Hardness of wood is measured by Janka scale that rates tree species according to their resilience to applied force. To be specific, the hardness number assigned to a certain wood variety corresponds to the force (measured in pound-force) required to embed a 0.444 inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood’s surface.

Depending on the position of the board and grain direction during the test, “side” or “end” hardness is determined.  Side testing score (force applied perpendicular to the grain) is usually the number you’ll see on Janka scale. The higher the number – the harder the wood.

The purpose of the Janka test is to measure wood’s resistance to denting, which is an important thing to know when you are considering a particular wood type for flooring purposes. If you plan to install hardwood in a high-traffic area, you don’t want it to wear down too fast from the furniture weight, walking, pet scratches, or things that fall by accident.

The Janka hardness scale is not hundred percent accurate, but it can serve as a general guide to determine relative hardness of one species of wood compared to another. Red oak has been the most popular wood floor choice in the U.S. and is considered an industry standard of hardness with its rating of 1290.

Although wood hardness is important, don’t forget that such factors as finish and plank construction will also affect durability of your floor. Evaluate the traffic intensity and other conditions to make sure the hardwood you choose is up to the task. If you have dogs in the house, you might want to go for something like hickory, some bamboo varieties, or Brazilian hardwoods. They are less prone to denting than red oak and will serve you longer before you’ll have to refinish.

If you have any questions about which type of wood would fit your needs and home environment, don’t hesitate to contact us. At A&J Floor Coverings, we understand that the choice of floor covering is an important decision, and we strive to help you make the right one!

Examine the benefits and drawbacks of the cork flooring before you decide whether it’s right for your needs.

Benefits:

Sustainability. Cork floors are made of bark from the cork oak, a tree with extreme longevity of up to 500 years. Its bark naturally sheds every nine to 15 years, making cork flooring a “green” choice. What makes it even “greener” is the fact that cork used for flooring is a leftover product from manufacturing of cork bottle stoppers. So if you are concerned about environment and would like to make a difference, cork flooring is the way to go.

Flexibility. Cork is porous, which means it contains air-filled membranes that allow cork to change shape under pressure. When the pressure is released, cork returns to its original form. The air inside provides cushion when you walk: not noticeable to the eye, but effective enough to make your joints feel less stressed.

Soundproofing. The air-filled membranes serve as a noise barrier, absorbing the sound and preventing it from travelling.

Insulation. Due to its porous nature, cork flooring reduces heat loss keeping your house warmer during the winter months. Cork is not affected by the changes in temperature and feels much warmer to the touch than tile and even hardwood. So if you love walking around the house barefoot, cork flooring can be a good alternative to heated floors.

Durability. Cork’s durability is largely attributed to “suberin,” a waxy substance naturally occurring in the bark of cork oak. Suberin gives cork flooring many of its most useful qualities, such as:

-    Water-resistance. Short-term water exposure won’t affect even unfinished cork flooring. If the water is left sitting for a long time, it will eventually make its way in, but certainly not as easily as in the case of hardwood. Properly sealed and finished cork flooring can endure continuous water exposure without suffering any damage.

-    Fire-resistance. It takes a lot of effort to set natural cork on fire. And if the fire happens, cork flooring won’t emit any toxic gases. However, choose the finish carefully as it might be flammable.

-    Insect repellant. Many insect species stay away from cork because of the suberin. This substance is also thought to have antimicrobial qualities keeping cork flooring safe from mold, mildew, and rot.

Cork flooring is very durable and versatile, but it’s not at all invincible. There are a few issues and concerns regarding it, so be sure to take them into account:

Even though cork is moisture-resistant, prolonged exposure to water or high humidity might eventually damage it. If you want to install cork flooring in the basement, it is recommended to place a moisture barrier or a subfloor first to prevent moisture transfer from concrete.

Cork’s flexibility and “sponginess” also have their limits. Dents from heavy furniture or sharp objects may become permanent, so you should still use furniture pads like with any other floor covering.

What is cork flooring good for?

Playroom. If you like to sit on the floor or run around with your kids, cork flooring is perfect. It will provide soft non-slippery antistatic surface and will help absorb the sounds in case you are worried about disturbing neighbors.

Kitchen. If you spend many hours in your kitchen, why not spend then in comfort? Cork flooring is easy on your joints, so standing up and moving around feels more comfortable than it would on a hard tiled surface. Cork flooring can also tolerate all your kitchen spills without getting damaged.

Bathroom. Moisture-resistant cork flooring is a good fit for any bathroom. Properly sealed and finished, it will serve you for a long time. And you can walk barefoot, because your cork floor will hold the room temperature.

Underlayment. Cork can be used as underlayment in any room. Cork underlayment will reduce heat loss through floors and will help with soundproofing the house.

A&J Floor Coverings carries a wide variety of cork flooring products. Cork flooring is quite easy to install DIY-style, but if you’d like a unique design or professional help, be sure to give us a call!

What is it and how is it made?

Engineered wood (also called composite or manufactured wood) is a layered floor covering. Unlike your regular solid hardwood, it’s not made out of a single piece of wood. Engineered wood is comprised of several layers (plies) of real wood glued and pressed together. The top layer (veneer wear layer) is your regular hardwood and comes in a wide variety of wood types and finish choices.

Note: Engineered wood flooring is not the same as laminate. Laminate is made to imitate real wood by laminating a photograph of a hardwood onto the surface of composite wood material.

What sizes does it come in?

Engineered wood boards may vary from 3 to 7 inches in width and from 3/8” to ¾” in thickness. The thickness will depend on the number of layers, as well as on the structure of the top wear layer. The thinner is the wear layer; the shorter is the lifespan of the floors. Engineered wood with a very thin wear layer (under 1mm) can’t be refinished and will usually last up to 30 years, while the thicker variety can be refinished multiple times and can serve you for as long as 80 years.

What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?

• It offers the same variety, strength, durability and visual appeal as solid hardwood. With proper care it can even outlast solid hardwood.
• It’s more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, because plied construction allows for the wood to expand and contract more freely as the temperature and humidity changes.
• It’s extremely versatile, as it can be used on, above, or below grade (even in basements).
• Layered composition makes it more structurally sound, so it won’t bow, warp, or gap like solid hardwood.
• Engineered wood is a greener option than solid wood. The layers can come from different trees, so the core of the board can be made of faster-growing species as it won’t be seen after the installation anyway.
• It can be installed directly over concrete or any sub-floor (such as tile or vinyl) with glue, staples, adhesive bed, or through a tongue and groove system.
• Depending on the thickness of the veneer layer, engineered hardwood can be refinished or recoated to refresh the look.
• Finish is pre-applied by the manufacturer and often lasts longer than applied on-site finish on solid hardwood.

What are the downsides of engineered wood flooring?

• Even though engineered wood tolerates changes in moisture levels much better than the hardwood, it’s still not completely moisture-resistant. More than 4% change in moisture may affect the length of the board causing end lift or end gaps.
• The manufacturing process makes it inevitable for veneer layer to crack. The cracks are covered and are unnoticeable after the finish is applied, but they can manifest themselves during the seasonal changes in moisture and temperature.

Why should I choose engineered wood flooring?

Although engineered wood has its high- and low-end products, it’s generally cheaper than solid hardwood. If the desired hardwood is out of your budget, you can easily opt in for engineered wood, because you won’t lose either in appearance or in quality.

Engineered wood flooring is also perfect for basements and summer houses as it won’t suffer from high humidity. And if you are a DIY kind of person, you won’t have much trouble installing engineered wood floors weather it’s with adhesives or a click-lock system.

Engineered wood floors differ in layer count, veneer thickness, wood type, finish, and top layer graining. Be sure to consider the purpose and level of traffic of the room before making a decision. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know, so we will help you choose the best flooring option for your needs.

CERAMIC

Image by Kevin Marsh

The word ceramic is often used to describe a wide variety of tile, pottery, and other products made from similar materials by the process of heating and subsequent cooling. For the purpose of this article, we’ll use the word ceramic to refer to any non-porcelain tiles.

Ceramic is made mainly of clay mixed with different minerals and sometimes water. The mix is formed into tiles, which are either treated with heat or dry-pressed to create a solid product. Due to the large particle size and lack of refining procedures, ceramic tiles are porous, which makes them less dense than the porcelain ones.

These porous tiles can absorb water and, therefore, often get glazed. Glaze is a glossy finish that seals the porous surface and creates a design layer that determines tile’s color and texture. Glazed tiles are quite durable and easy to clean.

They don’t absorb odors, allergens, or bacteria and they won’t burn or emit toxins. They are also resistant to moisture and scratching, but if the glaze chipping occurs, the different color is exposed making the damage visible.

Glazed tiles are suitable for many areas in your house from walls to floors. However, you might want to avoid using them for the bathroom floor as the glossy surface could be slippery. Unglazed tiles are good for light to moderate traffic areas, because their porous surface may absorb moisture making them more prone to wear.

PORCELAIN

Image by Randen Pederson

Unlike ceramic tile, porcelain tile is made of finely-ground clay and feldspar combined with other components. The mix is processed under high temperature and pressure making the tile extremely dense.

The water absorption rate of porcelain is less than 0.5 percent, which makes it durable and resistant to wear and frost. The qualities of porcelain tile are quite similar to those of glazed ceramic. It’s durable, wear and scratch resistant and easy to maintain. Unless porcelain tile has a glazed design layer, it’s usually the same color throughout, which means the chip won’t be too noticeable.

If you are a DIY kind of person, you might want to opt in for ceramic rather than porcelain. Because of its density, porcelain requires special tools for cutting and shaping. Porcelain tile is also more expensive than its ceramic counterpart.

Porcelain tiles are great for any kind of flooring needs. Due to their low water absorption rates, porcelain tiles are suitable for cold weather climates, as they can withstand low temperatures without cracking. They can even be used for such outdoor areas as pools and patios.

NATURAL STONE

Image by David Hunter

These tiles are quarried and cut from such stones as slate, marble, limestone, and granite. You can choose to have tiles with a polished finish or a naturally rough surface. This variety of tile is a popular choice for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, outdoor areas, and can even be used indoors.

GLASS

Image by bptakoma

Glass tiles are usually not suitable for use as a floor covering. Glass is more prone to cracking and chipping than any other tile variety. It is waterproof, resistant to stains, fading and even chemical damage, but it’s not strong and durable enough to be continuously walked on.

Glass tiles come in different forms and shapes, including mosaics, and are mostly used for backsplashes, bathroom walls, pools and various outdoor projects.

It is very easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices, but we are always here to guide you through the process. Let us know if you have any questions and we’ll help you find the tile that’s right for you.

Are your floors driving you crazy? May be it's time to make a switch!

Unlike furniture, appliances or dishes, floors don’t really break so it’s often hard to tell when they need to be replaced. And you can’t sell the old floors or pass them on to a relative (like an unwanted coffee maker), which means you have to be serious about your decision. New flooring can be costly and there’s no going back once you make the switch.

To help you make this tough choice, here are a few scenarios when you might want to consider getting new floor coverings:

Moving in

You bought a new home and these neon-yellow carpets in the bedroom are hideous! That would be a good time to opt in for the new floors before you bring in all the furniture. You should choose flooring options that fit your needs and reflects your taste, that way your new house will be one step closer to feeling like home.

It’s not your style anymore

Do you look at you old photos with “what was I thinking wearing that?” running through your mind? Your style, habits and preferences change with time, so it’s only natural to grow tired of certain things, especially 10-year-old floors. Whether you are redesigning your living space completely or feel that the bohemian carpet doesn’t represent who you are anymore, then this might be the right time to get new flooring.

Used and abused

Nothing lasts forever. If your floor coverings are visibly scratched up, bent, water-damaged, saggy, squeaky or otherwise worn and torn, they might have reached the end of their lifespan. If you have wooden floors, simple refinishing might do the trick. However, there are only a certain number of times you can refinish before you have to replace.

Health risk

Sometimes, the floor replacement is more of a need than a want. Your floor could be a source of mold problems, insect infestations, allergies, etc. If your floors present a health risk to you or your family members, don’t hesitate to get rid of them. Remember: safety is first!

Lifestyle change

Having a baby, getting a dog, taking care of an elderly person – all these events change your lifestyle and shift your priorities. Kids and animals can be messy. If you’d rather clean up a mess from hardwood floor than from a carpet, then switching floor coverings could be a good idea.

Selling the house

Why would you need new floors if you are moving out? Because they increase the market value of the house you are trying to sell. If you had beat-up or non-traditional floors that won’t appeal to the majority of the buyers, a simple floor makeover can help you out.

Still in doubt whether installing new floor coverings is the right solution for you? Get in touch! We’ve helped a lot of our Maryland and Virginia flooring customers to choose the right fit for their needs and wants.