Rather than replacing your hardwood floors at great expense and disruption, consider revitalizing their original beauty through professional wood floor resurfacing services. Skilled refinishing contractors possess all the right tools, products and expertise to breathe new life into tired, worn wood floors.

The pros have industrial sanding equipment far superior to rental models – including dust containment systems allowing work even while you remain living in your home. They know the nuances of assessing damage across different wood species and grain patterns in order to develop a tailored resurfacing plan for your floors. This may entail sanding, screening, scraping, gap repairs, partial or complete plank replacements in badly damaged zones, adjustments to borders, and finally application of commercial-grade stains and sealants best suited to your lifestyle.

From color consultations to execute your desired hue, sheen level and character enhancements…to handling all aspects of the refinish process with efficiency and artistry…reputable flooring refinisher contractors offer experience homeowners simply cannot replicate on their own. Their mastery shows in smooth, even sanding absent of unsightly swirls or grooves which compromise wood integrity and finish adhesion. It’s also evident under lighting conditions which highlight imperfections amateurs readily miss.

Protect your investment and retain beloved wood floors in their best light possible for years to come through customized professional resurfacing services tailored to enhance their unique natural characteristics. Celebrating the wood’s enduring warmth and charm needs no compromise when aligning refinishing needs with the experts!

The Timeless Beauty of Hardwood Floors

Nothing quite compares to the warmth and natural elegance of real wood floors. Rich oak planks or classic maple herringbones can anchor a room and make it feel inviting. The rich patinas and golden hues unique to natural wood add character and value to any home. However, over time scuffs, stains, moisture damage and surface scratches can diminish their beauty, leaving them looking worn and dated.

Rather than resigning yourself to tired, damaged floors or the upheaval and expense of full replacement, consider hardwood floor resurfacing. This process rejuvenates your existing wood floors by removing a thin top layer and applying new stain and/or a protective finish coat. When performed by skilled professionals, resurfacing yields dramatically improved aesthetics and restores your floors to like-new condition.

Signs Your Hardwoods Need Resurfacing

So how do you know when your floors are due for an overhaul? Subtle changes accumulate gradually, but there are telltale signs:

Obvious Surface Damage: Deep scratches, dents, pet claw marks and noticeable water staining signal a clear need for renewal. These flaws detract visually and allow moisture to penetrate protective finishes.

Worn Protective Finishes: Cloudy dull areas, streaky finishes or peeling/bubbling polyurethane point to finish deterioration. You may also spot wood discoloration beneath worn layers.

Fading & Discoloration: Beautiful exotic species will naturally mellow and patina over time. But unexpected fading in species known for consistency can be disappointing. Causes include sun exposure and worn/inadequate finishes.

If you notice these common issues, your hardwoods likely need resurfacing to restore their original glory.

Understanding the Resurfacing Process

Resurfacing is suitable for solid or engineered wood floors with surface-level damage or worn finishes. After assessing condition, pros first clear furnishings and thoroughly clean the floors. Next comes the “grinding” phase where special equipment buffs away a small fraction of wood material to reveal fresh surface underneath.

Multi-disc sanders are commonly used for this task. Technicians carefully control sanding depth and machinery speed/angles to avoid over-sanding or gouging planks. Any damaged boards get replaced before the crew evens out tone and texture with additional smoothing. Finally, newly exposed wood gets stained if desired and sealed with a durable, protective finish.

Key Benefits of Resurfacing vs. Total Replacement

If your subfloor structure remains sound, resurfacing offers clear perks:

• Cost Savings – Refinishing existing flooring can cost 50% less than full replacement. It also salvages much of your original investment.
• Less Disruption – The process takes just 1-3 days for average sized areas. Selective repairs mean less demolition mess and disposal fees.
• Retains Unique Character – Vintage parquet, reclaimed barnwoods, and rare exotics offer visuals not replicable today. Resurfacing preserves their integrity.
• Eco-Friendly – Refreshing existing floors generates far less landfill waste than demolition and starting from scratch.
• Match Adjoining Areas – Blending repairs into surrounding floors is simpler than trying to coordinate all-new wood pieces for seamless flow between rooms.

Clearly, breathing new life into existing wood offers compelling advantages!

Innovations in Resurfacing Techniques

While traditional multi-disc sanding remains the most common resurfacing method, technological advances offer lower-mess alternatives allowing faster project completion and return to service:

Low-Moisture Vapor Mist Refinishing – Floating engineered floors cannot withstand deep sanding without adhesive damage. Fine vapor mists penetrate and lift residue from the wood grain without abrasion. Subsequent screens provide gentle buffing/burnishing action to restore visual clarity and sheen.

Diamond Grinding – This uses tumbling action akin to a polishing compound. Dust production is minimal, dry times are shorter before re-coating, and thin overlay floors avoid over-sanding risks.

When choosing techniques, factors like your flooring construction, desired outcomes and timeframe influence recommendations from reputable contractors.

DIY or Hire Out? Weighing Your Options

Ambitious DIYers sometimes tackle resurfacing solo to save on labor costs. However, lacking experience with specialized equipment and finishing techniques often leads to lackluster results or outright damage. Hazards include over-sanding, uneven smoothing, and tearing up tongue-and-groove board edges.

While DIY holds some appeal for potential cost savings, consider these checkpoints before committing:

• Flooring Type & Thickness – Thin or glue-down engineered products have limitations.
• Layout Complexity – Intricate patterns and tight spaces raise degree of difficulty.
• Relocation Ability – Containing dust or fumes if occupants remain in-house proves challenging.
• Skill Level – Refinishing is an art unto itself demanding lots of practice and finesse.

Weighing all factors honestly, hiring professional refinishers remains the best path for most homeowners seeking outstanding results.

Choosing Top Area Refinishing Contractors

Here’s a checklist when selecting bids:

• Strong referrals and reviews
• Extensive experience with your wood flooring type
• Proper licensing and insurance paperwork
• Project portfolio and recent local client references
• Detailed plan explaining the process in your home
• Clear bid breakdowns and expectations
• Options shown for stain colors and finish sheen

Vetting qualifications, expertise and communications upfront prevents unwelcome surprises down the road!

Caring for Renewed Wood Floor Beauty

Once your floors re-emerge in their full glory, taking measures to protect durability remains paramount:

Let Finishes Cure Properly – Adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines before allowing foot traffic or returning furniture/rugs post-resurfacing. Never cover fresh finishes with plastic sheeting, which can lead to condensation damage.

Use Protective Pads and Mats – Invest in quality felt pads or glides for chair/table legs and other furniture likely to shift frequently. Area throw rugs help corral grit within heavy traffic zones.

Maintain Optimal Indoor Humidity Levels – This stabilizes moisture content within wood planks, preventing gaps or cupping issues from swelling/shrinking. Some species are more prone to dimensional movement across seasons.

Follow Best Practices For Routine Cleaning – Gentle sweeping, damp microfiber mopping only when truly needed, avoiding wet steamers, and prompt spill cleanup keeps floors looking revitalized longer.

Staying attentive to these preventative measures ensures your renewed wood floors retain their spiffed-up style for years before considering another round of rejuvenation down the road.

When It May Be Time for New Flooring

If existing floor damage penetrates into the actual wood planks rather than just finishing layers, replacement could offer better value than resurfacing – especially if subfloor prep work looms as well.

Other reasons to consider new flooring alternatives:

• Desiring dramatic color changes beyond your species’ staining range
• Seeking a radically different texture like tile or stone
• Planks exhibit cupping/warping signaling moisture compromise
• Surface wear precludes safely sanding overly-thin floors
• You wish to alter layouts alongside other remodeling projects

The choices span traditional oak strips to interlocking laminates, luxe solid walnut or hickory, resilient vinyl composites, and eco-friendly bamboo. With quality grades ranging from value-priced to premium luxury, you can tailor aesthetics, features and project budgets. Just be sure to hire seasoned professionals for a hassle-free installation.

Conclusion – Breathe New Life Into Your Floors!

Rather than tolerating dull floors with blemishes galore or assuming only radical replacements will remedy issues, why not consider hardwood floor resurfacing? This misunderstood service cost-effectively restores wood floors to their former glory. Taking time to assess the scope of your floors’ needs and aligning with specialized professionals equipped to transform their appearance prevents undue costs and disruptions. Soon you’ll be fielding compliments from visitors wondering how you achieved brand new looking floors!

Pre-finished hardwoods are still made from solid hardwood and can be sanded, so that’s a good thing. In fact, our team performs sanding and refinishing on pre-finished hardwoods frequently. It’s worth noting that pre-finished flooring often has bevels between the boards, which can be sanded down during refinishing, but will reduce the number of times you can refinish it.

You might want to look at on-site-finished hardwoods floor options instead of prefinished wood flooring if you’re a consumer. You can refinish them up to five times during their lifetime depending on thickness and a few other variables.

Refinishing Pre-finished Hardwood Floors

Refinishing pre-finished hardwood floors can be a bit more challenging than traditional site-finished flooring due to the aluminum oxide coating that is added at the factory. This coating must be removed during a pre-sanding phase, which adds an extra step to the refinishing process. Not many people are aware of this trade secret, but it’s important to know before starting any refinishing project.

Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid filling gaps or cracks in the floor that are larger than a quarter. This is an industry standard set by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), and attempting to fill larger gaps can negatively impact the overall look of the floor. If a contractor offers to fill large gaps, it’s best to consider board repairs or replacements instead.

The sanding process itself is similar to site-finished flooring, with just a few extra considerations. Cross-cutting the first few rips can help make the floor flatter and remove the oxide finish. It’s also recommended to use HEPA filters on vacuums to avoid inhaling any aluminum particles during the sanding process. After about 4 passes, the hardwood should be ready for buffing. To ensure that all missed spots are detected, the floor should be sprayed with water, a process known as water-popping, which also allows the stain to penetrate deeper into the grains of the wood.

Sealing and Finishing the Floor

Once the staining process is complete, the floor is ready for sealing and finishing. Pre-finished hardwoods that have been sanded down to raw wood can be treated in the same way as site-finished hardwoods. The process involves applying one coat of sealer to protect the color layer and enhance its shine. After the sealer has dried, two coats of finish are applied.

Key Points to Remember:

• Prefinished wood floors that have been made within the last 20 years will have an aluminum oxide factory coating that is 10 times harder to remove than regular finish and stain.
• Pre-finished 3/4″ solid hardwood floors can be refinished up to 5 times, allowing you to change the color of the entire floor with each refinishing.
• To maximize the number of refinishing opportunities, it’s recommended to leave the bevel in the floor and avoid filling it in.
• Pre-finished hardwoods tend to show scratches more readily than site-finished hardwoods, so keep this in mind when making a decision about flooring options.

When it comes to making your home look and feel good, refinishing hardwood floors can make an enormous impact. It adds value to the property, can be done within a week or so, and also gives you immense satisfaction when it’s completed. But how do you refinish hardwood floors yourself? It’s quite a bit of work, but with the right equipment and determination, you can learn DIY refinishing hardwood floors.

First up, it’s important to determine what type of flooring you have. Hardwood flooring can come in a few forms, such as laminate, engineered wood, and solid wood. And each type of flooring requires a different approach to refinishing.

Types of Flooring That Can’t Be Refinished

If you have laminated wood flooring, unfortunately you won’t be able to refinish this type of flooring due to its synthetic material. Though there are methods of recoating that use chemical abrasives, flooring professionals do not recommend them.

On the other hand, according to Keystone Hardwood Floor Care, engineered wood flooring can be refinished once or twice, as long as the real hardwood layer is thick enough to sand down without reaching the plywood layer underneath.

Solid hardwood is the most reliable option for refinishing, as it has a top-to-bottom hardwood layer. You won’t have to worry about hitting any hidden layers as you sand away the old finish. However, make sure there is plenty of wear layer left to be sanded. The wear layer is the wood above the tongue and groove. The best way to find how much thickness is left is by view a profile of the hardwood floor via register or vent.

Plan Ahead – Segment Tasks in Order

Once you’ve determined your floor type, the process for refinishing hardwood floors can begin.** Be sure to break up the project into segments, so you aren’t overwhelmed by the entire project at once.**

First, remove furniture from the room, then sweep the floor with a broom or vacuum to get rid of the dust and other debris. Next, you’ll need to fill any gaps between the planks with wood putty. After the putty has set, use a coarse sandpaper pad to remove any existing finish. Move the sandpaper in a circular motion to ensure an even finish.

Once you’ve achieved your desired level of smoothness, use a damp cloth to wipe down the floor to remove any remaining residue. At this point, you’ll need to check the moisture content of each plank, as issues can arise if the planks have too much or too little water.

Once that’s all confirmed, it’s time to apply the stain. Choose the type of stain and color that best suits your style and décor. Make sure the coverage is even, using the same circular motion as before. Be sure to stay safe during this process, as most stains and polyurethane products contain hazardous chemicals.

After the stain has dried and the room is ventilated, you’re ready for the final step – adding a coat of finishing oil or polyurethane. If applying polyurethane, use a brush and spread evenly, going with the grain of the wood. Don’t forget to keep the room ventilated.

With these steps, you can easily refinish hardwood floors yourself and enjoy a beautiful, fresh new look for your home. So, take the time to learn how to refinish hardwood floors and complete the project with success.

Once the final layer of oil or polyurethane has been applied, it’s important to let the floor completely dry before walking on it. Depending on the humidity and temperature in your home, this can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. To make sure the job is done correctly, check for any blemishes in the finish.

Once the floor is dry, the refinishing process is complete and it’s time to enjoy the gleaming new space! Be sure to keep your newly refinished hardwood floor clean and free of debris. This can be achieved through frequent sweeping and vacuuming, as well as wiping up spills as they happen.

Protect Your Newly Finished Floors

To protect your newly refinished hardwood floors, place mats and rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entries and kitchens. Additionally, put furniture pads and felt sliders on the legs of furniture to prevent scratching and wear.

DIY refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to brighten up any room with minimal effort and cost. However, if you don’t feel confident tackling the project yourself, contact a certified flooring professional for an estimate and advice.

Regardless of whether you DIY or hire a professional, it’s important to maintain your hardwood floor properly. Doing so will keep it looking beautiful and increase its longevity. You should sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit and dirt that can scratch and dull the floor, and take care when cleaning high-traffic areas.

Humidity Can Damage Wood Floors

Also, be mindful of the humidity and temperature levels in your home as these can impact your flooring. Maintaining a 40-50% humidity level and a relative temperature of 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit are the optimal conditions to ensure your floor looks its best over time.

Another way to keep your hardwood floor looking its best is by waxing and buffing regularly. Waxing seals the floor and helps repel dirt, dust and moisture. Wax application can be done every three months or so, depending upon foot traffic in the home.

By following these steps, you can extend the life of your hardwood floor for years to come. Of course, if you ever have any questions or concerns about DIY refinishing hardwood floors, seek the advice of a professional.

In addition to caring for the floor itself, you can also invest in furniture covers and mats to help you avoid scratches, dents and other types of damage from everyday use. Besides protecting your floor from potential damage, these items can also add warmth and style to the room.

Finally, be sure to inspect hardwood floors for signs of damage regularly. If you do come across any issues, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to assess and fix the problem.

Overall, refinishing hardwood floors is a simple project that can dramatically change the look of your home. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the following steps will help you create beautiful hardwood flooring that will last for years to come.

Earlier this year at the NeoCon design expo in Chicago, Centiva released five new luxury vinyl tile and plank designs.  Two of these collections, Montage and Crossweave, truly go against the grain of standard vinyl tile design schemes, showcasing the constantly changing trends and technologies in the versatile vinyl flooring industry.  These new lines offered by Centiva have set a new trend for luxury vinyl tile designs, incorporating elements from an array of materials all exhibited in this resilient, attractive, and extremely durable product.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles Might Be The Ideal Choice For You!

Luxury vinyl tile is a wonderful alternative to other flooring products, as it does not require harvesting trees, is easy to clean, and can be recycled and reused indefinitely.  Vinyl tile also offers designs that cannot be executed with other floors such as bamboo, hardwood, or ceramic tile.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Collection Fro Centiva!

Centiva Contour Montage is a particularly interesting luxury vinyl tile collection. Metallic highlights and abstract design give Montage an industrial flare that fits extremely well with commercial applications as well as residential installations, for those who desire to break the mold of traditional home décor.  Exhibiting a blend of elemental, stone, textile, and wood influences, the exotic, distressed surface of Montage creates a unique look that is difficult to find in vinyl tile.  Its aesthetic qualities match its durability; backed by a 20-year commercial warranty, Montage will hold up to high-volume traffic and continuous use.  The textured appearance of this collection certainly adds abundant spatial depth to any area.

Centiva Contour Collection: Crossweave

Crossweave is yet another welcome addition to the Centiva Contour collection.  Inspired by textile patterns, the expansive 36″x36″ vinyl tiles offered for Crossweave create a near seamless floor that is extremely warm and inviting.  Numerous strides have been made within the vinyl flooring industry, particularly in the perfection of high-definition graphic imaging technology.  This has provided a great degree of variability and versatility in vinyl tile designs previously impossible to achieve.  The layered, textured appearance of Crossweave allows this Contour line to fit well with a plethora of home designs, with seven colors to choose from that range broadly on the spectrum.  Denim is a great color pick for molding a relaxed, calming atmosphere with a tinge of western flare.  Ecru, with its sandy shades of brown, exhibits a mellow yet professional design ideal for offices and entries.Stay tuned for our next installment of Centiva’s new product lines, which will highlight luxury vinyl plank designs that emulate authentic hardwood.

Mullican has produced beautiful hardwoods for over 25 years, operating with a simple mission in mind: to create the world’s highest quality hardwood flooring. Every inch of each plank is inspected by trained experts who test moisture content and milling measurements against some of the highest standards in the industry. Mullican hardwoods are hand finished by actual craftsmen, so that each plank is unique. Plus, Mullican is committed to sustainable harvesting practices. The company’s solid hardwoods carry the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers sustainability seal, and the woods are Forest Stewardship Council certified. This commitment to quality and sustainability results in some truly beautiful hardwood floors.

The Chatelaine collection is a customer favorite. This elegant hand-sculpted solid hardwood is the absolute top of the line. Chatelaine planks feature beveled ends and edges and sculpted surfaces that create a rustic, worn-in look. The solid maple, walnut and hickory planks measure ¾” and are available in 4” or 5” widths, in a variety of warm hues. The Chatelaine collection offers a sense of beauty and opulence that is simply unmatched. In a similar vein, the Muirfield line is another of Mullican’s beautiful solid hardwood lines. All-solid Muirfield woods showcase the beauty of oak, maple and hickory with softly beveled edges and durable Claritage Extra finishes for extended protection. The Muirfield collection is a perfect choice for traditional environments, because the narrow 2 ¼” width flawlessly captures the vintage strip look.

Mullican’s Nature collection is yet another popular solid hardwood line. Unlike Chatelaine or Muirfield who derive their beauty in part from the rich stains, Nature woods offer the natural beauty of un-stained oak, hickory and maple. The 3” and 5” widths put each plank’s natural nuances on full display, and the beauty is unrivalled. Knob Creek offers its own unique take on solid hardwood elegance with hand-sculpted surfaces and beveled edges, plus ultra- durable Alpha A’lumina Real World Finishes. Favorite Knob Creek colors include Cherry Cabernet (Discontinued) and Maple Cappuccino.

Genuine solid hardwood flooring is an investment that should be cherished in a home for generations. Mullican hardwood offers American-grown, American-milled, hand crafted hardwoods that are designed to last. If you have a chance, visit a local flooring retailer to see some samples firsthand. Then, if you’d like a quote for your own home, please give us a call at 866-705-1340. We’ll be standing by, happy to help. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!

Maybe it’s an extra chisel chip on the corner, or a hammer mark where a nail was driven too deep – even the most experienced craftsman leaves a mark or two. Massive mechanized manufacturing machines may make perfect cuts, but the human touch is missing. The fine minds at Anderson Hardwoods recognize the value of genuine artisan craftsmanship, and the Virginia Vintage is designed to showcase just that. This elegant line of solid and engineered hardwood floors offers a sense of natural warmth and character that machine-finished planks just can’t match.

Virginia Vintage Crossfire

The Virginia Vintage line is distinct from other Anderson products because each plank is finished by actual craftsmen, here in the USA. The difference in quality is obvious. From the hand-sculpted surfaces of the Crossfire collection, to the smoothly beveled edges of the Sanctuaryline, each Virginia Vintage plank is unique, with its own story to tell. Timeless American hardwoods, such as maple, hickory and red oak

Virginia Vintage Sanctuary

The central woods in each collection, and deep dark finishes create a stately, historic look.

Anderson’s Virginia Vintage collection includes both Solid and Engineered lines. Both styles are available in 5” widths to fully showcase the natural grain patterns of the individual boards. Craftsman use unique tools to lightly scrape the surface of the planks. This hand scraping creates visible grooves and removes a light layer of the soft grain. The resulting texture appears aged, as if the floor had been cherished for generations.

Virginia Vintage Handcrafted Random Width

Of course, 5” hand-scraped planks aren’t the only Virginia Vintage hardwood styles. The Handcrafted Random Width collection offers a unique take on the artisan look. As the name implies, Random Width planks include 3”, 5” and 7” widths, so that each row is slightly wider or narrower than the previous. This creates a truly rustic look, as if the floor had been made from local, hand-cut timber. In contrast, the Olde Paint line gives the impression of a second-generation floor. Olde Paint planks are actually painted, then stripped and sealed to produce the look of a reclaimed commercial floor.

Virginia Vintage Olde Paint

If you’re considering hardwood flooring for a remodeling project or a new custom build, Virginia Vintage hardwood floors will add the warmth and character that only a human hand can provide. If you are planning a flooring project might we suggest looking at the Virginia Vintage Hardwood flooring collections? For more information on Virginia Vintage do not hesitate to call 866-705-1340, the flooring experts at QualityFlooring4Less will be glad to help. Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Give an Extra Boost to Your Floor’s Hardness

Bamboo Hardwoods, the Seattle-based manufacturer that produces both flooring and bamboo panels, has introduced its Hybrid collection, an interesting variation on standard engineered bamboo planks. With a Janka hardness rating of over 3000, Hybrid surpasses even exotic hardwoods that are very resistant to scratches and dents; only some Ironwood species fare better in terms of hardness and durability. Due to Bamboo Hardwoods’ method of binding strands at extreme temperatures rather than using volatile chemicals such as urea-formaldehyde, the company can proudly get away with calling the Hybrid collection eco-friendly and durable, since both of these statements are true. The floor itself even qualifies for LEED credits from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Bamboo Floors Are Great Eco-Friendly Alternatives For Hardwood

Much has been said about bamboo flooring over the last several years. Many consumers and designers alike view it as an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood, while others claim that bamboo is about as eco-friendly as a nuclear waste facility due to the industrial process of turning bamboo strands into planks. You will also find others on the Interwebs who claim that bamboo is the most durable out of any flooring available; this claim is certainly not true as a blanket statement. Likewise, the claim that bamboo is flimsy is also false. The amount of misinformation on bamboo is actually quite staggering, since it is not prudent to group all bamboo into one category.

Hybrid Bamboo Flooring Line Is The Right Choice!

Depending on how the bamboo was manufactured, how it was processed, how it was shipped, and how the strands were bonded together to form a plank all have an impact on how environmentally friendly or durable a single product will be. Just like with anything, there are some good products and bad products. Fortunately for us, we have found the Hybrid line that is not only eco-friendly but also more durable than most hardwoods on the market.

Choose Bamboo Flooring Over Any Other Types

Unlike many other engineered bamboo flooring products that use high-density fiberboard for the inner core, the Hybrid collection is made from 100 percent FSC Certified bamboo through and through. This attribute gives each plank more structural integrity similar to what is found in high-end engineered hardwoods constructed from timber.

If you are looking for a durable flooring material that also has an environmental conscience, definitely consider Bamboo Hardwoods Hybrid line for your next project. It has all of the functionality you need without sacrificing style, elegance, and sophistication.

Wellmade Bamboo, one of the top-tier bamboo flooring manufacturers in the world, offers several products to fit the specific needs of homeowners, designers, and builders alike. With products that include vertical strand, horizontal strand, engineered, and strand woven bamboo floors, many combinations of aesthetics and utility can be achieved with Wellmade bamboo flooring. Eco-friendly, durable, and sporting a high resistance to moisture, bamboo flooring is increasing in popularity, but it wasn’t always as popular as it is today.

Wellmade Bamboo Is Highly Renowned

Given that its introduction to the global market has been relatively new—occurring in the last 20 years or so—it was difficult in the beginning to convince buyers that this exotic material could be used for flooring and construction applications, even though it had been used for these purposes in East Asia for thousands of years. Skepticism abounded whether or not bamboo flooring solutions could match or surpass the toughness and traditional aspects of authentic hardwood taken from timber. Even typical flooring materials such as ceramic tile were a tough sell in many American markets, in spite of the fact that this material is not only cheaper but also more durable than hardwood; ceramic tile still only hovers around 10 percent of the entire U.S. flooring market.

Wellmade Bamboo flooring from NDfloors.com

In recent years, however, the demand for environmentally friendly products has increased drastically. Bamboo has seen a surge in demand and subsequently sales and production increases. This wonderful, renewable flooring source is now available in areas where it was previously not. For example, thanks to a large oil industry boom centered in Williston, N.D., North Dakota Flooring Distributors will soon offer bamboo flooring products exclusively from Wellmade Bamboo. Moso bamboo, the species from which most bamboo flooring products are made, scores higher on the Janka hardness scale than many conventional woods such as White oak, maple, and walnut. Its inherent hardness, in addition to its moisture resistant properties, allows bamboo to be installed in areas of homes where hardwood typically fails, such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Wellmade Bamboo Flooring: Strand Woven

Wellmade’s Strand Woven line offers not only unique design patterns but also one of the most ecologically friendly bamboo floors on the market. The way in which it is constructed uses very little adhesives, requiring no off-gassing once it is installed; Strand Woven is virtually void of volatile organic compounds that may be found in other types of bamboo floors. The Engineered Strand collection is also another popular choice from Wellmade, as it can be installed below grade in basements and split-level floor plans without any moisture issues thanks to its increased resilience.

While bamboo flooring is almost automatically seen as an environmentally friendly product, it is important to be wary of these claims. Although the bamboo itself and the way it is harvested certainly have a very low impact on eco systems, the processing and overseas shipping of the product can actually make certain bamboo products less environmentally sound than traditional domestic hardwoods. Additionally, many manufacturers use high levels of formaldehyde to bind the bamboo strips together to form the flooring planks, which over time has the potential to cause health problems in hypersensitive individuals. Fortunately, Wellmade Bamboo uses only low VOC-emitting adhesives at high pressures in its Strand Woven collection, which drastically reduces health concerns.

Bamboo is one of the hottest flooring trends available today and it’s no secret why. Environmentally friendly, inherently durable, versatile, and undeniably stylish, bamboo floors are a practical and trusted solution to bringing the perfect finishing touch to your home. However, if you need further convincing, here are 10 reasons to choose bamboo flooring.

Bamboo Floorings Are Highly Sustainable

As bamboo is a member of the grass family, it is a rapidly growing resource. It only takes bamboo 3-5 years to fully mature before harvesting, in contrast to the 20-120 years it takes for natural hardwood to mature. When harvesting does occur, the root system of bamboo remains intact, which allows for a new growth cycle to begin. This differs greatly from the need to fall trees for hardwood flooring, which can lead to deforestation if left unchecked. When it comes to eco-friendly flooring, it doesn’t get more sustainable than bamboo flooring.

Bamboo Floorings Have Low Chemical Emissions

Being a natural resource, little artificial materials are present in bamboo flooring. This allows for incredibly low levels of chemical emissions. However, certain bamboo floors contain some levels of VOCs such as formaldehyde, but many high-end manufacturers use little to no bonding chemicals. Ensuring low chemical emissions in your flooring allows for a healthy home environment.

Bamboo Floorings Are Hypoallergenic

In addition to low VOC emissions, bamboo flooring is naturally hypoallergenic. With a sleek appearance, you don’t ever have to worry about trapping dust mites, dirt, or pollen in your floors as bamboo inherently resists most common household allergens.

Bamboo Floorings Are Easy to Maintain

Simply said, bamboo flooring is incredibly easy to maintain. Naturally capable of resisting stains, a simple dry- or damp-mop can clean bamboo floors. Additionally, bamboo flooring doesn’t require sanding or resurfacing like hardwood and doesn’t leave behind streaking like laminate or vinyl floors.

Bamboo Floorings Are Highly Durable

Inherently a durable material, bamboo has a tensile strength (the maximum stress a material can handle) greater than certain types of steel. Naturally durable, bamboo is likewise a flexible and pliable material ideal for creating a cozy and welcoming home environment. Additionally, horizontal and vertical bamboo flooring is notably harder than most oak hardwoods, capable of standing up to more levels of wear and tear, perfect for busy households and pets.

More Reasons Why You Should Choose Bamboo Flooring

• Fire Resistant

Many floors such as carpets and hardwoods are highly flammable. Bamboo on the other hand has inherent fire-resistant qualities making it a great choice for every room of the home.

• Moisture Resistant

As a member of the grass family, bamboo naturally repels water, making it a perfect floor covering in areas prone to household spills and stains such as entryways and kitchens. However, like with all floors, spills should always be attended to. This inherent trait likewise helps bamboo fight against mold and mildew for a healthy and carefree environment.

• Affordable

Compared to common hardwood and tile floors, bamboo is a reasonably priced solution to durable flooring. Inherently durable and naturally stylish, little has to be done to bamboo flooring in the realm of maintenance, allowing for affordable overall costs.

• Aesthetically Appealing

Originally offered in just two styles, natural and carbonized, bamboo flooring is becoming more and more diverse with the ability to resemble hardwood. Most commonly seen are styles of vertical, accentuating a linear grain appearance, and horizontal, emphasizing the unique character of natural bamboo for incredible visual details. The overall appeal of natural bamboo flooring expresses an elegant style with an artisan touch that likewise opens up any interior.

• Versatility

With increasing styles available comes application versatility. It’s perfect for just about any room of the home, even spaces where natural wood floors would never be seen. Natural and unstained bamboo is perfect for the classic décor. Likewise, stained bamboo available in nearly every color of the rainbow can work for the traditional, modern, and contemporary decors. Furthering the style versatility, certain bamboo collections offer a handcrafted appeal with meticulous hand-scraped accents.