Australian Cypress Wood Floor
Australian Cypress has one unique property that other softwoods do not have. It’s the only commercial softwood that’s harder than Red Oak, and therefore, is superior for residential and commercial use. This durable hardwood gives a rustic charm. There’s a high degree of color variability in the wood. The sapwood can either be a cream or straw color while the heartwood ranges from honey-gold to brown. Over time, the wood may take on a slight amber tint. Australian Cypress is great for sanding and machining but can be brittle. The straight-grained wood has a fine texture and has very good dimensional stability. Australian cypress is an oily-based wood used frequently at ski lodges. Australian cypress is ideal where a pastoral, warm look is desired.
How is your hardwood floor supposed to look?
Appearance: Sapwood can be cream or straw-colored, while the heartwood ranges from honey-gold to brown.
Grain: Straight
Characteristics: the only commercial softwood that is harder than Red Oak.
Janka Hardness: 1375
General Guidelines to Keep Your Hardwood Flooring in Great Shape
These simple steps can prolong the life and beauty of your hardwood floor regardless of the specific type of wood you may have.
- Close curtains and blinds- UV rays from sunlight can fade colors and cause discoloration.
- Use protectors under furniture bases that can scratch or mar the surface.
- Clean, wipe or blot spills immediately to help prevent stains.
- Place doormats at every door- this helps to trap dirt at the doorway instead of transferring it to the floor. (The Floor mats featured at ForLifeProducts.com are perfect for this!)
- Take care when moving heavy objects like furniture and equipment- utilize furniture coasters to transport heavy objects across floors.
- Dust and vacuum floors regularly to maximize beauty and decrease buildup.
- Exercise caution when using bleaches, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food as these contain strong chemicals that can damage or discolor floors.
- Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on products and use only those that are safe for your hardwood floor type.
- Rearrange area rugs occasionally as they block sunlight causing a discolored area to develop under the rug.
- Avoid exposure to water.
- Maintain normal humidity of 40-60% throughout all seasons of the year to reduce the natural expansion and contraction process typically found in hardwoods. Humidity levels can be maintained with air conditioners, humidifiers, de-humidifiers or with a heating system.
- Keep pets nails trimmed and filed and take care with stiletto style heels to minimize scratches.
- Never clean hardwood floors with steel wools or scouring powders as these can cause damage.
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