Merbau Wood Floor
This durable wood may take on many names in the Indo-Malayan region, but it still remains one of the most beautiful woods available for your flooring and furniture needs. When freshly cut, the wood is a yellowish to orange-brown color, but then darkens over time to a brown or red-brown. The surface of the boards may have a yellow “flecking” which in turn leaves the appearance of gold flecks in the wood. Merbau is almost as stable as Teak and is often compared to Hickory in strength, although its density is lower. Merbau sands well and has a good holding ability. Be sure to give this special wood the proper care it needs.
Contact with moisture or iron can stain the wood black. This wood is grown in the Indo-Malayan region and many of the Western Pacific Islands and is also a resource for dyes. As a result of its durability, it is used in flooring as well as furniture, woodwork, cabinets and musical instruments.
How is your hardwood floor supposed to look?
Appearance: Merbau wood floors are medium brown colored wood with reddish/orange highlights as well as yellow flecking.
Grain: Varies from straight to interlocked wavy.
Properties: Very strong and resistant to termites.
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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