There are several different types of quality Hardwood floors that you can install in your home. From solid hardwood to engineered hardwood, many other choices are available for you. It can be overwhelming to decide what to get for your floor. But, it would help if you remembered that a good quality hardwood floor is based on several factors. These factors include the material, the thickness, and the color.
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Basis of a Quality Hardwood Floor
1. Engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring
When selecting Soen Hardwood for your home, there are several different choices. The type of wood you choose can impact your household’s overall comfort, beauty, and durability. Both solid and engineered hardwoods can offer you a unique look while adding value to your home. But what are the differences between the two?
For one thing, solid hardwood is a single piece of wood. Engineered wood is made up of several layers of plywood or hardwood. These layers are then joined together with intense heat and pressure. This makes them more resistant to moisture than solid wood.
Consider engineering if you live in a humid area. However, it’s important to note that engineered wood is not always the best choice for a damp room.
Some engineered products offer limited sanding options. You’ll need to be careful not to sand away the wood veneer. On the other hand, you can refinish a solid wood floor a couple of times before the finish begins to wear.
Solid hardwood is harder to sand. Typically, you’ll need to sand down the surface to reveal the undamaged timber beneath. However, it’s also less likely to cup or crack.
2. Carpentry tools used to cut hardwood planks.
If you are a carpenter or aspiring to become one, you should be familiar with the tools you need to complete your projects. The efficiency of these tools plays a significant role in the results of your work.
One of the most simplistic of these is the hand saw. However, it is a versatile tool that will cut a perfect finish. While there are many variations of the hand saw, the most basic models operate at speeds of up to 10,000 OPM.
Some of the more advanced versions are equipped with adjustable surfaces. This allows you to set the correct angle for a precise cut.
Another power tool to consider is a rotary tool. These devices come with small motors and a collet chuck that can hold a variety of bits. They are very lightweight and are fast at leaving smoother edges.
Clamps are also a handy tool. There are many different styles and sizes to choose from. Choose one that will fit your needs.
Lastly, a sandpaper sander helps smooth wood. It will sand the edges of a wood piece quickly and efficiently. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a random orbit sander or a belt sander. Both are effective, but the belt sander should be used with care.
3. Refinishing hardwood floors
Hardwood floor refinishing can be a great way to make your flooring last longer. However, refinishing is a process that requires the right tools and techniques. So, before you begin, you must understand what types of floors you have.
You may need to realize that a wood floor’s color can be a deciding factor when refinishing. If your wood is stained or varnished, it can be challenging to change the finish.
The first step is to remove any old stains or finishes. This can be done with chemical strippers. In addition, you will need to clean the wood thoroughly. You will need hot water, bleach, and a TSP substitute. Using a damp cloth will also help to get rid of any dust.
Final Words
Once you have finished cleaning the floor, you will need to apply a base coat. Once it is dry, you will need to apply a second coat. Again, it is best to use a low-VOC finish.
During this time, the room should be completely closed off. Depending on the finish you are using, you will need to wait up to 24 hours between coats. A fan can help to reduce the odor of polyurethane fumes.