Floor Finishes: Water or Oil-Based?
Marri hardwood flooring
Thinking about installing a new hardwood floor or refinishing your current floor? Whatever it is, you’re about to make a big decision. Do you choose a water or oil-based floor finish? They’re both durable and good looking, but they have differences. It can be a bit confusing, but once you understand the differences between the two, it will be a breeze for you!
How to know what finish your current floor has?
If you are refinishing your current floor, you will want to know which finish to choose. Well, you can recoat a water-based finish with an oil-based finish,so long as the old finish has been removed properly before applying a new coat. If you want to apply the same finishing to revive your floor – here’s what you should do:
Look at your floor. If it appears yellowish or looks like it has a build up, it is likely to be an oil-based finish. Also, you can tell by how old the finish is. Water-based finishes were popular about 10 years ago. If your floor is older than that, then it is most probably oil-based.
Now, let’s talk about each finish, starting off witha water-based finish.
Water-based finish
A water-based finish is almost odourless. It provides a clear finish and is easy to apply. It is recommended that an application of 4 coats, be completed in a day. Each coat requires only 2 hours to dry before it can be applied again. However, a water-based finish will cost more than an oil-based finish and won’t give your floor that rich glow colour.
Oil based finish
It gives your floor a rich, amber glow. It has a strong odour that will go away over time. It requires fewer coats but needs a lot more time. Each coat requires 5 hours to dry and the final coat recommends at least 12 hours of drying.
Floor Finishes: Water or Oil-Based?
Both finishes are great and offer good protection – so it all comes down to your preference. For a natural look, go for a water-based finish but if you want that amber glow, choose the oil-based finish.
Do you need to install new flooring? For a professional flooring contractor in Bunbury, contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring. We offer flooring installation services and repair – ring us today for a free quote.
What is the best flooring for people with allergies?
Having an allergy stinks! You need to be careful with your choices especially the things you use around the home. Did you know that a percentage of allergy attacks are caused by your floor? This reason is why it’s important to choose your floor wisely – especially if you have a family member with allergies.
Avoid carpets!
Using carpets are a no no! While you may be able to keep your carpet clean regularly, you cannot prevent your carpet from trapping dirt, dust and allergens. You’ll be surprised at the level of allergens trapped in your carpet daily. Even with the strongest vacuum and a deep clean, you might find some allergen particles remain. So to stay safe, say no to carpeting!
Choose hardwood flooring instead!
The best flooring option for people with allergies are ones that are flat, smooth and easy to clean. It allows you to keep your floor clean all the time without exerting much effort. Hardwood floors are easy to clean and smooth too! You’d be surprised how fast and easy you can clean your hardwood floor.
Another good choice is a cork floor.
A cork floor is made with all natural materials which means it doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds. These are bad for people with allergies as it can trigger an attack at any time.
What is the best flooring for people with allergies?
Try plain timber floors or cork, these floors are naturally beautiful and offer smooth surfaces. They don’t just provide a better alternative but can make your home gorgeous too! For more information on your flooring options or to schedule a free in-home consultation, call D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring at 0409 081 679 today.
How frequently should you refinish your cork floor?
Refinishing a floor is important to maintain your floor’s beauty and use it for longer. However, you should be careful when refinishing your floor. Remember, too much refinishing can do irreversible damage to your floor. Instead of bringing out its best appearance, you can make your floor appear dull and old.
Can a cork floor be refinished?
Yes – just like any other hardwood floors. Cork floors are naturally warm, smooth and have that glossy surface. Cork floors are durable when installed properly but due to daily wear and tear, it might begin to show off scratches and lose its shine over time. It is the main reason why you should consider refinishing it. However, when is the perfect time to have your cork floor refinished? You want to make the best out of the refinishing process, so you want to ensure you do it the right.
When is the right time to refinish?
There is no specific time as being the perfect time to have your cork floor refinished. It all depends on certain factors. One of the most important factors is to take note of the level of traffic in the area. The higher the traffic, the more frequent you should have your floor refinished. The recommended number for homes can range so for exact advice on your flooring, ask D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring
How frequent should you refinish your cork floor?
If you are uncertain as to whether your floor needs a refinish, contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring. We will do an in-house inspection for free and advise you accordingly. We offer both refinishing and installation services – should your cork floor need replacement. Ring us today and let’s discuss your needs.
Frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring you should know!
Are you looking for the right flooring for your home? Whether it’s a floor for a new home or you need a replacement for your old floor, it’s a great idea to choose hardwood flooring. Tough, durable and built to last, hardwood floors have an unmatched beauty. It gives off a warm look making everyone inside your home feel cosy and comfortable.
Beautiful hardwood floors
Hardwood flooring can be a beautiful investment for your home. They will make your look gorgeous plus its classic look never fades with time – they are always in style! They may seem pricey compared to other types of flooring, but it’s a worthy lifelong investment for your money.With regular care and maintenance, it can even outlast you!! Despite its popularity, some homeowners are still unsure about hardwood flooring, constantly enquiring. Here are a few frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring with the correct answers:
Can we install hardwood flooring if we have a pet dog or cat?
Many homeowners with pets are installing hardwood flooring. Your pet claws may scratch your flooring but it is your duty to trim your pet’s claws and nails on a regular basis to prevent floor scratches.
Is it safe to use hardwood flooring in the kitchen?
Yes – it will make your kitchen look very welcoming. One just needs to use caution where there may be a few spills and possible moisture. As these are common issues, just be sure to wipe away any wetness as it happens or even place some mats around.
Can you install hardwood floor over a concrete slab?
Yes, given the concrete slab is properly dried, free of grease, oil, stains and dust. Be sure to ask your flooring contractor about your options to maximise the use of your flooring by suing the correct underlay.
Can we put hardwood flooring over an existing floor?
In some situations, yes. The existing flooring has to be fully adhered to the sub floor and be compressed enough not to create any bounce at all.
Frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring you should know!
If you have further questions about hardwood flooring, contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring. We can give you the answers you need and help you find the right flooring for your home. Ring us today for a free measure and quote.
What do you need to consider when choosing a timber flooring company
Choosing the right timber flooring company is very important and the quality of your flooring depends on the company where you bought them from. Here are 5 things to consider when looking for the right company.
- Australian made
- Great product knowledge
- Huge range
- Repairs and warranties
- Professional experience
Australian made
Think quality. Choose a local timber flooring company to ensure heavy duty and long lasting flooring that will save you money all year round. D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring offers products that are Australian made to ensure you the best quality to match with our weather conditions.
Great product knowledge
D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring is your reputable company with useful and reliable knowledge about flooring solutions, to create a cosy and comfy feel in your home.
Huge range
Want to match flooring with décor? No worries. We have a variety of options you can choose from to fit your taste. Made from expensive and artistic materials we provide you the best flooring experience good for your family and pets. All our floorings are hygienic and can match whatever interior design you have at home.
Repairs and warranties
Does your flooring need repair? No need to travel overseas to revive your flooring as D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring is an Australian company you can easily turn to when you need your flooring fixed as soon as possible.
We offer warranties giving you assurance of the quality of our flooring. Having your flooring done locally will also support our economic stability.
Professional experience
Need the best flooring solutions? We can offer you expert services with all our professional experience. We are your best flooring partner as we have the skills and knowledge to provide the best results.
What do you need to consider when choosing timber flooring company?
Consider these five things to get a reputable company.
For enquiries contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring on 0409 081 679 to discuss your flooring needs. Ring us today for a free quote.
Hardwood floors in your bathroom? Why not!
You really love hardwood floors and would like this flooring throughout your home, including your bathroom? Is it possible to have hardwood flooring in your bathroom?
Hardwood, no matter how strong is are not resistant to moisture and if there is one place in your home that is exposed to moisture and wetness, it is your bathroom. Remember, your bathroom is probably the most humid area in your home.
You know the toll your bathroom takes, showers in the morning, warm baths for the kids, bath tub overflows, a little spills and splashes here and there. Is your hardwood floor ready?
Hardwood flooring in the bathroom?
If you really want uniformity inside your home and want install hardwood on your bathroom, why not? When opting for hardwood flooring, choose engineered wood. Engineered woods are better when it comes to holding up to moisture relatively well and is very dimensionally stable.
What about its appearance?
If you love the look of hardwood floor, you might be wondering about the appearance of engineered hardwood. Don’t worry; engineered hardwood look and feel like real wood it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference. Why, engineered hardwood is still hardwood but undergoes treatment.
There goes your bathroom hardwood flooring option. For better results, you can consider doing these tips to make sure your floor last for longer:
- Minimise humidity by proper ventilation
- Clean up spills as soon as possible
- Place rugs in high risk areas to decrease spills hitting your floor
- Fix all problems as soon as they arise
For hardwood lovers, you can turn your bathroom into your favourite spot easy and simple!
Hardwood floors? Engineered floors? Whatever types of wood flooring you are looking for; contact D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring. We offer flooring installation such as bamboo, cork and parquet floors. Ring us now for free measure and quotes.
Most common wood flooring installation mistakes
Hardwood floors are elegant and look very natural. These are just one of the many reasons why most homeowners are choosing this type of flooring for their homes. Its durability makes it a good long term investment. If fitted properly and in accordance with the installation process, it can make your home look more beautiful.
However, you have to know that when the installation process goes wrong, you may encounter more serious problems with your floor. You might not be aware of it but here are the most common wood flooring installation mistakes that you should know:
Installing it over the under floor heating system
Avoid this at all cost. All wood floors installed over the under floor heating system may bend, warp, split and shrink. If you want to enjoy your hardwood floor for longer, always keep this in mind.
Installing it over a newly laid concrete which hasn’t dried out yet
The humidity level of the sub floor should not exceed 6%. In such cases, when you decided to install your wood floor even before the concrete dries out and warms up, your floor will absorb the moisture thus making your wood floor expand, warp and can cause cupping.
Not leaving enough expansion space between the plank edges and the wall
As a natural product, wood floors are sensitive to moisture and any change in temperature. It is recommended to leave an expansion space of 1-2cm to allow the wood to expand or contract without creating any serious problem.
Most common wood flooring installation mistakes
To make sure you don’t make these mistakes, contact D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring.
We supply DIY flooring and will give advice on the best laying methods or we can do a supply and full installation service. At D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring we can even do repairs, often replacing only the damaged section so well that you will never know.
Ring D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring today to get you’re a no hassle, no obligation quote or come down to our showroom for a closer look at our products and services.
Different flooring options for your individual needs!
Alright, you’ve just decided on having hardwood floor for your home. Hardware flooring is lovely, elegant and offer warmth indoors, perfect for your needs. However, hardwood floors come in a variety of styles designs and can be made from different materials. What should you choose?
Hardwood floor and its types
The best thing about hardwood flooring is that your options can be varied, depending on your taste and needs. If you want something simple and uncomplicated, you can go for a plain hardwood floor. If you want something that is unique and catches attention easily, a parquetry floor or feature piece can be a good idea.
Yes, there are a lot of hardwood floor options to choose from but when deciding; it would be a wise idea if you know what kind of flooring a certain contractor is offering?
Bunbury D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring are a flooring specialist that offers different kinds of flooring. We offer:
- Parquetry flooring
- Cork flooring
- Bamboo flooring
- Timber flooring
We know that tastes varies from one person to another; D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring offering a wide range of flooring options to suit your every requirements and needs.
What can you expect from us?
Apart from offering full flooring installation of different kinds, you can also get:
- Great warranties
- Licenced services
- Project follow up
- Flooring project done in time
- Friendly experts and many more!
Together with our flooring specialist and professionals, we help you to create timelessly elegant floors using all the latest techniques in the market available. Come visit our showroom and discuss your flooring needs. D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring are located at Unit 1 / 4 Station Complex, Picton Rd, Bunbury.
We will be happy to show you around and answer your queries. Or if you don’t have the time, you can ring D.I.Y Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring on 0409 081 679 and discuss your needs with us today.
3 advantages of having parquet flooring!
Looking for the perfect flooring for your home? Parquetry flooring is the wonderful solution for you, especially if you need a floor option that is beautiful, unique and long lasting. Many grand floors of the world are parquetry floors.
Parquetry flooring at its best!
There are many flooring options for you. Everything from carpet, to vinyl, to hardwood and everything in between can make shopping for your new floor overwhelming. There are some that are affordable or downright cheap. Some flooring options are attractive and some are versatile. Like with everything you get what you pay for.
Parquetry flooring can fit to any type of home, durable and can make your home stylish. With its affordable price, parquetry flooring is simply the best for you.
3 advantages of having parquet flooring.
Here are 3 great reasons to choose parquetry flooring for your home:
- Requires little maintenance
- Make a statement
- Beautiful, elegant and unique
Requires little maintenance
Parquetry floors havea shiny finish. They don’t need:
- Scrubbing
- Waxing
They just need to be vacuumed to keep the dust away. If not exposed to water, too much sunlight and moisture, the finish on your new parquetry floor will last for years.
Make a statement
Parquet flooring doesn’t just make your home beautiful they are perfect for really making a statement right through to your everyday flooring in places like your bedrooms. Did you know parquetry flooring is used for many types of flooring from churches to hotel to basketball courts? Parquetry flooring allows for free movement of people using the area, perfect for your home too.
Beautiful, elegant and unique
It is not only the smoothness and evenness of this flooring option but as well as the beauty expresses through its design that is the main reason why it is used in hotels and in homes throughout the world. You can have an allover pattern of a feature piece added to a solid wood floor, the choice is yours.
Would you like to discuss what parquetry flooring options are available? Contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring, we have years of experience and a huge range to show you visit our showroom or give us a call.
5 FAQ questions asked about hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are a beautiful asset in any home; they are aesthetic and hardwearing. However some niggling questions might come to your mind about how to properly look after them or install them. Read these 5 frequently asked questions and their answers to put your mind at rest.
- How to keep hardwood flooring clean and looking like new?
- Should I buy prefinished or unfinished hardwood?
- How to prevent the colour of hardwood floor from fading?
- I don’t have enough money for installation. Can I just do it myself?
- I am worried about pets scratching the floor. What can I do to prevent this?
How to keep the hardwood flooring clean and look like new?
Regularly clean the floors by using a broom, a mop, and /or vacuum cleaner to remove all the dirt and grit.Many things you’ll bring in on your shoes, sand especially, can damage the finish. Use outdoor and indoor door mats and shoe cleaners to minimise dirt, debris and moisture at the entry halls before it reaches the floor.
Always keep the surface of the floor dry. Wipe up spills immediately using dry cloth to avoid moisture. Never allow spills to remain on the wood of your floors as it can cause them rot or discolour over time.
Walk barefoot on the floors to avoid scratches on the finish or causing dents in your floors. If your floors are looking a little dull use wood flooring cleaner recommended by the installer to renew the lustre following the directions labelled in it to get the best results.
Should I buy prefinished or unfinished hardwood?
If you want to match an existing hardwood floor with a new one in your home you may think of using unfinished hardwood,followed by application of a stain and finish. However this method may take up a lot of your time as finishing on site takes longer than just installing prefinished hardwood floors in your home.
Speaking of comfort, you may encounter inconvenience with dust from sanding and fumes from sealants while waiting for the work to be done at your home. If you want easy and hassle free installations then choose prefinished hardwood, it’s the best option to save you money and time. Or even better still get a professional floor installer to do it for you.
How to prevent the colour of hardwood floor from fading?
Hardwood floors naturally undergo subtle colour changes as they age. This natural process is called patina; it in itself will add beauty to the floor. But there are some factors that drastically affect the changes of wood colours, such as sun exposure. Prevent direct sunlight from hitting your flooring.
You can minimise heat exposure by closing your curtains to block the sun. Apply water-based finishes to retain the colour of the wood floors as it minimises long term colour changes.
I don’t have enough money for installation. Can I just do it myself?
Yes. If you are that DIY type of person then you can do the work yourself. We can offer supply only for wood floor installations, just remember to carefully read and follow the directions to get the best results. But if you don’t have the time to do it all yourself, we recommend hiring professional installers that meet your exact requirements.
I am worried about pets scratching the floor. What can I do to prevent this?
Prevent scratches on the floors by regularly sweeping up the dirt that your pets bring in. You can also keep your floor smooth and flawless by trimming your pet’s nails regularly. Place scatter rugs on the floor to reduce the dirt and grit reaching the floors. If your pet comes inside muddy and filthy just give them a wash before freerun of the house is given.
It is best to consult a professional contractor to ask for specific advice about repairing scratches and avoiding them next time.
5 FAQ questions asked about hardwood floors
Read and follow the tips to get the best results you ever desired.
Need help installing your hardwood floors?
Contact D.I.Y. Parquetry, Timber & Cork Flooring on 0409 081 679 to get your free quote today for all your flooring needs.
