Category: Flooring

So you’ve finally installed the hardwood floors of your dreams. That’s great! However, this is only the first step. There’s the whole realm of selecting the right finish out of the plethora of hardwood floor finishes available on the market.

Depending on your needs, you’ll want to pick the right hardwood floor finish that will best protect your hardwood floor. Yet, if you can’t differentiate between your polyurethane and your acid-cured finish, no worries. You’ve come to the right place.

Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the top seven hardwood floor finishes on the market, and how to pick the right one for you.

1. Hardwood Floor Finishes 101: Water-Based Polyurethane

Before we start our deep dive into the more complex or cutting-edge hardwood floor finishes, let’s make sure you’re familiar with the basics.

Going for a water-based polyurethane finish is a great option for you if you’re thinking about DIYing this whole project.

It’s durable, cost-effective, and easy to apply. Moreover, if you want a finish that will dry up in no time, then going for the water-based polyurethane is the way to go.

Unfortunately, there’s no perfect material out there. Using a high gloss water-based polyurethane will do nothing but magnify and emphasize every single scratch and scrape.

Thus, if you have pets, you’re better off picking a different finish.

Actually, if you do have pets, you should check out going for laminate flooring instead of hardwood. Check out this comparison article on hardwood vs laminate flooring to learn more.

2. Going For Oil-Based Polyurethane

The second down the list is going to be the oil-based version of polyurethane.

This is made mainly of synthetic resins, linseed oil, and plasticizers. If you’re looking for a strong and water-resistant floor finish, then this one might do the trick. It’s the best hardwood floor finish for your high-traffic areas.

Besides, it tends to leave a slight yellowish tint as time goes by, which can be your aesthetic goal, to begin with.

However, this is a slow-drying finish, that’s flammable and releases a ton of VOCs. So, if you’re aiming for a floor finishing material that’s low on toxicity, you’ll want to choose a different material.

3. The Moisture-Cured Urethane

While we’re speaking about urethane materials, we can’t neglect the power of using moisture-cured urethane for your floor finish.

If you’re looking for industrial-strength durability, then this is the material for you. All you need to know is that this is a material that was created for bowling alleys. Consider it to be the most durable hardwood floor finish out there.

It’s highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Yet, it’s rather difficult to apply. You’ll want professionals to take care of that one for you.

In addition to the complexity of the application, the amount of VOCs released are so extreme, that you’ll have to relocate for two weeks after the application for all the fumes to dissipate.

4. Wax Floor Finish

If you’re looking for a low-sheen finish that you can apply yourself, then you’ll want to go with a wax floor finish.

It’s easy to use and apply. Also, it dries in no time, so you can walk on your new flooring within hours of application.

 Unfortunately, it’s not really durable. If your wax finish gets exposed to moisture or water, you’ll start seeing some unwanted white marks.

Therefore, if you’re looking for the right flooring finish for your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want to stay away from using wax as your floor finishing material.

5. Shelling For Shellac

If you’re looking for a traditional floor finishing material that stood the test of time, you’ll want to check out shellac.

It’s made of natural materials like the secretions of the lac bug, mixed with denatured alcohol. This results in the formation of a great material that can easily stick to heard-to-deal-with oily tropical woods.

It dries pretty quickly and doesn’t release a lot of VOCs.

On the other hand, you’ll be dealing with a very flammable material that’s hard to apply evenly. Because it dries so quickly, you have to face the fact that might see visible lap lines as it’ll dry unevenly.

Besides, shellac isn’t durable in comparison to the other materials available to you on the market.

6. Picking an Acid-Cured Finish

 This is a specialized hardwood floor finish for special floors. In short, if you have parquet flooring or a different kind of exotic wood flooring with complex patterns, you’ll want to pick this material.

Known as a conversion finish or a Swedish finish, this is a highly durable material, which will dry up in no time.

I’ll give you a shiny finish that emphasizes the beauty of your wood flooring’s color, grain, and natural patterns.

 Sadly enough, this comes with a comparable price tag. It’ll cost you a pretty penny, and you won’t be able to DIY this one. This material should only be used by professionals.

7. Choosing a Penetrating Oil Sealer

This one is a great natural product that will highlight the beauty of the wood’s natural grain.

It’s rather easy to apply, so you can use it and DIY. Yet, you need to be prepared for the hefty price tag, as well as the long time period needed for the material to completely dry.

Also, you need to keep in mind that this material is all about beauty, not durability. You’ll need to recoat your floors every few years, with an additional wax coat as a layer of required protection.

Ready to Give Your Hardwood Floors the Right Finish For the Job?

We know how overwhelming it can be for homeowners to pick the right floor coating for their hardwood floors from what seems like a million options.

Hopefully, our little guide has shed some light on the main seven hardwood floor finishes on the market, so you can start doing your own research into the perfect finishing material for your floors.

Just remember to start slow if you’re going the DIY route, and to call in the professionals if you’re using a complex material as your flooring finish.

If you enjoyed our article, you’ll want to check out similar home renovation tips and trick all on our home section.

Did you know that if you install hardwood flooring in your home, you’ll actually make more money than you spent? In fact, it’ll return about 106 percent of the initial cost.

You’re probably smiling now, because who doesn’t dream of charming hardwood floors in their homes? They add warmth, elegance, and character. Hardwood floors will never go out of fashion.

But before you rip out your current flooring, you need to understand the pros and cons of hardwood flooring. Know what you’re getting into so that you can make an informed decision.

Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the benefits and the disadvantages of hardwood flooring.

Advantages of Hardwood Flooring

If you are considering different home flooring options, then you should check out these amazing benefits of hardwood flooring. You already know that hardwood floors add character to every room and home’s aesthetic, but there’s plenty more to love about this type of flooring.

Easy Installation

Changing or replacing flooring is a big job. However, hardwood flooring is much easier to install than other floor materials. You can purchase prefinished floors and planks that are ready for installation. The only thing you need to do is lay them — everything else is completed at the factory.

A Variety of Styles

Hardwood floors are simply beautiful. They are a classic and timeless option. And the best part? There are varieties for every type of home and to match any and all preferences.

You’ll have your pick from different types of wood hardness, colors, and grain patterns. From Brazilian cherry to Australian cypress, the options are endless.

And as each tree is slightly different, the grain of your floors will always be completely unique. This adds a special touch to your home.

A Healthy Flooring Option

If you’re looking to make your home organic and your living space healthier, then hardwood flooring is a fantastic option. There are no associated harmful toxins and the material doesn’t trap allergens and parasites.

It is not only the healthier option for you and your family, it is also the healthier option for the planet. Hardwood flooring is biodegradable and helps to create a sustainable home.

Easy to Maintain and Clean

Unlike carpet that traps dirt deep in its fibers, wooden flooring is a breeze to clean. Sweeping, vacuum cleaning, and mopping wooden floors leaves them sparkling clean without a taste of dust, bacteria, or allergens left behind.

If you have pets, wooden floors work like a charm as they don’t trap pet odors or pet dander. Wood doesn’t stain easily, nor does water damage it unless there is flooding.

If a floorboard is damaged, either with a scratch, dent or gouge, you can simply sand and refurbish it. If the damage is severe, you can just replace one floorboard. Easy peasy, right?

A Valuable Investment

Hardwood flooring is timeless. It will never go out of fashion and it will always be trendy. Additionally, it can last for centuries if it is looked after properly. This makes it an extremely valuable investment.

You may have to shell out some extra bucks to get it installed, but it will be a good return on your investment in the long run. Hardwood floors will increase the overall value of your home as it is the most desired flooring type.

Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is not all sunshine and roses, there are some definite cons to choosing this flooring option. But it’s all about weighing up your options so that you can make the right decision for your home.

It’s Expensive

There’s no getting around it: the cost of hardwood flooring is one of the biggest disadvantages. It’s much pricier than other flooring options. Of course, you can bring the price down by choosing cheaper wood. However, the initial installation cost is typically quite high.

Hardwood flooring simply might not be an option for some homeowners due to the cost.

Noisy

If you’ve ever tried walking across creaking floorboards or walked across wooden floors in high heels, you’ll know that hardwood flooring is loud. It reflects sound which may be annoying to some homeowners. Unlike carpet, hardwood flooring doesn’t act as a sound barrier — in fact, quite the opposite.

Avoid wearing shoes on wooden floors to minimize the sound. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun to slide around hardwood floors in socks.

Prone to Scratches

Hardwood floors are susceptible to denting, scratches, and gouges. So you have to be quite mindful about wearing shoes around the house, protecting your floor from your furniture, and more.

When it comes to tiles vs hardwood, this is where tiles really shine. It’s quite difficult to damage tiles while wood needs to be carefully looked after

If you don’t properly look after your hardwood floors, you’ll need to often refinish them, which will be costly. However, if you properly maintain your floors, then they can last for decades.

What Do You Think About These Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring?

Now that you know the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, which side of the fence are you sitting on? Is the installation cost worth the return on investment that you’ll eventually get, or are you put off by the inevitable scratches and dents?

Whatever you decide, you’re bound to make the right decision now that you have all of the information that you need.

Did you enjoy this post? If you’re looking for more home tips and inspiration then you’ll love the rest of our content — keep exploring our site for more!

Did you know that laminate floors were invented in 1977 by a Swedish company? If you are contemplating on putting in new floors in your home but are not sure if laminate is the answer, you are in the right place. We have put together this short guide to share more about the top benefits of laminate flooring.

Keep reading to learn the top laminate flooring benefits.

1. Durable

A major benefit of laminate flooring for homes is its durability. It is scratch-resistant and strong. The top external layer has a tough resin coat to protect it which is perfect for homes that are in high traffic areas.

The durability is also great if you have pets or kids in your house because it will not scratch easily.

2. Options

Everyone loves options while they are out shopping for new flooring, and with laminate floors, you can choose from a wide variety of finishes. While you are out shopping for laminate flooring you will find everything from a wood to a stone or even tile look.

There are also a ton of different colors and thicknesses to choose from.

3. Easy Maintenance

If you were to ever spill anything on your laminate flooring you can easily clean it up without special cleaners. You also do not have to worry about the floor getting damaged from stains or moisture. A daily sweep and mop will go a long way to keeping your floors looking brand new.

There are also many companies that offer long warranties between 10-25 years.

4. Installation

Most floor types are difficult to install yourself unless you have experience. Laminate is a lot easier to install because the boards interlock with each other and you can install it over pretty much any type of flooring. This means faster install time as well because you do not have to demolition the previous floor.

5. Price Is Right

Who doesn’t like to save money on home renovations? Laminate flooring is not as expensive as other hard floor materials. There is a laminate flooring option available for every type of budget.

On top of being a great price, you also save money on maintenance long term. You will never have to strip down the floor to restore the shine like you would with hardwood flooring.

6. Hypoallergenic

For those that suffer from allergies or have a sensitivity to dust, laminate floors are a great choice because they do not allow any room to trap dust or other particles. You can also opt for an underlayment that will give the floor a moisture barrier to protect any mold from forming and sporing.

Now You Know the Top Benefits of Laminate Flooring

We hope that now that you know the top benefits of laminate flooring, you can make an informed decision whether or not this is the best flooring for your needs.

Did you find this article helpful? Please keep browsing around the rest of this section to catch some more tips and tricks to remodel your home.

Are you looking to add some wooden flooring to your home? Well, then you’ve come to the right place.

The right wooden floors can make a room feel warm, charming, and homely. And while there are many different varieties of wood flooring to choose from, there are a few kinds you should be aware of.

Not sure what they are? Keep reading to learn the different types of wood flooring that will best complement your rustic home decor.

1. Solid Wood

Solid wood is pure from the inside out and comes from a distinct species of tree.

When it comes to solid wood, you can buy softer species such as pine or harder ones such as oak. But for the coziest and most rustic aesthetic, oak is usually the way to go. You can also check out more Oak Flooring information to learn the difference between red and white oak!

This type of wood flooring will either come finished or unfinished. Finished means that it will come pre-stained and pre-sanded, eliminating extra work on-site. Unfinished means that the staining and sanding occur on-site but it allows you to have more control over the final product.

2. Engineered Wood

Engineered wood has a layer of pure wood on top but the rest is often constructed of plywood. For this reason, it is cheaper than solid wood but can still give you the rustic look you desire. They also tend to arrive finished, so you won’t have to worry about staining or sanding.

Compared to solid wood, it can withstand much more moisture, so putting it in a basement wouldn’t be a problem. It is also considered to be more durable and is less likely to warp over time.

3. Reclaimed Wood

While this is a kind of solid wood, reclaimed wood is slightly different. Reclaimed wood planks have to have been used before and are repurposed for hardwood flooring.

And not only is this a great way to recycle, but it will also give you the most rustic-looking floor.

4. Laminate Flooring

If you’re looking for a homely feel without breaking the bank, this one is for you.

Although laminate flooring isn’t technically wood, it gives the same effect and is often sold among other wood floorings. It’s also great for homeowners with young children, as it is durable and fairly water-resistant.

And if you purchase well-made laminate flooring it will be free of toxic chemicals, look authentic, and cost you much less money.

Now You Know the Best Types of Wood Flooring

While there are many types of wood flooring, it’s all about finding the one that speaks to you and your needs. So whether you’re drawn to engineered maple or solid oak, it will surely complement your lovely, rustic home. And if you want to get laminate flooring, no one will know the difference!

If you enjoyed this article, check out some of our home décor content.

Though we spend most of our time inside the home, there is something to be said about kerb appeal. Whether planning to sell your home or simply enjoying the view when you pull up, kerb appeal is essential in a home.

With laying block paving in Harrogate, you can give even the most dated look a fresh, beautiful appeal. Depending on the size and structure of the property, something small, such as a patio, or major, such as a driveway, can completely change the way that you see the entire area.

Total Paving Services

More importantly, understanding the differences in paving jobs and how they can impact your property is important. There is more to it than you might think, including services such as:

• Patios
• Driveways
• Paths
• Walling
• Drive repairs
• Fencing

No matter what you plan on doing to your property, a brand-new paving job can transform the entire look. It gives the property a clean, fresh look and can even bring a bit of elegance to the forefront.

Make Sure to Choose Quality and Experience

All of that said, paving can be a comprehensive task. If budget allows for it, it is something that should not be taken on by a do-it-yourself type. No, turn to a professional with a track record for quality under their belt.

The finished product will leave you feeling proud of what you see each time that you pull up. It will make your home feel new again and can bring the quality of the entire property up a level.

When you have your own space, whether it is your home or a workplace, you may tend to obsess the smallest details. What kinds of furniture should you get? What colour should the drapes be? Small details like these affect both the aesthetics and functionality of your home or workplace. What about the big details, though? One of the biggest details in any space is the flooring. Just like with furniture or drapes, there are several flooring options. One that has been gaining ground (get it?) is laminate flooring.

Feelings

Imagine entering a room with a plain, unpainted concrete floor. You can see all the streaks and strokes that spread of wet concrete. It can even be rough to walk on since the concrete can create traction between it and your shoes. How would that sight make you feel? How about a floor that is made completely from stainless steel? The first situation may feel unfinished, like more could have been done (though some spaces can pull off the unpainted concrete aesthetic). The second situation may feel cold and emotionless. The point is just as how furniture and drapes affect people’s feelings, so does the flooring. These emotional stimuli are important if your space is a workplace.

People may spend a fortune on wood flooring like oak or maple. However, laminate flooring can give you whatever aesthetics you want without you having to break the bank. Moreover, laminate flooring is better for the environment. Laminate flooring can mimic the look and feel of real wood, and it usually has recycled wood in its layers.  No one has to cut down several precious trees so that you can have something pretty to walk on.

Function and Safety

You may be thinking, “It’s just a flat surface people walk and stand on. It can’t be that big of a deal”. Besides aesthetics, it becomes bigger of a deal if the space receives a lot of foot traffic. Because of the traction between a rough concrete floor and shoes, you can easily trip. Oppositely, a smooth stainless steel floor may be too slippery.

Since laminate flooring is synthetic, makers can match your specific specifications regarding smoothness, texture, etc. It does not have the inherent inconsistencies or flaws of, say, real wood.  Plus, it is also durable. High-quality laminate flooring can last for years, even with frequent foot traffic.

Health

The flooring can affect indoor air quality. Dust and other allergens can accumulate on the floors. An unpainted concrete floor can have microscopic crevices that can gather these particulate matters. Thus, you need flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, and laminate flooring offers just that. You only need to do some easy sweeping to get rid of pesky particulate matter. If there are any stains or spills, wiping with a moist mop with detergent will do the trick.

Installation

When choosing a flooring material, you should also consider how much and how hard it is to install. Some materials like stone are not only pricey; it can be challenging because you would not want to damage those precious stones during the process. Meanwhile, any DIY homeowner can install laminate flooring. The simplest ones only need an adhesive. Some even have joining mechanisms that lock each plank onto each other.

Whether you are building a home or a workplace, the floor is something you cannot ignore. With the right material, such as laminate flooring, you can have both aesthetics and function on your floors.

Most people don’t give a lot of thought to the flooring in their homes. After all, the flooring doesn’t really mean that much to a home’s appearance and comfort, right? While the floor of your house may not be one of the biggest factors in interior design and comfort, it certainly plays a role.

If you are looking for a floor that is comfortable and easy on your feet, you will want to consider the idea of purchasing carpet flooring. Carpet is one of the most versatile types of flooring that you can purchase when it comes to the range of colours, designs, and styles.

Picking Out the Right Carpet for You

As you begin to look into the idea of purchasing carpet in Penzance, you may wonder what will matter the most when you are picking out a carpet. Unlike wooden floors and other types of material, there are many designs and styles to choose from in carpet. Here are some of the factors that you will need to think about:

• How plush is the carpet going to be?
• What colour, pattern, and design should the carpet have?
• Which rooms of the house are going to be carpeted?
• Does the texture of the carpet matter for your needs?
• How much work are you willing to put in to maintaining the carpet?

These are just some of the questions that you are going to want to ask yourself when you are planning out what kind of carpeting you want to add to your home. Carpets, because they are one of the most versatile types of flooring for your home, also have the most variation to choose from. With that being said, the right carpet can also be the most rewarding to have in your home.

Why Choose Carpet?

Carpet is one of the best kinds of flooring to choose for your home. It is the most comfortable to walk barefoot on, especially during the cold days of winter. It is one of the easiest to clean and maintain. It is also extremely versatile if you want to choose a specific colour to match the interior design of your home.

If you are considering undertaking a landscaping project in your garden, then you should think about adding a new paved patio. Indeed, there are several good reasons why you should think about using this particular material for an outdoor entertainment area such as a patio. Furthermore, you should also be aware that paving slabs come in a variety of different styles and shapes, meaning you can create an outdoor area that suits your personality and taste. For more information about the various types of patio paving that are available, you should think about contacting a paving specialist in Leicester.

One of the most significant benefits that you could enjoy by using paving slabs for your patio is that they are available in a wide variety of shapes, colours and textures. As a result, you can create a unique design to your patio which reflects your individual tastes as well as your personality. It is also important to note that paving slabs can provide a nonslip surface, adding to the safety level of a particular outdoor area. Lastly, if you are looking to create an outdoor area in which you can entertain your friends and family you should be aware that paving slabs create fantastic aesthetics.

• Carry out a landscaping project by adding a new patio.
• Choose from a variety of different colours, shapes and textures.
• Create a fantastic outdoor area where you can entertain friends and family.
• Contact a paving specialist in your area for more information.

Therefore, if you want to carry out a landscaping project in your garden, you should consider adding a new patio with paving slabs as soon as possible.

Ask a person who has just survived a tragic slip. The life flashed before his/her eyes as if this would be going to be the last day. The person can be you. There are at times when the driveway might betray you or your reputation. You are watching your guest wobbling and finally slipping down during the chilly winter days only because of a slippery surface.

In such cases, the house owner might wonder what went wrong that the surface still remains slippery. Well, according to the professionals, even after treatment and measures, maintaining a non-slip driveway is always going to be a challenging one. The real gainsay comes from varying weather condition. The driveway might surely act differently during the summers, winters and rainy seasons. It is almost impossible to change the driveway thrice every year. Apart from this, the cost-effectiveness of the maintenance should always be kept in mind.

Possible Ways to Keep Anti-Slip throughout the Year

Tested under different weather conditions of Sydney, the following are some of the effective ways by which a driveway can remain non-slippery throughout the year–

• Changing the Construction Material

There can be various ways by which a driveway can be constructed. However, the most reliable one is the one that does not cause any injury, and the cost of installation and maintenance is also the least. Based on that, alterations of the construction of the material of the driveway would ensure that it remains slip resistant one.

Therefore, in most of the cases, gravel driveways are constructed. The professionals during the construction of a non-slip driveway, emphasise on laying a layer of sand to make sure that the maximum moisture is absorbed from the surface keeping the gravels dry.

Apart from this, such driveways enhance the aesthetic beauty of the house.

• Slip Resistant Coating

Some companies offer products guaranteeing slip-resistant surface all the year-round. Therefore, based on the budget, such products can be applied on the original surface to have a non-slip driveway. However, the experts suggest not to compromise with the quality during the selection of such products.

• Creating a Surface with Better Finish

Majority of the instances of the slips have occurred only when a person is unable to grip properly on the surface. Apart from this, a slippery driveway is equally risky for the vehicles. Therefore, another effective way to keep the driveway slip-resistant for the entire year is to give the surface a rough finish.

One of them is giving it a broom finish. This type of finish does not allow water to stay long on the surface. In addition to this, it forms a beautiful texture while creating a non-slip driveway. As per the experts, it is an excellent way of ensuring an evergreen slip-resistant surface for houses or commercial places.

Conclusion

It is not only about constructing a driveway. Priority should be laid on ensuring the construction of a safe driveway that goes well throughout the year.

When you walk into any building, the first thing that you look at automatically is the floor. In the UK, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to floor coverings, but there is one floor covering that is becoming increasingly popular. It is laminate flooring and you will find at least one room in most homes and businesses all across the UK with laminate on the floor. It needs to be something that is functional and easy to take care of and laminate flooring ticks both of those boxes.

You can purchase laminate wood flooring in St Albans and it is a very popular floor covering there. It offers many benefits to home owners and business owners and here is a short list of some of them.

1. This choice of flooring looks amazing and you would really think that there is a real wooden floor installed in the room. There are so many different types of wood types to choose from that it would be difficult not to find something that suits your tastes.
2. It is incredibly affordable and while you do have that wood look floor, you save roughly 50% on the cost of a real wood floor. It’s great if you want the look of a hardwood floor, but you don’t have the budget for the real thing.
3. It is very environmentally friendly and 75% of the material used to make your laminate floor will have come from recycled materials. You will definitely reduce your carbon footprint if you opt for this floor covering.

You save money, it looks fantastic, it is so easy to maintain and you do your bit for the environment. There is no reason not to choose a laminate wood floor.