Homeowner Demand Sparks Innovation in Hardwood

(ARA) – The results are in: When asked what they want materials in their kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and entry, the owners say that the wood is the way to go. Realtors agree – a national survey by real estate agents conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), revealed that 90 percent believe houses with wood floors sell faster. Despite all the alternatives available today, a real hardwood continues to attract admirers of the attractiveness and its heat.

At one point, the choice hardwood floors have been fairly limited. The owners had only a handful of options. But that has changed dramatically. Aware of the growing demand, manufacturers of floor coverings have expanded their product lines to reflect the diversity of tastes and budgets.

For example, today, the owners can choose whether they want planks, strip or parquet floors hardwood, and what width or thickness. They can determine whether they prefer solid wood or engineered wood. Of course, owners must also choose the species they want, and that grade. Grade is generally determined by how clear variegated or appearance of wood. Most types of hardwood are available either pre-finished or unfinished. Special ‘hand scraping “techniques are also available to give an old floor look and feel.

With so many options available owners may get exactly what they want. So why would anyone be reluctant to install a wood floor? Generally, it is due to misconceptions about the initial cost of hardwood or the intensity of the ongoing maintenance. Even though there may have been some truth to these concerns with previous generations of hardwood floors, they are certainly not true. Curiously, despite the sophistication of new approaches, wood upgrades are relatively affordable.

The cost ranges from $ 7 to $ 12 per square foot installed. Variables such as the quality of the species and most of the fluctuations. New finishes took the bite of maintenance as well. Old options such as shellac and varnish, which were popular in homes built before 1960 have been replaced by durable surface finishes and wax finishes. A properly maintained floor waxing should only once or twice a year.

With growing concern about the environment and natural resources, many owners prefer an “eco-friendly” soil. This may seem at odds with the desire for wood floors, since some are obtained from old hardwood forest in countries where environmental regulations are lax. However, new environmentally friendly wood products are now available. And they are affordable.

It is not necessary to select antique wood to be environmentally friendly. There are innovative new products that are seriously “being green” Lyptus hardwood floors in Weyerhaeuser is one example. According to Ian Firth of Weyerhaeuser Building Materials, “We spent five years conducting research and extensive testing to bring something new to the high quality wood flooring industry that we can honestly say is 100 percent sustainable the environment. ”

When asked about the environmental benefits of Lyptus, Firth said, “We have selected a Eucalyptus hybrid as the main Lyptus species that grows in Brazil. In this climate, we have planted trees on our growing plantations in size from 14 to 16 years – two to three times faster than comparable species. This enables us to produce more materials more quickly, using fewer resources of the earth. The plantations are also interspersed with indigenous species to help maintain the natural ecosystem. ”

Lyptus is being hailed as the new stylish hardwood, with strength, density and the technical characteristics similar to maple, and higher than the Red and White Oak. On the surface, it looks more or Mahogany Cherry. Natural and warm colours with a fine grain structure, Lyptus can be finished to take on virtually any desired floor stains.

In short, today’s homeowners can have the answers in their procuratorates – a wide choice of styles, good value and responsible environmental practices. Hardwood floors are cleaner, less likely to collect dust, flakes and may be less related to allergens in the air. Couple with these natural features and aesthetic benefits parquet hardwood is destined to be a favorite for many years to come.

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