As a flooring professional, you know that the choice of finish can significantly impact the look, durability, and maintenance requirements of wood flooring. With a wide range of options available, it’s essential to understand the advantages and versatility of waterborne finishes to make informed recommendations to your clients.
The Strength of Finishes
Finishes, like those offered by LOBA, create a protective layer on the wood’s surface. Today’s vanishes are almost exclusively water-based, with minimal solvent content. This offers several benefits, including superior durability to their oil counterparts. Finishes, especially two-component varnishes, offer excellent protection against scratches, scuffs, spills, and cleaning products making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Key Advantages of Waterborne Products:
Environmental Friendliness:
Low VOCs: Waterborne products emit significantly lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to solvent-based finishes and are practically odourless. This is a major benefit for indoor air quality, especially for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Faster Drying Times:
Quick Turnaround: Waterborne products typically dry much faster than solvent-based finishes, allowing for a quicker installation and less disruption to the homeowner.
Superior Durability:
Resistance to Wear and Tear: Modern waterborne products are engineered to provide exceptional durability, resisting scratches, scuffs, and stains, including in commercial applications.
Versatility:
Wide Range of Finishes: Waterborne products offer a variety of finishes, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte and extra matte to suit different styles, preferences, and level of foot traffic.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Clients
Modern waterborne products have revolutionized the way we finish wood floors. Their environmental friendliness, fast drying times, durability, versatility, and ease of application make them an excellent choice for contractors seeking a beautiful and long-lasting floor finish for their clients.
Woodchuck Flooring: Your Partner in Wood Flooring Perfection
At Woodchuck Flooring, we offer a wide range of high-quality waterborne finish options to help you achieve the perfect look for your flooring projects. Our experienced team can provide expert guidance on product selection, application, and maintenance.
Give us a call or stop by the showroom to discuss your next project and discover how Woodchuck Flooring can help you deliver exceptional results.
Installing hardwood floor is more than a quick or simple cosmetic upgrade to your home. It’s a major investment and significant renovation.You need to carefully consider both your choice of flooring and choice of installer.When selecting an installer, it’s important to ask questions up front to ensure you pick the right flooring for your home and avoid issues down the road.Here is our list of key questions you should ask your installer before your next flooring project.
What type of hardwood is best for my home?
Several factors such as what sort of subfloor you have and how much foot traffic your new flooring will experience will play a key role in your flooring choice. Different species of wood, for example: oak, hickory, maple, etc.,have different design and performance characteristics and choosing the right flooring for your home can mean all the difference in the lifespan of your hardwood. An experienced dealer or installer will be able to assist you in choosing the correct flooring type for your home.
Do you charge for an in-home estimate, and if so, will this fee apply to the cost of purchase?
An in-home estimate is an important part of determining what type of flooring you can install as well as the total amount you will need to purchase.These days with the rising costs of fuel and the time involved in doing a proper in home estimate some installers may charge a small fee and then apply it to the total cost of the job, others continue to offer this service for free. Be wary of companies that simply provide a per square foot price. While this may seem to be simple and safe, every job is different, and you might be in for big surprises both in cost and in the scope of work when they arrive onsite.
Are you insured and certified to install my flooring?
It’s important to ensure your installer is qualified to install the floor you have chosen. “Ya, I have done lots of floors!” is not a good enough answer for someone who is about to start operating power tools and swinging hammers around your ‘fortress of solitude’. Work performed by uncertified installers or not following the manufactures installation instructions could void your warranty and lead to issues down the road. It is also important to make sure your installer carries insurance and will assume liability in the case of any unrelated damage they might cause while the work is performed.This includes personal injury to themselves. Paying cash to some random guy on Kijiji can expose you to some serious liability that your home insurance policy will not cover.
Can you provide references and/or testimonials from past customers, both SATISFIED and UNSATISFIED?
In the days of online reviews, it can be hard to sort the genuine from the fake. Sometimes the best measurement of how well a company performs is not whether they have a perfect rating but can be found in how well they dealt with unhappy customers in the past. The reality is that not every job goes perfectly. Knowing that there is going to be someone there to take your call if you have an issue is often peace of mind that is hard to find. A company with a brick-and-mortar presence cannot hide behind voicemail and email.
Can you provide specific details about my installation?
How long it will take to complete, the total costs involved and how they will leave your home when they leave is important.Having a clear understanding of your installer’s process and expectations up front can reduce any confusion and unexpected charges when the jobs complete. Some key points to cover during this discussion are:
Will your installer dispose of the old flooring and if so, is this free or will there be a charge?
Who will handle subfloor preparation, and is this included in the estimate? Sometimes the condition of the subfloor cannot be assessed ahead of time. Is your installer able to handle this work?
Who will be responsible for moving the furniture, electronics, bookshelves, lamps, etc?
Will your installer undercut any doors and door jambs that may be impacted by the heightdifferences between your old floor and your new floor?
Can you install around electrical appliances, or will you need to contact an electrician for this?
Can you provide and install matching molding, trim and floor vents?
What are the specifics and conditions of your installation warranty?
It’s important to understand the differences between your installer’s warranty and the warranty provided by the manufacture of the flooring.If you have problems with your flooring down the road, having an installer that is not directly affiliated with the manufacture can cause a he said/she said scenario that can be hard to navigate.
Replacing your homes flooring is major renovation. Taking the time to do your research and asking the right questions can go a long way to ensuring your project goes smoothly and you are left with a floor that looks great and will last many years to come.
If you’re a millennial or boomer you definitely knew someone that had this popular design trend in their home, or had it in your own home…. Popcorn Ceilings. What was once all the rave is now usually the first thing to go during a home renovation. Some Home Experts would go as far as saying this old trend actually makes homes feel outdated and lowers your home’s value. Which brings us to the question: To Trend or Not To Trend?
In 2024, the world of wood flooring is showcasing exciting new styles, colors, and patterns that can elevate your home. Here are a few of the hottest wood flooring fads and our expert opinion on whether we think they are a temporary trend, or a timeless treasure.
Ultra Wide Plank Hardwood
A rising trend in wood flooring for 2024 is the use of ultra wide plank hardwood. Ultra Wide planks are 12-14” and create a visually stunning and spacious ambience, making them an ideal choice for open floor plans and contemporary interiors. The trend toward wider planks offers a sense of luxury and grandeur, while also showcasing the natural beauty and unique characteristics of the wood. This is a great way to elevate the look of your home. This is a timeless treasure!
Hot Tip From The Experts: Wide boards look fantastic in large open spaces. Beware that you don’t try to cram a 12″ board in a 10 foot wide room as the end result will only be 10 boards wide and make the room look & feel smaller than it is.
Parquetry Patterns
If you’re seeking a truly unique and eye-catching wood flooring trend, look no further than Parquetry Patterns like Chevron, Herringbone, Canterbury, Monticello. This trend brings a touch of drama and sophistication to any room. The juxtaposition of light and dark wood tones creates a mesmerizing visual effect, while the pattern itself adds a sense of depth and dimension. Though eye-catching & unique it’s important to acknowledge the design challenges associated with such a busy flooring option. This style is very expensive & tricky to install. If you decide to go with this style, it’s important to work with an experienced installer. Though beautiful, styles like this have a history of becoming outdated, which is why we think this is a temporary trend.
Natural and Light Wood
One of the most popular trends in wood flooring for 2024 is the use of natural and light wood. This trend brings a sense of warmth, brightness, and timelessness to any space. Natural wood flooring complements both modern and traditional designs, providing a versatile and classic backdrop. Neutral, natural wood tones like light oak or medium brown are the most timeless and versatile flooring options that won’t look dated over time. Natural or Brown tones are timeless like a pair of jeans, where them worn or new, stained or clean and they always look good.
The natural and light wood trend, ultra wide plank hardwood and parquetry patterns are set to dominate the wood flooring landscape this year. While it’s important to be aware of current design trends, the most important considerations when selecting wood flooring are choosing a timeless, versatile option that fits your home’s existing style and your practical needs, rather than just following the latest fads. Our team of flooring experts are here to help you navigate the wonderful world of wood flooring. Stop by the showroom to check out our high-quality and stylish options and let us help you transform your space with elegance.
As the seasons change and we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your home with the latest flooring trends for 2024. We’re talking spring vibes, fresh styles, and enough pizzazz to make your floors the envy of the neighbourhood. So, grab your dancing shoes (or, you know, slippers) and let’s boogie down the flooring runway of this season’s must-have trends!
1. Natural and Light Wood Flooring:
Out with the dark and dreary, and in with the light and airy! This year, we’re swapping out heavy hardwoods for the natural, sun-kissed vibes of light wood flooring. Think Oak, Maple, and Birch, bringing that warm, beachy feel to your home faster than you can say, “Surf’s up!”.
2. Bold Patterns and Geometric Shapes:
Who says your floors have to play it safe? Say goodbye to boring, monotonous floors and hello to bold patterns and geometric shapes. From funky herringbone to sassy hexagons, your floors are about to get a makeover that’s anything but boring. flooring design is embracing a bold spirit in 2024.
3. Sustainable Flooring Options:
As environmental consciousness continues to grow, so does the demand for sustainable flooring options. In 2024, eco-friendly materials like cork are taking center stage, offering a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional hardwoods. Cork flooring is stealing the spotlight, offering a renewable, biodegradable alternative that’s as easy on the planet as it is on the eyes. Plus, it’s like walking on clouds—soft, comfy, and guilt-free!
4. Wide Plank Hardwood:
Make a bold statement with wide plank hardwood flooring that exudes rustic charm and timeless appeal. This year, we’re going big and bold with planks that add a touch of rustic charm and a whole lot of wow factor to your space. Cue the jaw-dropping reactions!
5. Rustic Modern Farmhouse Style:
Rustic modern farmhouse style is back and better than ever in 2024, blending vintage vibes with contemporary coolness for a look that’s straight out of your favourite home renovation show. Think distressed wood floors, whitewashed finishes, and a whole lot of shiplap.
So, there you have it, folks—the flooring frenzy of 2024 is officially underway. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of natural wood or the bold creativity of geometric patterns, there’s a flooring trend to suit every style and sensibility. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your creativity, and transform your space into a reflection of your unique personality and taste. Happy flooring!
Step right up, folks! It’s time for a wild ride through the enchanting world of Woodchuck Flooring. We’re not talking about training woodchucks to be interior decorators (although that would be something), but rather, choosing the right wood type for your floors.
Red Oak: The Timeless Classic
Picture this: Oak, the James Bond of wood flooring. It’s got that suave, timeless charm, with grain patterns so bold they make a statement louder than a rock concert. It’s the superhero of high-traffic areas, swooping in to save the day with its durability while maintenance cowers in the corner.
Best for: Classic interiors and high-traffic zones. Because even classic spaces need a hero.
Maple: Sleek Elegance
Enter Maple, the George Clooney of wood species. Smooth, sophisticated, and always camera-ready with its pale, creamy colour. It’s the Hollywood star that doesn’t get dented by the paparazzi—perfect for homes with bustling activities. Take that, clumsy coffee spills!
Best for: Contemporary interiors and homes with active families. Maple is the red carpet of your living room.
Hickory: Nature’s Resilience
Hickory, the lumberjack of the wood family, doesn’t mess around. It’s the brawny, outdoorsy type with a rustic charm that says, “I can handle anything.” With a colour palette as diverse as a forest and grain patterns standing up to wear and tear, hickory is the tough guy you want in your corner.
Best for: Rustic and country-style interiors, or homes with heavy foot traffic. It’s like having a bodyguard for your floors.
Walnut: Elegance in Dark Hues
Walnut, the mysterious stranger in the noir film of wood flooring. With rich, dark tones and a grain that’s practically a plot twist, walnut adds a touch of opulence to any room. Softer than oak, but don’t underestimate it—properly maintained, it’s like having a soft-spoken but lethal assassin in your midst.
Best for: Formal spaces and low-traffic areas. Because even assassins need a quiet place to reflect.
Cherry: Warmth and Character
Ah, Cherry—the friendly neighbour who’s always baking pies and inviting you over for tea. Exuding warmth and aging like a fine wine, cherry wood adds character to your space. The grain patterns tell stories, making it the storyteller of the wood family.
Best for: Traditional interiors and spaces with moderate traffic. Cherry is like a warm hug for your floors.
Each wood species brings its own superpowers to the table—whether it’s the strength of oak, the elegance of walnut, or the eco-friendliness of bamboo. No matter the choice for your floors, assembling your dream team of wooden Avengers is easier with help. For expert assistance and knowledgeable information, reach out to our team or visit our showroom! We will be happy to help pick out your flooring dream team.
