• finishes,  Floor Finishes,  How to Choose the Right Floor,  Sanding and Refinishing hardwood floors

    What are different types of polyurethane finishes?

    Matte- Satin- Semi-gloss- High gloss How is flooring luster measured? The luster, or “sheen level” of a floor is determined by how the flooring surface reflects light at a particular angle. The luster is measured with a small device called a gloss meter, which measures the amount of reflected light from the light beamed at a given angle onto the floor.  This gives us our “scale;” with “Matte” on one end, (being the least glossy and reflective, and “High gloss” on the other end, (being the most shiny and most reflective of the finishes). Does polyurethane affect the color of a hardwood floor? The simple answer is: It depends on whether you’re using an oil…

  • Exotic Species Hardwood Flooring

    Zebrawood

    Scientific Name – Microberlinia brazzavillensis Common Names – African Zebrawood, Zebrano Grown – West Coast of Africa Janka rating –  1575 Continuing in our exotic species series, this week we’re discussing Zebrawood.   This rare and remarkable hardwood is unlike any other.  Zebrawood is named after its appearance, looking similar to the stripes on a Zebra when cut quartersawn.  It has incredibly distinct striping that is completely natural, and only something that mother nature could have conjured up.  The sapwood is a pale creamy yellow, while the striping is a highly contrasting dark brown, and darkens over time. Zebrawood definitely isn’t for everyone; it is a truly special hardwood that…