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Since the start of the new year, new trends in hardwood flooring have surfaced for your Colorado home. Staying current with the latest and most up to date information regarding hardwood flooring is crucial for keeping up with the current styles, and summer is the perfect time to update the look and feel of your home. 

1. Environmentally friendly finishes

As society becomes more conscious about the effect certain products have on our environment, the movement towards ecologically friendly alternatives will continue to grow in 2019. The use of green products in our homes has grown exponentially in recent years and can be witnessed in the growth of green construction materials as well.

One of the components of hardwood flooring is the finish, which can consist of products that are not beneficial for the environment. For the new year, expect to see an increase in the usage of higher quality polyurethane oils which smell less and are VOC compliant. VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. Certain compounds have lower boiling points, which causes large amounts of chemicals to evaporate or sublimate from the solid or liquid form and enter into the surrounding air within an environment.

There are a variety of higher grade finishes on the market that are VOC compliant, which means the compounds meets an acceptable level of VOC’s. Not all VOC’s are necessarily harmful for human health, however you can expect to see a push for reduced levels of VOC’s across the hardwood flooring industry. A selection of products are available with reduced levels of VOC’s compared to other products. 

In addition to polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant, the use of natural oils, such as tung and linseed oils, have increased in popularity. Resinous waxes are also being applied as an alternative to standard finish products in the effort to use biodegradable and non-toxic products. Beyond environmental factors, the advantage of using such oils is that they can be easily reapplied if the floor is scratched. Because these oils penetrate the wood, they have the benefit of creating a richer and more organic patina. The drawback for using these types of natural oils is that they are much more expensive than traditional finishes. They also can easily absorb water, as they do not provide a protective finish against moisture. As a result, they require more regular maintenance, and can be costly to upkeep.
 

2. Wide-ranging color options

A recent trend in hardwood flooring is the use of neutral floor colors. In new homes, the most popular colors used by designers are gray, blonde, and dark. Neutral colors can give a home a more contemporary and modern look, and many homeowners choose ash or white oak to achieve this. Bold color choices have also seen an increase in popularity. Reclaimed old world blend hardwood is a bold, darker choice for those looking to go outside the standard color scheme, as every board is unique and tells a different story. 

Darker brown flooring should become more popular in 2019 and beyond. The only downside of such color choices is that they can make a room appear smaller, leading to a more congested feeling. Deciding to go with this color scheme may be a better option if your home has a larger floorplan or taller ceilings.
 

3. Unique texture options.

Color is typically the first on the list when people are looking at hardwood flooring, but the importance of texture also cannot be overlooked. With the rise in popularity of more rustic and earthy styles, textured flooring has become more in-demand than ever. One texture style variation includes hand scraped wood floors. The method of long, ingrained scrapes along the surface of the wood gives the appearance that each plank was hand-crafted. This method is also more time-consuming and expensive but will deliver beautiful custom flooring.

Another method is wire brushing which gives floors a distressed appearance and offers homeowners the advantage of not having to worry about small scratches impacting the look of their floor. As a result, this option can be perfect for customers who have pets or small children.
 

4. Special patterning and layout options

The standard hardwood flooring layout is to run the boards in the same direction as the layout of the room. However, there are a variety of layout options to choose from that stand out from the traditional form. Some pattern options offer diagonal layouts, meaning the floors are laid out at an angle to the wall. Another option that could gain traction in the new year is that of a herringbone style, which features planks that are arranged in a hexagonal patterning. Again, these alternative layout options require more labor and materials, which can impact your final decision.
 

5. Wide plank flooring.

Beyond color, texture, and layout options, one of the other trends to be on the lookout for are wider plank flooring. This option creates the appearance that your room is larger; and that the floors are sturdy and high quality. It can be a great way to make a statement that your floor is the premium feature of your home. 

If you are interested in updating your floor or need hardwood floor installation in your new home, please contact Ward Hardwood today. A qualified specialist would be happy to help you find the perfect hardwood flooring option, no matter what your needs.
 

Getting new hardwood flooring installed can be an exciting process. New floors completely change the look and feel of your home and they increase its overall value. As with any investment, it is important to follow proper steps and guidelines to achieve the desired result. This includes the very important step of acclimating the hardwood flooring to the environmental conditions that it will be exposed to within your home. After acclimation, the installation and finishing process may begin, which can vary from project to project. While the timeline may be hard to predict, following these tips can help make planning a lot easier. 

What is Acclimation?

As hardwood flooring is a naturally sourced material, it will behave quite differently after installation than any other type of flooring material. Expansion and contraction of the material is a natural response to changes in the moisture content of the surrounding environment. If not properly acclimated, noticeable changes will appear in your flooring; such as cupping, warping, and gapping. Proper acclimation will equilibrate the moisture content of the wood to the environment in which it is expected to perform.

How to Acclimate your Hardwood Flooring

Upon delivery of your wood flooring, a baseline will need to be established and the moisture content of multiple boards will need to be checked using a moisture meter. Ideal interior environmental conditions vary based on region and the specific job site, so it is important to ensure that any heating or cooling systems as well as humidifiers are in place and operational at least 5 days prior to bringing the flooring in to acclimate. Be sure to allow for plenty of space within the room in which you will be storing the material, as a common practice in acclimation is to cross-stack the wood to allow for air circulation on all sides of the boards. Speak with a flooring expert and visit http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/wood-acclimation for more information about the process.  
 

Installation and Finishing Process

When planning a renovation project, it is always good to over-estimate the schedule as there are many unforeseen issues that may arise. It is difficult to determine what might be underneath existing flooring, so removing and hauling away carpet, linoleum, tile or hardwood might cause the project to slow down or sometimes even halt completely. Installing new hardwood flooring can present unforeseen issues with the subfloor. It may need to be leveled or sealed, and if there is any radiant heating system then special precautions will need to be taken during the installation process. Occasionally the sub-floor does not meet current industry standards, and may need to be repaired or completely replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the hardwood. 
 
Once the sub floor has been addressed, the installation process may begin and is entirely dependent on square footage. Sanding and finishing is also dependent on size, but typically requires 3 days to complete for a 1,000 square foot project. Depending on the type of material and if stain is chosen or not, a few extra days may be necessary to accommodate for drying time. While it can be frustrating to not know an exact timeline, get with a flooring specialist to help you get an estimate for what your specific project will entail in terms of the scope of work.
 
The final step is to ensure that precautions are taken after installation to prevent damage to the new flooring, especially if other trades will be completing other work. If a pre-finished material is chosen it will allow you to walk on the floor, replace furniture and place rugs immediately after the install; however, if you are getting a site-finished floor, you will have to take precautions to avoid damaging the finish. If you are site finishing, doors and windows must stay closed for at least 10 hours afterwards, and shoes should not be worn on the floor for at least a week. Moving furniture back onto the floor can be done after 7 to 10 days and felt glides should be utilized to prevent scratching. Keep in mind that the type of finish and addition of staining may also extend the timeline.

Care Tips for Long Term Quality

Be sure to budget time to properly care for your floors, even after completing your renovation, to help the hardwood stay pristine. Cleaning should be done with specialized floor cleaner and a microfiber material that will quickly pick up dust, dirt, and particles to prevent abrasion scratching.
 
When you are ready to install new, beautiful hardwood flooring, you can trust the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring. From new installation to re-finishing, and re-staining, you will want professionals to handle the job to ensure it is done efficiently and properly. To see what we can do for you, visit www.wardhardwoodflooring.com. You can also visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, #100, in Evergreen, Colorado. You may also call us at 303-674-6966 or email us at info@wardhardwoodflooring.com.

• Style definition: The rustic theme is a very nature and outdoor-oriented. It is often paired with natural colors, such as beige, white, or light blues.
• Features and elements: Wood and stone are the two main features of the rustic theme. The wood and stone can be placed anywhere in a room, from brick or stone accent walls to hardwood beams running vertically over a wood ceiling.
• Décor: When choosing furniture or décor for a rustic theme, a distressed look is popular. This includes handmade furniture with exquisite craftsmanship. It also includes several items that are repurposed, such as lamps constructed out of salvaged materials décor found at antique shops.
• Hardwood pairing: When choosing a rustic home, install hardwood with a distressed look. This will match your other décor and themes within the space. You can work with your local hardwood flooring specialist in pairing in the wood to match for other accents, such as mantels, doors, and fireplaces.

If you are one of the many homeowners considering a home renovation project, you probably have many choices that you will need to make. With so many different material options and design styles available to consumers, sorting through them can be a daunting task. One important factor for many homeowners is the environmental sustainability of the products they are choosing. Luckily, when it comes to the hardwood flooring industry, there are a variety of options available for every design style and budget.

Locally Harvested Beetle Kill Blue Pine

As a unique, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option, Beetle Kill Blue Pine adds a unique blue hue to your woodworking that cannot be manufactured. As an excellent choice for paneling, trim, furniture and accent pieces, this material is just as durable as any other pine species and will give your home a timeless look. If you are looking for an even bolder look in a space, Beetle Kill Pine can be used as flooring, and there are many different finishing options that will help bring out the natural beauty of the material and complete the space.

Breathing New Life to Oak

Antique and Reclaimed Oak products are sourced from century-old structures, placing them at the top of the list in terms of environmentally conscious. Many of these structures would typically be torn down, placed in landfills or burned, but instead are given new life. Utilizing these materials eliminates the need to source from live trees, cutting down on your carbon footprint. The more mature trees that we can leave in the ground, the greater the long-term environmental benefits.
Not only are antique and reclaimed oaks great for the environment, but the way these products are milled deliver so many different options to perfectly fit your design style. A distressed grade product will show the character and weathering of the product, and is perfect for a darker, more rustic look, while a milled grade will remove a lot of the weathered patina and deliver a lighter product perfect for many different staining and re-finishing options. These oaks are not simply beautiful products, but they have weathered the test of time and are one of the most durable materials you can find.

Bringing Reclaimed to Your Home

If the concept of recycling during your remodel entices you and you are interested in exploring the possibility of integrating a reclaimed product, there are many different options available to you. If you are looking for a unique statement piece to tie together a room, maybe consider a custom-built furniture piece, like a table, bench or shelving unit. To add a dramatic feature, there are reclaimed paneling options that work perfectly on a wall, ceiling, fireplace, or underneath a bar top. If you are going for a full overhaul of a space, reclaimed products can be used just about anywhere, from flooring to beams and mantles, to trim work and more.

Whatever your needs, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you pick out the perfect product for your home. Specializing in reclaimed products, and with over 30 years of experience within the industry, our expert team will help you with your project no matter how big or small. We carry a variety of products in our climate-controlled warehouse, so you don’t have to wait to get started on your project. Call us today at 1-855-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com for more information or a free estimate!

Spring is such a great time of year. The days grow longer, flowers sprout, and you can finally turn that winter coat in for a nice jacket. It is a great time to spend some quality time fixing up your home. Your last major deep clean may have been a few months ago. It is a great time to see if you need to make any upgrades or renovations. Use this guide from your local hardwood floor showroom to help you with all of your spring cleaning and renovation tasks!

Before getting started, make sure you have all cleaning supplies you need, including: all-purpose cleaner, new sponges, an eraser sponge, disinfectant wipes, soap scum cleaner, special cleaner for wood and glass surfaces, mopping supplies, dusting materials, rags, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, microfiber cloth, and any other essentials for specific areas of your home.

Tackling the Kitchen

Giving your kitchen a deep clean is necessary, not only for aesthetics, but for safety. As one of the top areas that bacteria and germs thrive, it is important to clean it and avoid contamination. Change out sponges often as they house bacteria, leading you to spread germs just by trying to wash dishes!

One of your first tasks to tackle is cabinets and drawers. Empty them out and give them a thorough cleaning. This is also a great time to wash anything in them, including organizers. You may want to reorganize if you have an ineffective organization before putting items back in. Next, handle your counters and appliances. Don’t forget the top! Last, make sure your floors are clean. You can leave them to dry as you tackle another room.

Living Spaces and Bedrooms

Dusting will be your first task for your living room and bedrooms. Do this without spreading dust everywhere with a microfiber cloth or cleaning tool. This will enable you to trap the dust. You can take a damp rag to dust and wipe down décor, frames, etc. Don’t forget fans and light fixtures!

Next, be sure to use furniture polish on your glass and wood surfaces to give it a nice shine. If you have carpet, invest in a deep cleaning machine or have a carpet cleaning service come in. This will remove any dust and dirt harboring within it that can cause allergies and other issues. It’s also a great time to consider the benefits of hardwood flooring in these areas of your home. 

When you are cleaning bedrooms, don’t forget to wash your sheets. Ideally, you should wash them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. During your spring cleaning, it is a good time to give them a long, high-heat wash to destroy germs. While in the wash, make sure to wipe the bed down and vacuum your mattress. You can deodorize it to freshen it up.  

Handling Walls and Windows

Often, it’s common to remember to wash walls before painting. Make sure to include them in your spring cleaning routine. Take a damp, warm washcloth and a mild detergent (safe for your paint type) and wash down baseboards and crown molding. Once done, repeat the process by washing the walls.

Your windows will be your next task on your list. You will do with both inside and outside. Use a streak-free cleaner for the windows themselves, and don’t forget to wipe down the sills and tracks. For the exterior, you can use a mild disinfectant cleaner, and a microfiber rag or mop. You will also need a hose and squeegee. Wipe down your windows, using a ladder if you need to, and practice ladder safety. Once done cleaning the windows, use your hose to clean them off. Ensure they are dry and streak-free by using your squeegee.

Tidying Up the Bathroom

The bathroom is another area that can harbor bacteria and germs. When you begin, similar to the kitchen, you will clean out your cabinets and drawers. You can use the attachment piece on your vacuum to help easily rid the area of dirt and debris. Next, wash your trim boards, walls, and backsplash using a mild detergent. You can shine up any wood areas with a polish. Make sure to dust and wipe down all other surfaces.

For your counters, use a cleaning solution that best suits it. Certain cleaners are harsh for stone counters, so be cognizant when choosing a cleaner.

Toilets can be wiped down and scrubbed with a brush. A microfiber cloth is a great solution to help trap some of the dirt. Consider dropping in a bowl detergent cleaner to help sanitize and deodorize the bowl.

When it comes to the shower, you can get started shining up your shower head while you clean by using a cleaner or mixture of vinegar and baking soda in a bag wrapped around it. Use a shower cleaner, scrub brush, cloth, and eraser sponge to tackle your shower.

Managing Your Flooring

Spring is a great time to make changes to your flooring, especially to convert carpet to hardwood. Carpet is a huge culprit for harboring allergens and other bacteria in a home as they are more difficult to clean and will trap these elements. Hardwood is easy to clean and quick to install. The great thing about hardwood is how easy it is to clean. You can give it a daily or weekly sweep with a microfiber tool. If your hardwood is starts to show some wear, you can talk to your local hardwood expert about refinishing it. This is a great way to sand out the imperfections, and you can even restain it if you would like to change the color.

Whether you are looking to add hardwood to your home this spring, or might be a good time to refinish, Ward Hardwood Flooring is your go-to specialist. Not only can we assist with the job, but help you design and transform your home with our variety of hardwood, reclaimed beams, and timbers. Contact us today at 303-674-6966 or info@wardhardwoodflooring.com to get started.