime.

Visit our website for more How-To Guides on Selection and How To Measure.

Applegate Wood Floors - At Your Service!

We at Applegate Wood Floors are proud to announce the launch of our blog: woodflooringpanj.blogspot.com.

In the coming days, weeks and months, we will be adding valuable content to help our clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland get the best hardwood floor possible.

Our certified, knowledgeable, award-winning staff has over 20 years of experience installing hardwood flooring solutions for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Please visit our website: www.applegatewoodfloors.com to learn more about what we can do for you! Also, be sure to check our Photo Gallery to view some examples of our exceptional craftsmanship.

To speak with a member of our design team contact Applegate Wood Floors today!