Most of the following story is true. There once was a man named Gabriel from Austria who pondered some of the great questions in life. Perhaps the greatest among these questions was the simple, yet diabolically complex query “just how hard is wood?” Gabriel worked tirelessly to find answers. Eventually, he adapted a test from another great thinker of hard thoughts- a Swedish fellow named Brinell- to suit his purposes. He would dub his work the “Janka Hardness Test,” since Janka
I am going to tell you a quick story. I recently needed a new computer. So, I went out to my local computer store and was so baffled by options I eventually broke down and just picked things that sounded cool. I walked away, confused but excited, with a brand-new system complete with two running boards, synchronizing linkage, a single stage compressor and a top of the line, brand new firebox. Imagine my surprise when I got home and realized that
So you have decided that it’s time to purchase hardwood flooring. When you begin your search for that perfect floor that will help you achieve the desired look you’re after, your first thought is probably not what width of boards you are going to select but rather what color you are going to choose. Color is definitely a key choice when it comes to creating the specific look you desire but be careful not to underestimate the difference that the
December 31, 2015 Many people spend a great deal of time selecting the right hardwood flooring product. However, it is also important to carefully consider the installation process. There are three common installation methods from which to choose: fasten, glue-down, and floating. Here we will look at the benefits and drawbacks of each method, which will help you choose the best strategy for your circumstances. Fastening Fastening (also called nail-down) is the most common method used to install hardwood floors. The process involves
November 24, 2015 Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen may seem like a difficult decision. Your choice will depend on your style preferences and practical considerations. After all, the kitchen is a high-traffic area that must be able to withstand the daily demands of a busy family. Considered by many to be the ultimate flooring option, hardwood never goes out of style. The following tips will help you choose the best hardwood flooring for your kitchen. Why choose hardwood for your
The technique of hand scraping hardwood flooring was originally used in the 1600s to even out the difference between planks, but it is a style that is making a big comeback and has quickly grown in popularity over the past decade. Homeowners love the old world character and rustic warmth it brings to their home. Also known as hand sculptured wood flooring, it is designed to give the floor an original made-by-hand look while still being able to have the modern luxuries of a
August 26, 2015 As you are shopping for hardwood floors for your home, something you will probably come across is the phrase “Janka Hardness Rating”. Each species of hardwood is assigned a Janka hardness number and this number can tell you some important information about the floors you are considering. So what is a Janka rating and how should it influence your decision about hardwood flooring? In 1906, an Austrian wood researcher, Gabriel Janka invented a test (adapted from the Brinell hardness
July 30, 2015 There are many things to consider when installing hardwood flooring. We have outlined the top 4 things you should think about before making your decision. Choose the appropriate type of hardwood flooring Not all flooring types are right for all situations. A simple rule of thumb is… do not install solid hardwood below grade (ground level). Engineered hardwood is best suited for installation below grade. Also, the wider the board, the more movement the floor may have. Wide planks look
June 1, 2015 Installing hardwood floors is one of the most exciting things that can happen in your home. More than likely you have spent hours doing research, asking questions, looking at samples, talking to your retailer or contractor, and finally you have decided on the perfect floors for your home. After all that work, we’re sure you are more than ready to get your floors installed and enjoy them! But before you do, there is one very important thing you
March 25, 2015 Radiant heat flooring is quickly becoming a new favorite among homeowners. It is quiet, great for families with allergies, highly efficient, and will lower winter energy costs. How Radiant Heat Works Warmth is supplied by hot water tubes or electric wires installed beneath the floor that send gentle heat waves up into the room. These heat waves warm up anything they reach (including your feet!), so although the air temperature in a room may remain relatively the same, you feel
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