Information On Wood Floor Refinishing

Refinishing or refurbishing a wood floor takes time, patience and care and isn't a job which should be dismissed. That said, with the right preparation, the right equipment and a bit of effort, the result can be rather outstanding. There are basically three steps to refinishing your hardwood flooring. The first is sanding, the second is staining (if you choose to stain the wood flooring) and the third is wood floor finishing.

The first is really a drum sander and the next is an orbital sander. Drum sanders have the advantage of being really successful, but are heavy and may be difficult to use. What is more, if you do not maintain your drum sander continuously on the go, you will find you create permanent grooves which are dug to the surface of your floor from the sander turning in a static position. Orbital sanders on the other hand are more user-friendly and pose less risk of potential harm. Depending on the job that you're doing, you may also think about selecting an edging sander, which will let you get into the corners and straight around the skirting on your own room.

If it comes to choosing the ideal sandpaper, it is a fantastic idea to decide on a range from thick, such as 40 grit, through to nice, which extends as large as 120 grit.

Here are our top tips for Trimming your floor:

1. Sanding may be a messy process, so ensure you remove all furniture and soft furnishings and clear the room completely. When eliminating furniture, take care not to drag heavy things throughout the ground since this can cause damage.

2. If your room is empty, you'll have a good opportunity to make sure that the floor is clear of any staples, nails or tacks that could cause problems even though you're sanding. If you do find staples, be certain that you pull them out and take some time to punch any screws or nails down so that they fall beneath the surface of the wood.

3. When you start to sand, then use the heaviest grit at the beginning and re-do the floor, working with finer grit each time (the exact same rule also applies to the borders if you're using an edging sander).

Once you've finished sanding, then make sure that you vacuum up all of the dust that has collected on the floor and between any openings in the floor. At this point it's really important to leave enough time between sanding and staining and finishing to ensure any airborne dust has settled and has been cleared away before continuing on to the next stage.

How to Clean Your Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered hardwood floors is one of the toughest kinds of flooring you can put money into. Its multilayer construction gives it stability and strength that's capable of withstanding high levels of wear and tear. However, as hard as it is, it still requires some maintenance to keep it looking and functioning as good as it should. So just how do you wash engineered timber flooring?

Floor Care Advice from Best at Floors

We know it may be confusing knowing how to clean engineered wood flooring. That's why we've assembled some helpful tips below. With a little know-how, you will discover cleaning and maintaining engineered timber flooring is really pretty straightforward.

Ensuring you have the Ideal Gear

As a way to wash engineered timber flooring, you have to have the correct cleaning equipment and supplies available. All You need is listed under:

A gentle forehead
Vacuum
Mop
Producer advocated cleaner

The above will help you tackle regular care. It is well worth noting that regardless of which sort of engineered wooden floor you invest in, you shouldn't ever use vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners or a steam cleaner.

Additionally, it helps to know which sort of finish the flooring has. When it has an oiled surface, you'll be better off having an soap and oil cleaner. When it's a lacquered surface a wax and detergent product works best. However, it is always recommended you purchase a professional cleaner made by the maker of the floor you have purchased.

Protecting against marks and scratches

While one of the main benefits of engineered wooden floors is they can be sanded down if harm does

occur, obviously it's better to reduce damage in the first location. Putting an entrance mat supporting exterior doorways will help prevent debris and dirt getting onto the ground, thus avoiding potential scratches. Ensure the mat that you use doesn't have a rubber backing. If it does, then it can lead to moisture underneath which can harm the hardwood flooring.

If heavy furniture is to be set on the floor, be sure to use furniture pads underneath the legs to prevent dents and scratches. It's also wise to avoid walking over the floor in stilettos.

Finally sweeping up debris and dust daily with a soft forehead will help prevent minor scratches and marks. You can either remove this debris and dust by vacuuming up it, or by using a dustpan. It is recommended you vacuum at least once a week, making sure it's on a wood setting and not used using a bristle brush bar which could damage the surface.

When you wash engineered wood flooring, it's vital you do not use too much moisture. When mopping up a spill, make sure the mop is well wrung out. For light stains, a lightly damp cloth should burst, however if your floor has an oiled finish, it would be worth using a soap or oil product to clean it rather than simply water.

So if you've been wondering how to wash engineered wood flooring, the tips above will help to make it easy. With just a little time and effort, you can make sure that your brand new engineered hardwood flooring looks fantastic for many decades.

TOP 10 HARDEST WOODS

1. Quebracho - From the Spanish “quebrar hacha,” which literally means “axe breaker.” Aptly named, wood in the Schinopsis genus is among the heaviest and hardest in the world.

2. Lignum Vitae -Widely accepted as the hardest wood in the world–this wood has been listed as an endangered species and is listed in CITES.Consider Verawood as a very close substitute.

3. Gidgee - This Australian endemic is both very heavy and very strong.Some pieces are dark enough to be used as an ebony substitute: one that’s even harder than the original article.

4. Snakewood - It’s easy to see what makes Snakewood so unique–its patterns and markings resemble the skin of a snake. Limited supply and high demand make this one of the most expensive woods on eart.

5. Verawood - Sometimes called Argentine Lignum Vitae, this wood is a gem:inexpensive, great olive-green color, beautiful feathery grain pattern, and it takes a great natural polish on the lathe.

6. Camelthorn - Formerly classified as a member of the Acacia genus, this south African hardwood is a tough customer. The wood is stubbornly hard, and the tree is protected by giant sharp thorns.

7. African Blackwood - In some parts of the world, this wood has achieved an almost legendary status. Historical evidence points to this wood (rather than Diospyros spp.) being the original “ebony.”

8. Black Ironwood - Pieces are very seldom seen for sale, as this tree is too small to produce commercially viable lumber. Like the unrelated Desert Ironwood, Black Ironwood is an excellent choice for small turning projects.

9. Katalox / Wamara - Some pieces can be just about a dark as true ebony, while others are a more reddish brown with black streaks. So much depth in the Swartzia genus, there’s something for everyone!

10. Cebil- Also known as Curupay or by the exaggerated name Patagonian Rosewood, Cebil is not a true rosewood. It has a highly variable streaked appearance not too unlike Goncalo Alves.

Floor Sanding Southwark

Floor Sanding Southwark

Floor Sanding Southwark

The Best Ways to Clean Hardwood Floors

-Prep your floor for cleaning by sweeping or dust-mopping to get rid of large particles of dirt and debris.
-Use a pH neutral cleaner that will be gentle on your hardwood floors.
-Use a fine spray mist to clean your floor in sections. Avoid putting too much liquid on your floors.
-Use a microfiber mop to clean. Traditional mops can work, but they can leave excess water on your floors.
-Skip using white vinegar and water to clean your floors. Using a specially formulated hardwood floor care cleaner is a smart way to maintain the beauty and look of your floors.