It can be a lot cheaper to refinish it than to replace it, and it is not a difficult job. It is probably one of the easiest DIY jobs you can tackle about the house, and probably the job which will earn you the most praise and admiration
For some the aged and battered look of a wooden floor is what gives it is character and beauty.
While others love the shiny polished look of a new floor.
This is one of the great advantages of having either a real hardwood or engineered hardwood floor
It is quite an easy task to refinish a engineered hardwood floor and having it look as new as the day it was first installed.
The keys to refinishing a hardwood floor are dust containment and sanding.
Before you start, remove everything from the room that you'll be working in and hang plastic sheets in the doorways to help keep the entire rest of your home from getting dusty. Rent a sander from a home improvement center that is appropriate for the task at hand. Starting with courser grits of sandpaper, sand your flooring to remove the old finish and improve the appearance of the wood. Talk to an expert at your local home improvement facility about the particular grits of sandpaper that your floor will require for best results. Progress from course sandpaper down to a fine paper to ensure a smooth luxurious finish to your floor.
After your floor is sanded, vacuum up the dust with a shop vac; your regular household vacuum can become clogged by the fine dust created by the sanding process. Wipe down the floor with a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust before adding the finish to ensure that it goes on satin smooth. Apply your chosen finish as directed on the product.
Once the finish is dry, buff the floor smooth and then vacuum and wipe down the floor again so that you'll not just be sticking the dust to the floor with the next coat of finish. Some types of finish require two or three coats for best results.
Most types of finish will require you to let them cure for a few days before you start to use the area again; make sure that you let the finish have at least this long to harden completely so that your hard word isn't ruined by furniture feet on the floor. A refinished hardwood floor can look beautiful for years to come if it's treated properly and can be a great selling point to prospective buyers as well.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Why Choose Engineered Hardwood
If you have recently purchased a new home or apartment and need to replace the old, outdated flooring with something warm and good looking, you have a lot of great choices. Today you can choose from a wide variety of flooring types that will not only enhance the looks of your interior but which will provide you and your family with flooring that will last the lifetime of your home.
Engineered Hardwood flooring is probably the most popular type of flooring available. The hardwood floors of today are not the type of hardwood floors your grandparents may have had. The advances in wood finishing technology has made todays hardwood flooring more durable and much easier to maintain. Today's pre-finished, engineered hardwood floors are constructed in a fashion that is similar to that of plywood with a veneer on the surface which is referred to as a wear layer. A wear layer can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best engineered hardwood floors are produced with either a thick or a thin wear layer and the price you pay for the floor is often dependent on the thickness of this layer. If you plan on keeping your new hardwood floor for ten to twenty years, you should select a veneer thickness of at least 1/8 of an inch. Of course, minor scratches and dents are normal in a hardwood floor and often add character
Engineered Hardwood flooring is probably the most popular type of flooring available. The hardwood floors of today are not the type of hardwood floors your grandparents may have had. The advances in wood finishing technology has made todays hardwood flooring more durable and much easier to maintain. Today's pre-finished, engineered hardwood floors are constructed in a fashion that is similar to that of plywood with a veneer on the surface which is referred to as a wear layer. A wear layer can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best engineered hardwood floors are produced with either a thick or a thin wear layer and the price you pay for the floor is often dependent on the thickness of this layer. If you plan on keeping your new hardwood floor for ten to twenty years, you should select a veneer thickness of at least 1/8 of an inch. Of course, minor scratches and dents are normal in a hardwood floor and often add character
What Is The Difference Between Engineered Hardwood Floors and Laminater floors?
One of the biggest flooring debates happening in any local hardware store is the engineered floors floors versus the laminate floors battle. Although many people find that laminate flooring is the less expensive option, engineered flooring is close behind. Both are wxcellent alternatives to paying the high cost for traditional hardwood floors. But, which is the best solution?
One of the differences between the two is the composition.
Engineered flooring does offer many benefits, including being a great choice for water prone areas like bathrooms and basements, and being quite affordable. It too is easy to instal versus l. It is an ideal choice for a floating floor. The biggest disappointment to engineered flooring is that the thin finish layer can only be sanded three or four times at most since, it is so thin. Of course, you do not have the option of refinishing laminate floors at all.
Laminate flooring comes from wood chips and a thin surface that is made from resin infused paper. On the other hand, engineered flooring is made of a layer of plywood with a layer of finish wood on top. The arrangement of the wood helps to keep it looking real and provides it with extra strength.
Laminate floors are resistant to scratches. They do hold up well to moisture, in most cases. In addition, laminate is quite easy to install. Laminate flooring is, on the other hand, a less comfortable solution than true hardwoods.
Another major difference, is if a laminate floor gets damaged in a highly visible area, it is impossible to replace, without replacing the whole floor, while with the engineered floor this is not a major problem.
The best way to know which product is right for you is to compare the two products side to side. Which do you like?
The Quality texture and appeal of good engineered hardwood floors. will probably lead them to be top of your list.
One of the differences between the two is the composition.
Engineered flooring does offer many benefits, including being a great choice for water prone areas like bathrooms and basements, and being quite affordable. It too is easy to instal versus l. It is an ideal choice for a floating floor. The biggest disappointment to engineered flooring is that the thin finish layer can only be sanded three or four times at most since, it is so thin. Of course, you do not have the option of refinishing laminate floors at all.
Laminate flooring comes from wood chips and a thin surface that is made from resin infused paper. On the other hand, engineered flooring is made of a layer of plywood with a layer of finish wood on top. The arrangement of the wood helps to keep it looking real and provides it with extra strength.
Laminate floors are resistant to scratches. They do hold up well to moisture, in most cases. In addition, laminate is quite easy to install. Laminate flooring is, on the other hand, a less comfortable solution than true hardwoods.
Another major difference, is if a laminate floor gets damaged in a highly visible area, it is impossible to replace, without replacing the whole floor, while with the engineered floor this is not a major problem.
The best way to know which product is right for you is to compare the two products side to side. Which do you like?
The Quality texture and appeal of good engineered hardwood floors. will probably lead them to be top of your list.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Engineered hardwood is a website offering information for carpenters installers and DIY enthuasiasts. Learning how to properly install and maintain hardwood floorind furniture etc .
It can be a daunting task finding and using the right equipment, timber, etc..
This website will try and provide helpful advice, information about products to help in the process, etc.
You can contact us at:
John@topaffiliate.info
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Engineered Hardwood Floors
Engineered wood floors are generally 3, 5, 7 or 9 thin wood plies (called veneers) that are laminated together with special glues under heat and pressure to form a single wood plank. Engineered plies In the manufacturing process the thin wood plies are stacked on top of each other, but generally in opposite directions. This creates a floor that is much more dimensionally stable and far less effected by moisture than a solid hardwood floor.
Engineered wood floors range from 1/4" to 9/16" in thickness, and from 2 1/4" to 8" in width with random lengths. The top finish layer is cut from a variety of North American hardwoods as well as many different types of exotic wood species. The top wood ply is also generally sliced cut, rotary cut, or sawn. Each gives a unique visual to the wood face.
Hardwood engineered floors are often confused with laminate floors because they are constructed of several wood plies that are laminated together. Laminate flooring is constructed differently and uses a photo print to simulate the appearance of real hardwood flooring. (Note: there are some laminate floors that have a thin ply of wood veneer as the top layer and use a fiber core underneath.)
These floors are the best choice for installing over concrete slabs and in basements. You should still check if excessive moisture and humidity are not present. (Note: concrete slabs must still be dry, clean and fully-cured.)
Engineered Wood FloorsWood always wants to expand in a certain direction. Solid wood planks will always expand in the presence of moisture across the width of the planks, rather than down the length of the boards. To avoid the expansion/contraction problem, manufacturers of engineered wood planks place each ply in the opposite direction of each other. This is called cross-ply construction and is what gives engineered wood floors their dimensional stability. If humidity is a concern, then you should strongly consider an engineered wood floor or rather than a solid wood floor.
Another advantage of engineered wood floors is the top ply can be a wide variety of wood species without driving the manufacturing costs out of sight. Thus, engineered hardwood floors are offered in a variety of American hardwoods, as well as many exotic hardwood species. If you a looking for some of the more unusual, or exotic wood species than you should definitely take a look at manufacturers offering engineered hardwood floors.
Most engineered floors can be installed several methods, including: nailed-down, stapled-down, glued-down, or floated over a wide variety of subfloors, including some types of existing floors. Caution should be used when attempting to go over an existing floori to be sure the existing flooring is well adhered and that your installation application meets the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
Engineered wood floors range from 1/4" to 9/16" in thickness, and from 2 1/4" to 8" in width with random lengths. The top finish layer is cut from a variety of North American hardwoods as well as many different types of exotic wood species. The top wood ply is also generally sliced cut, rotary cut, or sawn. Each gives a unique visual to the wood face.
Hardwood engineered floors are often confused with laminate floors because they are constructed of several wood plies that are laminated together. Laminate flooring is constructed differently and uses a photo print to simulate the appearance of real hardwood flooring. (Note: there are some laminate floors that have a thin ply of wood veneer as the top layer and use a fiber core underneath.)
These floors are the best choice for installing over concrete slabs and in basements. You should still check if excessive moisture and humidity are not present. (Note: concrete slabs must still be dry, clean and fully-cured.)
Engineered Wood FloorsWood always wants to expand in a certain direction. Solid wood planks will always expand in the presence of moisture across the width of the planks, rather than down the length of the boards. To avoid the expansion/contraction problem, manufacturers of engineered wood planks place each ply in the opposite direction of each other. This is called cross-ply construction and is what gives engineered wood floors their dimensional stability. If humidity is a concern, then you should strongly consider an engineered wood floor or rather than a solid wood floor.
Another advantage of engineered wood floors is the top ply can be a wide variety of wood species without driving the manufacturing costs out of sight. Thus, engineered hardwood floors are offered in a variety of American hardwoods, as well as many exotic hardwood species. If you a looking for some of the more unusual, or exotic wood species than you should definitely take a look at manufacturers offering engineered hardwood floors.
Most engineered floors can be installed several methods, including: nailed-down, stapled-down, glued-down, or floated over a wide variety of subfloors, including some types of existing floors. Caution should be used when attempting to go over an existing floori to be sure the existing flooring is well adhered and that your installation application meets the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
How to Install Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is sold in easy to install planks, often with a lock and fold style of edging for each installation. While some types of hardwood flooring require planks to be cut to fit, nailed or glued in place, most engineered hardwood flooring does not require any of these methods. For the do-it-yourself types, this installation method is easy to do. Read on to learn how to install engineered hardwood flooring.
Step 1
Removing all current flooring materials, such as carpeting, padding or other flooring. All nails should be removed from the floorboards. Sweep the floorboards to remove any debris. Finally, remove the baseboards from around the room to make installing the engineered hardwood flooring easier.
Step 2
Lay a foam underlayment on the floor, which will attach with an adhesive strip already attached to the product. This provides cushion for the engineered hardwood flooring planks to lay on top of. The underlayment product is a simple roll of plastic like paper that is placed on top of the floorboards.
Step 3
Start with one plank of engineered hardwood flooring, placing it down in the corner of the room. Fit the next place to the right or left of the first plank, attaching the groves to each other. The grooves will slide together, locking into place. Do a solid row of planks running next to each other from one side of the room to the other.
Step 4
Cut the last plank to fit correctly against the wall as needed. The engineered hardwood flooring should be cut using a circular saw to give a clean line. The fit should be secure and tight, but not so tight that there isn't any give to the floor when stepped on.
Step 5
Begin the next row by placing the next piece of flooring down. This piece will slide into the groove on the planks already on the ground. Slide the piece into the grove, then down to lock into place.
Step 6
Line up each of the engineered hardwood floor planks correctly. From row to row, the planks should not line up, but should have 2 or more inches difference from one edge to the next. This provides enough stability in the planks to keep them from breaking apart. Continue to do this to cover the entire floor with hardwood flooring planks.
Step 7
Finish the project by reattaching the baseboards around the edge of the room. Be sure to cut around corners or fixtures carefully by measuring the floorboards prior to cutting them. Baseboards allow for mistakes to be hidden when they are small.
Video demonstration
Step 1
Removing all current flooring materials, such as carpeting, padding or other flooring. All nails should be removed from the floorboards. Sweep the floorboards to remove any debris. Finally, remove the baseboards from around the room to make installing the engineered hardwood flooring easier.
Step 2
Lay a foam underlayment on the floor, which will attach with an adhesive strip already attached to the product. This provides cushion for the engineered hardwood flooring planks to lay on top of. The underlayment product is a simple roll of plastic like paper that is placed on top of the floorboards.
Step 3
Start with one plank of engineered hardwood flooring, placing it down in the corner of the room. Fit the next place to the right or left of the first plank, attaching the groves to each other. The grooves will slide together, locking into place. Do a solid row of planks running next to each other from one side of the room to the other.
Step 4
Cut the last plank to fit correctly against the wall as needed. The engineered hardwood flooring should be cut using a circular saw to give a clean line. The fit should be secure and tight, but not so tight that there isn't any give to the floor when stepped on.
Step 5
Begin the next row by placing the next piece of flooring down. This piece will slide into the groove on the planks already on the ground. Slide the piece into the grove, then down to lock into place.
Step 6
Line up each of the engineered hardwood floor planks correctly. From row to row, the planks should not line up, but should have 2 or more inches difference from one edge to the next. This provides enough stability in the planks to keep them from breaking apart. Continue to do this to cover the entire floor with hardwood flooring planks.
Step 7
Finish the project by reattaching the baseboards around the edge of the room. Be sure to cut around corners or fixtures carefully by measuring the floorboards prior to cutting them. Baseboards allow for mistakes to be hidden when they are small.
Video demonstration
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