Ever walked into a home and felt instantly warmed by the beautiful floors at your feet? Chances are, you were standing on a wood floor. But what made that floor special? In most cases, the species of the wood is what makes an impression on you.

So what species is it, and why am I attracted to it? It's a question that can catch even seasoned homeowners off guard. Let's talk about the two more popular wood choices for residential flooring, Northern Red Oak and White Oak. Both options have unique charms and strengths. Is one better than the other? While some of the differences are technical and may affect the durability, other aspects are like toppings on a pizza; you just prefer one over the other!  

You'll find out as we dive deep into this intriguing world of grain patterns, hardness levels, and color variations. Everything you need to know before choosing between red and white oak for your dream space. This isn't just about finding a pretty wood floor; it's about creating a home that makes you smile.

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Engineered hardwood wear layers are a big feature of a durable floor. Homeowners and flooring installers want to pick the longest-lasting floor they can find.  Our wear layer guide will break down how important, if it is at all, an engineered hardwood wear layer is.

We'll begin by examining wear layers, their definition, purpose, and range of thicknesses. Then we'll discuss sanding or refinishing engineered hardwood floors. while preserving the integrity of the wear layer. As we move forward, we'll debunk myths surrounding the idea that a thicker wear layer is always better. And compare different thicknesses in terms of performance.

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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...

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...