Have you been shopping hardwood and noticed in the listings a Janka number? Were you looking to know how much of a difference this makes and how wood hardness is measured? You'll find out in this post all about the Janka Hardness Scale. This scale is a tool, much like a compass in an explorer’s hand. Let's explore the world of red oak, white oak, and other popular flooring Janka scores as we measure the resilience and durability of different wood species. This unique scale invented by Austrian wood researcher Gabriel Janka helps us understand plainly how tough wood is. The Janka wood hardness scale has measured each type of wood commonly sold in hardwood today. Like fingerprints are to humans, this scale defines the identity of various woods across our planet. In this exploration, we'll dive into wood hardness mechanics - where science meets craftsmanship and wood ratings. We'll compare common species on their ratings from a Janka hardness chart. And there's more - from factors affecting hardness to understanding the limitations of our favorite hardwood floors for our flooring project.

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Are you contemplating whether 5mm vinyl plank flooring is a good choice for your home? Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is growing in popularity by the day! This waterproof flooring option has its pros and cons, and these change depending on the thickness of the vinyl rigid core product you're shopping for. We explore the 5mm lvp features, general home applications, and installation concerns to help you understand this product better before you buy. Read more...

Ever walked into a tile store and felt like you've entered an entirely different world? A universe filled with dazzling patterns, myriad hues, and most importantly - the big debate: ceramic tile vs porcelain tile. Which one is better? Or more precisely, which one suits your needs best? The beauty of both lies not just in their looks but also in their features. You might admire ceramic for its budget-friendliness or love porcelain for its strength. But it's like comparing apples to oranges unless we dive deeper. In this enlightening journey through the land of tiles, you'll uncover hidden truths about water absorption rates, and durability comparisons between these two titans of tiling material. You'll find out why ceramic makes cutting easier during installation while also learning how a denser composition contributes to porcelain's overall higher cost.

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When it comes to transforming your bar or pub establishment, one of the key elements to consider is the flooring. The right bar or pub flooring will build a sense of family, make customers feel at home, and ideally be durable enough to do this for decades. We know what makes a great restaurant floor for bar owners. We know your business is unique and most likely you want to leave a big impression on your customers and tourists. Let's not get hyper-focused on decor though, because slip-resistance, durability, and easy maintenance should be brought into consideration while making this decision. One popular choice for a bar is vinyl plank flooring. Known for its strength, durability, and complete waterproof resistance. Engineered hardwood can withstand the heavy foot traffic typically present in a bar or restaurant setting with a warm and natural decor feel for customers. Tile, particularly ceramic and travertine, is a safe option for multipurpose areas with high commercial floor traffic and kitchen traffic. A tile design is nostalgic and an easy-to-clean material so its an ideal choice for busy pub nights. In addition, stone floors, like travertine, add elegance and a natural texture to your bar area. Its non-slip properties make it perfect for a bar floor, ensuring the safety of your customers and staff.

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Ever walked into a bathroom and felt the warm, inviting touch of a hardwood floor? It looks like you're stepping into nature's embrace. Have you ever wondered if wood can withstand the moist atmosphere of a bathroom? Can wood really survive in such a damp environment?

You're not alone if you've been drawn to this elegant flooring option but held back by doubts. Hardwood can be a risky business for bathrooms, yet it holds an irresistible allure. Wood on any floor looks amazing.

In this guide, we'll explore why homeowners are smitten with hardwood floors for their bathrooms and how to overcome potential challenges. We'll dive deep into types of hardwood suitable for wet spaces, key installation considerations, and even discuss practical alternatives.

The journey ahead promises value – from making informed decisions on flooring choices to tips on maintaining that gleaming wooden charm amidst splashes and steam! Read more...

Ever stared down at your hardwood floors and wondered, can you use a steam mop on hardwood floors? Or maybe like me, you've been drawn in by the allure of quick cleanups, battery-powered vacuums, and no chemical residues. I was right there with you - armed with my new steam mop and ready to tackle any dirt or weird film spots that dared cross its path.

A word of caution though: all that glitters isn't always gold. Just 'cause the steaming mop is powerful doesn't mean it's suitable for all surfaces. Especially when dealing with wooden floors in your living room which can be vulnerable to extreme heat and moisture.

In this journey together, we'll delve into the world of steam mops and their impact on our beloved hardwoods. We're going behind enemy lines here folks; unearthing potential risks while exploring safer cleaning alternatives.

So, what's the takeaway? Don't use a steam mop on hardwood floors, use natural cleaners with a microfiber mop for the deep clean you are looking for. Learn why you shouldn't use one below and how to get a deep clean without one below. Read more...

When it comes to flooring, knowing the difference between vinyl and linoleum can be hard to understand. But understanding the key differences between these two flooring products is key for anyone looking to save money on quality flooring. Vinyl and linoleum both have their own unique characteristics that affect their durability, installation requirements, maintenance needs, and price points – all of which are important factors when making a decision about what kind of flooring you should buy. ... Read more...

Bathroom remodels are notorious for being expensive, messy, and time-consuming. A quick internet search for bathroom remodeling costs will show you numbers ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and construction timeframes ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. Let’s avoid that with our 5 Cheap Ways to Remodel Your Bathroom ideas below. These cheap ways to remodel your bathroom don’t need to take that long to achieve a shiny new porcelain throne or a beautiful shower. If you’re willing to roll ... Read more...

Not all home improvement projects add real bang for your buck. Some might feel like you’re spending money on something invisible. Yet, new flooring is just the opposite. Some estimates suggest that new wood flooring can provide a 70% to 80% return on investment. Realtors even suggest it adds up to 2.5% in value to your home if you plan to sell anytime soon. The problem is that 100% wood flooring is expensive and requires more maintenance over the long haul. It’s the same reason many ... Read more...

Did you know that we’ve been using wood in our homes for more than 10,000 years? Even today, hardwood floors are one of the most desirable forms of flooring. Hardwood floors have a number of issues, however. The good news is that there is a perfect alternative: engineered hardwood flooring. Read on as we look at the many advantages of engineered hardwood flooring. What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring? Engineered hardwood flooring is made by using a piece of solid hardwood ... Read more...