Reasons For Hardwood Flooring
By: Lara Newcomb
A hardwood floor is a beautiful and enduring alternative to a carpet or laminate floor and it will transform the look and feel of a room dramatically, due to its warm hues and individuality.
Engineered hardwood floors are made from layers of hardwood that are pressed and glued together. Each layer is stacked on the other in a cross-grain configuration and then pressed using heat and pressure. The thickness of this kind of hardwood varies greatly. Three- and five-ply flooring are the most common engineered hardwood flooring.
Engineered hardwood flooring is suitable where solid hardwood flooring is not, including basements, kitchens, utility rooms and powder rooms that are likely to be moist or those which have high traffic. These floors can endure changes in humidity and temperature effectively and can thus be installed at any level in the house. Another advantage is the thickness of engineered hardwood floors which are just 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch, allowing them to be installed on existing floors.
Your wooden floor will be truly unique, not only because of the natural grain, which cannot be duplicated, but also because you have the option of designing your own floor. Many companies design bespoke hardwood floors, so that you get to choose the exact pattern you’d like on your floor. Mixing hardwoods together gives a fabulous effect and any pattern of your choosing can be created.
Hardwood has been used in the home for centuries to bring warmth and character to every style of décor. It is hard to match its timeless beauty and a hardwood floor will add a touch of class to any home. Contrary to popular belief, a real hardwood floor retains the warmth and keeps draughts at bay.
Unlike a carpet, where dust and dust mites can get trapped in the pile, even with the most powerful vacuum cleaner, a hardwood floor could help end allergy and respiratory problems, because it is easy to clean and keep free of dust.
Unlike a carpet, a hardwood floor will last for years and could increase the value of your property. Furthermore, a hardwood floor need not cost much more than a quality carpet, and in the long run it will probably work out to be the cheaper option.
Good care and maintenance of a hardwood floor enhances its life and appearance. Solid hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, and a daily cleaning routine is a must in order to protect the floors from grit and dirt that are most damaging problems. They create scratches, dents and dulling in the smooth finish layer of the flooring. Floor mats help in protecting the smooth layer of flooring by trapping dirt. Do not allow water to collect on the floor, as it can warp. Neutral pH cleansers developed for hardwood floors should be used for best results. Do not drag furniture over these floors. Felt contacts for legs are a must to avoid scratches on the flooring. A vacuum with a brush attachment is the right choice for cleaning the floor. Exposing the floor to direct sun could cause discoloring. Use drapes, curtains, blinds to block direct sun light. Floors should be swept regularly, and dust mops are recommended for dust. Hardwood floors need regular and careful cleaning with prescribed products to enhance their life and beauty.
Article Source: http://www.ezarticles.info
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