Keeping these factors in mind when selecting your floor will result with a great looking floor for years to come. Now let's have a look into how these factors can help contribute to the long-term elimination.
Hardness
The hardness of wood species is determined using the Janka Hardness Test. Janka rating is great for specifying the dent resistance between wood species. For example, some of the more popular flooring choices that are considered"hard" are Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) and Brazilian Teak (Cumaru). Both of these species are greater than 2 1/2 times harder than your ordinary Red Oak. Now that is a lot of dent immunity!
Finish
Although hardness is excellent for limiting scratches, the end could be the most important element when determining durability. The most frequently used finishes are watertight and oiled finished products. Polyurethane products have the benefit of having a very strong top layer, as the finish stays directly on the wood. Many manufacturers are now including aluminum oxide into their polyurethane. Resulting in extra hardness and abrasion-resistant qualities. Oil finished floors has existed for centuries and has witnessed a resurgence from the floor covering market in the last several decades. Oiled flooring are different in comparison to polyurethane floors. When employing an oil finish, the oil penetrates into the pores of the timber and harden to safeguard the flooring while preserving a natural wood grain texture. Oiled floors are generally less difficult to repair by applying additional oil to the affected area.
Sheen
The sheen gloss or level of a floor merchandise can be overlooked when deciding total durability. Many homeowners like the pristine look of a high gloss hardwood flooring. While I concur a high gloss flooring really can provide that"wow factor", in addition, it needs increased maintenance to maintain the sheen looking good. But many manufacturers are currently offering an increasing number of choices in reduced sheen or matte finishes in both of the oil and polyurethane finished products.
Color
Typically, the colour of this hardwood is selected to help enhance present styles in the home. Frequently homeowners will be concerned with finding the perfect color to contrast their existing walls, cabinets, furniture, etc.. The most often overlooked factor is how the colour can help hide or conceal scratches and abrasions. Generally speaking, lighter colored floors will help reduce the chance a scrape on the floor will catch your attention. On top of that, colour variation between planks helps the floor appear more active and thus small imperfections do not stand out. Some great examples of species with great color variation would be domestic Hickory or Yellow Birch plus a few exotic choices would certainly be Acacia and Amendoim.
If you keep these tips in mind when picking your next hardwood floor, you will make certain to have a durable floor covering for a long time to come.
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