The appeal of a properly installed wood floor is it's ease of care and maintenance. Proper use of vacuuming, sweeping, and damp mopping is usually all that is required to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of a wood floor. Like tile floors, excessive grit and foot traffic will affect appearance. Unlike carpet or rugs, a properly finished wood floor, like tile, does not accumulate hidden soil or odorous compounds. Alpine by Design would be glad to answer any and all questions you might have about the appearance of your wood flooring. Stop by our newly designed showroom at 57 West Main Street in beautiful Somerville, NJ or give us a call any time at 973-683-1500.

SPECIES – Wood floors are available in a number of species, both domestic
and exotic. Some of the most popular are: Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple,
Beech, Pine, Hickory, Birch and Fir.

STYLES – Comes in strips, planks, or parquet tiles with numerous edge
treatments such as square, micro, and beveled edges.

STAINS & FINISHES – From light hues to dark tones; the variety is endless.
And remember, when you choose an unfinished wood flooring, you have the
option of matching color schemes and furniture in your home or place of
business.
CUTS – No matter what the species, construction or finish of a wood floor, it
comes in one of three cuts: plainsawn, quartersawn or riftsawn.
Plainsawn is the most common. A plainsawn board contains a more open
and varied grain pattern because the angle of the cut shows the growth
rings more prominently. Quartersawn cut wood is at an angle that
produces less board feet per log than plainsawn, therefore it can be more
expensive. It has a tighter grain and a more consistent look, which many find
more desirable. An added benefit is that it tends to twist and cup less and
wears more evenly. Riftsawn wood is similar to quartersawn in cost and
benefits, but is cut at a different angle for a lightly different grain pattern.


Hardwood Floor Care: Tips & Info
Sweeping Wood Floors
Always sweep floors with a soft broom. Coarse bristle brooms may scratch the surface.
You should vacuum your wood floor once or twice a week to remove dirt and sand.
Beware of heavy vacuums as the wheels may scratch your floor.
It's best to use a soft brush attachment.
Preventative Care
It's a good idea to place non-slip rugs near entrances to avoid getting sand, and gravel on your floor surface. Vacuum these door mats regularly to prevent coarse debris from finding its way onto your floor. Either set a no-shoes indoors rule or consider placing non-slip carpet runners in heavy traffic areas. If you allow shoes beware of high heels or heavy soles because they may dent the wood. Always clean up liquid spills immediately.

Heavy Furniture and Wood Floors
Never drag furniture across a hardwood floor. Attach furniture pads to table and
chair legs or any hard surface that will sit on your floor.

Repairing Wood Floors
Most new floors come with a scratch and dent repair kit. Always follow
manufacturer recommendations for how to repair your flooring.

Keeping Wood Floors Clean
To clean your floor use just water with a damp mop. Any excess water can
damage your floor as it can run in between seams.