Choosing A Finish For Your Hardwood Floors

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One thing that all hardwood floors need is a finish. Sometimes it can be difficult to make a decision with so many choices, but asking yourself a few key questions will get you pointed in the right direction.

  1. Are you refinishing your floors or are they brand new? 

  2. Do you want to keep the look of the natural wood or change the color?

  3. Is the floor a high traffic area?

  4. What kind of VOC(volatile organic compound) content does it have?

  5. How durable do you want it to be?

  6. What is your project timeframe, i.e. do you need it to dry quickly?

By determining the answer to these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices with ease. A knowledgeable contractor can also assist you with choosing a finish when you are installing or refinishing your floor. 

Photo shows ebony stained cherry in a client’s home.

We're Hiring!

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We’re hiring experienced flooring installers! Text FLOORS to 22100 or apply at⤵️
www.westcoasthf.com/careers

#pdxjobs #job #flooringinstallation #construction #hardwoodfloors #portlandoregon#pdxfloors #westcoasthardwoodfloors #hiring #journeyman #bonacertifiedcraftsman#familyownedandoperated

Wire-Brushed Wood Floors

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Wire-brushed wood floors are the perfect finishing touch to achieve a rustic, farmhouse ambiance. How are they made? They’re hardwood planks or LVP that have been scraped with a short, stiff bristled wire brush, creating an elegant, distressed surface. If you’re wondering why someone might choose to scuff up a perfectly good floor, the reason might be because light scraping can bring out the grain of the wood even more. It can also be a great way to achieve a vintage or reclaimed wood type of look if you’re unable to find real reclaimed wood. One reason why this look is so popular is because it can help hide small scratches and scuffs. However, when it comes to cleaning, simply wiping with a cloth may not be enough and you’ll have better results with a microfiber mop.



Tool Talk Tuesday 4

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#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

Patterns & Inlay

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If you’re wanting to create a truly unique look for your home try installing a custom inlay or pattern. There are so many beautiful options you can choose. When ripping out old carpet or just to have a change, consider something custom that will become the highlight of your home. Consider mixing species or different stained planks for a gorgeous multicolor look. For example this two toned custom inlay that we did for a client recently. This fabulous look completely changes the dynamic of the space and is a great alternative to the previously installed carpet.

Parquet, herringbone, are all great choices for someone wanting to have a unique floor. Another great example of a daring new look is this beautiful patterned floor below. Thanks to the wide variety of products, both real and engineered hardwood, creating a beautiful home is easier than ever!

Water & Wood

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Water is no friend to your hardwood floor. Even small spills that aren’t cleaned up properly can leave stains behind. Wood is a naturally porous material, allowing it to absorb moisture easily. In cases of more severe water damage planks may even buckle or cup. Keeping your floors dry and cleaning up spills quickly can minimize water damage to your wood floors. In the event that you do end up having a large amount of water on the floor, be sure to move any rugs and furniture to prevent water from pooling. You can even use a wet vacuum to clean up large amounts of water with ease. Once any water has been cleaned up, monitor the area to make sure mold and mildew doesn’t begin to grow on the floor. By avoiding water damage and properly maintaining your hardwood floors, you’re ensuring that they last a lifetime!