Discount Flooring Depot Blog

16/10/2018
, , , ,

Wood Floors Vs Vitrified Tiles

Engineered wood floors (and to some extent solid wood floors) respond well to underfloor heating and are comparatively much easier to maintain compared to vitrified tiles. This makes wood floors the ideal choice for indoor use. Vitrified tiles are difficult to remove and possess hard-wearing all-weather characteristics suitable for outdoor use (e.g. patios). What is a Vitrified Tile? Unlike standard ceramic flooring, vitrified tiles contain quartz and feldspar. When heated in a kiln, quartz and feldspar melt together to form a glass-like glue that binds the clay tile together. This... Read More

01/10/2018
, , ,

What Are Floating Wooden Floors?

A floating wooden floor is one of three engineered wood floor installation solutions. Floating floors consist of interconnected tongue-and-groove planks placed on top of a concrete or wood subfloor. Unlike the alternative ‘glued’ or ‘nailed’ methods, the boards are not fixed to the floor, hence the name ‘floating wood floor’. Why Choose Floating Wooden Floors? Of the three engineered wood floor installation methods, the floating wooden floor method is commonly regarded by DIY enthusiasts as the simplest and most cost effective installation solution. Let’s take a look at the three... Read More

durable wood flooring 18/09/2018
, , ,

Which Wood Flooring is Most Durable?

In order to understand which type of wood flooring is most durable, we must consider two factors: The impact resistant properties of each wood species The difference between solid wood floors and engineered wood floors We will now look at each point individually, beginning with how hardness is tested. Understanding the Janka Hardness Test Wood floor ‘hardness’ is measured using the Janka Hardness Test. Simply, the test involves measuring the force required to embed a small steel ball in the wood (exactly half of the steel ball must be embedded... Read More

07/09/2018
, , , ,

How to Remove Water Stains from Wood Floors

Wood floor stains are grouped into two categories: white and black. In general, white stains affect the surface finish and black stains penetrate into the wood. Understanding the difference between white stains and black stains is the first step in deciding the most suitable method of how to remove water stains from wood floors. Types of Water Stains: White Stains The term ‘white stain’ is used to describe surface discolouration that only affects the wood floor finish. Typically, this smoky type of water stain is found on newer wood floors... Read More

22/08/2018
, , ,

How To Make Wood Floors Less Slippery

Popular methods of making wood floors less slippery include cleaning the floor regularly and applying an anti-slip coating. Adding carpet runners to stairways and fixing heavy rugs in place with carpet tape or non-slip rug pads can also help to prevent accidental slippages. Further reduce the risk of slipping by choosing rubber soled footwear. Less Slippery Wood Floors – Choice of Finish The lifespan of both engineered and hardwood floors can be extended by up to ten times through careful maintenance – including applying a finish. The three most popular... Read More

15/08/2018
, , , ,

Can You Use Steam Mops to Clean Wood Floors?

Cleaning a wood floor with a steam mop increases the risk of water damage – typical long term damage includes ‘cupping’ or ‘crowning’. Water residue could also dull a wax or varnish finish. All wood floors are sensitive to moisture – a hygrometer device can be useful in measuring and maintaining humidity levels. How to Clean a Wood Floor Safely Wood floors may be finished using a variety of methods and products. Different finishes provide different levels of protection against moisture. For example, popular oil based stain-and-seal finishes may offer... Read More

31/07/2018
, , , , ,

Are Wood Floors Waterproof?

Wood floors are not inherently waterproof. Applying a water resistant finish at regular intervals (2-10 years, depending on type of finish and intensity of usage) can help to maximise the lifespan of a wood floor. Options for creating different levels of water resistance range from Polyurethane oil and water based finishes, to varnishes and sealants. Waterproofing can help to avoid: Bow Bowing occurs where water damage causes a distinct contraction across the surface of the wood, causing the two ends of a piece of wood flooring to rise up slightly.... Read More

03/07/2018
, , , ,

Can Wood Floors Be Stained Darker?

Hardwood floors with a thickness of 8-10mm may be sanded and stained up to ten times. Each time, a darker or a lighter stain may be chosen. The surface layer of an engineered wood floor must meet a minimum thickness of 2mm for the process to achieve adequate results. Outcomes vary depending on the wood species, the grade or quality of the wood, and the age of the wood. The age of the selected stain is another factor that may contribute to the end result. Where a stain is many... Read More

20/06/2018
, ,

Can Wood Floors Be Laid Over Tile?

A solid concrete base is the ideal foundation on which to lay a wood floor. However, where tiling has been set into a concrete floor, work to remove the tiles could disrupt the concrete foundations. In this scenario, raised wood floors or glued wood floors may be laid over tile. Prep work should include leveling any raised tile edges. Laying Wood Floors Over Tiles – Prep Work Whether you are planning to lay a raised wood floor over tiles or whether you are planning to install a glued laminate wood... Read More

31/05/2018
, , ,

How to Clean Wood Floors Naturally

Popular methods of cleaning wood floors naturally include: Black Tea White Vinegar and Vegetable Oil Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and Water Water, White Vinegar, Liquid Soap & Baking Soda (stain removal) The timeless visual appeal of a well maintained wood floor can increase the asking price of your property. With that in mind, there are clear short term and long term benefits to regular maintenance – but what is the best method of cleaning your wood floor? Let’s take a more in depth look at each natural cleaning solution. But... Read More