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Friday, July 17, 2015

Bamboo flooring Chicago



 Bamboo flooring Maintenance 
Each type of floors requires maintenance. Here are few tips of how your bamboo floors can still look great after so many years . 
1. Clean floor after installation. Use a lightly dampened mop with no-wax floor cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors (preferably non-toxic, environmentally safe products).And we carry those type of cleaning products such as Bona and many others.  
2. Regularly dust mop, sweep with a soft bristle broom or vacuum with a soft accessory to keep your bamboo floor clean from dust, dirt or grit. In our store you will be able to get a cleaning mop as well.
3 Remove spills and dirt promptly. A soft cloth wetted with water and then squeezed dry may be used to wipe up foodstuffs and other spills, provided the area is dried immediately.
4 When using any wood flooring cleaner that requires mixing with water, follow the mixing directions precisely.
5 Heel or scuff marks and stubborn stains may be removed by lightly rubbing with a cloth and a wood floor cleaner.
6 Place mats at all exterior entrances. This will capture much of the harmful dirt before it reaches the bamboo floor. 

7 It is recommended to remove shoes (especially high-heel shoes) prior to walking on bamboo flooring. Alternatively, be sure to clean shoes well. Gravel, rocks and debris can get stuck in the bottom of shoes and scratch the finish.
8 Use area rugs on high traffic pathways. Only use colorfast and non-scratch area rugs on your bamboo floor.
9 Use mats in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room to protect against spills.
10 Shake out, vacuum or wash mats and area rugs frequently.
11 Install floor protectors under all furniture legs. Make sure the floor protectors are large enough to distribute weight evenly. Keep the floor protectors clean of grit and replace them periodically. Wheels should have hardened-plastic casters at least 2" in width depending on weight.

Visit our website at www.abhardwood.com
Visit our showroom at 3100 N Elston Ave., Chicago


Hardwood floors and Moisture



     Moisture and Hardwood Floors
When a once beautiful wood floor all of a sudden shows defects, changes in wood moisture are most likely the reason. Even small changes in each board can have a large impact, when hundreds of boards are laid side by side.
Common Causes for Moisture Problems:
- Floor planks were not dry at the time of installation.
- Sub floor is too wet.
- Existing or new concrete slab is too wet.
- Water spills and leaks.

Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means that when wood is exposed to air, it will dry or pick up moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. Moisture absorption causes wood to swell. Moisture loss causes wood to shrink. Shrinkage of wood begins at 25-30% moisture content. Swelling occurs as wood increases in moisture content from 0% to 25-30% moisture content. Above 25%-30% wood is dimensionally stable
     When homes are heated in the winter, RH levels can plummet, boards can shrink and spaces appear between the boards as the wood loses MC. Some of these variations are seasonal and will close up on their own when the weather (and related RH) changes and moisture returns back to the air.  Monitoring the room’s temperature and RH level, then taking corrective action, can also minimize seasonal shifts in the wood floor.  As an example, you can add moisture to the air during dry winter months by installing a humidifier in the furnace.
Dear customers take care of your hardwood floors and they will last a lifetime .
Visit our showroom at 3100 N Elston to see the entire collection of Hardwood floors.
Visit our website at www.abhardwood.com

Friday, July 3, 2015

Pets and Hardwood floors.AB Hardwood flooring Chicago



Pets and  Hardwood
   We know how important your house pets are to you but we also  understand what a great  value the hardwood floors in your home are.Here are some tips of how to choose hardwood floors if your have furry friends living with you:
 Avoid the soft woods:
    • Pine, fir, cedar
    • American Cherry
    • American Walnut
    • Carbonized bamboo (caramel colored)
These woods are softer and will dent very easily. They look beautiful, but they are not very practical if you have pets.

    Also consider to get, lighter colors of hardwood ,they are better for pets and show scratches  less. First, darker colors seem to show the scratches and the dirt more. Second, oak is the most common type of hardwood and oak is naturally light. So, if you have a scratch that penetrates the stain color, it will show less on lighter colors since what is revealed beneath is similar in color.  You may also want to consider a color that is similar to you dog’s fur as it will blend a bit more.
Satin finishes/less glossy finishes. Satin (or even Matte) finishes are usually best. The glossier the finish, the more it will show the scratches from the light reflecting off of it.
  If your dog sheds a lot, consider choosing a hardwood color (or an area rug) that is similar to your dog’s fur.
 If your dog has an “accident,” be sure to clean it up quickly. The uric acid (along w/ the moisture) can damage the polyurethane and wood floor and even turn it black. Avoid using ammonia to clean (which can wear down the poly and potentially attract your pet to use the same spot), and instead use one of Bona Cleaning products that contain natural  ingredients that will not damage your floor. We carry Bona products in our store. 
We carry a great selection of Hardwood floors .Stop by in our showroom today at 3100 N Elston Ave., in Chicago
Visit our website at www.abhardwood.com