Douglas Fir Wood Floor
Although the name can be a bit misleading, Douglas Fir is not a true spruce or fir, but instead is commonly referred to as a member of the pine family. This high quality type of wood is used in the United States and Canada as one of the leading sources for plywood. Designers appreciate the visual appeal of this fine wood, while it remains a favorite to customers for cabinets, furniture and millwork. Because of the wood’s old-fashioned toughness, beauty and strong fiber, Douglas fir is a top choice for industrial and remanufacturing uses.
Douglas Fir Wood Floors range in color as a result of its varied species which includes heartwood which is yellowish tan to light brown and Sapwood which is tan to white.
Douglas Fir Wood flooring ages to a warm orange-brown color. It is a soft wood with a very tight grain .Precautions need to be taken when caring for Douglas Fir Wood Floors as its color may change with the use if certain finishing products.
How is your hardwood floor supposed to look?
Appearance: Its Heartwood specie is light brown while the sapwood is white to cream.
Grain: Tight Grained.
Properties: This floor is considered durable but can easily dent if used in a high traffic room.
General Guidelines to Keep Your Hardwood Flooring in Great Shape
Keeping your hardwood floors looking great is essential since hardwood is one of the most expensive floor types around. Simple steps can prolong the life of your hardwood floor, regardless of the type you may have. Here are some tricks that will keep your hardwood floor looking new:
- Close curtains and blinds- UV rays from sunlight can fade colors on floor and sometimes cause discoloration
- Place floor protectors under furniture
- 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 inside the home. The coco mat, featured on QVC, traps all types of particles such as dust, mud, snow and can be used for the front door, patio or even the garage.
- Take care when moving heavy objects like furniture and equipment- utilize furniture coaters to transport heavy objects across floors.
- Dust and vacuum floors regularly to maximize beauty and decrease buildup of debris
- Exercise caution when using bleaches, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food as these contain strong chemicals that can discolor floors.
- Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on products that are safe for your hardwood floor type.
- Rearrange area rugs occasionally as they block sunlight causing a discolored appearance under the rug.
- Avoid exposure to water on hardwoods.
- 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 remove 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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