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Adding beams, timbers or siding to your project is a great way to make your home unique, and reclaimed wood adds a beautiful, custom touch to any space. Each piece of wood adds charm with its own history and story to tell. Harvested from barns, factories, and other industrial buildings, it is guaranteed to completely transform a space. Learn how you can create character in your space through these three techniques.

Ceiling Beams

Exposed beams along the length of ceilings are gaining popularity, and they are admired by homeowners, architects and designers alike. They are a great way to change the contrast of a room by using dark beams in a light living space or vice versa. The linear design of the beams create a clean space to align with hardwood flooring, and can even look great going against the existing ceiling lines. Beams can be used to lead someone’s eye to a certain area, highlighting or defining rooms, and can be placed in patterns to create a focal point of a room. If a space is small and dark, beams can be painted or stained a light color to help brighten the room and make it appear larger. Light colored barrel-vaulted ceilings are becoming more popular in small areas, lending a protective, sheltered feeling to rooms designed for relaxation.

Wall Treatments

Reclaimed barnwood, snow fence, and distressed face oak siding can be utilized all throughout rooms for a rustic feel, or as a rustic wall to create a unique living space. These materials don’t have to be used exclusively on walls, it can be used as a ceiling treatment, custom backsplash or even on a bar counter. It is important to work with your local contractor to determine how your space could benefit from a wall treatment to avoid any contrast between existing hardwood finishes.

Custom Woodworking

After having hardwood floors installed or refinished, adding custom furniture pieces, trim and other wood elements can really tie the room together. Custom staircases and railings can be fabricated and installed to help bring the feel of the space into the next level of the home. Mirrors or photo frames can be crafted from the same material as the flooring to tie together any space and create a uniformity that any homeowner would be happy to see.

We at Ward Hardwood Flooring are your go-to local hardwood floor installation company! From hardwood floors to other unique reclaimed wood solutions, such as ceiling beams, wall treatments and custom woodworking, use our 30 years of experience to your advantage to create the space that you have always wanted. Our climate-controlled warehouse keeps our inventory in premium condition until it is installed in your home. Learn more about our beam, timber and siding services and give us a call at 303-674-6966 to get started with your project.

As we begin to deplete our natural resources, more people are searching for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. This is especially prevalent in the construction industry, with the focus shifting towards the utilization of all natural and replenishable materials. One of the best materials considered to be environmentally friendly, or “green”, are lumber products. A shift among the floor covering industry has been made towards hardwood flooring products for this reason. As the focus on the environment grows, the industry must evolve, and it is important for a company to keep up with the current building practices.

Common Myths Surrounding Hardwood Products

Many people are hesitant to purchase hardwood flooring because of many different misconceptions about the environmental impact of harvesting, milling and installing this type of floor covering. One myth about wood floors is that it contributes to deforestation, but wood flooring is the most environmentally friendly flooring option available. We have the ability to renew this natural resource by utilizing sustainable forest management, and according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, for every cubic foot of hardwood harvested, 1.66 cubic feet is regrown in its place.

Another common misconception is that cutting down trees to produce wood flooring contributes to global warming. Wood building products are actually carbon neutral as the trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their life cycle, making up for the carbon dioxide that is produced during the manufacturing process. In addition, the production of wood flooring produces no methane, nitrogen oxide or other particulates that contribute to global warming.

Many people choose flooring materials based on longevity and investment potential and believe that traditional carpet or tile will last longer; therefore, reducing long term environmental impact. While tile is a great long-term choice for any areas susceptible to water leaks or spills, production creates harmful pollutants and is not a great environmental choice for the entire home. The production of carpet is similar in that harmful compounds are released; however, carpet does not have good longevity and must be replaced often, making it an environmentally unfriendly option. Wood flooring is not only carbon neutral and replenishable, but also an incredibly long-lasting option, making it the obvious choice for the environmentally conscious.

Benefits of Reclaimed Products

While all wood building materials are the best choice for a long lasting, durable and environmentally friendly floor covering, reclaimed products are an even better option. Reclaimed flooring materials are salvaged from structures that are centuries old, reducing the need to harvest newly grown trees and recycling materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. While there are concerns regarding the durability of such products, reclaimed material is one of the toughest that you can purchase as they have already weathered the elements and many of which are sorted for heavy heart content.

Reclaimed materials don’t always come from old structures, as is the case with Beetle Kill Blue Pine. Many times, trees are subject to infestation from insects and other creatures that damage the structure and eventually kill the tree, creating a fire risk in these areas. By salvaging the dead material, it reduces the risk of wildfire and helps to contain any infestations and prevent further spread. As an added bonus, these materials offer unique character and coloration to any building material!

Benefits of Hardwoods Inside the Home

While protecting the environment on a global scale is of critical importance, the environment of your home will affect you on a daily basis, and an unhealthy environment can become a serious risk to welfare. Hardwood flooring can be a beneficial investment to your home as it helps improve indoor air quality and cleanliness. Carpets will trap allergens, dust mites, and even bacteria, and are exceptionally difficult to fully sanitize. Households that have children or pets would benefit from hardwood flooring, and to keep the “coziness” of the room, area rugs are a far better option than wall-to-wall carpet.

A frequently asked question when determining floor coverings for a home is how easy each option is to clean, and how durable the floor will be long-term. Hardwoods can be cleaned easily on a daily basis without doing any harm, whereas carpets will begin to deteriorate after thorough cleaning. Tile is similar to hardwoods in that it is easy to clean; however, it is not a good choice for colder climates as the ceramic will retain the cold temperatures more than hardwoods. Tile is also susceptible to stains, mold and mildew in the grout lines over time, leading to other health issues.

It is clear to see why hardwoods are becoming the industry standard for floor coverings and is only increasing in popularity every year. However, if you are considering a new hardwood floor installation, you will want to have a professional assist you. The expert staff at Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you determine if hardwood is a good choice for your home and will manage your project from start to finish. Contact us today for a free estimate!

There’s no denying that beautiful hardwood flooring can make every living room look elevated and unique. Each piece features a different texture, grain, and appearance, making the room stand out. While the type of wood you choose at the hardwood floor showroom will largely set the tone for the room, the stain and color can make all the difference in how you choose to decorate the space. Dark stains are practically guaranteed to make the room more modern and sleek, but without the right décor in place, they can make the space feel small and claustrophobic. Here are a few easy ways to decorate dark-floored living rooms.

Opt for Lighter Walls

Dark walls have their place in interior design, but they’re not ideal for rooms with dark hardwood floors. The combination of dark wood stain and dark paint can make the room feel smaller and more closed in. With the living room, it’s important to make the space feel open and inviting, making the lighting stand out and truly brighten the space. Instead of dark walls, opt for a lighter color paint like eggshell white, cream, or even a light pastel. This will reflect both natural and artificial light throughout the room more effectively, thus making the room feel larger and more open.

Make Use of Accent Rugs

Open floorplans are wonderful, but when the flooring is identical throughout each room, it can quickly start to feel overwhelming and monochromatic. Instead of relying solely on the walls and ceiling to brighten the living room, make use of accent rugs. These rugs can be whatever color you want, highlighting or complementing existing colors and patterns in the other décor of the room. Lay them under the coffee table and sofa to create a well-framed look and use runners to draw the eye through the hallway or walkway.

Add Color With Curtains

Widows are one of the most underutilized parts of the living room. While they can bring in plenty of natural light during the day, they’re far more versatile than you might imagine. Instead of leaving them as bare openings in the wall, decorate them with curtains to accent both the walls and the rest of the décor. While the floor will still be dark, curtains draw the eye upward and away from the floor, helping to keep the dark floor from becoming overwhelming. Just remember, dark curtains on a light wall may tie the room together, but it they will block more light. When they’re drawn, they can make the room feel smaller, but by the same token, they’re ideal for blocking out neighborhood lights for movie night!

Incorporate Dark Wood Furniture Into the Space

It may seem counterintuitive to add dark wood furniture into a room with dark floors, doing so can actually make the room feel brighter. If you’re looking to refurnish the living room, consider incorporating pieces with wood accents that are close to the same color as the floors. This will make the upholstery and accent colors on the rest of the piece stand out and pop. Remember, dark on dark doesn’t have to be bad—you just have to take care to find pieces that have enough color and accent elements not to completely blend in with the hardwood flooring.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match Wood

When installing dark floors, contrast is the name of the game. Though dark wood furniture will work in the space, light wood can help create wonderful contrast. Look for furniture that uses pale woods like pine, birch, and unstained elm. The lighter color will break up the dark appearance of the floor while still showing off that unique wood grain you know and love. Best of all, if you ever decide to refinish the floors or install new hardwood with a lighter stain, your furniture will still work in the space.

Accent With Lighting

Light fixtures can change how a space looks and feels, even when the lights are off. With dark floors, it’s important to make sure the space is bright, but not washed out. When you incorporate brightly colored furniture and white walls, it’s easy to lose sight of the unique and cozy feel the floors bring to the space. Use your light fixtures to tie the room together, accentuating the dark floors without forcing the ceiling to become overwhelmingly dark or bold. Delicate wrought iron chandeliers and table lamps bring a touch of rustic charm—just keep things bright by using a light colored shade over the bulbs. If you want to create a modern look, opt for metal fixtures that reflect light naturally. Brushed stainless steel is an ideal option for both large and small rooms.

Don’t Neglect The Throw Pillows

Pops of color can go a long way towards brightening a space. While painting an entire wall a vibrant accent color can be overwhelming, it’s not your only option. In fact, adding throw pillows to the sofa and chairs will allow you to bring more life into the room without committing to a single large swath of color. The eye naturally seeks out these bits of brightness, drawing attention away from the dark floors and up towards the natural light of the space. The colors you choose are entirely up to you and can easily be mixed with darker accents to keep the room cozy.

Dark hardwood floors are a beautiful touch to add to any home, but they can make decorating the room a bit more of a challenge than a more neutral or lighter color. However, with a bit of imagination and a touch of your personal interior design flair, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and welcoming living room the entire family will love. If you’re ever ready to upgrade your hardwood flooring or simply want a second opinion on refinishing the planks you already have in place, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our expert staff understand the care and maintenance hardwood requires in order to keep your home looking its best for years to come.

Hardwood floors are an investment in your home. They’re durable, beautiful, and can completely transform a space, making it look both timeless and modern at once. However, like all flooring, it does require very specific care and maintenance in order to provide you with the long-lasting beauty you wanted when you started shopping at your local hardwood flooring showroom. Using the wrong products on your floor can leave the finish dull and damage the underlying wood. Rather than having to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair the damage, follow this simple cleaning guide and keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come.

Clean Every Day

Spills and messes happen all the time, and with a busy schedule, it’s easy to forget to clean up throughout the day. This can leave you with stains set into the wood, scratched finishes, and even moisture-damaged planks throughout your home. Rather than leaving messes where they fall for a few days, get in the habit of cleaning as you go. Each day, give the floor a good dry-sweeping with a soft bristled broom or microfiber cloth. This way, dust, dirt, and debris never has a chance to collect and small spills will be noticed before they can do long-term damage to your flooring. If you have kids, you can even get them in on it—make it a part of their weekly chores and show them how to pick up spills safely so you’ll never have to worry about a sticky mess going unnoticed for several days.

Mop Once a Week

Whether it’s muddy outside or your family just tracks in a lot of dust as throughout the week, you’ll need to take the time to mop your floors. Unlike cement and tile, wood floors should not be mopped with an all-purpose cleaner. Doing so could damage the finish and leave your floors looking cloudy. Instead, use a quality wood soap or cleaner recommended by your installation team. Approved cleaners will lift dirt up without leaving a residue on your floor, helping preserve the natural color of the wood while maintaining the polish and finish. Though light daily cleaning is recommended, you don’t have to go all-out and mop the floors every day. Once a week will be enough to help you keep up with the dirt and grime.

Take Preventative Measures

Scratches make even new floors look old and damaged, and refinishing your floors to repair the damage is both expensive and time-consuming. Instead of taking the risk of scratches marring your floor, take a few simple preventative measures. Place rugs in front of each entryway of your home and take dirty shoes off before leaving the entryway. This will help prevent rocks, dirt, and mud from getting tracked throughout the house and scratching your floors.

Though dirt is a major problem, it’s not the leading cause of deep scratches on the floor—your furniture is. Any item of furniture that can slide along the floor can leave deep gouges in the wood. Rather than leaving things up to chance, install floor protectors on chairs, ottomans, and even TV trays that may get dragged along the surface. Small rounds of felt glued to the bottom of each leg or furniture sliders will reduce the risk and frequency of scratches and keep your floor looking its best for months to come. Keep in mind that felt may allow the furniture to slide easily along the floor, so only apply it on items you need to move frequently.

Move Furniture Around Periodically

Flooring ages and changes color over time due to traffic, light exposure, and frequent cleaning. If you leave your furniture in the same place for years at a time, the floor may age unevenly. The result is a patchy appearance both in color and quality of the finish. Instead, rearrange your furniture every year or so and let the floor age evenly. This way, the color will be uniform across the room and the finish will see the same amount of wear and tear over the course of its life. If you notice a particular area aging faster, contact your hardwood floor installation contractor to discuss the steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your floor.

Protect The Floor From Water

Nothing is more damaging to wood flooring than water. While hardwood may look great in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom, it’s not always up to the challenge of withstanding the changing moisture levels. Protect your wood by laying down bath mats or protective rugs around these areas. Not only will it make the space more comfortable for you to use by adding cushion, but it will also keep the floor safe from water damage. In these rooms, keep a weathered eye out for the signs of water damage. Spotting in the finish, warped floorboards, and even changes in texture of the finish all indicate water damage.

Never, Ever, Use a Steam Mop

If you’re using a mop to clean your floor, you’ll need to use cool room-temperature water and an approved cleaner. This will help preserve the finish and keep your floor looking its best as long as possible. Under no circumstances should you use a steam mop. These systems introduce heat to the water and all that heat can damage your finish, causing it to bubble up, cloud over, or hold onto the dirt already on the floor. If you’ve used a steam mop on your hardwood floor, contact your installation expert and schedule an inspection. The sooner you repair the damage, the better of your floors will be.

At Ward Hardwood Flooring, our dedicated staff wants to help you keep your floors in good shape, whether they were installed a week ago or have been in place for over ten years. We’ll help you with everything from finding a replacement planks to redo your floor to full installation to breathe new life into your home. Contact us for a free installation estimate today and see the difference that an experienced showroom can make in the way your home’s floors look.  

Upgrading your home’s flooring is a simple way to improve the value of your house. Nothing adds character and beauty to the space like quality hardwood flooring. However, if you’re just transitioning from carpet or are looking to make a statement with your home’s interior design, finding the right wood can be a real challenge. Before you start receiving estimates and browsing products at your hardwood floor showroom, it’s important that you ask yourself these questions:

What flooring do I really want in my house?

Within the realm of hardwood floors, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types to choose from. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the type of wood you want to install. Consider if you would prefer the charm of a reclaimed floor or if you want a more traditional live sawn material. Will your room look better with wide or narrow planks? The more specific you can get about the type of flooring you want, the easier it will be to make an appropriate choice based on what will fit your home and your needs best.

How much can I afford to invest?

Some hardwood flooring costs more than other options. Before you start shopping, take a look at your renovation budget and decide how much you want to dedicate to flooring. Take note of this number and do your best to only choose options that fit your budget. Going over-budget on flooring will take away from additional remodeling projects and may leave you wishing you had done things differently. That said, you may want to be a bit flexible when speaking with an installation specialist. The right flooring can add value to your home, making it well worth spending a bit more than you’d initially anticipated.

What type of wood do I really want to have?

Hardwood floors can be stained, but leaving their natural color intact is typically the best option. Not only does it give you more versatility when redecorating your house, but it also makes the space more approachable should you ever decide to sell to another family. When making the choice, think about the type of feel you want the room to have. Ash, maple, and birch all make the space look bright, increasing the amount of natural light that gets reflected throughout the room. Woods like cherry or mahogany make the room darker, but also add an air of sophistication. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer—picking the color of your floors is a matter of personal preference.

Which finishes are the best for my house?

Hardwood floors come in different finishes ranging from satin and matte to high-gloss. Satin finishes give the wood a softer appearance, reflecting less light and keeping glare to a minimum. High-gloss floors are heavily polished and reflect even small amounts of light vibrantly. The finishes are, like wood choice, a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that high-gloss floors will show more dirt and dust than matte or satin sheen floors. If you have lots of pets or small children, a finish with less sheen may be better for your home.

Do you want to reduce noise or focus on durability?

Traditional hardwood floors are designed to withstand extensive traffic without showing significant wear. This means woods like hickory, oak, and maple will be able to withstand high levels of foot traffic without scratching or denting. However, these floors are often louder than softer woods. If you’re worried about mitigating noise over reducing the frequency of scratches. The hardwood industry rates floor loudness using the Janka rating system. Floors with a higher Janka rating will be louder, but more durable while woods with a lower Janka rating will muffle noise, but are more susceptible to scratches, dents, and wear.

Have I considered existing woodwork?

Hardwood flooring needs to match the rest of your home’s interior design. If you’re upgrading to wood in the kitchen, consider the colors of your cabinets, walls, wood trim, and any other existing woodwork in the room. Choose a tone and type of wood that matches your existing décor. This way, you’ll be able to keep the interior you love while upgrading your floors. Remember, the less you have to change about your existing interior, the more money you’ll save in the long run.

How much do I need to order?

When determining how much wood you need to buy to upgrade your home’s flooring, you’ll want to look at how many square feet you need to cover. Asking a professional to provide you with an accurate estimate will eliminate any guesswork on the size of the rooms you wish to redo. Though it may be tempting to purchase the exact amount of wood for the total square footage you want to cover, it’s best to order more than you think you’ll need. Remember, mistakes happen and if you don’t order more than the exact square footage, you’ll be in big trouble if a cut is misplaced. As a general rule, order at least 10 percent more wood than you’ll need to cover the room. This will give you leeway for a few mistakes without forcing you to run short on materials.

Do I want to replace any vents?

Replacing your hardwood flooring is the perfect opportunity to replace worn out air vents and grates set in the floor or along the floorboards. Before you finish the project, consider which grates you want to replace and make sure to select a material and color that works with your new flooring. Your installation team will often be able to install these new grates at the same time as your floor, saving you both money and time.

Ready to start thinking about replacing your home’s flooring with quality hardwood? Browse the full collection of products at Ward Hardwood Flooring and find the perfect match for your space. Our dedicated staff is on hand to help you explore your options and find the best materials for your budget and your family’s unique needs. Schedule an estimate today and let our friendly staff help you transform your home.