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If you’re thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, you may have stopped by a hardwood floor showroom or two to see the many different options. But, while you were there, did you notice people using a lot of words you weren’t familiar with? Were you unsure of how to talk to the sales team about what you were looking for? There are a lot of terms you should know to ensure you are making the right choices for your home. Here’s a handy guide to help you understand some of the most common ones:

Prefinished Flooring

If you order prefinished hardwood flooring, it means the planks will be stained to the appropriate color and sealed with a protective coating prior to coming to your home. Doing this before the installation reduces the time it takes to complete this project, so many customers prefer prefinished wood. However, as the planks come finished prior to installation, you will not be able to customize the color or finish of your floor. 

Reclaimed Wood

Some customers order reclaimed wood, which is hardwood that has been salvaged from old, run down buildings. This type of wood goes through a refinishing process prior to being installed in someone’s home. Even though it has been milled, it will still retain the original character and distress marks once installed. Reclaimed wood is preferred by customers who want a unique, imperfect look.

Strip Flooring

The term strip flooring refers to the width of each hardwood plank. Strip flooring is narrow, usually less than five inches wide, while wide plank flooring is wider than five inches. Strip flooring was once the most popular flooring choice, but current hardwood flooring trends have seen an increase in wider plank and reclaimed flooring.

Finish

Applying a finish is one of the last steps involved in the hardwood installation process. Finishes can be oil, polyurethane, water-based, acid - cured, or many other types to choose from. Your hardwood flooring expert can help you decide on the best option for your home. 

Refinishing

Now that you know what a finish is, what exactly is refinishing? If you no longer like the color of your floor’s stain, or if there is a lot of damage on the surface of your floors, you may need to have them refinished. This means a professional will come to your home and sand your floors to remove the current finish and stain. Once it has been sanded down, a new stain and finish can be applied to completely change the look.

Stain and Sheen

Many customers choose a colored stain to alter the look of the wood, but some still prefer to leave the floors their natural color. Leaving the floors their natural color allows you to see the natural grain running through the wood. Staining the floors can help complement other elements in the home, such as wall color, trim and cabinetry, and any beams or mantles. The sheen can also be adjusted when finishing your hardwood floors, ranging from gloss and semi-gloss to satin or even matte that don't have much shine at all. 

Are you ready to install hardwood floors in your home? Or, are you hoping to get more information on hardwood flooring before making a decision? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a free consultation today.

The closer to the holiday season that we get, the more guests we can expect to be staying in our homes. It’s an exciting time of year to spend with family and friends, and your home is likely going to have a lot more traffic than normal. In most places, this time of year is the snowiest and wettest time of the year, which brings the potential for severe damage to your floors. However, there are a few precautions you may take in order to protect your beautiful hardwood from damage.

Utilize Area Rugs and Door Mats

Hardwood flooring is especially susceptible to water damage, as it is a naturally sourced product and will respond to changes in the environment more than other flooring materials. This means it is especially important to have rugs in any areas that might potentially be exposed to water damage; for example, by the sink, in bathrooms, under the dining room table for the accidental spill, and at any entry way to help trap the moisture brought in from outside. Another issue is dirt and debris that may scratch the surface of the finish, so area rugs and runners in high traffic areas are beneficial to prevent any damage to the floors. When placing area rugs, runners, or door mats, be sure to use rugs with a natural backing such as felt, as the rubber-backed rugs may cause discoloration on the surface of the floor.

Ask Guests to Remove Shoes and Place a Boot Tray at the Door

By kindly asking your guests to remove shoes upon entering your home, you will not only prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floor, but you will also prevent any damage from high heeled shoes, or shoes with hard enough soles to damage the flooring. A boot tray is beneficial as it helps prevent wet or snowy shoes from getting water on the floor as they sit to dry. If you don’t want to ask people directly to remove their shoes, you can also consider hanging a polite sign by the boot tray as a friendly reminder.

Prevent Holiday Spill Damage

If you plan on setting up a real, live Christmas tree, ensure that you have a large enough and deep enough water tray underneath to accommodate any spills. There are also various water barriers that can be placed between the water tray and floor as an added layer of protection. Be sure to have plenty of surfaces available at parties to set drinks and plates as accidents are more likely to happen if people have nowhere to set their plates or drinks. If there is a spill, be sure to have a specific hardwood floor mop, rag or paper towels available to quickly clean up any messes.

Be Mindful of Pets

Many people will travel with their animals, and if they are brought into your home on the hardwood floors, there is potential for damaging them. Have towels available by the entrance on snowy or rainy days to wipe off muddy paws and be sure to ask guests to trim their pet’s nails before they visit to prevent any scratches to the flooring. It can also help to have a separate area in a “wet room” that has tile or laminate for guests to keep their pets while they stay.

If your floors suffered damage from the holiday season, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help restore them to their original beauty. Located in Evergreen, Colorado, we specialize in everything related to hardwood flooring; refinishing, wide plank and rustic new installation, and damage repair. Give us a call today at 303-674-6966 and schedule a free estimate, or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com! 

If you’re thinking about making any home renovations, it can be tough to make decisions because of the wide range of products and services available.  This is especially the case for any changes in flooring and it can be intimidating when choosing the perfect floor type to complement the design style and functionality of the room. If you are considering hardwood floors, here are a few benefits of choosing hardwood that may help you in your decision: 

1. Wood Floors are Always in Style

There was a short time in the 1950’s when wall-to-wall carpet was invented and everyone wanted it simply because it was new and interesting.  However, since then, most homeowners and renters, alike, seem to prefer homes with wood floors.  It is a style that is classic and looks great no matter what era we are in.  Interior décor changes over time, trends come and go. Contemporary, shabby chic, modern, rustic, traditional, industrial; wood floors will fit in to every trend and give a home a luxurious appearance.  

2. Wood Floors are More Hygienic

Sure you can vacuum carpet, but it doesn't always pick up all the dust and allergens.  And if you spill liquids, forget it; you’ll never get it all because carpeting is a porous weave that traps both liquid and solid particles.  Wood floors have a smooth finished surface, so dirt and spills will mostly rest on top and can easily be swept or soaked up.  Cleaning carpet often requires toxic chemicals and hiring a carpet cleaning service.  However, hardwood floors can easily be cleaned with a few drops of dawn in warm water and can be done without paying for professional service.

3. Wood Floors Look Great no Matter their Condition 

There is no flooring more beautiful than a brand new hardwood floor.  The wood grain has a beautiful natural design, the color is dynamic and varies from board to board, and the finish can bring any desired level of sheen to the floor.  But even old, worn wood floors have a beauty to it too.  It looks shabby chic, like it has been well worn and well loved.  It appears to have a history behind it; it’s nostalgic for many people, but still functions well.  Carpet on the other hand, is nice when it’s new, but over time it starts to look worn out and dirty.  Stains have settled in that are impossible to get out.  In areas with high foot traffic, it will begin to look worn and matted.  Eventually, tears occur and nylon strings unravel, leaving a trip hazard.  

4. Wood Floors Rarely Need to be Completely Replaced

The life expectancy of carpeting is much shorter than wood floors.  If you are lucky, you may get 10 years out of it, tops.  But wood floors can last five times as long.  Even after decades, there is a chance it just needs to be sanded and refinished rather than replacing the boards.  The initial cost might be more for hardwood versus carpet, but because the product lasts so much longer it is a quality investment in the home.   

5. Wood Floors have a Better Resale Value

For all of the reasons above, homes with hardwood floors sell for more than homes with mostly carpeting.  Real estate agents love to highlight wood flooring in their listed amenities.  Home buyers typically find wood floors more appealing, and renters prefer wood floors because they know carpeting is a trap for germs and grime from previous renters.  

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of just some of the many benefits of hardwood floors versus carpeting. If you’re considering new flooring in your home, rule out the tacky carpet.  For additional information about hardwood floors - the different products, styles and services available, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring.  We can give you a free estimate and have a great selection of wood flooring to choose from.  
 

Everywhere we go lately, we’ve seen beautiful hardwood flooring in Denver; new restaurants, model homes, even new offices are installing hardwood floors. Many people are partial to wood flooring because it is elegant, versatile with any decor, and easy to clean and maintain.  It seems as though everyone has caught on with the great benefits of hardwood flooring.  Now more than ever we have more opportunities to be creative with the variety of styles available for builders and consumers.  If you are considering installing or refinishing your hardwood floors, here are some exciting new trends to consider: 

1.  Color.  It used to be that wood stain was mainly available in varying shades of brown. but stains with other color pigments are becoming more widely available.  Varying shades of grays and ebony have recently become a popular option with consumers.  We also have even been starting to see other colors as well such as greens, yellows, blues, and violets.  There's more variety than ever before to express your unique personal design style.

2. Reclaimed Wood.  With the growing need to reduce our carbon footprints, many hardwood companies are offering reclaimed wood.  This is a great way to have style and the peace of mind that you’re being "green."  The reclaimed wood is salvaged from old buildings that have been renovated or torn down and the finished product preserves the historical essence. Reclaimed flooring isn't just a great addition to the rustic design style, but can be used to complement almost any room. 

3. Beetle Kill Pine.  In the last decade many have seen the devastating effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, especially here in Denver.  Fortunately, the wood can still be used for consumers.  Best of all, the use of the wood is considered an eco-friendly product because it is wood that is already dead that would otherwise be left in the forest causing an extremely dangerous fire hazard.  Interestingly, the beetle leaves behind a fungus that stains the wood, so the finished product you receive still contains a beautiful array of blue-grays among the existing blondes, reds, and browns in the grain of the wood.  Some of the wood may even still have burrow marks from the beetle, which result in a unique branch-like pattern not found in any other hardwoods.
 
4. Wide Plank.  The standard width of wood boards is between 2-3 inches.  In the last several years wider boards have been milled, from 4 inches up to about 10 inches.  The wider planks can make the room appear to be larger and give a rustic impression.  However, widest planks bring a modernized touch to any room.  

5. Walls & Ceilings.  Believe it or not, we have seen a comeback in wood paneled walls.  The new colorful array of hardwood stains has brought back this look. Stained wide hardwood planks create an interesting accent wall.  Get creative with colors and wall accents; it’s a versatile design element that can change with the decor trends.

Unlike tile, vinyl, or carpet flooring that seems to go in and out of style, hardwood flooring remains a classic staple in home and business decor. Whether you are installing new or refinishing hardwood floors in Denver, and the increased availability and varieties of wood and stain, there are many options to create a uniquely classic space.  Contact Ward Hardwood Flooring today for a free estimate or stop by our showroom and browse our collection of samples for ideas

The holidays are such a great time of year. Family comes to visit, decorations start going up, and everyone is in a festive mood. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, you may be feeling the pressure to clean and organize the house to host guests or upcoming holiday parties. It is a great time to also tackle fixing up your home to prepare for all of the holiday guests, and your last major deep clean may have been a few months ago. It is also 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 holiday cleaning and renovation tasks!

Before getting started, make sure you have all cleaning supplies you need including all-purpose cleaner, new sponges including 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 your home’s specific areas.

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 it from spreading. 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 a great time to consider the financial benefits of hardwood floor installation in Denver homes.

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, so make sure to include them in your 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. Once you have finished cleaning them, use your hose to clean them off and 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 getting started, 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 allergens and other bacteria in a home as it can embed itself. 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. For mopping, do not use much water. In fact, you shouldn’t use a lot of water or let it sit as it can cause it to warp. 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.