Amish Handcrafted Furniture - A Modern Heirloom

When you say the word Amish, for a lot of people what first comes to mind is the old fashioned, horse drawn buggy. There are a lot of concepts associated with the Amish people and their way of life such as living a simple, technologically unaided life, living a traditional life engaging in professions such as farming, craft making and others which involve working by hand and which do not involve modern conveniences such as the telephone, electricity, the television and automated vehicles etc. The Amish are known for living in their own self-reliant communities which have limited contact with main stream society.

Because of their old fashioned, traditional style of making crafts by hand and usually without help of modern machinery, Amish Furniture has come to mean furniture that is handcrafted, made of 100% natural materials, durable, with great attention to detail. In short Amish made furniture has almost come to mean furniture that is a work of art in itself!

The unique quality about Amish handcrafted furniture is that is has a heirloom quality, I timeless look that never goes out of fashion and designs that are not held hostage by fickle trends which are here today and gone tomorrow. This kind of furniture is built to last, so that reinforces its heirloom like quality. Most pieces of Amish furniture are handcrafted from solid oak, cherry, and maple. When crafting Amish furniture solid wood boards are used in an arrangement that enhances the look and durability of each furniture piece.

The Amish people live by a set of beliefs that prevent the use of modern conveniences such as electricity, so it follows that the tools used for Amish handcrafted furniture usually do not use electricity. They are often powered by hydraulic and pneumatic power. While the aid of some mechanization may sometimes be used, most often the detailing and finishing is done by hand. This ensures the finest quality of workmanship.

There are certain distinctive styles of Amish made furniture. For instance there is the Mission style which has uncluttered, even lines and exposed joinery. Then there is the Shaker style which is recognized for its simplicity, innovative joinery, quality, and functionality. A more ornate style for Amish furniture is the Queen Anne style which is very different from the earlier mentioned styles which are plain and functional in nature. By contrast the Queen Anne style is more traditional, often rendered with ornate carving and detailing.

With few Amish children obtaining higher education, Amish woodcraft skills are often passed on from generation to generation, with father teaching son the tricks of the trade.

Since their beliefs usually preclude modern marketing and selling practices there are other non-Amish people who commission and purchase the furniture pieces from the Amish themselves and then make them available to the public at large. Increasingly now, online sites offer people the option of buying Amish made handcrafted furniture which is known for its superior quality, traditional methods of making and a timeless beauty. Now anyone can take the advantage of buying Amish furniture, which is beautiful, will last for generations to come in styles and designs that go beyond both time and personal style preferences.

How To Select The Best Patio Furniture

Are you planning to furnish your outdoors? Have you been wondering about the best furniture for your patio? This article will help you create a great ambiance for your outdoors and give you the tips on easy maintenance.

Before you move towards the furniture store to buy patio furniture, have a good look at your patio. Is it very large? Does it have a well-defined garden? Is there a swimming pool? Will you need dining furniture to serve food outside? These questions will help you decide about the type of furniture to be bought. Also, you should consider the all year round weather of the place you live in. Heavy rains, perpetual sunshine or heavy snowing will require specific furniture. Try to look into different furniture stores to be able to get a good picture of the possible costs of different furniture. Buying wholesale Amish furniture can reduce costs considerably while providing excellent selections from the world-renowned furniture collection. Finally, make sure you have a budget in mind.

For the outdoor furniture, it is the material that is most important. If you are considering traditional furniture, consider buying furniture made of wood. Wooden furniture looks good but needs a lot of maintenance. The best type of wooden furniture for outdoors would be Oak furniture. Oak can be quite durable and come in various varieties like Chinese Oak and Red Oak. Amish oak furniture is highly in demand for its beauty and durability.

Cedar is another good choice for wooden furniture. This wood is softer than Oak but looks particularly warm and inviting. Moreover, it is much lighter than Oak and thus it is easier to transfer this furniture from one place to the other in times of need. A popular form of cedar is Red Cedar. Both Oak and cedar are durable and have materials that keep fungus, insects and mildew away.

Another option for beautiful wooden furniture that lasts is teak. It is a perennial favorite with buyers because of its lovely coloring and hardwood qualities. Teak is also capable of holding its own against all weather conditions and its natural oils act as natural deterrents to mosses. No re-polishing or painting is necessary for teak as it lasts long without excessive finishing.

Enjoying the beauty of nature and the wonderful weather in your patio can be very rejuvenating. However, without good and durable furniture, a lot of the fun from the outdoors is gone. Apart from selecting the right type of furniture for your courtyard, you must consider the maintenance requirements of the furniture. Most wooden furniture requires frequent retouches and cleaning. Wooden furniture that is of poor quality could also lose most of its sheen and beauty very soon.

Many people opt for plastic or steel furniture. Plastic furniture works particularly well if you have a swimming pool in the courtyard. If you carry out barbecue and other heavy cooking in your patio, try using steel or wrought iron furniture as the heat might affect the plastic furniture. You can even buy folding dining tables and chairs that are easy to shift for outdoor parties.

Therefore, choosing the best outdoor furniture requires scrutinizing of both style and the material used for the furniture. Check out the huge range of lovely furniture in the market and enjoy the warm sunshine outside

Handcrafted Hardwood Furniture

Handcrafted hardwood furniture represents the ultimate in quality and prestige, with many manufacturers providing individual pieces to the customers’ specification.

Many handmade furniture makers advertise on the internet, and they offer a variety of different products and items that should suit your needs.

The choice is vast, however, with different woods – Maple and Oak for example – colours, styles and finishes available.

It pays to shop around as many handcrafted hardwood furniture suppliers are small family owned businesses, and many will offer you bespoke items to your own specifications.

When looking for a handmade furniture maker pay attention to promises of quality, and look through their website for descriptions of different methods of construction. Pay attention, too, to the individuality of the product – some handmade furniture makers offer personalized inscriptions that will mark your item as totally unique among others.

A good handcrafted hardwood furniture manufacturer will not only produce for you a beautiful and individual piece, but will make sure that the product is finished to the highest order with all matching surface wood featuring the same grain.

Most manufacturers will be more than happy to answer your questions or requests, and correspondence by email is a good way to get ideas flowing in both directions.

Protective finishing of the final product should also be offered, with the promise that a piece of bespoke handcrafted hardwood furniture should last a lifetime and more.

Many suppliers offer a large number of products, and will provide an on-line catalogue that displays the variety of the items available. You will also find provided examples of different woods, construction techniques, and finishes on offer.

If you are looking for a table, for example, you may find many different styles of legs on offer, and the supplier will be able to use his expertise and experience to advise you on the most suitable style for your choice of table.

If it is a chair you require, the finishing techniques will vary according to size, shape and style, and again the handmade furniture maker you choose will be able to help you make the right decision.

Looking for handcrafted hardwood furniture on the internet makes sense, as with so many suppliers, styles, items and different materials to choose from, you will want to make the right decision when buying what will be a treasured and loved family heirloom.

When you have found the supplier you wish to use, it is always wise to make sure their website has a secure payment system. This way shopping on the internet need not be a concern, but a convenient and pleasant experience. Check the website for comments from previous customers, and ask around friends and family for their experiences, too.

Most of all, remember that handcrafted hardwood furniture is something that you will want to enjoy and admire for all time, and that you will be proud to pass on to your children, and they to theirs in the future, so choose wisely and look at as many different manufacturer websites as possible – that way you will be sure to get the best you can find.

Recoating hardwood floors

Over time, it is inevitable that your hardwood floor will become scratched and dull from general wear and tear. If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish, it can usually be recoated without having to sand the entire floor first. Recoating is suitable if the floor is only mildly scratched and worn, the finish has not worn through and it does not have a build up of wax or other chemicals - these will create adhesion problems and cause the floor to reject the new finish, resulting in peeling and flaking.

A recoat is a simple process that involves a thorough cleaning and scuffing (light sanding) to the wood floors' last applied layer of finish. Then a new fresh coat of finish is applied. Recoating will revitalize the shine and get rid of any mild discolorations that haven't penetrated the wood. It rejuvenates your wood floor and extends the life of its protective finish layers. It is best to recoat your floor while it still looks good. This will prolong the life of your floor and reduce the number of times it has to be refinished.

Recoating a hardwood floor should not be confused with refinishing a hardwood floor. Refinishing hardwood floors involves extensively sanding the floor to expose the wood - necessary when there are deep scratches, damage, or if the floor has been waxed.

To determine whether your floor can be recoated, do a small patch test in an inconspicuous area. It is best to test along a wall where cleaners may have accumulated. Thoroughly clean the area using a wood floor cleaner, then lightly sand with fine (120 grit) sandpaper. Wipe away all traces of dust. Apply polyurethane floor finish to the area and wait 24 hours. The finish should be smooth, not rippled or an orange-shell texture. Scratch the surface with moderate pressure using a coin; it shouldn't flake or peel away. If the surface does not pass these tests, the floor will need to be completely sanded and refinished.

If you are unsure whether or not the floor has a wax coating, wipe a small area with a rag dampened in paint thinner. If the thinner removes the existing finish, the floor has a wax coating and will require complete sanding and refinishing.

To recoat your hardwood floor, it first needs to be lightly sanded using a screen disk. Screening disks are open mesh abrasive screens that are used on rotary 300 rpm rotary buffing machines. Floors in good condition can be screened with 120 grit screens. If the floor is in poorer shape, 100 or 80 grit screens can be used. If one of these more aggressive screens is used, it is advisable to re-screen the floor using a 120 grit screen to remove some of the swirl marks. This will ensure a nice smooth surface.

After sanding, the floor should be swept and vacuumed to remove wood dust and dirt. Next, dampen a tack rag with pure mineral spirits and run the rag over the floor to pick up any fine dust and oily residue. Avoid using rags treated with less refined oil-based materials such as kerosene or wax-based treatments - they could leave a residue and cause poor adhesion and peeling.

When applying the finish, it is best to use the same finish that was previously applied to ensure compatibility. If an existing coating is not compatible with the new coating, problems such as peeling can occur. If it is not known what the existing finish is, the safest method of determining compatibility is to select a small unobtrusive area and apply a small patch test. If, after a couple of days, the material does not show any signs of bubbling, peeling, or reduction in film integrity then it should be safe to seal the entire floor.

Once you have chosen your finish, apply it to the edges of the floor with a brush, then coat the rest of the floor using a foam or lamb’s wool applicator. Use smooth, even strokes, going in the direction of the grain. Ensure the area is well ventilated.

By committing to the proper care and maintenance of your hardwood floor, including recoating and refinishing when required, you can give your floor a life of up to 300 years.

Exotic hardwood flooring

Exotic hardwood flooring is a great choice for those who want something unique and special. Exotic species of wood are those sourced from locations outside North America such as Brazil, Africa and Asia. They offer unique wood graining and coloration, not only enhancing the quality and value of your home, but adding a truly distinctive appeal.

Exotic hardwood flooring is available in solid planks and engineered boards. In exotics the most common hardwood flooring is Brazilian Cherry. Other popular types include Brazilian Walnut, Brazilian Teak, Tigerwood, Armagnac Angelim, Santos Mahogany and Tiete Chestnut. Brazilian Cherry is open grained like oak, but it is twice as hard. Much of its beauty derives from the dark streaks that contrast a background of dark orange and brown. The beauty deepens as the floor darkens within a few months of installation. Brazilian Walnut is even harder. It ranges from a dark yellow to dark brown color and has fine graining that gives it a soft, silky look. Because exotic hardwood flooring is generally much harder than domestic hardwood flooring, it is more durable and requires less maintenance and repair. So for example, choosing Brazilian Teak as a hardwood floor, with its very high hardness rating, would be an excellent choice for the homeowner with a growing family or large pets.

The harvesting of wood from areas such as Brazil contributes greatly to the economic vitality of these communities. Yet to ensure the continued prosperity of these communities, and the sustainability of their natural resources, responsible resource management is essential. When choosing exotic hardwood flooring, ensure you select a company that promotes sustainable forest practices by adhering to manufacturing principles that preserve and renew these natural resources.

Environmentally responsible manufacturers of exotic hardwood flooring should be certified and supported by resource management and forest certification organizations such as the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Natural Resources (IBAMA), SmartWood, Imaflora, Certified Forest Products Buyers Group and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Forest products approved by SmartWood and Imaflora are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international organization that monitors and accredits companies that perform third-party forest audits.

Certified manufacturers are strictly monitored by these organizations and manufacture hardwood flooring only from timber that is selectively harvested under the principles of sustainable forest management. After timber is harvested, multiple trees are replanted, fostering sustainable forest practices and completing the reforestation process. For example, in Brazil the IBAMA issues Forest Management Projects to a limited number of timber companies annually for the legal extraction of timber. Qualified applicants demonstrate their commitment to the practice of sustainable forest management before being awarded a certified Forest Management Project.

Selective timber harvesting is the cornerstone of IBAMA’s sustainable forest management program. Approved commercial logging companies work only within the acreage of their designated approved Forest Management Project under established logging extraction guidelines, including minimum harvest diameters for each species of tree.

Prior to harvest, trees are carefully assessed for age and condition. Older trees, often susceptible to disease, are harvested first, assuring that valuable resources are not left to waste away on the forest floor. Selective timber harvesting has proven to produce the highest quality lumber while fostering natural reforestation by allowing immature trees in the upper-story to benefit from increased sunlight and water.

Products originating from certified forests provide assurances from an independent third party auditor that timber was harvested from “well managed” forests, adhering to the principles of sustainable forest management, including the preservation of wildlife habitat and water quality, while supporting the social and economic continuity of local communities.

Floating hardwood floors

Floating hardwood floors are those that are not attached to the subfloor. This is unlike traditional hardwood floors which are nailed or glued down. Because floating hardwood floors are not attached to the subfloor, movement in the boards is spread across the entire floor, making gaps less likely to appear. They can be installed over virtually any type of subfloor, such as concrete, plywood, sheet vinyl or ceramic tiles.

Floating hardwood floors are either glued or snapped together. They are usually laid over a foam underlay which provides a moisture barrier as well as good noise insulation. The underlay also provides cushioning so the floor is comfortable to walk or stand on for extended periods of time.

Several floating floor materials are available, such as engineered and laminate flooring. Engineered flooring consists of several layers of wood veneer glued to a plywood base. This type of flooring is very stable and resistant to changes in humidity, expanding and contracting less than other types of wood flooring. Laminate flooring is a budget option for those who want the look of real wood without the price tag. This flooring is made by photographing real wood flooring and pasting the images on to the laminate. Today’s laminates are of excellent quality and give a highly authentic look. Bamboo flooring is one popular floating hardwood floor option, and is available as both engineered and laminate flooring.

Installation of floating hardwood floors is relatively easy, making it a great DIY project and saving money by avoiding the need for professional installation. The most common way of attaching planks of wood in a floating installation is to use an adhesive between the joints of the wood planks.

First the subfloor needs to be prepared. If the room is carpeted, remove it to expose the subfloor. Check that the subfloor is level by laying a wood plank on its edge. If there is a significant space between the plank and the floor (more than ¾ inch), you will need to spread some self leveling joint compound on the floor. Ensure this has dried completely before laying the flooring. If the subfloor is sound, the flooring can be installed right on top.

Generally, floating hardwood floors can be laid in any direction so you can choose the layout that best suits your tastes and the environment of the room. Many people take into account where the light enters the room and the entrances and exits. When planning the layout it is important to remember to leave a ½ inch gap between the floor and the walls to accommodate for expansion and contraction of the wood.

Start by vacuuming the subfloor to remove any dust and debris. If the subfloor is concrete, lay plastic lining to protect the flooring from moisture. Then roll out the underlay perpendicular to the direction of the planks. Plan where you want each plank of wood before gluing. Then begin with the first plank, with its tongue edge facing out. Work from left to right across the room. Run a bead of glue along the joint or edge of the wood. Insert the second plank and gently tap together using a hammer and tapping block. The tapping block protects the tongue or edge of the plank from damage. Continue laying the floor by gluing planks together and gently tapping them into place.

Once most of the floor is installed, you will run out of room for the tapping block. At this point, use a pulling iron and hammer to draw the planks together. While installing the floor, take steps to protect it by laying tools and kneeling on a towel or soft cloth. Finally, conceal the expansion space with baseboard molding. Ensure the molding is nailed to the wall and not to the floor. Once the installation is complete, let the floor set before walking on it.

4 Ways on How to Keep the Luster of Solid Hardwood Oak Flooring Brushed Matt Lacquer Finish

You may ask, “Why do you need to take care of hardwood?” This is pretty understandable. After all, hardwood floors are saleable because of their durability and maintenance. The solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish, for instance, does not need a lot of cleaning. You can keep its natural look for a very long time. In fact, it’s much easier to maintain than those that are oiled.

Nevertheless, just like any other material in the world, the solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish can still be prone to wear and tear. Though they may last for a very long time, you can speed up its deterioration if you don’t know the proper ways to clean or maintain it.

To help you become a much better home owner, here are some floor care tips for you:

1. Make sure that you don’t get the floor scratched. When the solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish are scratched, they may be a little bit harder to remove. Besides, they don’t look good on your shiny floor. Thus, as much as possible, you must avoid having any object that can cause scratches near it. These include those dust and dirt. Their fine grains are more like sandpapers that are rubbing the surface floor. It’s recommended that you cover the part of solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish with huge traffic with a carpet or a floor mat.

2. Don’t use any hard cleaners or chemicals. As mentioned, the solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish is easy to maintain. Thus, there’s no need for you to use any special chemicals or floor cleaning agents. In fact, it’s not advisable, since a lot of them could be strong and may just strip the floor with its natural finish. You can simply get a dry mop, broom, or vacuum to get rid of dirty particles that are on the floor.

3. Ensure that you don’t spill anything into the floor. If you have been clumsy and you’ve spilled anything liquid into the solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish, make sure that you can wipe them off immediately. If they stay too long, they can leave stains into the floors, destroying their unblemished matted look.

4. Add curtains all over your home. Sunlight could be good, as they add more life and radiance into your home. However, if you have solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish, that would not be a very inviting idea. The sun’s rays can actually destroy the finish of the floor, causing them discoloration, which, unfortunately, you cannot counteract. Just to avoid this from happening, add some draperies into your home. When the sunlight gets too strong, close them immediately. Besides, wouldn’t a home look neater and daintier with some floral curtains around?

When you know how to take care of your solid hardwood oak flooring brushed matt lacquer finish, you’re sure that your floor will be you for ages.

Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring: Charming Their Way into Your Homes

It’s highly common for homes to make use of hardwood floors, such as the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring. First of all, it fits perfectly to any type of home, may it be contemporary, Victorian, or country. Moreover, it’s also known to be highly affordable compared to other flooring material, such as ceramic. Most of all, a Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is environment friendly. The materials used are renewable. A purchase of this type of hardwood is your small contribution to Mother Earth.

Special Characteristics of Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring

All hardwoods are known for their durability. If they are just properly taken care of, they can last for many years, even for as long as 100. However, of all solid hardwoods, the most durable is the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring. So strong are they that their use is not only constricted inside homes, but also in bridges, docks, and ports. The secret to their ultimate strength would be the stability of their vertical and horizontal structure. There are no portions that appear to be highly vulnerable to breakage. What’s more, they produce their own natural oil, which allows them to maintain their shine, luster, and perfect condition all throughout the years. The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is also highly resistant to stain, a no. 1 enemy of floors since it can damage their finish and may invite moisture.

The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring can also stand the pressure of extremely high foot traffic. That’s why this type of hardwood is also utilized in shopping centers, where there are hundreds of people who can step on the planks every day. You also don’t need to use a carpet or a rug when you’re installing it inside your home. The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is very much invincible against dents and scratches caused by moving your furniture and fixture all across the floor. This is because the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is very hard, even harder than oak and maple, which are considered to be two of the best hardwood floors ever used.

The Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring doesn’t come easy and often, though. This is because the country from where it came from is implementing strict rules and laws with regards to logging. A lumber company cannot, for any reason, remove all cherry trees in Brazil. Moreover, they must obtain permit first for every tree they want to cut from Ibama, Brazil’s agency for environmental protection. Nevertheless, you are assured that your Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring is only made from the oldest trees, those that have seen better days.

How to Use Brazilian Solid Cherry Hardwood Flooring to Your Advantage

Though the Brazilian solid cherry hardwood flooring can definitely go with any home, it would still be wise if you can take a look at the shades, shapes, and grain tones before you buy. Perhaps you can find one that is the most appealing among all of them—the one that is totally perfect to be used at your own home.

Hardwood floors over radiant heating

Installing hardwood floors over radiant heating enables you to combine economical heating with the beauty of hardwood flooring. By simply adhering to a few guidelines, you can ensure that your hardwood floors over radiant heating are a success.

How does radiant heating work?

Unlike conventional forced air heating systems, radiant heating does not heat air directly. Warm air rises and much is lost, making forced air heating less energy efficient. Radiant heating works by transferring heat to objects, so when placed beneath wood flooring it heats the floor. Since less heat is lost through the air, radiant heating is more energy efficient than forced air heating systems.

Electric radiant heating systems use thin electric mats that work much like electric blankets. They are often used to heat small rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. For larger rooms, a hydronic radiant heating system is usually used. This involves tubing in a concrete slab, or tubing under plywood subfloors. Heated water is pumped through the tubing network where it releases its heat energy into the floor.

Installation guidelines

Dry subfloor
The most important factor in successfully installing hardwood floors over radiant heating is a dry subfloor. The only sure way to do this is to turn on the radiant heating system before installing the wood flooring. If this isn't done, moisture left in the subfloor will enter the wood flooring as soon as the heat is turned on. This will result in floors that expand, contract, crack and warp excessively. A high quality vapor retardant should also be installed over the subfloor to protect the hardwood floor from moisture.

Concrete floor
When installing over a concrete slab, the radiant heating system should ideally be turned on for several weeks before the hardwood flooring is installed. Also, the hardwood must be stored in the house for 7 to 10 days before installation so it can acclimate.

Excessive moisture?
To check for the presence of excessive moisture in the slab, tape a 4x4 foot section of polyethylene plastic sheeting to the slab and turn on the heat. If moisture appears under the plastic, heat the slab for another 24 hours, repeating the test until no moisture is visible.

Which wood for radiant-heat flooring?
It is best to choose a wood species that is known for its stability. American hardwoods such as cherry, oak, ash, maple, hickory and walnut are good choices for radiant-heat flooring. Parquet floors are an excellent choice in radiant heat applications. Laminated flooring is another good choice because of its dimensional stability.

What kind of board width?
It is best to use narrow boards, no wider than 3 inches. They will better accommodate the wood’s expansion and contraction across a floor because there are more seams in a floor to take up movement. Narrow boards also expand and contract less than wide boards do. The wider the board, the greater the potential for gaps between the boards when they contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. If you must use planks wider than 3 inches, consider using quarter-sawn wood for enhanced dimensional stability.

Temperature control
Whilst temperature will not harm the wood, it does affect its moisture content. With the heat source is directly beneath the flooring, it can gain moisture or dry out faster than flooring in a home with a conventional heating system. It is important that the temperature variations are smooth and gentle, and that the surface temperature of the wood floor does not exceed 85 degrees. This is easily achieved with the following climate controls:
• mechanical humidity control – this keeps the relative humidity at an even level so the moisture content of the floor will remain stable.
• heat transfer point control – monitors the wood floor temperature to prevent overheating.
• exterior thermostat – protects the perimeter of the system from condensation absorption during rapid temperature changes.

Radiant heating is not only more economical in the long run, it is also a good choice for allergy sufferers who wish to avoid the dust blown about by forced air heating systems. Installing hardwood floors over radiant heating will enhance the value and aesthetics of your home and provide a warm, cosy and comfortable environment during the cold winter months.

Hardwood Flooring Basics

If you are a Home Owner on redesigning your Homes or a person who is about to deiced about the Flooring for your new Home, the Hardwood Flooring is worth considering. There is some Hardwood Flooring basics which we need to know. The Hardwood as a Flooring material is the best choice due to its sheer beauty, super strength and long life than any other flooring material available on Market today.

You can be confident that genuine Hardwood Flooring will add significant beauty, quality and value of your home. A Hardwood floored house has the rich look and smooth feel that can never be possible with any other flooring material. Unlike the other flooring materials, the value of your Hardwood flooring increases with time, and you will see that your house gets valued many times over what you have invested now for installing the Hardwood flooring.

In the Hardwood Flooring there are two types namely Solid Hardwood Flooring and Engineered Hardwood Flooring. Solid Hardwood flooring is a single piece of a 100 percent solid wood species easily sanded and refinished. It is a 100 percent Wood product. An Engineered Hardwood Flooring is a higher-performance product made by bonding several wood layers with the feature species showing distinct designs. Many, but not all, engineered wood floors can be refinished.

To start with you must think like a designer as you have options to choose the Colors and textures with the Hardwood. Hardwood has color, ranging from cooling yellows to , warm reds to and neutral umbers or naturals. Some wood change its color overtime, so you can select your own color according to your taste and match it with your home. The show off of your floor depends on the lighting. You can choose low gloss, satin gloss or high gloss.

It is part of the look, as are the rustic, hand-scraped or smooth, tailored contemporary styles. You can use Hardwood floor throughout the house to get magnificent looks. The texture and the natural designs on the Hardwood will definitely add to the décor of your House. It is advisable to use solid wood at or above ground level so that you can avoid damages occurring due to moisture. Engineered wood can be used virtually anywhere, even over concrete.

Hardwood Flooring Species

There are quite a number of things to consider when choosing which hardwood flooring species to install in your home. There are the factors of hardness, color, price, and which room to put a particular hardwood flooring species in. And that's just a sprinkling of things to consider.

Choosing Hardwood Flooring Species

Ultimately the choice is yours, but in order to have the best hardwood floor possible, you need to see if a particular hardwood flooring species is suitable for your intended application. A lot of thought goes into choosing a hardwood flooring species according to its hardness and durability, and for this you have the Janka Hardness Rating to thank for this. Knowing the Janka rating of a particular species of hardwood lets take a peek into its hardness and durability.

You may also want to know other facts about the different hardwood flooring species you are considering. If you plan to have stained floors, you may want to look into how well that particular hardwood flooring species takes stains. If you have pets or very young children, check how that species is able to withstand scratching.

Where to Install Hardwood Flooring

The location of hardwood floors will also affect the choice of species that you can put in. Certain hardwood species are better suited for heavier traffic, while some would be more applicable and more desirable in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms. Do note, however, that while hardwood floors are a versatile flooring option, solid hardwood flooring cannot be installed in below-grade locations such as basements. For these types of areas, you may need to look into engineered hardwood flooring.

Top Choices

These hardwood flooring species are the choice of homeowners everywhere and have proven their mettle especially when it comes to beauty, hardness, and durability.

Oak – a very popular choice among homeowners because of its durability and hardness, and its ability to fit into any room. Oak comes in two kinds: White, which is the harder option with a Janka rating of 1360; and red, which has a Janka rating of 1290. Oak's natural hardness may be a bit too difficult for beginners to work on, so it is best to be left to the pros or at least those with a bit more experience.

Cherry – you have a choice between American Cherry and Brazilian Cherry. The American variety ages to a beautiful rich color and is relatively easy to work with, possessing a hardness rating of 950. If a much harder species is your preference, look no further than Brazilian Cherry, with a whopping Janka hardness rating of 2345. It is definitely one of the hardest hardwood flooring species in the market today.

Black Walnut – this hardwood possesses a beautiful color and grain, coupled with a smooth finish and lasting durability (Janka rating of 1010), which makes it a very beautiful flooring option for your home.

Maple- This is a stalwart choice in solid hardwood, offering a traditional look as well as a notable resistance to wear.

The Proper Care Of Wood Floors

Wood floors are easy to maintain, but often neglected. You need to know what to do to keep your floors looking clean and new for the lifetime of your home.

A new floor doesn't require a great deal of maintenance but you should check your floors periodically, especially in well-worn traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining and living areas.


--Dirt and sand can scratch. Prevent those scratches by placing a mat or area rugs at all entrance ways.

--Use a broom with fine bristles to pick up dust and dirt. Ammonia should be avoided as a cleaner.

--Vacuum regularly. Use the special bare floor attachment that comes with the vacuum. --Dust or damp mop your floors. Use a neutral PH wood cleaner.

--While wood flooring are varnished and stained, you should mop up any water or chemical liquids that are spilled on the floor immediately. They can damage the finish and warp a hardwood floor.

--Never use harsh, abrasive cleaners or oil based soaps.

All furniture can scratch so add felt pads to the legs of all furniture.

--The UV rays of the sun can discolor your hardwood floor particularly the area closes to your picture window. To prevent this, close your curtains and blinds. Add some sheer drapes.

--High heeled shoes can gouge and scratch. Keep your shoes in good repair, or better still change them into slippers on entering your home.

--Your pets can scratch your floor. Keep their nails trimmed. Clean their paws as they come in from outdoors. Groom and wash to rid them of pests.

Of course if your floors have become worn and old-looking, you'll need to take more drastic measures to restore the luster of a new floor. Unless you are experienced in flooring, do-it-yourself is generally not a good idea. It takes a professional eye to determine if your finish is worn down but the wood is intact. A professional can see the gouges, stains, holes and cracks that you miss. Wood that is warped may need serious replacement before any finishing can be applied. Before you do any finishing, you should consider the kind of finish you have on your floor.

Almost all floors today have good surface finishes that range from polyurethane to wax. They look like a layer of clear plastic over the wood. All surface finishes are meant to protect your floor from the scratches of daily traffic.

You can find out if your finish is worn down by adding one to two tablespoons of water to a low to medium traffic area. If the water soaks in and leaves a dark spot, your floor needs a new coat. Waxing is one of the easiest ways to use to finish your floors, but you may have to remove an old coat before applying a new coat.

If you do have a waxed floor, you can remove stains and burns that are not too deep by rubbing the spot with a No. 2 steel wood moistened with soap and water. Rewax the spot after you're finished.

How To Pratice For Basketball Improvement

With so many drills and different ways to practice to improve your game, you could very easily get confused and frustrated trying to compile a perfect practice plan. Some of the main components I have always stressed with all my private basketball clients, whether they are beginners or a NBA Veteran, is to try and train smarter and just harder.

A major component you have to consider when trying to design a Basketball Improvement system is to leverage your time wisely and work on the areas that are most important to you and your game. To use an example, if you are a point guard, your main job is to be able to handle the rock under control and pressure, control the pace of the game, make sure all your teammates are doing their job correctly and be your coaches on the court general.


Why it would be great if you were a great rebounder, it is not something that you should spend alot of time practicing. You should focus the majority of your time practicing and improving the areas that are most required. Try not to get caught up in trying to work on every aspect of basketball, there just is not enough time to work on every thing in one practice.

I have outlined a Practice plan that I use to structure all of my Pro Clients workouts,they are very effective and time efficient. The practice will last approximately 1 hour and will begin with a Sports Warm-Up. Sports Warm Up ( 15 minutes) It is very essential you participate in an active warm up that will prepare you for a vigorous work out ahead. The days of static stretching as a team are long over,due to the fact that you want to prepare your self for moving, running, and explosive burst, you want to prepare your body to handle certain movements and game situations. I normally have all my players run 4 to 5 times around the court at about 50%, and then follow that up with 4 half court layups from both the right and left side.Then, we perform 3 full court layups on each side, right and left. Then we move onto two ball dribbling, full court and back 3 times, two ball alternating dribbling full court and back, 3 times, and then finish with a couple of dynamic warm up stretches that improve the mobility, stability, and flexibility of certain muscle groups.

Basketball conditioning ( 10 minutes)

I have always like jumping right into some conditioning drills as my players perform better when we get conditioning done at the beginning of practice.Many practices, the exercise or drills will change and vary, but the principles remain the same. I usually compile 6 conditioning drills that we will perform only once, but at 100% intensity. I will then give them a 30-45 second break and then move onto the next conditioning drill.We do not perform the drills for certain amount of reps, but rather for a duration of time. Usually lasting 30-45 seconds. Hers is a sample Conditioning workout:

Exercise # 1 suicide ( 30 seconds)

Rest(45seconds)

Exercise # 2 ( machine guns while dribbling a basketball) 30 seconds

Rest (45 seconds)

Exercise # 3 Basketball Pushups with a basketball( 20 seconds on each side)

Rest(45 seconds)

Exercise #4 Full court Defensive slides( 35 seconds)

Rest ( 45 seconds)

Exercise # 5 Net or rim touches ( 30 seconds)

Rest ( 45 Seconds)

Exercise # 6 Push Up Holds ( 45 seconds)

Rest Until 10 minutes is up

As you can see, if you structure your workouts and practices correctly, you can get a very effective practice in a short period of time. The next 10 minutes will solely focus on shooting. I have a simple rule when trying to improve your shooting. Think of the 5 most common shots and area that you are most likely to shoot in a game and work on those 5 shots the most. It is almost a waste of time if you are a center trying to improve your 3 point shooting. Once you have figured out your 5 most common shots, spend 2 minutes each working on them and getting up as many shots as you can in those 2 minutes from those specific spots. You will be surprised when you start working on only a couple of shoots how much more you will improve compared to trying to shoot from every where. After you finish working on your shooting, you will then dedicate the next 10 minutes on ball handling. There are millions of drills that will improve your ball handling skills and you can pick which ever ones you like, but follow these rules when you do so.

1. Try not to ever look down at the ball.

2. Try your hardest not to mess up.

3. Involve as much running and movement as you can.

4.When you have mastered a drill, do not continue to do the same drill,

move on to a more challenging drill.

5. Try to incorporate multitasking drills as much as possible, like 2 ball dribbling,

the more you can do at the same time the better.

Follow those rules and you will see a dramatic improvement in your over all game.

Now that you have gotten past those stations, it is time now to move on to the most important aspect of the practice. The last 15 minutes will solely be committed to working on your niche, the most important component of your game.

What Is Your Niche?

This is by far the most over looked aspect in basketball. A niche is what you do best, it is the one thing that you do great, the thing that separates you form the baller next to you. The One thing you can provide the team, and what the coach can count on you for.Without a Niche, you have no identity on the court. If you look at all the Kings in the NBA, you will easily discover their Niche.

Steve Nash- passing

Ben Wallace- Rebounding

Dwayne Wade- attacking the basket

Mike Miller- Shooting

Kobe - Scoring

And the list goes on....

Spend the last 15 minutes working and mastering your niche. Whatever it is, whether it be shooting, rebounding, ball handling, defense, scoring, driving to the basket, 3 point shooting, ect... Work on mastering and improving it. I guarantee you that if you take this outline and use it to structure your workouts and practices, you will have more improvement in a couple of weeks then you probably have had your whole career. Improving your game is easy when you do it the right way.

How To Go About Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Some people will tell you that sanding is the best thing to do while refinishing hardwood floors. However, that is not so. The fact is that your hardwood floor has a particular character that it has developed through decades, and sanding destroys most of it. Some of the wood is also removed, and the floor becomes thinner as a result. And all the dust that sanding creates will prevent you from applying a new finish smoothly. So is there another way of refinishing hardwood floors? Yes, there is. And a better one at that. This alternative is inexpensive too, apart from being much easier to handle. The floor’s protection is renewed, its character is preserved, and you retain all the wood. Now what could be better?

Start refinishing hardwood floors by making necessary repairs. Add new wood if required. Try to match the grade, species, and the age of the new flooring to the existing one. If you feel it’s needed, sand the repair area lightly. Vacuum the room before you go on to the next step.

The Process Of Chemically Refinishing A Hardwood Floor

Use a mild Trisodium Phosphate solution or plain water to wash the old floor, taking good care not to wet any part of the new wood. Leave the floor to dry for a day. Next, use a wax remover on the old portions, and leave it for another couple of days.

Here’s a list of all the things you need in refinishing hardwood floors. Visit a paint shop to get all of these – lacquer thinner; denatured alcohol; and a corrosion- resistant, screw-top container that will hold both of these. You also need a quality oil finish that matches the current color or is very similar to it; some chemical resistant refinishing pads; a floor polishing stick; a chemical resistant pan; and a floor polishing machine with steel wool pads to fit it.

Make a half-and-half mixture of the lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol in the large can, pour some of it into a glass dish, and start working the floor in parts, staining the new wood to blend them in with the old floor. Leave the floor like that for two or three days. The last step in refinishing hardwood floors is sealing the floor. Polyurethane is the most popular choice of sealant. Applying three coats is the best way to go. So by the end of it, you have a hardwood floor as good as new.

The Next Generation Of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors have made a come-back and are the new rage in home design. Hardwood floors are very easy to clean and maintain, and their shine provides a nice touch to a room. Hardwood floors can also now be bought cheaply and still manage to look like rich and add greatly to any room.

Hardwood floors are also now very easy to install, much easier, in fact, than carpet. Most hardware and home improvement stores offer crash courses in installing your new hardwood floors, and individual do-it-yourself packages for hardwood floors include easy to follow directions even for those who are not normally inclined to handiness with their hands.

When choosing the material for your hardwood store, look first at the quality of wood. There are four grades in hardwood floors when it comes to oak, which is the most popular material for hardwood flooring. The highest quality is clear, which is wood that has very few or no flaws. Select has a few flaws and is bright grained, and most pieces will match well. Common one includes both light and dark pieces, and a few marks, while common two allows for all sorts of quality discrepancies and is best used for a child’s playhouse or a doghouse. You should really pick one of the first two grades for a quality looking floor finish.

There are some drawbacks to hardwood flooring. Carpet provides nice cushioning, you can lie on a carpeted floor and watch TV quite comfortably. Hardwood flooring is unyielding and is not comfortable to lie down on or to fall upon. Hardwood flooring also does not provide the warmth that carpeting does. Lastly, hardwood flooring is easier to clean than carpet simply because material does not adhere to it the way dust and motes cling to the fabric of carpets. This is great for a broom, but unfortunate if your guests come into your house with no shoes. Any dust on the floor will cling to their socks, which can be pretty embarrassing. Hardwood flooring requires cleaning more often than carpet would.

A Hardwood Floor For Your Home

Perhaps it's time for a remodel and updating of your home. How about a remodel that will transform your home, add lasting value, beauty and elegance, and be something you will be proud of? Think about hardwood flooring.

Generally hardwood floors come pre finished, this is when the manufacturer applies a finish at the factory. This finish is generally at least four coats of ultraviolet cured urethane resin. Hardwood floors are generally easy to clean with a simple sweep of a dust mop or vacuuming. You will need to protect your hardwood floors from scratches as much as possible. Putting protective rugs under your furniture is an excellent way to prevent scratches on the floor. Hardwood floors are meant to last a lifetime.

You will want to choose a color of hardwood floor that will accent your home and home furnishings. As a rule lighter colors go with country, contemporary and casual settings. Darker colored wood floors are for formal or traditional interiors. But, of course, anything goes! Your decision should be based on your visual preference.

Lighter wood would be a white ash, sugar maple or southern yellow pine. Darker colors are beech, birch, red oak, heart pine and mesquite.

You want to make sure that your hardwood floor will be able to withstand denting and wear. Of the woods mentioned above mesquite is the hardest wood, and a southern yellow pine would be the softest. In the middle of these fall the yellow birch, heart pine and beech.

If you are going to be hiring and contractor to install your hardwood floor make sure you ask for references. Go take a look at a floor that he has installed. Make sure that he is comfortable working with the type of word floor that you want installed.

Make sure that you thoroughly inspect the hardwood floor after the installation. Look at the floor from a standing position and with normal lighting. The finish on your floor will not be that you would find on fine furniture. Deep swirls or sander marks or splotchy areas may mean that the floor wasn't finished properly. There will however be some irregularities on any wood floor. However, these irregularities won't seem obvious and will only add to the character of the floor.

Wood Floors Are Great

Wood floors add to the beauty and sophistication of any house to a great extent. These floors have a different aura about them and can make even a really dull interior decoration look good. The floors are long lasting and can be maintained with very little strain on one’s pocket. The variety of wood floors allows people to pick and choose. The floors are of different types like the following:

1. Solid Parquet Floor 3/4” & less
2. Engineered Floor – Strip, Plank, Parquet
3. Solid Plank Floor 3/4”*3” and up
4. Solid Strip Floor – T & G up to ¾” up to 3/4”

These type of floors can be unfinished, prefinished, impregnated or multiply.
Wood floors need to be installed in the rooms. According to personal choice, installations can be floated, glued, or nailed/stapled. Floated or glued installations can be laminated or engineered. But the nailed/stapled installation cannot be laminated. It can be engineered.

Wood Floors are a lifetime and more importantly, one time investment. They enhance the value of the house, but definitely do not make the consumer go through recurring costs. These floors are easy to maintain. Just sweeping and cleaning with the specific products for this purpose is enough. Mopping with a damp broom or cloth should be avoided as water can harm the floor. Most wood floor manufacturers have specific cleaning products for the consumer. The entire house can have wood floors but it is always a good idea to leave the bathroom aside.

Floors and walls create a basic feel about a room. For example, grey walls create a melancholy feel in a room, again pink or lemon or sea green walls gives a much more cheerful and positive feel. This is something intangible, difficult to explain with words. The the same goes for floors.

Wood floors offer the consumers a great deal of variety in colour. Interior decoration will demand any pattern or colour, but generally red oak, natural, maple natural are very popular. It is better to remember that darker floors go well with traditional or formal interior decoration.

Lighter colours are suitable for more casual rooms. Exotic wood floors like Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut, Santos Mahogany have gained acceptance. However the type of floor in the room will always be dictated by individual taste and needs.

Hand painted Wood floors add something special to the room and have become very popular. It is possible to have the floors painted, stained, tinted to have the desired effect. Painted floors give an impression of being a designer one by using different techniques.

Those who want wood floors in their house should keep some points in mind:
What areas of the home will have the floors, which colours to choose and what kind of finish? But it is a good idea to have the advice from a wood floor professional. It will help the consumers from becoming too confused about the nitty-gritty of the thing.