Lace-In or Weave-In Tips For Hardwood

Lace-in or weave-in tips for hardwood:

1. Try to remove a board and find a mill stamp. If you can find that, consult with a supplier to find the best match to the characteristics of the existing floor.

2. Lace in within a 2-3’ space of the existing wood. Don’t go past 3’. It’s timing consuming, more expensive, and unecessary.

3. Do not stair step your seem pattern. But give thought to the arrangement of seems because it’s easy to line them up with minimal board removal.

4. Glue every tongue and groove that isn’t getting nailed.

5. Sand on a 45 degree angle (or less) to remove substantial over wood (1/16”+)

#westcoasthardwoodfloors #lacein #hardwoodflooring #contractor #bonacertifiedcraftsman #oak #pdxfloors #homeimprovement #renovation

What Do “Lace-In” & “Header” Mean?

Sometimes a flooring installer may opt to do what is called a “lace in”, this is where a new wood floor is joined together with an existing wood floor to create a transition. A good time to use this technique is when extending an existing wood floor into a new area, or if you were replacing carpet with hardwood to match existing hardwood floors in your home. A “header” is related, it is the final piece of wood installed before a transition to another type of flooring, such as stone or tile. Knowing the terminology can save you a lot of time explaining what it is you’re envisioning when talking to a designer or contractor. There are also a number of other types of transitions as well, leaving room for endless design possibilities.

Tool Talk Tuesday: Mallets

#tooltalktuesday when selecting a mallet (specialty hammer) be sure it has a durable rubber head that is non-marking. Note: The black head mallet can leave marks if scuff the material surface. Also be sure it will not damage the tongue side of boards. To ensure this, get a soft enough compound.

Also consider the weight. The lixie deadblow on top will fatigue your arm less but require slightly more force than the powernail mallet below. We find the powernail to be very versatile for hardwood floor nailing as well as tear outs due to the non rubber side.

Both have excellent durability. Both have replaceable heads though the lixie’s are much easier as they screw off.

#construction #flooring #tools #install #westcoasthardwoodfloors #tips #hardwoodfloors #pdxfloors #localbusiness #bonacertifiedcraftsman

Bamboo Flooring: An Affordable Alternative To Hardwood

With hardwood still being a pricey option, home improvement projects can become expensive quickly. Bamboo is a great alternative because it grows extremely quickly, allowing it to be easily replenishable; thus renewable and less expensive than its hardwood counterparts. It also has a unique look, making it more visually exciting than your traditional hardwood floor. Another benefit of bamboo is that it is easy to clean with a mop or vacuum and is slightly more resistant to water than hardwoods. However, bamboo is more likely to crack or buckle in extremely humid or dry environments, so it does best in temperate climates. Bamboo can be refinished similarly to hardwoods, making it a great investment for your home at a fraction of the price!

Photo Credit: carpettogo.com

Tool Talk Tuesday 4

#tooltalktuesday Sometimes you can’t reinvent the wheel... in hardwood floors, that’s the corner scraper. I’ve tried many, and this is by far my favorite shape. I’ve been using this style since I was a kid, growing up, and learning to scrape corners. If you’re in the Portland, OR area, grab one from Greenpointe Inc. ! Be sure to also pick up a file and a few packs of blades. Don’t be afraid to change blades every few jobs or after a big job of scraping.

#westcoasthardwoodfloors #toolsofthetrade #craftsmen #woodflooring #tips #bonacertifiedcraftsman #familyownedandoperated #localbusiness

Hardwood Floors: Restoration vs. Replacement

Sometimes properties can come with vintage wood floors that have seen better days. However, there are some key signs that tell you whether or not your floors can be repaired, or if they’ll need replacing. If your floors have already been refinished multiple times, they may be close to the end of their lifespan. Or if you’ve had water damage, you should consider replacing your floors because other serious damage can occur if the moisture isn’t dealt with. Over time hardwood floors can become discolored from sunlight, this is a fix that can be achieved by refinishing. If you have creaky floors they’ll likely need replacing because the damage could be more severe under the floor surface. However, if the damage isn’t structural and is a small area, a replacement could be as simple as swapping out a couple of planks. The opportunity to keep the original floor if it’s vintage is really special, vintage wood floors have a lot of character and provide visual interest.

Tool Talk Tuesday: Jigsaws

Jigsaws make difficult cuts easier and safer. A company with a limited budget can make do without one. But If you decide to purchase one, you will save time on casing, angle, and multiple obstacle cuts.

#tips #westcoasthardwoodfloors #tooltalktuesday #jigsaw #construction #flooringinstallation #pdx #localbusiness #familyownedandoperated #bonacertifiedcraftsman

2021 Flooring Influences

There are a number of factors influencing design trends this year, but Covid has presented as a unique factor in dictating this year’s trends. For example, neutral tones and natural materials will be making a comeback because they provide a sense of comfort and security. Another flooring trend that will be popular is bold grain patterned hardwood floors. These bold grain patterns are great for showcasing the natural beauty of hardwood and can be the highlight of a room. The pandemic has also made cleanliness a topic of discussion, meaning people will be more likely to move away from carpet due to it trapping more dust and allergens. Hardwood and LVP are easy to maintain and clean, some LVP manufacturers, like Mannington Mills, are even creating products with antimicrobial surfaces for additional protection against germs. Products like this are likely to be popular in both residential and commercial spaces with so many benefits.

Tool Talk Tuesday: Oscillating Tool Blades

For #tooltalktuesday let’s talk oscillating tool blades! First my favorite brands are #milwaukee and #dremel. From the top down:

1. This is a Japanese sawtooth style blade. Very good for cutting hardwood and casings cleanly. Easily destroyed by metal!

2. Regular wood cutting blade, cosistent and durable rough cuts. Still quickly destroyed by metal.

3. Mixed used blade, still testing but so far I prefer straight up carbide.

4. Carbide blade, excellent for cutting metal whether it’s nails in casings, trim, wood with nails, etc. terrible for wood cuts.

#westcoasthardwoodfloors

#manufacturing #testing #steel #construction #tools #tipsandtricks

Tips For A Relaxing Home

There are lots of ways to make your home feel more like a day spa and bring out your inner zen, but we’re here with some sneaky tips you might not have heard of! One product that we recommend for soothing smells that leave your home fresh scented with their long lasting aroma is the Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner. It works well for cleaning a multitude of surfaces like luxury vinyl tile (LVT), stone, and no wax sealed tile. It is available in both lemon mint and cedar wood, leaving your home smelling fresh and citrusy, or like a log cabin in the forest and sparkly clean. Mixing hardwood floors with a soft area rug can create a cozy focal point in a room while also protecting the wood floor from furniture scratches. Place a decorative basket next to couches and beds for spare blankets, tv, remotes, and phone chargers to keep rooms free of clutter.  Last but not least, replacing your bathroom towels with fresh, fluffy ones can leave your bathroom feeling like a day spa.

Making Your AirBnB Feel Brand New

Owning properties to turn into AirBnB rentals can turn costly quickly with renovations. We’re going to share with you some cost effective methods to liven up your property that provide a huge visual impact. 

1. New Flooring - Refinishing existing hardwood floors or replacing carpets can give new life to a space.

2. Add an accent wall - Using paint, wallpaper, or wall decals to create an accent wall can pack a real visual punch.

3. Updating bathroom tile - Getting rid of old tile to upgrade to something more modern can make a bathroom feel luxurious and spa-like when paired with some fresh towels. 

4. Painting Kitchen Cabinets - by painting your cabinets you can change the entire feel of a kitchen, without overspending.

5. Window Coverings- Updating window coverings to make sure they aren’t faded or damaged. Curtains can also be a creative way to add patterns and bold colors to rooms.

Owning properties to turn into AirBnB rentals can turn costly quickly with renovations. We’re going to share with you some cost effective methods to liven up your property that provide a huge visual impact. 

1. New Flooring - Refinishing existing hardwood floors or replacing carpets can give new life to a space.

2. Add an accent wall - Using paint, wallpaper, or wall decals to create an accent wall can pack a real visual punch.

3. Updating bathroom tile - Getting rid of old tile to upgrade to something more modern can make a bathroom feel luxurious and spa-like when paired with some fresh towels. 

4. Painting Kitchen Cabinets - by painting your cabinets you can change the entire feel of a kitchen, without overspending.

5. Window Coverings- Updating window coverings to make sure they aren’t faded or damaged. Curtains can also be a creative way to add patterns and bold colors to rooms.

Tool Talk Tuesday: Primatech 250

#tooltalk: Every hardwood company should spend around $700 on a primatech 250 for 3 reasons:

1. It will make your slowest employees about as fast at nailing as your fastest employees

2. Very few miss-nails. Saves time not having to set those.

3. Less physical to use due to rollers.

#westcoasthardwoodfloors

#productivity #efficiency #construction #power #energy #tools #toolsofthetrade #primatech #bonacertifiedcraftsman #tips

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

PDX Home Refinish

Did you know that painting your ceiling white can make your space seem bigger? Check it out in this PDX home!

Intro to Luxury Vinyl

When deciding on installing new luxury vinyl floors, it’s important to consider all of your options. There are multiple different types of LV that can be matched to your needs and lifestyle. For example, there are traditional planks that are made up of vinyl instead of wood (LVP), or peel and stick vinyl plank look-alikes. While these two are similar, LVP is more durable and tends to be easier to install. Another benefit of luxury vinyl floors is that they are stain resistant and dampen noise better than traditional hardwood floors, making them great for households with pets and children. LV floors create a sleek and attractive surface for your space, making it easy to keep your home beautiful and clean. To complete your space you can add transitions, mouldings, or additional trim pieces.

Designing Your Dream Home Office

Due to the pandemic many people got to experience working from home for the first time. While it was a rocky adjustment at first, many plan to continue working out of their homes. This presents homeowners with a unique opportunity to design their own office space and choose their office aesthetic for the first time. Replacing or refinishing the flooring is an affordable option to give your home office a new life. Fall in love with your workspace by giving it the makeover it deserves, without overspending. There are many affordable choices that can make your home office look like it belongs in a magazine, it’s just a matter of finding what’s right for you. At West Coast Hardwood Floors we’re here to help you create a surface you’ll love.

Choosing A Contractor With Confidence

Choosing A Contractor With Confidence

When it comes to choosing a flooring contractor there are several things you should know before coming to a final decision. Ultimately, your home may be your largest investment and making sure you love it is important, so here are some tips for choosing the right contractor for your flooring needs.

• Are they licensed? This will help you determine if they are reputable and knowledgeable in their field.

• Are they insured? This protects the client and the company if something goes wrong.

• Do they have good reviews? Check Angi’s List, Houzz, Facebook, Google and more to see what previous clients have to say about their experience.

• Do they have a portfolio? They say seeing is believing, so you definitely want to check out a copy of a company’s portfolio, website and social media photos to get an idea of the work they do.

• Dust containment systems. Make sure the contractor you choose uses effective dust containment methods to ensure a thorough cleanup and good air quality. 

• Are they up front about how long it will take? A good contractor will be honest about their availability and will help explain any downtime of your property.

Refinishing Your Floors: How Often & Why

The key to a long-lived wood floor is refinishing consistently. Based on the amount of traffic and use a hardwood floor sees you should plan to refinish every 5-10 years. This will help repair damage that occurs to the floor through daily use and provide a deep clean of the floors. Additionally, you have the option to re-stain your floors when refinishing. Allowing it to be a cost effective option, especially if you decide you want to change your floor color without fully replacing the floors. Refinishing can give new life to old and damaged hardwood floors, allowing for you to keep and maintain vintage hardwood floors. Whether you had your home built in the last few years or it’s from 1900, refinishing your floors can make them seem brand new again. Check out our gallery here to see how refinishing your floors can make your home look!

https://westcoasthf.com/gallery

Caring For Your LVP Floors

LVP is a beautiful and durable choice for flooring. By taking the steps to maintain your LVP floors properly you can ensure many years of use. These 7 tips will help keep your LVP floors looking great for years to come!

1. Use a soft bristle broom for cleaning up loose dirt

2. Use a slightly damp mop for daily tidying

3. Do not use a steam mop on LVP floors as it can cause them to delaminate

4. Avoid oils, dish soaps, and floor waxes because they will leave residue

5. Place felt floor protectors on furniture to minimize scratching

6. Clean up any spills right when they happen to avoid damage to the floors

7. Avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar

Cleaning Hardwood Floors Do's & Don'ts

- Do use a microfiber mop or cloth to dust your floors weekly to clean dust and other allergens

- Do use vacuums and wet mops for hard to reach areas

- Don’t use excess water with a wet mop, using a natural hardwood floor cleaner is ideal, we recommend

- Do screen and re-coat every 1-2 years for maintenance

- Don't polish or wax your floor, these can leave residue and will prevent you from re-coating

- Don’t use vinegar or a soap based mix for mopping your floors, it can dull the finish and leave behind residue

-Do refinish your floors every 5-10 years to repair damage and get a deep clean

#floorcare #hardwoodfloors #springcleaningtips #westcoasthardwoodfloors #homecleaning

Top 5 Benefits Of Hardwood Flooring

1. Durability, it is incredibly long lasting when properly maintained.

2. Hardwood floors are easy to clean. They can be swept or vacuumed.

3. Add value to your home. In the long run home improvement projects, like installing hardwood floors, can greatly increase the value of your home if you are looking to sell.

4. Hardwood floors can also improve the air quality in your home because they don’t trap dust and pet dander like carpet.

5. You can always opt to refinish your hardwood floors if you want to change the color rather than opting to fully replace your floors, making them a cost effective choice if you like to change your aesthetic frequently.

#woodflooring #homebuild #interiordesign #construction #homeimprovementprojects #renovation