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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…
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Purpleheart Hardwood
This week, continuing with our Exotic Species Series, we’d like to introduce you to another beautifully unique hardwood – “Purpleheart.” Genus: Peltogyne Common Name: Purpleheart Country of Origin: Tropical Rainforest regions of South and Central America. Brazil, Guyana, Panama Janka Rating: 2520 Whether you’ve heard about this bazaar and gorgeous hardwood species or not, believe that the rumors are true: this hardwood is actually purple! That’s right, purple. It’s hard to believe that a tree can grow and naturally have this wonderful color. Most people, when thinking of wood in general, tend to think of all shades of brown. And that’s true in many cases. But that’s why we’ve introduced…
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Flooring Patterns, Directions and Layouts: What to choose to get the most out of each space
Choosing your floors layout pattern is a very important step in planning your renovation/remodel. It has an unknowingly huge impact on how big the space can appear, as well as influencing the overall flow of your home. You may be very surprised at how different a room can look, simply by changing the direction the flooring is laid. When considering solid hardwood flooring installation layouts, there are a few different options. From classic straight strip flooring to eccentric mosaic parquet designs, we want to provide you with the floor you’ve always dreamed of, while guiding you to something that works the best in your particular space. Here’s an overview –…
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Cupping vs Crowning – Signs of Potential Water Damage
Wood is one of the most common flooring materials used in homes all across the northeast United States, and for a great reason. Not only does is increase the value of your home, but when maintained properly, you’ll never need to replace it. However, maintenance is the key to ensuring a long life for your wood floors. One of the natural characteristics of wood is that it will tell you when something’s wrong (or show you, rather). Being that wood is a hygroscopic material- meaning that it has the ability to pull in and retain moisture from its environment- Cupping and Crowning are clear signs that there’s a moisture…
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Do’s and Don’ts for updating your home before it goes on the market
Updating your home before putting it on the market is something that most sellers do to ensure the sale, and at the price they’re looking for. Everyone wants to get the best price they can for their home when it sells. That goes without saying…. But we understand how overwhelming it can be, to think about where to start with the homes’ upgrades, so we’ve compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts to choose from, when deciding on what updates to make on your home to get it to sell. Do’s Enlist the help of a “Home Stager.” Home stagers know exactly what buyers want to see when looking at…
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Best Flooring For Your Kitchen
What is the best flooring for a kitchen? Hardwood, tile, laminate or luxury vinyl? In order to choose a flooring material for your kitchen, or any of the rooms in your home, the type of subfloor has to be determined first. (“Subfloor” basically meaning your current floors foundation, or what’s underneath; typically plywood or concrete). Once we determine what kind of subfloor your kitchen has, we’d be able to recommend a floor covering material that makes the most sense, and follows the look you’re trying to achieve. If the subfloor is concrete, then chances are it’s best to install tile or a luxury vinyl. Tile: Tile is easy…
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Pre-Finished vs. Site-Finished Hardwood Flooring
Having trouble deciding on your hardwood floor finish? Here, we’ll examine the differences between, and benefits of, both pre-finished hardwood (factory finished) and unfinished hardwood (site-finished) flooring. Hardwood flooring installation and finishing is just one of our areas of expertise, and by the time our flooring clients come to us, they usually already know whether they want their floors to be finished in their homes, (on site) or pre-finished from the factory. However, some aren’t sure what they’re interested in (and that’s completely ok; we love to aid in the decision making process when it comes to what’s best for your home! That’s what we’re here for!) It’s…
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Can Pets and Hardwood Floors Coexist?
Here are some hardwood flooring facts that can keep you ahead of the game when deciding on which material to choose for your pet friendly home… With 63% of all U.S. households having pets, this is a topic that we come across pretty often. Though we love our furry family members, they can be a bit tough on our floors. One of the biggest issues with our pets is their nails. If they’re not kept trimmed, they could easily scratch a hardwood floor. In addition to scratches, your hardwood floor has to try to endure food and water bowl spills, and lets not forget the dreaded housebreaking accidents! Even…
