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Wood Flooring Do’s and Dont’s

September 30, 2011 By 4 Comments

Do’s

Make sure you choose a wood that can withstand heavy traffic in areas like the kitchen. Be sure to go through the manufacturer warranty regarding maintenance and care. If you do not know what you are doing, please hire a professional to install your wood flooring. One mistake can cost you a lot and at times even mean replacing an entire newly laid floor! For information on kind of stains, ask an expert from California Flooring Service, or your local Flooring Contractor.

A moisture barrier between your wood flooring and the sub floor is very important. Check all boxes of wood boards to see the color variation before you begin installing. The wood should be allowed to acclimatize to the climate where you will install it. Always use vacuuming or dry mopping for cleaning your wood flooring.

Don’ts

Do not ever use hardwood flooring in an area that has a lot of moisture like the bathroom or a basement. If you are looking for new flooring for a summer cottage or another place that you do not visit frequently, hardwood flooring is not the best option. Wood floors need constant care and attention. Do not use any harsh cleaners or ones that are wax based, these will only dull the surface finish quicker. Similarly, hard abrasives or steel wool can harm and damage your hardwood floors.

You should never use too much water to clean wood floors. Try not to walk on the floor with high heels or spiked sport shoes. These can cause dents and scratches. Spills that contain moisture should be cleaned instantly as moisture can seep into the wood spoiling it. This can cause major problems in some time. Some floor areas have to be completely replaced due to moisture issues even though this can be easily prevented!

Some popular choices for hardwood floors

The oaks are a popular variety with both the white and red colored ones in a pale color and a slight pink streak in the red one. Both of these oak varieties can be easily used in all kinds of wood projects. The red oak variety is a softer wood than the white one. However, it is easier to saw and nail the red variety.

American cherry though popularly used for making cabinets, can be used for flooring as well. It is easy to work with and the wood variety is photosensitive. This means it changes its color with time, getting darker when it ages.

Hard Maple makes an excellent choice for floors. It is a harder wood than oak and is a natural abrasion resistant wood surface. The early settlers in America used it quite commonly.

A strikingly reddish brown colored wood that ages into a rich burgundy color is the Jajoba or the Brazilian Cherry. This wood is much harder than some mahogany woods and this is what makes it quite expensive.

California Flooring Service is a Full Service Flooring Contractor operation in and out of Orange County, Ca. thank you for reading this post.

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7 Tips For Your Hardwood Floor

September 20, 2011 By 7 Comments

Solid hardwood floors look great. They have a tough chunky look that spells quality and long life. And they will last long and look magnificent throughout if you take the effort to look after them. It’s not difficult, and the right kind of care will add years to your beautiful hardwood floor.

1. The worst enemies of your hardwood floor are grit, sand and dirt. These three act like sandpaper grinding, scraping and dulling the shiny surface until it becomes ugly. Use small mats near outside doors to prevent the dirt getting further into your house.

2. Water allowed to stand on any part of your hardwood floor can cause warping and discoloration. Be sure to wipe up any spills promptly.

3. Re-arranging the furniture is fine, but lift it rather than drag it. This will avoid scratches. Also impliment furniture pads on all legs of furniture.

4. The sun can be strong and have much more power than you may think in mid summer. Direct sunlight can discolor a hardwood floor. Protect it with drapes, curtains or blinds.

5. Clean your hardwood floor by using a good broom, a canister vacuum with a special bare floor attachment, or a good dust mop.

6. If your floor does get a bad scratch in it, get a scratch filler kit of the right color at your local hardware store. Sand and smooth the affected area first, then mix the solution to get the exact right color. When it has dried, lightly smooth with a low grit sandpaper, then polish.

7. Pets are among your hardwood floor’s biggest enemies. They have claws and nails that scratch surfaces. Keep your pet’s nails well trimmed. Also, keep pet food containers off the floor surface. Pets always spill food around the containers, which will damage the floor over time. Use newspaper or something more durable to protect the floor. For more info, contact Jason with CaliforniaFlooring.net Thank you for reading this post.

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Exotic Wood Flooring Types

September 19, 2011 By 2 Comments

There are many different types of wood flooring, some common, others you’ve probably never heard of. Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics and will respond differently to its environment over time. You need to know what your choice of wood will look like in the long term, some changes might be a lot different than you expect and will not go with your style and decor.

You need to educate yourself about each species of wood and its particular characteristics before you begin shopping for it. Some wood types are not as durable as others, so to be sure you are going to be happy with your floors in the long run you need to have realistic expectations to begin with.

There will be variations in your wood flooring. No type of wood is completely uniform unless it is manufactured that way. The more natural the wood type you choose, the more variations you will see once you floor is installed. Choosing an exotic wood flooring type is becoming more and more popular because of the statement it makes about a person’s taste and style. The most common types of exotics are: Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut, Santos Mahogany,  Jatoba, Tiger Wood, and Ipe, just to name a few.

These are generally imported from South America, Australia, the far East and Africa. Using these wood types for flooring requires that you be well informed as to the wood’s appearance, stability, and hardness and how they react when used in the HVAC systems found in most homes. Be sure the type of exotic wood flooring you choose will work with your home’s environment before ordering and be sure to buy from a reputable importer to avoid be ripped off.

You should always choose your wood style by looking at real samples. Viewing color and grain in photos or online is not reliable enough for you to judge. Contact Jason with CaliforniaFlooringService.com Thanks for reading this post. http://www.CaliforniaFlooringservice.com

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How to stop squeaking in hardwood flooring

September 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A squeak in hardwood flooring is caused by two pieces of wood rubbing against one another. One way to stop the sound is by reducing the friction of the moving pieces using a lubricant. I’m not talking oil here, but rather a dusting with ultra-fine graphite powder.

This is available at your local hardware stores, and for the most part it’s used to free lock mechanisms. But if you pour a tiny bit of it on the floor so that it can work its way into the squeaking boards, it could very well reduce or eliminate the sound.

If that fails, you can always try a pair of well-placed nails. You first need to pre-drill some slender holes into the wood, angled slightly towards one another. Then drive the nails in, being careful not to bang up the hardwood floor with the head of the hammer.

You can use an 8d or 8-penny finish nail, which has a very small head. Then sink it below the surface of the wood using a nail set. Now you can say good-bye to that squeak forever. You would need a hammer, a small drill bit, and a cordless drill. This would take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete.

Now after you get rid of all the squeaks, use a filler stick in the same color as the floor to fill any nail hole that are visible. When your floor is really starting to show its age, you’ll be able to renew its surface for about a quarter of what it would cost to install a new floor.

You can sand and refinish them, usually up to a total of four times before so much wood is ground away that the nails holding it in place begin to appear. Your hardwood floor should be as good as new. If this seems like too much for you, feel free to contact California Flooring Service. Thanks for reading this post.

 

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Laminate Hardwood Flooring What Is It And Why Is It So Popular?

September 18, 2011 By 2 Comments

Laminate hardwood flooring is very versatile flooring that gives the appearance of having hardwood flooring without the expensive price tag. Although laminate flooring does look like hardwood, it is not made of solid wood. It is called engineered hardwood or (HDF) High Densidty Fiberboard because it is made from several materials bonded together under extremely high pressure. It is easy to lay and care for and when you step on it, it is almost like you are floating. This is why laminate hardwood flooring is also called a floating floor.

You can learn how to lay laminate flooring very quickly. Once you see the first few planks of the flooring going together, you can complete the rest of the job on your own. You can install Quick Step laminate flooring on just about any room of your home. However, it is not recommended for use in bathrooms, mudrooms or any other room where there could be an excess of moisture. The extra water could damage the flooring meaning you would have to remove and replace one or two planks of the laminate flooring.

If you are looking at how easy it is to learn how to lay laminate flooring, you will also learn about the advantages of Quick Step laminate flooring. In contrast to solid hardwood, laminate hardwood flooring is about half the cost. It is easy to install and there is no finish or refinish to worry about. Installing laminate flooring doesn’t need any nails. Another advantage of laminate flooring is that you can lay it down on virtually any type of surface, except, of course, carpet. It is suitable for installing on top of concrete, wood or vinyl. All you have to do is to make sure the floor underneath is level before you start to lay the planks. If this seems like too much then you can hire the services of California Flooring Service.

When you ask the flooring retailer about how to lay laminate flooring, you will get several different instructions about how to prepare the floor beforehand. You do have to make sure the surfaces is free of any dust or small pieces of dirt that might work their way up through the laminate hardwood flooring. You also have to check to make sure the subfloor is soundproof and that it is level. Often people who have installed the Quick Step laminate flooring report that there are squeaks when they step on it. This is not the fault of the laminate flooring, but because the floor under it was not properly levelled before they started to lay the planks.

You do have to take extra care when you install laminate hardwood flooring over radiant heating. You have to read both the instructions for how to lay laminate flooring and the instructions regarding the radiant heat before you start. When you plan to lay laminate hardwood flooring in your home, you don’t have to open the packages until you are ready to start.  Again, if this seems like too much work for the average DIY’er, California Flooring Service is Just a phone call away. Thank you for reading this post.

 

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Orange County Wood Floors-Important Facts

September 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A hardwood floor can be a beautiful addition to any home. As with any product that you might buy, you should always research the different types of hardwood floors on the market today to see which is best for your needs.

Hardwood floors are a long-lasting product known for both its natural beauty and also durability. In addition, its affordable, easy to keep up, good for the environment, and also healthier for you than some flooring.

Not only are hardwood floors affordable, but they can also add value to your home if you are trying to sell it. In fact, as your home increases in value, so does the floor. A hardwood floor is very sought after in a buyers market, as well as in home remodeling and also new construction.

A hardwood floor can be very easy to maintain. Routine maintenance may be a little more than just the sweeping and vacuuming that you are used to, especially since you have to make sure to protect it from moisture and also heavy traffic areas that may become scratched. Maintenance is as simple as using an area rug where traffic is heaviest, and/or floor protectors on all furniture. The use of a hardwood floor cleaner is key to making sure it stays as beautiful as the day it was installed.

You may not know this, but a hardwood floor is known to be ecologically sound. They come from sustainable, natural resources, unlike in the past where wood was cut down without any though to what could happen in the long run to the forest. Today, the timber used in a hardwood floor is cut from forests that are managed in a way to ensure resources for future use. According to statistics from the U.S. Forest Service, just about twice the amount of hardwood timber is put in each year when new growth is harvested.

The EPA, or environmental protection agency, has stated that the quality of your indoor air can be a top threat. But, a hardwood floor can help you to maintain a healthier living environment.

Hardwood floors do not harbor such things as dust mites or mold. This helps to create a better quality of air in your home, alleviating symptoms for those who suffer from different types of allergies.

Also, hardwood floors can help to avoid the accumulation any artificial substances, such as pesticides. A study recently conducted by the EPA found that pesticides used in both homes and gardens can accumulate on surfaces such as floors, but hardwood floors can reduce that.

The selection/variety of hardwood floors are great and choosing one can be tough. There are many types of species, colors, and grains to choose from. Today’s manufacturing technology allows for different stains and finishes, sizes, and also styles, colors, and finished. Although red oak natural and maple natural are the most popular, darker colors are great for formal interiors and lighter colors are great for a more casual look.

Make sure you choose a hardwood floor that not only compliments your home and décor, but you will also be happy with for a long time.  Thank you for reading this post and look to California Flooring Service for all your wood flooring needs.

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Hardwood Floor Care

September 12, 2011 By 3 Comments

In order to enjoy the full benefits of a hardwood floor, you have to apply the right maintenance techniques. Since hard wood, no matter how sturdy, is organic, it can be susceptible to wear and decay if you do not take care of it. Thus, if you want it to last for a long time, you must be diligent enough to maintain it with proper cleaning and waxing.

Hardwood floors are somewhat expensive. And because they are an investment, it is but prudent to make sure that you get the maximum value for your money as the years progress. Thus, we face the question. How do we take care of our hardwood floors? Consider the tips below.

- Avoid too much sun exposure

If the room where your hardwood floor is has a large window, protect it from the sun using sheer curtains or blinds. Ultra violet rays are said to have ill effects on hardwood floors.

- Don’t drag your furniture around

This pertains particularly to the large furniture. If you want to move your oak sofa to another location, use a dolly or have people lift it. Never drag it across the floor as it may scar the finish or dig deep into the wood itself. Also, use felt contacts under the furnitures’ legs to prevent their weight from creating scratches and dents on the flooring.

- Clean up spills and stain immediately.

If your hardwood floor has a good and intact finish, then you have nothing to worry about. But if it has already been there for a while, the finishing might already be stripped off and allow the water to seep into the wood. When this happens, sanding and refinishing the part of the floor that got wet is a good idea. If this technique fails, you might have to replace that particular plank with a new one.

- Sweep your hardwood floor regularly

Use a broom with fine exploded bristles as they are most effective in trapping grit and dust from the creases and corners of your flooring. Broom bristles that are too soft might only drag the dust further into your flooring and fill the cracks.

In conclusion, the way you care for your hardwood floor should mirror how you care for things you value. Your hardwood floor not only provides physical beauty to your home but also ushers in a sense of homey comfort that will forever be absent with a concrete floor. For more information call Jason or visit our website at  http://www.CaliforniaFlooringService.com   thank you for reading this post.

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Laminate Wood Flooring and the Benefits over Traditional Wood & Ceramic Tile

September 9, 2011 By 4 Comments

Laminate wood flooring is a great option to typical hardwood floors and ceramic tile. One great characteristic about laminate flooring is that it is scratch resistant and more durable than real wood while providing a similar look to real wood.

Due to the ease of installation, laminate wood flooring can be installed without the use of a contractor. But if this is not your cup of tea, then the folks at www.CaliforniaFlooringService.com is your best bet.

Laminate wood flooring comes in a variety of different colors and textures, mainly in the range of yellows, reds, and browns.

Laminate wood flooring also comes in a variety of prices.  This of course, depends on many factors such as color and texture.  However, if you are looking to buy in bulk you can save money.for instance, offers a number of high-end laminate wood floor brands at different prices. Prices can vary in laminate wood flooring.  A large portion of laminate flooring can range anywhere from about $0.99 to around $2.50.

Lead time is one factor you do need to consider aside from price when purchasing wood laminate flooring.  You could see backorder times ranging anywhere from 1-8 weeks depending on quantity and the style you choose. If you desperately need to refloor parts of your house for an upcoming event, you may be able to arrange something with the seller.

If time is not a factor for you, you may consider having the shipper ship the laminate flooring with the cheapest (slowest) shipping method.  Due to the size and weight of laminate flooring, your shipping prices will not exactly be cheap. In order to save some money on shipping costs, you may find yourself waiting several weeks for delivery.  However, you can save up to 50% by scheduling a slower delivery time.  Be sure to check with the seller before making any purchase in order to find out what option is right for you. For more information or installation please contact California Flooring Service at 949 355 3501. Thank You for reading this post.

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Vitrified Tiles – Better than hardwood floors?

September 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hardwood floors are gorgeous and add a great deal of elegance and charm to a home. But as with many things so beautiful, they are very delicate. Hardwood floors require a great deal of care and maintenance to keep them looking great. And for folks who cannot spare a lot of time to give them the required care, vitrified tiles can be a great option.

Vitrified tiles are very attractive too. And unlike hardwood floors, these are very tough – they are much harder than natural stones, and pools of water can definitely not damage them … unlike hardwood floors.

What are vitrified tiles?

Vitrified tiles are made by combining 40% clay and 60% silica in a process called vitrification. The process of manufacture makes them extremely hard and non-porous – a great advantage over natural stones like marble which are porous and hence need a good deal of care.

Vitrified tiles are virtually maintenance free and have very good abrasion resistance – which makes them very suitable for use in high traffic areas.

And there is another huge advantage vitrified tiles have over most other floors. The designs on vitrified tiles are printed with soluble salts which are essentially penetrating pigments that penetrate to a depth of 2 to 3 mm below the surface of the tile … and that means the design is present at depths of up to 25% of the tile’s thickness! And the high hardness and abrasion resistance of vitrified tiles essentially means that the design is permanent for all practical purposes. In contrast, some floor polishes exist over the surface of the floor and have little abrasion resistance.

But on the other hand, vitrified tiles are not currently available in a great variety of shades – at least not in as many shades as natural stone tiles are.

Other advantages of vitrified tiles…

Vitrified tiles hardly expand or contract with changes in moisture and temperature – unlike other floors like wood for instance. This means that they may be used for a joint free application. But instead of a joint free application, it may be better create uniform gaps between tiles by fixing them using spacers and then filling the space with grout. This would especially be recommended when the tiles would be exposed to extremes of temperature – either very hot or very cold.

Vitrified tiles are virtually maintenance free. They may be swept clean. But still, it would be better to take a few steps to ensure that they keep looking great for several years or decades…

Vitrified tiles – Care and cleaning

Using a floor mat at the entrances to minimize abrasive dust being carried in by people would be a good thing to do. This would be true for any floor you may choose to have – whether stone or wood.

You may want to avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals to clean the floor. Since vitrified tiles are extremely hard and non porous, a damp mop may be good enough to clean the floor.

You may also want to clean the grout joints a couple of times a year or so. Also, keeping the grout joints in good shape by scraping out cracked, loose or powdery joints and refilling them would be a good thing to do once in a while.

Vitrified tiles can be extremely beautiful and elegant and with the right care and maintenance, can last for a lifetime. At California Flooring Service, we can make your tile dreams come true.

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Why The Best Flooring Idea Is To Install Hardwood Floors

August 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hardwood floors have been around for hundreds of years. Wood floors were probably the first type of floor covering besides dirt. Hardwood floors can be one of the essential elements in designing your home. They offer a level of value and comfort no other flooring choice can. There are a number of benefits to owning and installing a hardwood floor.

One of the best things about hardwood floors is the lack of problem with regard to maintenance concerns. Because technology has allowed for the finish or stain of hardwood floors to require only sweeping for typical cleaning purposes, your floor will stay beautiful without the backbreaking scrubbing hardwood floors used to require. While the use of an appropriately recommended professional cleaning product will be required sometimes, a simple broom will take care of most of your cleaning concerns. It is important to note, though, you should never use anything on your hardwood floors that has not been manufacturer recommended, or recommended by your Flooring Contractor. At CaliforniaFlooringService.com , we can provide and recommend the best product for your floor. This helps to ensure your flooring will last a lifetime.

Durability means hardwood floors.

Another great reason to invest in hardwood floors is that they are environmentally friendly. Wood can not only be recycled, it is also a renewable source of material. Many of the products of yesterday like barns and old homes are recycled as hardwood floors. Moreover, wood products are incapable of harboring or collecting dust and other allergy particles. This means your family will suffer less risk of allergies or allergy induced medical conditions. Several health organizations endorse wood floors for people with health risks.

Additionally, hardwood floors are an excellent financial option. While some of the flooring is a bit more costly than the cheap alternative, hardwood maintains its value over time. It does not show the wear and tear that synthetic products do. This will only serve to increase your home’s value in the long run.

There are many great reasons to invest in hardwood floors.

Finally, hardwood floors can come in a large range of shapes and sizes. In the past, there have been few choices in the hardwood floor market. Today’s market, though, offers styles, colors, and species that will fit any décor. Hardwood floors make an excellent addition to any home. At CaliforniaFlooringService.com , we can make these dreams a reality. Thank you for reading this post.

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