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Purchasing Antique Flooring

Posted by HomeDesigner | Flooring | Thursday 11 September 2008 10:05 am

Antique flooring is a truly magnificent kind of flooring. You must be wondering, what’s the price for something like this, and where can I buy? The answer to this is simple – all you have to do is browse for the right price. Wait, we know what you are thinking “what if I don’t know what price is the best?” Well, the answer is fairly simple as well. Antique flooring can range between four dollars a S/F to ten dollars a S/F and higher. It all depends on what type of wood you are ordering, what kind of planks they are, long, short, thick, or thin. Since the price can vary a bit, it is a good idea to find the one that you like best for the price. Of course, you can always go extravagant, but most people prefer choosing something simple and with a lower price for the quality. Antique flooring can be bought online, from a local craftsman, or from major companies that allow you to search a wide variety of different floors until you find the perfect one for you and your family.

Most companies will give you the option of allowing the company itself to find you a contractor for the installation. This is a good option because it leaves you with a lot less hassle when trying to find a trustworthy contractor. They can assist you in finding the perfect floor. They have specialists who can identify what you want and work with you to find what you need in antique flooring. Any of these options can be a good choice for purchasing antique floors. Buying online gives you the option of variety, for you have a lot to choose from, and in some cases they can even provide you with free shipping. Another thing to remember when buying antique wood flooring, is that you should always buy extra for cutting. Also, there is the occasional mistake that people make when installing wood floors is – not taking careful measurements. As the saying goes  – “Measure twice, cut once,” well, it can save you a lot of time and money.

Variety in Woods

Antique flooring comes in three main woods they are, Oak, Pine and Elm. All of which make a great wood floor. Oak is good because of its beauty and the fact that it makes a interesting dark wood pattern, a lot of people like oak because of its visual appeal. Pine is different from oak. The pine tree used to make this wood can take a considerably longer period of time to grow than oak. Even though some oak wood floors can be dated hundreds of years old, the pine tree also lives a long time, and makes a long lasting wood floor.

Elm is light and gives a airy feel to the room by brightening things up a bit. Elm can be a good choice when you are looking for something that adds a certain flair to your room. Ancient Chinese Elm is popular because when it comes to antique floors, this kind of flooring can be dated back many years while still looking new. It is really a matter of personal preference in the case of choosing the right wood. All of them are wonderful in their own way, and it is up to you to find the perfect one.

Benefits of Antique Flooring

Posted by HomeDesigner | Flooring | Thursday 11 September 2008 10:05 am

Antique flooring can add a lot of warmth to the look of your home. But, what are the benefits of having antique hardwood flooring in your home? Antique flooring is awash with benefits. One of the most important benefits is that when you purchase reclaimed antique flooring, you are helping the environment, and are recycling an old wood that might have been thrown out. Antique flooring adds such a pleasant look and feel to your home, making it warm and inviting for your friends and family. It is durable and beautiful all at the same time, leaving you with something that you know you will always love. And not to mention you are saving a piece of history in your very own home for the world to see. Antique flooring always has a lot of character, and the history is clearly there.

More About Antique Woods

Antique wood is used for more than just flooring. If you are going for an antique theme in your home you might want to have some of these fine items made from the same wood as your antique flooring. There is a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular is the antique wood lamp. the name speaks for its self, it is a lamp made of antique wood, and has a nice classic feel to it that adds a touch of class to your home. Not to mention that it goes perfect with antique flooring. But there are other items that are made from antique woods such as, tables, chairs, and other great pieces that are gaining popularity, because so many people enjoy the look of antique woods. That’s what makes antique floors so popular.

Antique woods can be found in many places and then recycled. Most are extracted from old buildings, and then used in your home. Some can even be hundreds of years old and have stood the test of time while still maintaining its signature classic beauty. Antique floors can be a good choice for your home, for they add charm and grace. It can be like walking on a masterpiece created by the time itself.

The Acclimation Process

This process is important in the installation of your antique floors. The acclimation process is designed to adjust the wood to its surroundings. This can prevent the wood from expanding or contracting too much after installation. This process allows the wood to adjust before it is installed, making the process much easier. During this process the wood is placed in a clean dry area, which should be stored at temperature of no higher then 75 degrees F. And no colder then 65 degrees F. Humidity causes the wood to expand or contract, which is why you must keep it dry. This can be a an important part, because you do not want your wood to expand once it has been installed. This can cause major problems.

Just be sure to follow all directions and if in any doubt about the acclimation process, contact your local craftsman or manufacturer for help on what to do in that situation. In most cases, it is a better idea to hire a contractor to do the installation for you. Just remember the facts and never hesitate to call someone or look online for help.

Antique Flooring

Posted by HomeDesigner | Flooring | Tuesday 9 September 2008 1:01 pm

Installation

Installing antique flooring is an important process. You have to make sure that you install properly, or else it can be the difference between a great floor and a big mess. You should take into account how long you will be storing the wood before installing it. This is important because if the wood is stored for too long in a harsh environment, it can become warped. So be sure to store the wood in a clean dry area at the proper temperature, approximately 65 to 75 degrees. Next, you should prepare the floor for installation, be sure to remove any debris and carpeting. Also, make sure that the floor is level, clean and dry for installation. This step of pre-installation is one of the most important and so few actually know the importance of this step in the installation process.

Antique flooring is done by the glue-down method, or it is nailed down using large nailing machines, which nail the individual board to the floor. After you have prepared the flooring and nailed it down, it’s  the time to sand. You have to be careful during this process, because you do not want to over sand and cause damage to the antique flooring, lightly sand until it has smooth finish. Then you must clean it to remove any dust from the sanding process, using a duster or a vacuum. Then you are ready for the finishing process, and this is the final touch in making your antique flooring beautiful and gleaming. There are a variety of different finishes to apply, and most people prefer the look of the unstained version of the wood because of its natural beauty.

Once your finish has been applied, and you have successfully followed instructions; the floor should be dried, and you are ready to move furniture into the room. The installation process is something that you should pay a lot of attention to, because it can change the whole look of your room. It is important to read all the instructions and follow them carefully. Without following the proper instructions for installation, you could end up with a generally bad experience that could cost you more than it’s worth. If you cannot find the right instructions on how to install you can contact a professional, or go online to find the needed information.

More Information on Installation

Although antique flooring is beautiful, it does not come without a price. The installation fee can be slightly expensive, as with most wood floors. But, this is something to be expected because of the hard work and care involved in the process. When hiring someone to install antique flooring in your home, be sure to browse about the different companies before zeroing in on the one that can give you the best offer on installation. Make sure that they are a well-trusted company. All of this should leave you with a wonderful floor that you are sure to love and keep loving for years to come.

About Antique Flooring

Posted by HomeDesigner | Flooring | Thursday 4 September 2008 1:07 pm

When you choose antique flooring for your home, you are choosing something that is endowed with a rich history. Everything it has been through is shown on its lined surface, and that is what makes this such a wonderful type of flooring. Antique flooring comes in many different types of wood, including oak and pine. Its rough craftsman look is what makes it so appealing to many homeowners. This spectacular flooring can come from a variety of places, old houses, barns, and old public buildings. That is why it has such a rich history. When you buy antique flooring, you will cherish it for its beauty. And the fact that with each line in the flooring tells a story about its past, s eve so mesmerizing!

Caring for Antique Flooring

The care and maintenance for antique flooring vary depending on what type of wood the floor is made out of, and what kind of protective finish the floor has. It is easy to find directions on proper care, but here are some tips to follow in case you get stuck without instructions on maintenance. Antique floors are usually old, and you should handle them with care. You can help protect your floor from scratches by placing mats around the house in places with a lot of traffic such as the kitchen or living area. Another good idea would be to use area rugs that are both stylish and serve the purpose of protecting your floor from dust, harmful UV rays, and also the wear and tear of everyday life.

When it comes to cleaning the floor, never use harsh chemicals. And when you absolutely must mop, use small amounts of water to avoid warping. You may use a duster or a vacuum several times a week or to your own satisfaction.  Antique floors can be damaged from furniture such as dining room chairs, so frequently moved from one place to the other. Because of this, it is a good idea to preserve the look of your floor by adding pads to the legs of your chairs and other items that could damage the flooring. Also, never use oils or sprays on the wood, and keep potted plants from leaking onto the surface of the wood. This can also cause damage.

Sunlight can also take its toll on antique wood floor, leaving sunspots on the flooring. To prevent such damage, you should place blinds or curtains on windows that allow the sun to make direct contact with the flooring. This will be sure to keep your antique flooring from fading or any other sun-related damage. By following these simple steps your floor will keep its beauty and grace for many years to come. Antique flooring is a special type of flooring that requires special care, so be sure to always use the proper care and maintenance instructions.

Never forget to take into consideration the type of floor you have and what kind of protective sealing it possesses. The care can be different for some depending on those facts. By placing antique floors in your home, you are adding a certain touch of classic beauty that only antique floors can bring.