The Natural Beauty of Wood Flooring

Wood flooring adds a brilliant, natural beauty to any room. It's extremely durable and always in style. With proper maintenance and care, it can last a lifetime. The tricky part can be choosing which type will best suit the needs of a particular space. There are many different choices as well as many price ranges to fit almost any budget. Local experts can help give sound advice before the investment is made, including what type of flooring goes best in certain types of rooms. Take a look at some important things to consider before shopping.
Overview of Basic Flooring
There are two basic categories of floors: factory engineered and solid. Factory engineered consists of multiple layers or veneers made up of different types of wood or composite. The veneers are layered in opposite directions to increase stability and to resist the expansion and contraction that comes with temperature and humidity fluctuations. This type is well-suited for basements and rooms with less stable environments. Depending on the thickness of the top layer, it can be sanded and refinished, but no more than two or three times.
What is Factory Finished Flooring?
Wood flooring can be purchased and installed either factory finished or unfinished. Finished products are generally the easier way to go since it will be complete and ready to walk on immediately after installation. Depending on where it will be installed, unfinished wood can be beneficial. It comes without stain or a topcoat, making it ideal for matching existing floors or for obtaining a specific, custom color. After it's installed, it will be sanded, stained, and finished with multiple coats of varnish that will both protect it and give it a radiant shine. An unfinished product will require some time to dry after installation and cannot be walked on until the recommended time.
What is Solid Wood Flooring?
Solid floors are as the name implies. It's made of one solid layer and can vary in thickness up to 3/4" and as thin as 5/16". This is the highest quality available since it can be refinished multiple times, allowing it to last almost indefinitely. There are many different species and grains to choose from; among them are cherry, oak, maple, and exotics, such as bamboo and Brazilian cherry.
Different floors offer varying levels of hardness. Choosing the correct species will depend on a few things. The first consideration should be the amount of traffic the floor will be bearing. Pet nails, toys, and otherwise heavy foot traffic will require a harder variety. It's important to choose one that is readily available or, in the case of exotics, that the trees are being responsibly and sustainably harvested. Some exotics are extremely rare or endangered, making a more traditional species the better choice. Ask a professional for advice on this before deciding what types to choose.

How to Care for Your Natural Oak Bathroom Furniture

Solid oak furniture can be a great addition to any bathroom. Not only is it stylish and traditional, it can also prove incredibly durable and resistant when looked after properly. That being said, the natural wood has earned itself a reputation for being difficult to maintain - particularly in damp environments.
This concern over its upkeep is unfortunately causing many people to opt for melamine alternatives, which is considered a great shame by those who manufacture natural wood furniture.
Whilst oak admittedly requires more care and attention than other materials, it is far superior in appearance and quality. Plus, it is manufactured in a far more environmentally conscious way, reducing the amount of carbon emissions sent into the atmosphere.
So if you're thinking of bringing wood into your bathroom - or you're looking for ways to prolong the life of your existing cabinets - don't be disheartened by the idea that you'll have to spend hours treating and caring for it. Looking after natural wood is surprisingly simple.
When you know the right way to care for your oak furniture, you will no doubt reap the benefits of its beautiful structure and shine. All you need to get the best out of your bathroom cabinets are a few tips and tricks to ensure the wood remains in good condition, year after year.
First off, you need to make sure you're looking after your new cabinet from the moment it arrives. You'll want to make sure you don't cut through the box's packaging when you're unpacking it, as this could inadvertently damage the wood.
The best way to unpack your cabinet is to remove all the surrounding protection whilst making sure it stays standing on its legs. Make sure you remove all the appropriate handles and shelf supports and put them to one side, so as not to lose them in the packaging.
You will need to clean the wood in order to remove any residue from transport or storage. It's best to use a damp cloth, avoiding the use of any chemical cleaning products.
Some furniture items will be delivered with a light oil application applied in order to protect it. This also gives it a tough, waterproof finish that will protect it during installation.
Most manufacturers will recommend using an oil treatment every three to six months. This is normally Danish oil or something similar to bring out the grain. Bathroom cabinets are particularly prone to damp, so a water resistant oil is required to prolong the life of the cabinet and keep the natural grains visible.
Danish oil generally dries in 4-6 hours and gives a natural, low sheen finish. It also doesn't give off much of an odor, which it why it is the most preferable wood treatment for many. Additionally, it does not flake, crack or peel. It is also resistant to even the toughest stains.
Another benefit of using Danish oil on your oak furniture is that, although it is water resistant, it is also microporus to water vapor, allowing the wood to breathe. This will help prevent build up of mold or mildew on the wood, as well as protecting it from damages.
In terms of cleaning your cabinet, it's best to avoid chemical sprays and polishes altogether. Instead, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth. It is also advisable to keep the furniture away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, such as radiators or vents.
All of these measures will prevent the finish of the wood from fading, as well as help keep it resistant to stains, chips and other damages - making oak a durable and attractive option for your bathroom.