Wood Floor Polishing
When it comes to the installation of a hardwood floor, those wishing to do it themselves who do not really fancy all of the rigmarole of nailing it down have another option that is well worth considering – trying a glue down floor instead.
The installation of a glue down “tongue and groove” hardwood floor is actually a whole lot simpler and easier than a lot of people may think. It is true that the cost of acquiring all of the materials that are necessary to be able to install a glue down floor may be more than the costs associated with the installation of a standard hardwood floor. However, at the end of the day being able to do it yourself saves an awful lot of money on hiring professional installers to do the job instead (even if you may still wish to think about hiring floor sanding and polishing professionals once you are done).
Pre-finished hardwood should be used for the purposes of a glue down floor. This is usually laminated, not dissimilar to plywood, in order to be able to give added strength while still remaining relatively thin in size. Generally speaking, pre-finished hardwood is one half inch (or three-eighths) thick, to make the change to adjacent room flooring that much simpler. Once you make sure you have the colouring and graining you desire, decide on the edge treatment you prefer.
The flooring should be installed in sections, with the final section being the one by the door.
Kahrs, a flooring company in Sweden, has unveiled the very first line in wood flooring to ever come with both Fair Trade and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. Kahrs environmental ambassador Bruce Uhler says that the line should be available to purchase in the autumn of this year, though at first the testing of the new wood flooring line will primarily take place in the commercial sector.
Fair Trade makes certain that workers in developing countries are compensated fairly for their creations, as well as ensuring that they get the chance to have access to markets in foreign countries. Meanwhile the Forest Stewardship certification is there to promote the responsible management of forests, as well as other requirements relating to such issues as health, safety and social.
The dual labelling is part of a collaborative project being undertaken by Fair Trade and the Forest Stewardship Council that first began two years ago back in 2009. Kahrs is taking its raw material for the new wood flooring line from Curacautin Valle in Chile, while the project will be shopped to “one of the largest general contractors in the world” and “one of the larger automobile companies in the world,” which will install the flooring in showrooms and a worldwide retail chain, according to Uhler.
“We see this as a great corporate responsibility program for the company that will have an impact on millions of people involved in global forestry” Uhler claims.
Fair Trade certified products, including ones that can help with floor sanding and polishing, are sold in more than 70 countries all over the world, including in the United Kingdom.
Wood floor sales have been slumping in recent times, and while many have been pointing the finger firmly at ultra cheap Chinese wood floor imports, at least one expert believes the imports are being incorrectly assigned the blame for the slump when the true cause could be much simpler – the economic recession.
While there has been considerable consternation in the United Kingdom over the cheap Chinese wood floor imports, that is nothing compared to the controversy that has been unleashed in the United States, where legal action has actually been taken against the import of the foreign flooring in order to try and protect the domestic market, which appears to be ailing in both the selling of wood floors and associated areas, such as floor sanding and polishing
Yet the Flooring Director of IDS, Neil Smith, believes that the cause of the slump in wood floor sales in both the United States and the United Kingdom is based on nothing of the sort. “I do not share this view” Smith told flooring magazine CFJ. “(The) fact is that demand has dried up across the board from consumers to house builders, as well as the refurbishment market, so it doesn’t matter where the products come from.” Smith also points out that the quality of the imported Chinese wood floors are also a lot higher than they are being given credit for, acknowledging that it is the “silly” prices that are giving them a bad name.
Some people are thinking about replacing their hardwood floors not because there is anything wrong with them but simply because they want a change of style for their home. They are being urged to think again, not just by environmentalists, but also by designers. They say that a little imagination is all that is needed to use your hardwood floor to give a new look to your home without having to rip it up.
“Hardwood floors are so naturally durable and wear-resistant they can go on looking good for years,” says Linda Jovanovich from the American Hardwood Information Centre. “But when you’re ready for a ‘fresh’ look, remember that there’s a new decorative role for that ‘old’ hardwood flooring.”
Ideas for rejuvenating the look of old wood floors include adding floral patterns, contrasting colour stains to create borders and chequered patterns, and a one-of-a-kind glazing technique that can enhance the wood’s original grain and give it a more seamless look. Designers have become particularly excited about the possibilities inherent in giving a new feel to old hardwood floors.
“Designers really covet old floors,” says designer John Buscarello. “Old wood is different. It has a beauty that’s hard to replicate. Unless it’s really too worn to refinish and that rarely happens, there’s no point in tearing out an old floor.” Buscarello also points out the financial advantages of keeping your old floor. “Everyone has a budget,” he notes. “You can save thousands by refurbishing existing hardwood.”
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