Eco Friendly Flooring Solutions

Bamboo

For sustainable, non toxic wood flooring with no harmful emissions bamboo is one of the most popular green flooring choice that ticks every box. Because bamboo is grass not wood it is fast growing, and there is no need to permanently destroy the plant itself to harvest the crop, thus making it one of the most sustainable forms of flooring available. Once laid bamboo feels and looks like real wood flooring and is tough and durable too. Bamboo is quick growing too and one plant can be re-harvested in as little as five years.

Cork

The material used for making cork flooring is taken from the bark of the tree in strip pieces, which like bamboo means that the tree is not cut down. This makes it sustainable, eco friendly and one of the best green flooring solutions around. Cork flooring comes in both plank and tile form and is a very good addition to bathrooms and kitchens. Its structure means that it retains more heat and is often warm enough to walk on with bare feet.

Oak and Other Hardwoods

You should be aware that English oak is in very short supply, especially in the UK. Therefore, if you have set your heart on an oak floor but don’t want to contribute to the depletion of natural resources then consider an eco-friendly method of obtaining the oak floor you want.

Whatever type of hardwood floor sanding you love, whether burnished gold mahogany, rich dark teak or majestic oak you can have the hardwood floor of your dreams by purchasing your hardwood via a UK flooring company that uses wood cut only from sustainable forests. Never buy wood that comes from rain forest regions and choose your company carefully. Flooring companies with a conscience are proud to inform customers that they use materials from countries that plant more trees than are harvested.

Recycled hardwood

Another option is to create a new floor from completely recycled wood planks. This, whilst by far being the best option, is also one of the most difficult unless of course you have access to a real oak floor that the original owner no longer wants!

To help you navigate what may appear to be a rather woolly, or should that be woody, environmental nightmare, enlist the expert advice of a professional wood flooring company who know the best sustainability options and how to get the best from recycled real wood flooring.

Eco-friendly wood stain finishing

There are a wide selection of non-toxic oils, lacquers, wood stains and varnishes to help revitalise an old floor or bring character to a new one. Any type of finishing should only be applied after sanding and vacuuming. Even the smallest particles of residual grit and dust will mar the final appearance of your floor.

Once the finishing has been down overnight then it is a good idea to lightly dust the floor the next day with a dry duster. Eco-friendly wood stains can be re-done after 24 hours if necessary. Avoid replacing furniture too soon after coating as these stains will take 72 hours to attain maximum hardness. In a normal home with moderate traffic an eco-friendly floor finishing product will normally last around two years.

If you feel like being bold with coloured stain remember that wood stain colours can be both mixed together and diluted. Dilution will weaken both colour and consistency so never dilute with more than 1/5 part of water or the stain will be too thin and be rendered useless.

If you require exterior eco-friendly wood stain then be sure to check the tin, as many products are for interior use only. If you require advice on this or any aspect of real eco-friendly flooring solutions, contact your friendly flooring team who will be pleased to help.

Distressed Wood Flooring

When your goal is authentic looking rustic flooring, the best method is to opt for distressed hardwood. This exacting technique brings any wood floor to life and speaks of timelessness, unique appeal and of a floor that is well loved. Distressed wood flooring is especially popular in kitchens and in cottage-style conservatories, where the accent is on family living. Distressed floor can be matched with distressed wood units, dressers and kitchen tables for the complete rustic look.

Period-style wood flooring is also well represented by this technique. For example a professional wood scraping technique can successfully replicate 17^th Century flooring.

Hardwoods to choose

Woods popularly chosen to receive the distressed treatment are hardwoods such as teak, mahogany and oak. However, light pine and balsa are good choices too, especially in bedrooms where a farmhouse look is required. Distressed pine brings immediate cosiness and warmth to any room, turning your house into a home.

Because the distressed wood technique can best be attained by professional flooring experts it is, in 99.9% of cases, best left to them if you want to avoid a botched job! However if you feel confident enough to try your hand at turning your wood flooring into a historical masterpiece then it is always best if you have more than a rudimentary knowledge of Wood Floor Sanding methods and carpentry.

If you are laying a distressed floor from scratch rather than having an existing floor treated, you can be assured that any Floor Sanding Company in the UK worth their salt will use reclaimed wood. This works not only on the ecological front but reclaimed wood, in addition to causing no harm to the planet, also brings the intrinsic character and personality you are looking for.

Ideal for busy families

Distressed wood flooring is ideal for busy family homes with children and pets buzzing around, thus saving mum and dad from being forever on the alert for scratches and gouges made by toys and pet claws. Distressed wood is fast becoming popular in themed restaurants and trendy wine bars where the accent is on style and authenticity. You can also see some fine examples of distressed wood flooring in some of the city museums and in eco-friendly shops in particular.

In a nutshell, a distressed floor is created by giving the floor a sound thrashing with various implements including wood flooring tools, hammers, axes and even blow torches are used to create that light/dark image which naturally comes with age. If this sounds a tad violent (or even fun and rather therapeutic!) – it is also very easy to get wrong so think once, twice and then think again before attacking your floor with random implements. The process of distressing wood is actually very methodical and most definitely non-violent!

The professional touch

Professional wood flooring people have the intrinsic knowledge of how wood naturally ages, and how the various uses for a floor over time give it a certain character. For example if a floor has heavy traffic it will age differently from a floor which is constantly played on by children. A kitchen floor subject to stove heat and spillages over the years will react differently to a cellar floor that sees very little daylight.

Distressing any type of wood is labour intensive so if you are going it alone then don’t rush the process. Tell yourself it will take as long as it takes, read every book you can on the subject, visit every distressed floor you can, check out markets, inspect old wooden furniture and above all take some professional advice.

Distressing, or artificially aging, a floor is deservedly described as an art form as it involves both skill and artistic design if the finished effect is to look authentic.

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Squeak

Although the subject for many a cartoon and comedy sit-com, a squeaky floorboard is far from amusing when it happens just as you are trying to get a tired baby (or yourself!) off to bed. Whilst squeaks are an inevitable part of owning a hardwood floor, you don’t have to put up with them. There are ways to get rid of squeaks and creaks without too much hassle and just a little carpentry intelligence.

Squeaks are usually caused by loose boards moving together or against the subflooring. However, if you can feel a loose board with your feet then this is a more serious flaw that needs requires immediate action. That being said a large percentage of squeaks are not caused by something major and can be fixed with a simple readjustment of the boards or risers, if the squeak is on stairs.

Even though your squeak may not denote anything serious be assured it will not go away on its own so the sooner you get rid of the squeak the sooner you can enjoy peace and quiet again.

Squeak on the floor

Once the source of the squeak has been discovered, it is prudent to take time to carefully plan the best method of elimination. It may be that the simple solution of lubrication is sufficient to quell that pesky squeak. Should this be the case then simple talc powder or a powdered form of graphite are the best squeak eliminators. Simply sprinkle the powder over the squeaky board and walk it into the wood. However be aware that this will not be a long-term fix, but it does work well in the interim while you are pondering on a permanent solution.

Squeaking boards can also be caused by loose or missing nails, which can be easily fixed by removal or replacement. Other causes of squeaks include the collapse of subflooring support and in this case you may want to add bridging blocks. If you are able to get into the subfloor you will find locating squeaks much easier. Sagging boards are easier to reach via the subfloor too.

If it is not possible to get to the subfloor then you can work from the top by way of cutting or drilling a hole in the board before inserting nails. This method is called countersinking and can be used with the correct carpentry tools and a bit of common sense. If you feel unsure about attacking your hardwood in this way then try using carpentry adhesive applied with a putty knife instead.

Squeak on the stairs

Squeaky stairs can be eliminated by working from the top of the stair or from underneath. Repairing from the underside has the obvious advantage of hiding any repair work as well as offering more room for general manoeuvre.

Once you have located the squeak you need to drive a wedge in between the tread and the stair riser. When the wedge is securely in place you can tidy off any overhanging ends and sand evenly by hand.

If you are repairing from the top of the stair, drill holes in both the riser and the tread to prevent splitting. Once secured the holes can then be filled with putty or wood plastic solution.

Look after your hardwood stairs by checking for signs of damage from time to time. The old adage ‘a stitch in time’ applies here, as fixing squeaks, creaks and other small repair jobs when they become apparent (rather than waiting) will ultimately extend the life of your stairs, as well as the possible prevention of injuries caused by accidents.

Banishing squeaks forever

It is realistic for any hardwood floor owner to understand that squeaks are an inevitable part of owning a hardwood floor. However with a little vigilance and the willingness to spend a little time on maintenance, you can ensure banishment of these annoying little squeaks forever.

Wood Flooring Sanding | Sanding Wooden Floors

How to Attain Perfect Parquet

If you have parquet flooring that is in urgent need of some care and attention then the first thing to do is to carefully remove all shreds of carpet or vinyl that is hiding your parquet flooring under a less-than-attractive covering! Even if the design is hardly visible, parquet is remarkable in that it will come up like new with some proper care and the right treatment.

Parquet designs

In addition to the classic herringbone, Hungarian point, chevron and square designs, parquet is the only flooring design that offers a beautifully constructed 3D effect. If you are fortunate enough to have uncovered a wonderful circular or step-effect 3D synchronic pattern then you are on to a unique showpiece which, when properly restored, will be the envy of everyone who sees it.

Parquet flooring adds value to your home

Classic parquet designs come in a variety of natural hardwoods, although if your flooring dates to around the 1920s then it is likely to be an oak variety, beech or mahogany.

Whatever the wood type or design, perfect parquet adds real value to any property. Estate agents and conveyancing solicitors agree that properly restored real wood flooring adds value and stimulates viewing interest, making it easier to sell your property, even in the middle of a soft real estate market.

Fools rush in

If you wish to do the restoration yourself then take time to plan ahead. Be aware too that the perfect restoration will require a high degree of DIY skills, so be sure you can carry out the process before starting out.

You will of course need to remove the original veneer and this is safely done by using an up-to-date sanding machine with integral dust collector. The floor should be examined first and all ragged or broken nails removed, replaced or hammered in. Check for gaps too as all spaces between the boards, however small, should be filled before the sanding process begins.

If you have never operated an industrial sander before then make sure you ask questions at the hire company so that you are confident you can handle the machine before you take it out of the shop.

Depending upon the shape of the room, the condition of the flooring and whether there are any stairs, you may also need to hand sand to get into those difficult to reach areas. Hand sanding is done on the knees so in addition to your safety equipment of gloves, goggles and dust mask remember to use knee protectors.

Perfecting sanding

When sanding, make sure you travel over the blocks carefully and slowly. Be sure you spend an equal amount of time on each block, although of course if some blocks have particularly stubborn residual veneer sticking you will of course have to spend extra time on those. But in the main do not over-sand any areas, as this will become evident in the finished look.

You will probably find that you need to sand your parquet flooring more than once, especially if it has been a few years since it received the attention it deserves! In between sandings it is always a good idea to sweep the floor with a soft brush before re-sanding.

Your sanding is finished when the floor has an even smoothness all over. Remember that the natural wood colour will be lightened by the process, and your floor will now look several shades lighter. This is normal and is sometimes referred to as ‘bleaching’. To inject colour into the wood you can choose a coloured wood stain for finishing.

When the sanding process is successfully completed it is then time to apply your veneer of choice. Whether you choose stain, varnish, oil or lacquer always go for toxin-free products that leave little or no residual smells and will not cause harm either to your floor or your family.

It is always a good idea to take time over the sanding process. Don’t set yourself targets or declare you will finish the floor in one weekend. Perfect parquet comes naturally when lovingly restored and is well worth taking time on. And if you’re in any doubt as to your ability to give your parquet flooring the attention it needs, talk to your local professional Floor Sanding experts for qualified advice and guidance.

Parquet Floor Sanding | Sanding Parquet

Hardwood Floor Restoration

There are many reasons why hardwood and parquet flooring require ‘back-to-the-bare-boards’ restoration work. Extensive water damage, interior building work, mould or plain, simple neglect can all cause a hardwood floor to rapidly disintegrate and require a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory.

The process

Before anyone goes near your floor with any type of sanding machinery, it’s vital to find out exactly what needs doing. An in-depth examination of the floor will reveal damaged, unsafe and/or missing boards. The professional restorers will always match replacement boards as closely as possible to the originals. Specialist care will also ensure that replacement flooring has been obtained from a reclaimed or sustainable source, and be the perfect match for the floor.

When the damaged boards have been replaced and made safe then cracks and gaps in the wood can be filled in with wood slivers, neutral or coloured fillers that will blend beautifully with the floor so that the ‘new’ boards will not be prominent.

Any loose or missing nails should be taken care of at this stage before the sanding, sealing and staining commences and the floor magically returns to its former elegant state.

How many sandings a floor requires will be entirely dependent on the individual flooring. A properly sanded floor will feel smooth all over. Edges, nooks and crannies will also be sanded to the same level.

Planning is everything

It may appear that the process of restoration is relatively easy from the few sentences above but, as with most things in life, this is rarely (if ever) the case! Whether you choose a professional Floor Restoration company or decide to do it yourself you should know that planning is paramount to a successful wood floor renovation.

If you choose the DIY route then it is essential to make a list of materials you will require. Professional flooring companies generally have access to higher-grade trade materials that are not available in DIY shops. Similarly, the sanding equipment they use will probably be the latest hi-tech kit generally not available to hire.

Don’t cut corners

The most common reason for a botched floor restoration is taking shortcuts. A reputable professional floor sanding expert will never do this, as their reputation is on the line with every job they undertake. Similarly, if you take the DIY route and cut corners any flaws will be glaringly obvious in the light of a varnished finish.

Many a perfectly good wooden floor has been ruined by corner cutting, so don’t let your floor be one of them. Take care over the planning stage, be flexible and willing to read up on each stage of the restoration process if you are going it alone. Don’t put your floor in jeopardy due to lack of foresight as it may cost dearly to put it right.

Every floor has the potential to look fabulous

Whether the floor is hardwood, softwood, parquet or bamboo it has the ability to look fabulous once it has been restored back to its former glory. No matter how tired, dull, broken or stained a floor may be, it can always be improved considerably by the restoration process.

With a successful restoration, the finishing veneer adds the final touch of glamour. A properly restored floor will accept any type of topcoat, and by applying your own choice of finishing and colour options you can have the floor you have always wanted.

Commercial or domestic

Any type of premises benefits considerably from restoration. Offices, schools, public buildings, restaurants, hotels as well as homes of every shape and size look fantastic with a properly restored hardwood floor. In addition to adding real value to your property, a restored floor speaks of elegance, beauty and grace and is a real talking point with customers and visitors alike.