Hardwood Flooring Has Set The Standard for Beauty, Richness, and Style

Throughout history, hardwood flooring has set the standard for beauty, richness, and style in the most elegant homes. No other flooring offers the timeless quality of wood with the undeniable warmth and comfort that says "welcome home". Hardwood flooring is almost exclusively manufactured from wood harvested from deciduous tree species, trees that shed their leaves in winter. Woods used in flooring are chosen for how well they wear over time, measured in terms of hardness and dimensional stability, and for color and grain ranging from the palest shade of white oak to the crimson tones of padauk or the rich burgundy black of mahogany. The huge variety of styles, colors, and species in both solid and engineered woods makes hardwood flooring an option for any décor. While location should be considered when choosing whether to put down a solid or engineered wood, there are so many choices available that you will be able to find a floor that fits your lifestyle, your location and your style. Care and cleaning of today's wood flooring is quick and easy. Tedious, back breaking paste wax is a thing of the distant past. The advanced finishes on today's floors need little more than some sweeping or vacuuming to remove any grit, and damp mopping with a simple solution of white vinegar and water for further cleaning. Occasional use of a professional wood cleaning product made especially for your floor may also be recommended. Check the manufacturer's instructions for details. A Word About Sustainability and Value The watchword today is "green. " People often ask about the sustainability of wood flooring and how its purchase will affect the Earth's delicate rain forests. Deforestation is due to irresponsible, illegal logging practices, and you have the power to do something to stop it. Every piece of flooring that is farmed and logged responsibly will carry a certificate of compliance with the Lacey Act. If you find flooring that doesn't, don't buy it. It's that simple. To make a difference, buy certified wood. Consider this: when you purchase a quality wood floor, it can last several lifetimes, and when your great grandchildren or their children finally decide it's time for new flooring, the boards can often be removed, re-milled, and reused for a new purpose^and possibly another hundred years of use. Wood offers the ultimate in sustainability and value, because when you purchase quality wood, you're buying a century worth of floor. When compared to frequent replacement cost of any other flooring, longevity alone is well worth the initial outlay and no other flooring raises the value and saleability of your home like warm, natural wood. Source: BuildDirect