Wood species dictates Janka hardness ratings as well as the flooring’s general appearance, such as color and grain pattern. So how do flooring grades fit into the mix? And why do exotic wood floors have a different grading system than domestic wood floors?
Unique Wood Floors Blog
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Uncovering the Myths of Quarter Sawn and Plain Sawn Wood Floors
March 28, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsWood floors provide classic appeal and dependability for any area of your home, but the quality of wood flooring available today covers a broad range. Your flooring supplier carries many different products in various styles and finishes, but they'll also offer you a choice between quarter sawn and plain sawn wood floors. What's the difference? And how does rotary peel wood flooring measure up in comparison?
The Rise and Fall of the Wood Flooring Industry In America
March 20, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsLike many other trades in the United States, the wood flooring industry has seen its share of ups and downs over the last decade. Wood flooring business surged from 2002 to 2006, but this thriving domestic market was also facing the pressures of increasing imports and price wars.
All About Janka Ratings for Wood Floors
March 20, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsThe Janka hardness test provides consumers with valuable information about the durability and strength of a particular type of wood species. This test is particularly important when considering which types of wood floors are best for your home. But what do Janka ratings actually mean and how does this measurement relate to the durability of engineered and hardwood flooring?
Benefits of Using AcoustiCORK Underlayment
March 5, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsLast week we discussed the advantages of using closed cell underlayment for your floating wood floors. This week we’ll switch gears and have a look at AcoustiCORK underlayment, a natural product that provides a similar level of insulation, sound deadening and resistance to mold and mildew.
How Using Floor Muffler Underlayment Improves a Floating Wood Floor
February 27, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsFloating wood floors add warmth and value to your home. Using Floor Muffler underlayment with that durable, attractive flooring adds even more to the space. Many homeowners wonder if this closed cell product is worth the extra cost, when standard underlayment paper has been used for years with both hardwood and engineered wood products.
Floating Wood Floors FAQs | Sandable Wear Layer or Unsandable Wear Layer?
February 20, 2012 - Unique Wood FloorsWhat is the difference between solid wood floors and floating engineered wood floors? Most people would assume that solid wood flooring lasts longer, given that a worn hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished. The good news is that quality floating wood floors made with a sandable wear layer can also be refinished to stretch the lifespan of the floor significantly.
Why You Need a Flat Subfloor To Install Floating Wood Floors
December 28, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsMost problems and issues with floating wood floors are a result of one particular glitch-an uneven subfloor. Although many people assume level subfloors are required under floating wood floors, the reality is a little more complicated. Having a flat subfloor ensures your floating engineered hardwood flooring fits well.
Prefinished Wood Floors: Accessories Provide the Finishing Touches
November 15, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsYou already know the benefits of installing a prefinished (factory finished) wood floor in your home -- that's why you've been agonizing over which of the many selections is the best match for your interior decor. However, now that you've made your choice, there's one more decision to make -- which hardwood flooring moldings are needed to add the finishing touches to your room's transformation.
Why Prefinished Wood Flooring Can Be Your Best Choice
October 20, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsThere are numerous reasons for installing hardwood flooring in your home such as durability and increasing its re-sale value, but when it comes right down to it -- the primary reason is that there just aren't any other floor covering options that can rival its natural beauty. Hardwood conveys a sense of warm that no other flooring can come close to duplicating. However, if you're planning to have solid hardwood installed, there's still an important decision to be made -- should you go with prefinished flooring or the more traditional finish in-place variety?
Choosing Hardwood Floors for Your Home 101, Part 3 - Choosing Your Wood Flooring
September 8, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsThe decision to install hardwood flooring in your home is something you can take pride in. Not only are you adding to the value of your home, but you are also adding to the beauty and aesthetics of it as well. We have already covered why to choose hardwood floors, and we've covered understanding the needs of the space you'll be installing them in. Now it is time to consider what species of wood flooring you will choose, as well as determining factors like pre-finished solid hardwood, engineered or floating wood flooring, color, grain, hardness, and other relevant considerations.
Choosing Hardwood Floors for Your Home 101, Part 2 - Understanding The Needs of Your Space.
August 24, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsThe selection process of Hardwood floors can be a bit overwhelming for anyone. The first step in the selection process for your home is knowing the facts. This starts with the very space (room) you intend to install the Hardwood flooring in.
Choosing Hardwood Floors for Your Home 101, Part 1 - Why Choose Hardwood Flooring?
August 18, 2011 - Unique Wood FloorsOne of the most time-honored flooring materials is the natural beauty of hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors add a beautiful, elegant, natural element to any home. The use of hardwood flooring is timeless. It enhances the warmth of any home and its natural colors blend with the decor of any room. Advances in technology have led to hardwood floors looking better, lasting longer, and easier to care for than ever. In addition, they add value to your home in the resale home market. It's also important to keep in mind how Hypoallergenic hardwood flooring is. Hardwood floors trap fewer allergens including dust, pollen, and dust mites than alternative flooring types. Furthermore, it is recommended by the American Lung Association to improve air quality in your home.
Wood Floor Glossary and Tips For Selecting Hardwood Flooring
July 24, 2011 - ScribeFor nearly a decade Unique Wood Floors has been bringing the finest Hard Wood Floors and Green Renewable Resources like Bamboo and Cork Floors. Providing unbeatable prices for our customers without compromising quality. Starting in August we will be staring a blog series called Buying Hard Wood Flooring:101. It's our goal to help educate you about our products and the valuable investment you are about to make in the beauty of your home.
Wood Flooring - How to Select the Wood Floor That's Right For You
July 7, 2011 - ScribeThere are several aspects to consider when selecting a quality Hard Wood Floor. Following is a brief step-by-step approach for a novice buyer. Start by selecting a specie and then find out what pattern, construction and finish. Different species have very different characteristics and attributes such as appearance (color, grain), properties (hardness, dimensional stability), workability (sanding, nailing, finishing), cost and availability.