Natural Wood Impression: Styling Up with Hardwood Lumber

Many interior designers like using hardwood as a main material because of the natural impression that each type of wood offers. Not only does it provide a warm environment, but it also makes a place look more elegant.

Let us start with the floors. Hardwood flooring offers a beautiful addition to any home simply because of its natural beauty. Though most hardwood floors are stained for added protection, the actual unique look of each wood panel is still often eviden.. What is ideal about hardwood flooring is its variety of wood tones and grains that easily fit any interior design, both modern and classic. Darker tones help create a cozier environment, while lighter tones create a feeling of spaciousness.

For the ceiling, wooden beams are a stunning design element.  They simultaneously add support to the roof and create a unique, high-end aesthetic finish

Decorative plywood and wood trimmings also enhance the overall look of a home interior. Instead of using stone or marble materials, wood can be trimmed to add borders and molding to plain walls.

Of course, any home interior would be lacking without wood furniture. Each wood furniture piece creates a cozy ambiance that offsets the cold and static display of stone materials.  Try to use wood for a dining table, countertop, chair, bench, or even shelves.

If you are on the lookout for excellent quality hardwood lumber, Superior Hardwood offers some of the best in quality and functionality. Superior Hardwood offers a great selection of hardwood lumbers that you can use for flooring, beams, or furniture. The beauty of each wood panel guarantee a beautiful interior that you can enjoy for years to come.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Hardwood Floor Installation: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Hardwood floors can add wonderful beauty to you home, especially if you have selected the right color and design. Wood floors are elegant to look at, but when it comes to hardwood flooring installation, should you do the project yourself or hire a professional? Many homeowners battle between DIY installation to save on labor costs and hiring a professional to save time and not risk quality of outcome.

If you are trapped between DIY and hiring a professional, there are a few factors to consider before making your decision.

First, does your hardwood floor need to be installed quickly?  If you need to save time because you have some sort of deadline, then hiring a professional will ensure that things happen quickly.  The last thing you want to do is find yourself in a bind because you’ve made mistakes that have caused delays.

Now, consider the cost. Are you on a tight budget?  Are labor costs included in your overall flooring budget?  The cost of hiring a professional is greater than working on the project on yourself because you have to pay the professional for his time and effort. However, keep in mind that mistakes made during DIY can also cause costs to spike if you waste a lot of materials.

Lastly, consider your skills in installation and the quality of outcome. These are important since the outcome of your hardwood floor installation is what matters most. If you save a lot of money on labor, but end up with a less than satisfactory final product, then it may not be worth it. Evaluate your skills and determine if you think you can do a good job on your DIY project.  If you’re uncertain, hire a professional.

Work out a cost-effective plan

Just because you choose to do the installation yourself doesn’t mean you can’t call an expert to help you. Do the easy tasks to yourself and leave the hard ones to an expert. That way, you can contribute in your floor installation and cut costs on basic things, but still ensure that you will have a quality outcome.

Regardless of how you decide to handle the installation of your floors, you will need to shop around and find the wood materials that you would like to use.  There are a lot of options for hardwood flooring in terms of designs and tones, so you will be likely to find exactly what you want. Superior Hardwoods offer a wide variety of hardwood flooring materials. These hardwoods are reclaimed woods, so not only are they durable and long lasting, but they are also eco-friendly and offer the beauty and elegance of antique woods.

Purchase the kind of hardwood you want and prepare everything for installation. Once you come to a point where you are in doubt of what to do, such as staining your wood floors, Superior Hardwoods can assist you with questions or help you find a professional to do the work for you.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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How to Choose the Color of Your Wood Flooring

A lot of interior designers and homeowners choose hardwood for their flooring, given its beauty, elegance, and natural appeal.

Hardwoods these days include a variety of colors to choose from that perfectly suit the kind of tone you want for your floor.  While choosing the ideal color for your wood flooring, keep in mind these tips and consideration:

• Use light colored wood in smaller rooms. This will give the impression of a wider space.  Dark ones will only make the room feel smaller and gloomier.
• If space is not an issue, use darker woods to give your room a more natural and warmer appeal.
• Coordinate the color of your floors with your walls and ceiling. Make sure that the color of your floor blends well with the height of your ceiling and the color of your walls.
• Avoid matching the color of your floor to your wooden furniture. It can be awkward for your furniture to look like an extension of your floors. Choose complementary colors instead.
• If dust, high traffic, and dirt are inevitable in a room, consider lighter tones. Darker woods are often easily damaged and scratches are more visible.
• Test samples first prior to purchasing and installing your wood flooring. Wood tones may look very attractive in stores, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will look good in your home. So, bring home some samples of the wood tones that you love and try to test them at home.
• If you are unsure, seek help. You can ask interior designers or even your home remodeling contractor about what color of wood would be best for your flooring. Expert opinions usually give practical ideas.

Superior Hardwood offers a wide selection of wood colors, from lighter tones to darker ones. There is also a wide selection of wood species available for greater options.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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The Advantages of Using Pine Lumber

Pine lumber is one of the most popular types of softwoods used for flooring, fencing, and doors. A lot of homeowners utilize pine lumber due to its considerable benefits including; relatively affordable cost, strength, and aesthetic appeal.

If you are looking for a good softwood to use on your floors, walls, decks, or garden fences, pine lumber can be an excellent option. Here are some of its benefits:

• Cost-effective: When you buy pine lumber, you easily get your money’s worth because it is inexpensive compared to many other types of wood, in addition to being quite strong.
• Easy to use for woodworking: Woodworkers love to work with pine lumber because it is easy to cut, nail, stain, and carve. The fact that the work is easier, means it moves faster, and therefore allows a project to be completed quicker.
• Aesthetically beautiful: As mentioned above, pine lumber is beautiful to look at. Given its natural patterns and grains, your flooring and fencing will have a unique and lovely appeal without a lot of effort. You can retain the natural beauty and texture of the wood with minimal staining.
• Durable and long lasting: Even though pine is a soft wood, it is very durable. You can use it for flooring or decking, even if there is high foot traffic. Once treated properly, your pine flooring can easily resist rotting and wear and tear.
• Sound-insulated: Pine lumber, depending on its thickness, can be very effective at sound proofing. If you want a less noisy bedroom, using pine lumber on your floors is a great option.

These benefits of pine lumber can guarantee your total investment on home remodeling. If you are looking for good pine lumber visit the Superior Hardwoods website as we offer three types of pine lumber: Red Pine, Eastern White Pine, and Blue Pine.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Remodeling Your Home Using Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed lumber is an ideal remodeling material due to the benefits it provides. First, reclaimed lumber comes from old buildings structures that have withstood the test of time such as barns ,warehouses, railroad tunnels, bridges, etc. – assuring you of high quality that is a durable material to use on your floor, beams, and furniture.

Second, reclaimed wood offers a variety of wood tones and species that easily fit your needs when it comes to a specific wood. If you choose a particular tone of wood or specie of wood, reclaimed wood can offer you a number of choices.

Third, reclaimed wood is beautiful and unique with one-of-a-kind designs that will make your floor very distinctive.

Lastly, using reclaimed lumber guarantees environmental friendliness as it prevents additional trees from being cut down, by instead reusing wood that has already been produced!

If you are remodeling your home using reclaimed lumber, the first thing to consider is the kind of wood that you want for your remodeling project. What type of wood do your prefer? Is there a particular type of milling that you require for your wood? This makes choosing from a great selection of reclaimed wood easier for you.

Next, consider the style of wood that you want to use. There are different styles of wood with different features, so choosing from these selections based on your needs.  If you want a more rustic appeal from your floor or beams, distressed woods is a great choice, and stained lumber is good for smooth flooring in bedrooms or living rooms.

After choosing your wood style, you can choose whether to obtain a pre-finished wood or choose a bare wood that you want to finish on your own after installing.

Reclaimed lumber offers great benefits to any home, and using these stronger woods will assure long lasting beams and floors in your home. Superior Hardwoods offers reclaimed wood that is available in a wide variety of wood tones, species, and styles. They can also give you great recommendations on particular lumber to use on your remodeling project.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork of Montana
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Selecting The Right Flooring For Your Home

You walk on it all the time. Your kids run around on it, and your dog may even use it for sleeping.  But, does your floor need some sprucing up?

Even though the primary purpose of flooring is functionality, there’s no reason you can’t have something elegant that adds beauty to your home.  If you plan to upgrade the look of your floors, it all starts with choosing the right materials. Then, go over the design to determine if you want something patterned in the kitchen or if a simple plain floor will do.  Will the brick pattern look great in your outdoor dining space or would wooden panels creates a more beautiful outcome?

To help you choose which kind of floor you can picture your house having for the long term, here are some ideas:

• Hardwood floors – This type of flooring is considered to be a classic and one of the most elegant options. Hardwood floors offer timeless beauty and grace and complement almost all interior designs. However, a downside to hardwood flooring is its vulnerability to water and scratches. However, proper care of your wood flooring and sealing it with good finished (such as the Bona line offered by Superior Hardwoods & Millwork) will keep your flooring in good condition and free of wear and tear.
• Concrete – It’s strong and classic look that is great for huge houses. A potential downside is that concrete can be cold and hard, so you may want to think twice if you have kids.
• Vinyl – This is the most affordable type of flooring material you can use for your home. However, take note that vinyl tiles may not be as durable and long lasting as other types of flooring material. Nevertheless, they are easier to install than other materials if you don’t have a lot of time to spend on replacing your floors.
• Brick floors – If you want a non-slip material, bricks are a great option. Although bricks are usually best suited for the outdoors, you can also use them in select areas of the house like the mudroom. Bricks are also easy to install and a less costly alternative to other types of flooring materials.
• Carpet – If you want a soft surface for your kids to play on, wall to wall carpeting is the most practical choice. Carpets are durable, and you can even find stain-resistant options. Just keep in mind that it requires very regular cleaning because dirt and dust easily accumulate.

Contact us today and we will get you set up with the finishes you need to maintain your hardwood flooring for years to come!

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

Preparing Your Wooden Deck for the Coming Winter

Winter is only a few months away, and now that the heat has broken and it’s more feasible to spend time outside, it is the perfect opportunity to prepare your wood desk, so it is more protected against the winter weather when it arrives.  Outdoor decks are vulnerable to water and moisture, and preparing it to withstand rain, snow, and ice will help to increase its longevity.

So, how do you properly prepare your wooden deck for the winter? First of all, you need to clean it thoroughly. Remove debris that can be covered by snow and ice and cause rotting. Dirt, mildew, and rust are especially harmful to your wood, so it is important to avoid them in any way possible.

Also, as the air becomes more chilly, store away gardening pots and outdoor furniture. They are no longer necessary once you begin spending all of your time indoors, and keeping them outside will put them at risk to be damaged. If you want to retain some of the heavy furniture outside, be sure to cover them properly.  Furthermore, they offer just one more way to trap moisture in the wood of your deck.

Apply a new finish and stain to your wooden deck. Staining and refinishing it will add an extra layer of protection that will ensure it will still be beautiful come Spring.

Lastly, make sure to apply water proofer to your wooden deck. Since water and moisture are more prevalent in winter, adding another layer of protection specifically against water is important.

Superior Hardwood offers an excellent water repellant product that can guarantee proper water proofing for your deck. Seal Once is a water proofer that prevents snow and ice from seeping into your wood, and applying it to your deck in the fall will give you a peace of mind, knowing that your deck is safe and well-protected during the winter months. It should also be noted that Seal Once is “Green” and has 0 VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) making it harmless to people, pets and plants!

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork
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Know the Different Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes

Applying a finish to your hardwood floors will keep them well protected against heavy traffic, dirt, and dust. Finishes add another layer to your raw wood, thereby sealing it so dirt and other external elements that are detrimental to your wood cannot easily penetrate it.

If you have hardwood floors at home or are planning to install them, there is a wide variety of finishes you can choose from to help protect them. The key is, not all finishes go well with all kinds of wood species, so it is important to know which type of finishes are viable options and which ones should be avoided. You can consult a professional if you prefer, but you can also research them on your own.

Generally, there are two kinds of finishes: surface finishes and penetrating finishes. Surface finishes are the kind that only add protection on the surface of your wood and simply create a thin sealant.

Penetrating finishes, on the other hand, permeate your wood, so not only the surface is well protected, but also the grain. Penetrating finishes are normally applied in thicker coats, so it’s best to understand the proper application of these finishes before you begin if you choose to apply them yourself. In addition, there are products that are not advised for your floors once they are covered with a penetrating finish, so it is important to familiarize yourself with those as well.

Here is a brief summary of some of the different finishes that are available for hardwood floors:

• Water-based urethane. This type of finish is a surface finish since it does not penetrate into the grain of the wood. However, unlike other types of finishes, water-based urethane is easier to apply and has a faster drying time.  The main con is that it is considered to be one of the most expensive types of finishes.
• Oil-modified urethane. This is the most commonly used finish for hardwood floor. It is petroleum-based with durable features and is moisture resistant. Many choose this type of finish because it is easier to apply.
• Moisture-cured urethane.  This is a solvent-based solution that is known for its non-yellowing feature, meaning you can be assured of long-lasting color on your hardwood floors. It is also more moisture resistant than other finishes and is stronger overall. The downfalls are that it leaves a strong odor and is difficult to apply.
• Wax. This type of finish has been around the longest, is the easiest type to apply, and is quick to dry.  It is used for added protection to your hardwood floors and is also the least expensive option available.

At Superior Hardwoods & Millwork, we actually offer several finishes for your reclaimed hardwood and hardwood flooring.

We offer two waterbased products made by Bona-Kemi: Traffic– which is a commercial grade finish and is our most durable. Mega– is a residential finish and what we find to be the one most people go with. We also provide a polyurethane finish made by Bona-Kemi as well! As well as a penetrating finish we offer from Rubio Monocoat.

Contact us today and we will get you set up with the finishes you need to maintain your hardwood flooring for years to come!

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

How to Find Sustainable Exotic Hardwood for Your Floor

Replacing your old floors at home can open up a number of options. First, there are quite a few materials to choose from. Next, you must choose the color and texture or pattern that you want.

If you choose to go with hardwood floors, there are many different wood species, colors, and patterns that are available. If you want something unique and eco-friendly, a sustainable exotic hardwood floor could be the perfect option for you.

Choosing a sustainable hardwood floor offers a lot of benefits. Not only do they provide unique, one-of-a-kind tones and patterns for your floor, but they are also eco-friendly and cost-efficient. Many hardwood floors are quite expensive do to the demand, but sustainable hardwood floors are much less expensive.

A perfect example is reclaimed wood. As you can guess from the name itself, reclaimed wood comes from old buildings, boats, barns, and other damaged structures.  Despite its source, it is incredibly durable and offers long-lasting beauty and functionality. In addition, because the wood is being repurposed, new trees do not have to be cut down, which means it is an environmentally friendly way to add beauty to your home.

If you are looking for sustainable exotic hardwood floors, the first place you may want to search is the Internet. There are many reclaimed wood stores that offer a variety of wood species, tones, and designs. Keep in mind that it is important to research the company to be sure it’s reputable and not using illegal practices. Customer feedback on social media sites usually offers great inight.

In addition, choose a store that offers shipping to your area. You may want to filter your search to stores that are near where you live. That way, in case you need to return the materials, it is easier for you, and the shipping cost will be less expensive.

Another great way to fins sustainable exotic hardwood is to seek recommendations from friends. If you have a friend who installed a reclaimed wood floor before, ask them which stores and contractors they would recommend and if there are any tips or insight they picked up during the process.  This is also a way to help verify the legality of a company’s practices.

You may also want to search for old barns and damaged structures near your area and negotiate with the owner directly.

Sustainable exotic hardwood floors are a beauty to behold and make an excellent addition to any home interior.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork
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Green Cleaning Tips for Your Hardwood Floor

Having hardwood floors is a great way to add lasting beauty and elegance to your home. If not properly cared for and maintained, however, they can lose their luster. The wood finish may start to look dull and sections may begin to get worn.

One of the best things you can do when it comes to caring for your wood floors is to clean them regularly.  Practicing green cleaning on top of that will not only keep your hardwood floors looking great, but it will also help preserve our environment.

To help you keep your floor clean while still making our environment safe, here are a few green cleaning tips:

• Use very little water when cleaning your hardwood floor. Water is one of the worst enemies of hardwood floors, so by using less of it, not only will you be protecting the wood, but you will also be helping the environment by conserving water.
• Make sure that the cleaners you use are well-suited to the type of wood and finish of your floors. By cleaning the properly the first time, you don’t have to go back and re-clean or repair them, which reduces the amount of product and packaging you use.
• Avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals. Not only are these detrimental to your wood, but they can also cause harm to the environment and your family.
• Mix your own natural cleaners. There are a number of effective concoctions for hardwood cleaners that aren’t harmful to the environment, and you will save money by not having to purchase commercial products.
• Avoid using ammonia cleaners. Similar to other chemical-based cleaners, ammonia can cause harm to your health as well as to the environment.
  • Regularly sweep the floor to prevent dirt build up.  Maintaining the cleanliness of your hardwood floors will prevent damage over time that would otherwise result from residue.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork
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