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RESOURCES
REFERENCE
At Harbour Hardwood Floors we recognize that not all of our customers are knowledgeable about the different variables in selecting a wood floor. We have compiled a group of Reference materials published by the National Wood Flooring Association to help you determine some important features and benefits of different wood flooring products.
You will find great information about Care and Maintenance and life expectancy of the different floors or finishes.Learn more about the volatile relationship between wood and water or understand the process of grading wood for character, which defines the many styles of flooring to choose from. Our expert staff can help you better understand the science of wood floors so you can enjoy lasting beauty with minimal maintenance.
WOOD SPECIES
Choosing the right wood species is one of the first steps in wood flooring selection. Wood is a natural product and each species offers unique colors and characteristics developed during the life of the tree that can affect the look and performance of your floor. There are many different natural wood colors to consider and many of them can be altered with textures, stains or finishes to create the custom look you prefer.
Download this informational brochure to get to know the different wood species or Contact Us and we can help you determine the right wood floor for your space:
GRADING AND PACKAGING
Each species of wood is further categorized and defined to certain Character Grades, length averages, varying widths and hard or softwoods. These features all play a role in determining the style or appearance of the floor as well as the performance value for your needs. Learn more about the Grading process, how the wood is manufactured and the people that set those regulations and standards with this helpful guide:
MAINTENANCE AND RECOATING
One of the greatest benefits of wood floors is the longevity of the product when properly maintained. Some wood floors have existed for literally hundreds of years and still get walked on today. Though not all wood floors survive for centuries, there are many ways as a responsible wood floor owner you can help to preserve the beauty and functionality of the floor for generations of enjoyment. Each finish system will require slightly different maintenance procedures, depending on the manufacturer, but there are many similarities and general rules to consider as you live or work in a space with wood flooring.
When your floor begins to show signs of wear, consider a refresher coat or possibly sand and refinish to restore like new condition and help avoid permanent damage or discoloration. This guide will help you understand how to maintain wood flooring properly and what signs you should look for when determining if professional care such as maintenance coats and refinishing is necessary:
WATER AND WOOD
Water and Wood are natural elements that tend to have a tumultuous relationship. Wood needs water to grow and water needs trees to help produce oxygen and regulate seasonal climate change for recycling the Earth's water supply. But these two elements do not always get along, especially when it comes to hardwood flooring. Once wood is processed into flooring it is kiln dried slowly to a specific moisture content ideal for wood flooring installation and performance. Once sealed and finished, the floor is protected from most contact with water such as spills as long as it is dried up right away. But moisture is persistent and can find its way into your floor through other means such as relative humidity of the air, moist sub-floors or hydrostatic pressure from below forced up by ground water. Understanding moisture and how it can affect your floors will be critical to help minimize damage and prolong the life of the wood. Use this information to help maintain an ideal balance in the relationship between water and your wood floors: