Eco-Friendly Wood Flooring: Giving Value to Your Home

Adding value to our homes is one of the main goals of most homeowners. From exterior paint to flooring materials to furniture, it is important that every aspect of the house be enhanced, so it positively impacts its overall value. What more could be important than home value especially if you are planning to sell your home.

Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home anytime soon, contributing to your home value should always be something you consider.  Whenever you are renovating a certain area, use the best materials you can find. That also applies to your floors.

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is an eco-friendly solution that can created added-value to your home. With its more sustainable features, you can be assured that you will not only get a lovely floor but also an environmentally-friendly one.

So, how does eco-friendly wood add value to your home?

First, eco-friendly woods are healthy. Reclaimed woods do not require added chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment’s. Since they are recycled woods, you simply use these woods as they are or stain them for enhanced appearance. But, the dangerous chemical treatment of the wood is skipped, and you therefore can enjoy it, knowing it is safe.

Second, eco-friendly woods help reduce your carbon footprint in the environment because they reduce the number of old trees being cut down.  This results in slower deforestation rates and reduces the clogging of landfills and rivers with unused wood.  It is a good feeling to know that, in your own small act of using reclaimed wood, you can be a huge help to the environment.

Third, it helps clean your air at home. Clean air is very important, especially if you have family members with allergies.  Reclaimed flooring helps keep more quality air indoors because it does not trap any dust mites.

Lastly, reclaimed wood flooring is beautiful. A home can be completely transformed into something more beautiful and valuable when you incorporate the beautiful colors and imperfections of reclaimed wood.

For a good source of eco-friendly wood, check out Superior Hardwoods of Montana. It offers a wide variety of high quality, authentic reclaimed lumber that you can use on your next home renovation.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Eco-Friendly Benefits of Using Reclaimed Wood to Your Home Renovation

We all want to have the best of everything in our homes, so when you are searching for a more sustainable material for your floors, reclaimed wood is a great choice.  Reclaimed wood flooring offers a unique floor design that brings benefit to both your family and the environment.  Basically, reclaimed woods is recycled wood that does not need to undergo the tedious and chemically-laden processes of new wood. Reclaimed wood incorporates not just the idea of helping save the environment, but also an attractive, unique visual due to its markings  These marks add to the overall beauty of reclaimed wood, which cannot be easily replicated by new wood.

So, what eco-friendly benefits does reclaimed wood offer?

• It minimizes the use of natural resources. Reclaimed wood reduces the need to cut down young trees in the forest because it is recycled.  Using reclaimed wood helps to preserve nature.
• It uses fewer chemical treatments. New wood is treated thoroughly to achieve a good appearance. But, when it comes to reclaimed wood, fewer treatments are needed in order to achieve a beautiful appearance. Distressed marks already add beauty to the wood, which makes it more attractive and natural.
• It is good for the environment. Since there are fewer chemicals in reclaimed wood, it helps promote better air quality. You can feel comfortable knowing  that your family isn’t surrounded by harsh chemicals on a daily basis

Good quality reclaimed wood can be found at Superior Hardwoods. You can choose from a wide variety of wood species and wood tones to find the one that best suit your needs.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Choosing from Wood Flooring Trends

When it comes to wood flooring, the stain color and wood specie you choose are not the only considerations in installing a lovely wood floor. Homeowners should also consider design trends if they want to achieve a current look.

Here are a few wood flooring trends you may want to consider before installing new floors:

• Distressed wood flooring – Older homes look for distressed woods given their rich history and unique personality. Distressed woods are those that show signs of usage, but that look appealing rather than old and worn. Many homeowners choose distressed wood for living rooms and other large areas, where its rich history and unique personality will be visible. To achieve the look of distressed wood, reclaimed wood flooring is ideal because of its natural markings. Reclaimed woods offer distinctive marks, which add to the overall beauty of the wood.
• Wide-width wood planks – If you are looking for something rare, try using wide-width wood planks. Many wood planks these days are on the thin side, normally ranging from 2 to 3 inches in width. Wide-width wood planks offer a different kind of style that is not easy to replicate in most homes given the rarity of the wood. Wider planks are usually found in more mature trees or reclaimed wood.
• Whitewash – Using a whitewash flooring design adds a more translucent finish to your floor instead of the usual effects of staining. Whitewashing is a glazing process that is ideal for more casual homes and can create a very cozy, comfortable atmosphere.
• Handscrape floors – Just as the name implies, handscrape woods are those that are scraped by hand. The scraping of the wood creates a smoother finish on the wood and adds a more intricate design. Most handscrape woods are found on reclaimed woods that have had a turbulent past. They offer a more distinctive look with an added touch of talent and history.

Superior Hardwoods offers a wide variety of reclaimed wood options for your floors. If you are searching for stocks of salvaged wood that offers different designs, the staff will be happy to show you additional options. Reclaimed woods are assured to be high-quality, authentic, unique, and beautiful.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
Premier hand-hewn timbers, reclaimed wood flooring, and more!

Why Choose Wood Flooring for Your Home?

We always hear about the proper ways to maintain hardwood floors or how to effectively apply stains or finishes to our wood flooring. And, as a result, we can sometimes become to overwhelmed with technical information that we forget why we chose to have beautiful hardwood flooring in the first place.  So, before you learn all the details of wood maintenance, first go back and rekindle your desire for having wood flooring at home.

Here are some benefits of adding hardwood flooring to your home:

• Aesthetic appeal –When you visit houses or commercial spaces with hardwood floors, you can often be awed by the grandeur of their flooring, especially if it’s well-maintained. That’s why you want to incorporate such beauty into our home because it enhances your overall interior.
• Easy maintenance – One of the attractive things about hardwood floors is the easy maintenance. After you have installed, stained, and finished your floors, you can begin  enjoying its convenient upkeep. All you need to do is regularly sweep the floor, so no dirt is accumulated, and mop them if there are spills.
• Healthy –If your kids or anyone at home has allergies, then you can trust your hardwood floors to be suitable compared to other synthetic materials. In addition, the natural look of hardwood makes it breathable.
• Durable – You can be assured of its durability. Compared to other materials, hardwoods are stronger and longer lasting, so you and your family can enjoy lovely floors for many years to come.
• Cost-effective repair – Whenever your floors are damaged, you don’t need to remove all of your flooring and replace it with something new. You can simply repair the damaged part of the floor, which makes it more cost-effective than total replacement.
• Wider options – There are a number of options for your wood flooring. You can choose from different wood specie and wood tones, or you can even have customized flooring to perfectly suit your needs. If you want an eco-friendly wood, try using reclaimed wood. It is recycled wood that is perfect for use on floors, and it includes a rich history that will add more appeal on your floor. For a large supply of high quality flooring, choose Superior Hardwoods for all of your flooring needs.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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How to Choose the Right Wood Stain Color for Your Hardwood Flooring

Knowing what wood stain color to use can make or break the beauty of your hardwood flooring. There may be instances when a lighter wood tone would be better on your floor than a darker one or vice a versa depending on the style of your house and your interior decor.  Whatever color you you’re considering, the important thing is to make sure that it easily compliments your overall interior.

When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are many wood colors you can choose from. If you want something to add brightness to the room, opt for lighter tones. For a traditional look, mid-tone wood stains are more appropriate. Or, if you desire a dramatic effect on your flooring, darker tones are the best for you.

Choosing the right wood stain can be difficult given the wide array of options. But, if you do your homework and seek expert assistance, then you can find the perfect one for you.  To help you choose the right wood stain color, here are a few tips:

• Ask for assistance. If you have no idea what wood stain color to use on your floor, ask a flooring specialist. You can visit a hardwood store and ask for their advice on what color stain would recommend given the type of wood and home decor that you have. That way, you can learn about the different advantages and disadvantages of using different wood stains.
• Take samples and use them. Collect samples of wood stain colors and use them on your floor to see which one looks best. Keep in mind that samples on brochures may look appealing, but may not look great on your floor in actuality. It is best to get a good look at what it will actually look like in your home, so you choose wisely.
• Test on a small piece of wood. If you have some extra wood at home that is the same specie as that of your floor, test different stains on it. This will give you a better idea of what the stain will look like after you apply it to your wood flooring.
• Go for custom stain. Never limit yourself to stains of one color. Sometimes, custom stains look better on your floor than regular ones. You can seek help from a professional to determine how to choose the best custom stain for your floor.
• Consider your needs. Keep in mind that colors are not all about the look. Maintenance on your floors also matters. Darker tones are sometimes harder to maintain since scratches are easily seen on darker wood stains. So, know what you need.

Superior Hardwoods offers not only an array of different kinds of wood species, but also a wide variety of stain and tones for your floors. Superior Hardwoods also offer top of the line wood finishes and sealers that will protect your floors and make them longer lasting. With such wide options to choose from, you are certain to find the wood flooring that is right for you.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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How to Use Reclaimed Wood for Flooring Renovation

If you plan to renovate your floors at home, you may want to consider using reclaimed wood. Using reclaimed wood for your floors has many advantages considering the sustainable features it incorporates. Aside from benefiting your home, it also benefits Mother Nature.

Reclaimed wood flooring basically means using recycled wood for your surface floor. By doing so, you can change your old floors into something more elegant, more durable, and more eco-friendly. In addition, reclaimed wood generally lasts a lot longer than new wood, so you can be assured of a long-lasting, durable beauty.

So, how do you use reclaimed wood in your flooring renovation?

First, learn about the different types of reclaimed wood and their individual features. The great thing about reclaimed wood is that it offers a variety of wood species and wood tones to choose from. You can also choose between hardwoods and softwoods. For reclaimed hardwoods, there are different species like reclaimed cherry, reclaimed walnut, and reclaimed poplar. For reclaimed softwoods, you can find reclaimed pine, reclaimed redwood, and reclaimed cypress.

After choosing the type of wood you want for your floor, identify the type of wood trend you want. There are several types of trends you can use on your floors, depending mostly on the kind of interior you have. You can choose custom stains, which will create a stain to perfectly match your home interior. Distressing your wood flooring looks great with a rustic home interior.  Or, if you want to achieve a more causal, country home feel, whitewashing is a nice option as well.

Next, investigate where you can find good quality reclaimed wood for your floor. Superior Hardwoods offers a variety of high-quality reclaimed wood options for different uses. Many wood species are available to provide you with better options for what to use, and the staff are happy to assist you in finding the perfect reclaimed wood for your project.

Lastly, know the type of finish to use on your floor renovation. Just as with wood trends, the type of finish you use also depends on the kind of interior you have. Wood stains add protection to your floor to prevent damage caused by too much sun, water, and dirt. In addition, wood stains bring out the natural beauty of your floor.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Easy Ways to Make Wood Working a Success

It is fun to take on DIY projects at home, especially those that involve building something useful. For instance, a tree house is a fun project that provides your kids with a great way to play every afternoon. A beautiful wooden dog house will keep your pet safe and cozy even on cold nights.

If you are taking on a wood working project, it is always a good idea to prepare for it prior to beginning the project. Planning for your wood working project is an essential step to successful construction, and it helps you determine which materials to buy. Planning means that you need to equip yourself with the knowledge on proper wood working, especially with the materials you need to use, the measurements of your new structure, and the tools that you need to use.

First, know the design of your wood working project. Measure each side – the floor, the four walls, the roof- and any other applicable area, depending on the shape of the structure. Then, determine what kind of design style you want to incorporate on the walls, windows, and door. Next, identify the colors you want for your new project. Will it need to have a coat of fresh paint, or will you simply stain your wood to bring out its natural luster?

Second, know what materials you need to use. There are many different kinds of wood you can use for your wood working project. You can choose from common species like Walnut, Maple, Cherry, and Oak, or you can work with exotic ones like Teak, Ebony, Bubinga, and Lyptus.

For a reliable wood material, choose reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed wood is simply recycled wood that is guaranteed durable and long-lasting because it has already stood the test of time. You can be assured that your wood working project will last you for many years to come because it won’t easily wear and tear.

Lastly, know the tools that you need to use for the project. Gather all the materials and tools you will need when you are ready to start on the project, so everything is ready and within reach when you begin working.

Superior Hardwoods is a great source of reclaimed lumber. It offers different kinds of reclaimed wood that range from dark stains to light ones, exotic lumber to ordinary. With such a variety of reclaimed lumber to choose from, it makes it much easier to see your wood working project through to a successful close.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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How to Avoid Pet Scratches on Your Wood Flooring

Your dogs and cats are a part of your family, and of course, you love to have them around.  When you have wood floors too, however, they can sometimes cause problems by scratching the floors or causing stains. In order to continue to maintain the look of your floors without getting irritated with your dogs and cats, it is best to double up on protection on your wood floors.

How do you do that?

First of all, trim down your pet’s nails. That is the main source of scratching, and if you cut their nails, you will significantly reduce the amount of scratching on your floor.

Second, keep your wood floors clean and free of debris. If your wood floors are covered in dirt and dust and your dog happens to walk by, then it will pick up the debris on its paws and unintentionally drag it across your floors, causing them to scratch. Keeping your floors clean will prevent that from happening.s

Third, put a small rug under your pet’s bed and food bowl. The rug will serve as an added source of protection between your pet and your floor, and reduce the chances of damage if water or food  spill.

Fourth, re-coat your wood floors every few years. Re-coating your floors will increase protection against scratches and spills, which will, in turn, lengthen their life.

Some Reclaimed wood can look new but may have a nail hole every once in a while. So this wouldn’t help in scratching. Textured floors like a circular sawn floor will hide scratches well. The more dings you put in it actually add a little character to it.

If you are looking for reclaimed wood, Superior Hardwoods offers a wide variety of quality materials with a broad range of wood species, patterns, and color tones.

Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana

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Understanding Different Hardwood Floor Problems

As much as we love our hardwood floors, there inevitably develop changes and flaws over time. Sometimes we see some changes in the wood color. Other times, scratches and dents emerge.

Hardwood floor problems are common, but most of them can be prevented with proper maintenance and installation. If you install your wood flooring properly and prepare thoroughly prior to installation, these issues will be minimal.

To help you avoid certain wood flooring problems, here are a few common issues to consider:

Cupping and Crowning
These are common problems with hardwood floors that basically distort the shape of the wood. Cupping is when the center of the wood sinks down, while the edges go up, producing a cup-like appearance. Crowning, on the other hand, creates a protrusion at the center of the wood, while the edges lower, thus creating  a crown-like appearance.

The cause of both cupping and crowning is due to moisture imbalance in the wood floor. Too much moisture leads to a protrusion either on the center or the edge of the wood, depending on where the water collects. To avoid this problem, always check your wood for the right moisture content prior to installation. Also avoid spills and plumbing running under your wood flooring.

Buckling
Buckling occurs when your wood panels start to pull away from the subfloor, leaving you with a panel that pops out. There are different causes of buckled floors, one of which is too much moisture. Other causes include insufficient nails and improper construction of your subfloor.

Fading or Discoloration
This is common in homes that have a lot of  outdoor lighting that filters in. If you have windows that allow the natural light to come in all day and directly hit your hardwood floors, then expect fading of your wood color or discoloration. It is best to install window treatments if you want to avoid this problem.

Scratches and Dents
These kinds of problems often occur due to improper maintenance. Scratches can be caused by friction from  high heel shoes, dragging furniture around, and sharp pet claws. To prevent these issues, maintain your floors regularly and avoid having them in contact with scratchy surfaces.

Problems with your hardwood flooring are often due to too much moisture, improper installation, and sharp objects.   To minimize these problems, properly maintain your hardwood floors and double up protection using a good floor finish (contact Superior Hardwood to find the best finish for your hardwood floor). This eco-friendly solution offers a reliable yet safe protection option for floors.

 

Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana

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Redecorating Your Home Office Using Reclaimed Wood

A home office should be presentable and elegant at all times. There may be instances when you have unexpected visitors, and you want to be able to impress them regardless of how little time you have to prepare.  An organized home office can be a lovely sight to behold, but adding architectural and decorating details will make it that much more beautiful.

If you have plans to redecorate your home office, why not incorporate something natural and elegant? Having a modern office may be striking and different, but adding some touches of more traditional and old world charm can make it a more comfortable and cozy environment.

To achieve a stylish and natural look in your home office, use reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed wood has a rich history that can serve as a great conversation piece in your office. Your guests will likely find themselves fascinated by your beautiful reclaimed floors or sophisticated wood table. Adding wood beams to the ceiling will create an even more distinctive look.

Reclaimed wood is unique and beautiful because of its natural marks. The nail holes and flaws in your wood  add more design to your floor or wall than a plain piece of new lumber could ever provide. You can also choose from a variety of wood tones and exotic species.

So how do you use a reclaimed lumber for your home office? There are actually many different ways.  For one, you could use reclaimed wood to decorate your ceiling with wood beams.  You may also choose to use them as unique display shelves.  Reclaimed wood is guaranteed durable, so even if you display something heavy on your shelf, it will easily be able to withstand the weight.

Reclaimed wood is a wonderful option for your table top as well. A sturdy wood table can offer inspiring beauty in the midst of a hard day’s work.  Lastly, reclaimed floors alone will easily transform the entire look of your home office.

For a good supply and variety of reclaimed lumber, try Superior Hardwoods. It offers a great selection of reclaimed wood that will allow you to find the perfect fit for your design. Both light tone woods and dark tone woods are available, as well as different wood species and grains.

Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana

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