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Indigenous woods from the Pacific Northwest offer a West Coast 'organic'
feel. With this
feel comes an attitude that reflects a desire for a simpler,
healthier lifestyle. And like all organic materials, wood floors have character
and eccentricities; responding to its environment and changes
over time.
There's no doubt about it - of all the flooring options available
today, none offers the enduring beauty and long-term value of
real wood floors. Real
wood floors offer an alternative that will last a lifetime
with easy care materials, minimalist lines, a contemporary
look with warmth and charm.
This is not the "tail wagging the dog"
trend. No matter
what your decorating style, wood floors will add beauty to
your vision.
Unlike other flooring options that need to be replaced over time, wood
floors are a flooring alternative that can be renewed time and
time again. Wood
floors have been a part of our lives for centuries.
Examples can be found in some of the oldest castles,
estates and galleries in Europe; installed hundreds of years
ago and still beautiful today.
Wood floors are easy to maintain. They
offer one of the easiest ways to reduce environmental
allergies. Wood
floors do not harbour allergens, microorganisms or harmful
pesticides tracked in from the outdoors.
In addition, dust, mold and animal dander can be kept
to a minimum.
Advances in the past few decades have made it possible to have easy care
wood floors anywhere in your home; available in a variety of
colours, styles and price ranges to compliment any décor and
budget.
A combination of qualities should be considered in your selection
process. Keep in
mind the following points:
- Types:
solid or engineered
- Styles: plank, strip or parquet
- Species: light, medium, dark or exotic
- Finish
Methods: factory
finish or on the job-site
- Finish
Sheens: gloss,
satin or matte
- Finish
Types: Water-base, oil-base, conversation varnish,
moisture-cured, wax
- Customization:
borders, medallions, hand-distressing, mixed media
Every building product used comes from a natural resource.
How do we balance our use of these products with their
environmental consequences?
We can learn which building materials cause the least
burden on our environment, where each material is best suited,
which natural resources are renewable and sustainable.
Making wise choices can lessen our environmental
impact.
Wood is an
environmentally friendly material, a naturally renewable
resource, and an ecologically sound choice.
Choices. It
comes back again to choices.
To find out more about the benefits of wood flooring, visit the "Why
Wood Floors" section of the National Wood Flooring
Association (NWFA) at http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/,
or phone West Wind Hardwood Inc.
at 1-800-667-2275 and ask for
Joel. Joel
Radford's email is joel@westwindhardwood.com.
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