One of the most popular hardwood floor finishing which offers Tom & Peter Flooring is provided by WOCA.
If you’ve decided that you want a natural looking wooden floor that is lacquer-free, then the likelihood is that you’ve chosen oil as your way of protecting your wood and making your floor look great at the same time. WOCA for wood flooring comes in various forms and is a great way of making sure that your wood is protected, but at the same time looks natural. A highly popular as well as effective way of treating wood floors, oils effectively penetrate into the wood and in some cases harden into the surface of the floor to stop damage and to maintain the wood in its optimum condition.
WOCA Oil finish hardwood flooring has taken the United States market by in 2014 and shows no signs of slowing down in 2016 and now. Here are some of the most common questions we have regarding this type of finish which we will I’m to answer in today’s my blog:
Is oil finish as durable as traditional factory urethane finishes with aluminum oxide?
When it comes to durability, oil finish flooring tackles the issue with a completely different method. The penetrating oil serves as protection from moisture and wear while allowing the user to feel the wood grains in their bare feet. If compared directly to factory finished aluminum oxide finish, the oil finish flooring will not perform as well to abrasion and impact. However, the beauty of this finish is the fact that it will camouflage any scratches which will inevitably accumulate over time.
Will this finish evaporate over time and will this be harmful for indoor air quality?
Another concern for oil finished floors its effect on indoor air quality. For on-site applications, some varieties suggest several coats which typically require the residents to be out of the home due to mild odors. However, there are factory finished UV-cured or single coat applications which lessen the downtime. Despite the odors produced during the drying process, oil finish floors rank amongst the lowest for VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. Certain brands even boast true zero VOC. This fact alone makes oil finished floors one of the best options for green building solutions.
“WOCA products are certified by independent laboratories, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN–Norm 53–160. WOCA WoodCare Denmark products meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. standards for volatile organic compounds.” –WOCA Oil Finish Manufacture
Does this type of finish require additional maintenance which I am not familiar with?
For weekly cleaning, oiled floors use a special cleaner which contains an oil and soap mixture. After a period of 12-18 months some oil may evaporate causing the wood grains to appear dry. An additional layer of oil can be reapplied to keep the floor looking fresh. Although oil finished floors require more involvement in periodic maintenance in high traffic areas, this maintenance can be done much easier than the equivalent of an onsite sand and refinish.
WOCA Master Color Oil contains pigment, which provides a single-step hardwood floor staining process. Laying down the stain and the finish in one step.
This product comes 14 different colors, from Black to Extra White, and you can mix them freely to create various color palettes that will meet the demands of any job.
Below are some pictures of the finished job…
Wenge Exotic Hardwood Floor Refinishing project + Finish The Hardwax Oil in 25 Floor of Chicago.
The heartwood is dark brown, almost black. On the quartersawn surface, fine pencil-thin, light tan lines interspersed with blackish brown stripes make the surface appear as if it has been stroked by the fine claws of some wild jungle animal. On the tangential surface, the light lines show up as undulating streaks, like waves on the water.
Orientation of the grain is an important consideration to show the wood at its best. Wenge is straight grained, and very coarse textured . As with most exotic woods , it is selected for its color and dramatic appearance in any project .
Chicago Hardwood Floor Maple 2-1/4″ Install + Sand + Stain Natural color + 3 coat Bona Traffic Satin .
I will tell a few words about the wood Maple is slightly harder than oak is (1450 on Janka hardness scale vs. Red Oak at 1290) and it is light in color than oak.
Maple hardwood generally comes from Canada and the northern US. Maple has light graining for a smoother and sleeker look. It’s more modern and contemporary while oak is more classic and traditional. Some customers prefer this light color and smoother look, while others feel it has less character.
Maple is more expensive than oak and the difference varies pending on which grade of maple it is.
Maple tends to yellow a bit more over time, especially in rooms that have a lot of light.
Maple does not absorb the stain as well as an oak does Because of this, maples with stains tend to have a bit of ‘blotchiness” in them…some people prefer this look; others think it looks fake.
Maple just absorbs stains differently…and with some of the darker stains, they turn gray…which is a very stylized look.
If you are looking for that hip gray look, maple is your best bet (it just doesn’t look the same on oak).Below you can see pictures final project Maple floor
Hardwood flooring is fairly green, literally. It is made of wood. It is harvested wood from the forests of the world, and despite what some may think, it is great use of a renewable resource. In fact, according to a World Resources Institute report, North America increased tree coverage in the 1990s, which means we plant as we cut. America produces more wood than any other country, and we put it to use in a healthy way, replenishing the forests as we go.
However, if you still aren’t comfortable with using wood for your hardwood floors, there are a few greener options:
- Vinyl floors are made of polyvinyl chloride and used as flooring in all types of homes and businesses because of its durability in high traffic areas. There are two types of vinyl flooring: printed vinyl and inlaid vinyl. Printed vinyl contains thin sheet, is less durable, and is therefore cheaper. The inlaid vinyl contains thicker sheet, and is more expensive. Both types of vinyls come in sheets or tiles, and are designed to click into place for a seamless finish. The digitally enhanced images make laminate flooring look more like hardwood than every before. It can definitely be a cheaper option, but is still not as “green” as some other options.
- Bamboo floors are an environmentally friendly option for customers who have trouble using wood for floors. Bamboo grows and reaches maturity in just five years, so bamboo resources replenish faster than the thirty to sixty years of a wood forest. The benefits of bamboo floors don’t stop there, though. Bamboo floors, when harvested and installed correctly, can be stronger than an oak floor. Bamboo also comes naturally in two contrasting colors, but Tom and Peter Flooring has partnered with manufacturers that offer a variety of colors.
- Cork Floors, harvested in Portugal from the bark of cork trees, is environmentally friendly because the bark grows back shortly, not harming the trees at all. Because it is manufactured to look like hardwood, it comes in various colors, styles, and patterns. Aside from the obvious benefit to the environment, cork floors are water resistant, durable, non-slip, and hypo-allergenic.
Tom and Peter Flooring prides itself on staying abreast to trends in the hardwood flooring industry. If you are looking for alternatives to wood hardwood flooring, one of our professionals can offer expert advice and service. Call or make an appointment online today [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floor-elk-grove-village/].
You’ve found your hardwood floors professional in the Chicago, IL area.
You’ve had your free estimate, pored over the photo gallery [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/gallery/], chosen your method, and now you are ready for your installation.
First, it is important to prepare for your hardwood floors installation. Whether you are a home or a business owner in the Chicago area, you can expect some upset to your everyday life. However, with Tom & Peter Flooring you can expect professionalism and courtesy to the highest degree. Not only do we utilize an exclusive dust free sanding system for the convenience of our customers, but we also offer other services to keep the headache our of home renovation!
Our extra services include [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/additional-services/]: furniture moving, carpet removal, and shoe molding, baseboard, and trim work. While you’re more than welcome to move your own furniture, and remove your own carpet, we offer these services for your convenience. We will move your furniture around during the flooring process, and even return to put it back in its place when the flooring is finished. These are just some of the preparations to be made.
As the property owner you want to do your part to minimize the upset as well. You can do this by prepping your sub floor [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/prepare-for-hardwood-floors/] properly before the professionals arrive to install the flooring. Be sure, though, that you’re aware of the type of hardwood and installation that is going into your home.
When time for your installation [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floors-installation-chicago/] the wood is delivered to the home. When the wood is delivered by our wood supplier it must be stored in the home so it can acclimate to the temperature and humidity of home. Once the flooring is installed, the home needs to remain the same temperature and humidity to avoid problems with your flooring. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) [http://www.nwfa.org] recommends humidity levels of 45-50% relative humidity for optimum care of your hardwood flooring.
When the area is prepped our installers can get to work. Tom & Peter Flooring usually can install 500 square feet per day, and after the final finish is applied the floor should be off-limits for 24 hours minimum. This is no guess work, though. When you arrange your free estimate [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/free-estimate/] with Tom & Peter Flooring you will receive a detailed timeline of the process. We strive to provide expert service and care for your home and our reputation in the Chicago area. Please feel free to ask for our references and client testimonials when you call today!
Whether you’re looking to remodel your home, business, or rental house in the Chicago area, you want to do your homework. When you’re investing time and money into your property you want something that will last, that looks and feels good, and is eco-friendly. Hardwood flooring is the best option for any home or business for these reasons and more.
Long-Lasting
Even in Chicago’s climate, hardwood flooring is durable and long-lasting when installed correctly, by a professional, and is maintained properly. On average carpet is replaced six times before hard wood floors need repairs. Those repairs are usually minor and inexpensive, especially if the floors have been properly cleaned and maintained. Many home owners are quite happy with hardwood flooring because of the minimal tools and time it takes to keep it clean.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Hardwood comes in a variety of colors and patterns naturally. Not only does hardwood match any home decor you could have in your home or business, but it’s easy to change it. When you install hardwood flooring you don’t have to be afraid of repeating the process during a remodel. With the use of inlays, stains, dyes, and finishes you can redecorate your hardwood in a variety of colors whenever you want.
Hardwood flooring doesn’t just look good. It also feels good! Because wood is an organic material, it gives slightly under weight, making it easier on your knees and feet. What’s more, doctors recommend hardwood for people with allergies. Wood doesn’t trap any fumes or dust, and actually improves air quality.
Wood is Green
Harvesting exotic trees for hardwood flooring is a fantastic use of timber that encourages re-forestation. In fact, according to a World Resources Institute report, North America was unusual in that it increased tree cover in the 1990s. In North America we grow more than we cut, and Tom and Peter Flooring is proud to be part of such an environmentally friendly industry. Not only is wood production more green, but it is also more energy-efficient for you to choose hardwood for your property. Hardwood serves as a better natural insulator than other flooring you could choose.
When times are hard, you can count on this: your hardwood flooring will withstand time, seasonal changes, and high traffic.
Call Tom and Peter Flooring [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floor-elk-grove-village/] today and schedule your free estimate [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/free-estimate/].
Areas We Service
We are located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and service the greater Chicago land area.
Addison | Algonquin | Alsip | Arlington Heights | Aurora | Bannockburn | Barrington | Barrington Hills | Bartlett | Batavia | Bedford Park | Bellwood | Bensenville | Berkeley | Berwyn | Bloomingdale | Bolingbrook | Bridgeview | Broadview | Brookfield | Buffalo Grove | Burbank | Burr Ridge | Calumet City | Carol Stream | Carpentersville | Cary | Chicago | Chicago Heights | Chicago Ridge | Cicero | Clarendon Hills | Countryside | Crestwood | Crystal Lake | Darien | Deerfield | Deer Park | Des Plaines | Dolton | Downers Grove | East Dundee | Elgin | Elk Grove Village | Elmhurst | Elmwood Park | Evanston | Evergreen Park | Forest Park | Forest View | Fox Lake | Fox River Grove | Franklin Park | Geneva | Gilberts | Glen Ellyn | Glencoe | Glendale Heights | Glenview | Golf | Grayslake | Green Oaks | Gurnee | Hanover Park | Harwood Heights | Hawthorn Woods | Hickory Hills | Highland Park | Highwood | Hillside | Hinsdale | Hodgkins | Hoffman Estates | Huntley | Ingleside | Indian Head Park | Inverness | Itasca | Joliet | Kenilworth | Kildeer | La Grange | La Grange Park | Lake Barrington | Lake Bluff | Lake Forest | Lake In The Hills | Lake Villa | Lake Zurich | Lansing | Lemont | Libertyville | Lincolnshire | Lincolnwood | Lindenhurst | Lisle | Lockport | Lombard | Long Grove | Lyons | Manhattan | Maywood | McCook | Medinah | Melrose Park | Midlothian | Mokena | Mooseheart | Morton Grove | Mount Prospect | Mundelein | Naperville | New Lenox | Niles | Norridge | North Aurora | North Barrington | North Chicago | North Riverside | Northbrook | Northfield | Northlake | Oak Brook | Oak Brook Terrace | Oak Forest | Oak Lawn | Oak Park | Orland Park | Oswego | Palatine | Park Ridge | Plainfield | Prospect Heights | River Forest | River Grove | Riverdale | Riverside | Riverwoods | Rolling Meadows | Romeoville | Roselle | Rosemont | Round Lake | Round Lake Beach | Round Lake Heights | Round Lake Park | St. Charles | Schaumburg | Schiller Park | Skokie | Sleepy Hollow | South Barrington | South Elgin | Stickney | Stone Park | Streamwood | Summit | Tinley Park | Tower Lakes | Vernon Hills | Villa Park | Warrenville | Wauconda | Waukegan | Wayne | West Chicago | West Dundee | Westchester | Western Springs | Westmont | Wheaton | Wheeling | Willow Springs | Willowbrook | Wilmette | Winfield | Winnetka | Wood Dale | Woodridge | Yorkville | Zion
If you are a home or business owner with hardwood floors in Chicago area, you may need refinishing services from time to time.
Your hardwood is an important feature of your property, and we want you to have the best services offered. We are located in Elk Grove Village and have been operating in the Chicago area for over fifteen years, and we guarantee our work.
Our Sanding System
While some companies will skip steps and work hastily, increasing sand paper grit too quickly, Tom and Peter Flooring is careful to increase gradually. This ensures the flooring is evenly sanded and smooth. Also, our company uses an exclusive Bona Atomic Dust Containment System (DCS) for a dustless sand, which keeps sand from entering your home while we work.
Staining
If you would like a darker finished product, we use a pre-stain to prime the wood. After the pre-stain has dried adequately, your floors are ready for stain. We offer our Chicago area customers a variety of samples before choosing a stain color, and this is done directly on your floor, so the homeowner must be present for this process. We first sand an area, and mix-and-match stains until a decision is made.
All of our stains are low in Volatile Organic Compound, and therefore less harmful to your family and pets in the home. We have a variety of low VOC stains, including all colors, natural, and even pastel colors. We also offer decorative painting on the hardwood flooring at the customer’s request. Once the flooring is colored, just like fingernails, or furniture, when you want to preserve the color, you add a top coat.
Finishing
The top coat we us on hardwood is a high-quality, commercial-grade finish. The finish is what will preserve your flooring, so it is a vital part of refinishing. The finish is not only durable, when well-maintained, but is also smooth because we abrade the hardwood before applying the finish.
The types of finish we use at Tom and Peter Flooring:
- Oil-Based
- Water-Based
- Conversion Varnish
The most cost-effective finish is oil-based, but you can learn the benefits and drawbacks of each here [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floors-refinishing-chicago/]. As always, you can contact [http://tompeterflooring.com/flooring/hardwood-floor-elk-grove-village/] one of our hardwood flooring professionals for questions or concerns about refinishing your hardwood.
We are located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and service the greater Chicago land area.
Addison | Algonquin | Alsip | Arlington Heights | Aurora | Bannockburn | Barrington | Barrington Hills | Bartlett | Batavia | Bedford Park | Bellwood | Bensenville | Berkeley | Berwyn | Bloomingdale | Bolingbrook | Bridgeview | Broadview | Brookfield | Buffalo Grove | Burbank | Burr Ridge | Calumet City | Carol Stream | Carpentersville | Cary | Chicago | Chicago Heights | Chicago Ridge | Cicero | Clarendon Hills | Countryside | Crestwood | Crystal Lake | Darien | Deerfield | Deer Park | Des Plaines | Dolton | Downers Grove | East Dundee | Elgin | Elk Grove Village | Elmhurst | Elmwood Park | Evanston | Evergreen Park | Forest Park | Forest View | Fox Lake | Fox River Grove | Franklin Park | Geneva | Gilberts | Glen Ellyn | Glencoe | Glendale Heights | Glenview | Golf | Grayslake | Green Oaks | Gurnee | Hanover Park | Harwood Heights | Hawthorn Woods | Hickory Hills | Highland Park | Highwood | Hillside | Hinsdale | Hodgkins | Hoffman Estates | Huntley | Ingleside | Indian Head Park | Inverness | Itasca | Joliet | Kenilworth | Kildeer | La Grange | La Grange Park | Lake Barrington | Lake Bluff | Lake Forest | Lake In The Hills | Lake Villa | Lake Zurich | Lansing | Lemont | Libertyville | Lincolnshire | Lincolnwood | Lindenhurst | Lisle | Lockport | Lombard | Long Grove | Lyons | Manhattan | Maywood | McCook | Medinah | Melrose Park | Midlothian | Mokena | Mooseheart | Morton Grove | Mount Prospect | Mundelein | Naperville | New Lenox | Niles | Norridge | North Aurora | North Barrington | North Chicago | North Riverside | Northbrook | Northfield | Northlake | Oak Brook | Oak Brook Terrace | Oak Forest | Oak Lawn | Oak Park | Orland Park | Oswego | Palatine | Park Ridge | Plainfield | Prospect Heights | River Forest | River Grove | Riverdale | Riverside | Riverwoods | Rolling Meadows | Romeoville | Roselle | Rosemont | Round Lake | Round Lake Beach | Round Lake Heights | Round Lake Park | St. Charles | Schaumburg | Schiller Park | Skokie | Sleepy Hollow | South Barrington | South Elgin | Stickney | Stone Park | Streamwood | Summit | Tinley Park | Tower Lakes | Vernon Hills | Villa Park | Warrenville | Wauconda | Waukegan | Wayne | West Chicago | West Dundee | Westchester | Western Springs | Westmont | Wheaton | Wheeling | Willow Springs | Willowbrook | Wilmette | Winfield | Winnetka | Wood Dale | Woodridge | Yorkville | Zion
Why You Need to Hire a Hardwood Floors Contractor for your Chicago home or business?
When it comes to your home or business, you don’t want to D-I-Y when you could have it done well. You wouldn’t let just anyone rebuild your transmission, or perform surgery because of the risks and the cost.
When you spend the time and money to find an experienced and licensed hardwood floors contractor in Chicago area, you invest in your home or business and add equity to your property. Of all the various things someone will notice about a building when they step into it, the flooring is one of the first. Although consumers have more access than ever to “how-to” videos and home improvement projects, it isn’t a great idea to attempt new projects like this on your own.
First, our professionals at Tom and Peter Flooring work with other skilled architects, designers, and general contractors from around Chicago area to bring you flooring that is not only beautiful, but functional, and in keeping with the tone of your home or business.
Second, many city or county codes require a licensed and insured contractor to perform any remodeling services within city or county limits. This is because professionals are trained to bring buildings “up to code” and abide by safety precautions and regulations. When you are ready to invest in your building’s equity, you want to hire an expert, and that means a member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) [http://www.nwfa.org].
Hardwood Flooring Experts
When you hire a National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) member, you hire a skilled, trained, and educated professional. At Tom and Peter Flooring we specialize in the sanding and refinishing services of existing hardwood floors, and installations and repairs of all types of wood floor coverings. Additionally, with the use of our Dust-free System, our work area is kept clean, and business or family life isn’t hindered more than necessary.
Some other great reasons to hire Tom & Peter Flooring is it’s an established company with competitive prices. We are licensed and insured, and guarantee all of our work. All of our craftsmen are skilled and experienced in all aspects of hardwood flooring. Finally, we are a locally owned and operated business with office in Elk Grove Village, IL and we provide hardwood flooring to the Chicago area for over 15 years.
When you look for customer satisfaction, look no further than Tom and Peter Flooring, your hardwood floors expert in the Chicago area.
Areas We Service
We are located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and service the greater Chicago land area.
Addison | Algonquin | Alsip | Arlington Heights | Aurora | Bannockburn | Barrington | Barrington Hills | Bartlett | Batavia | Bedford Park | Bellwood | Bensenville | Berkeley | Berwyn | Bloomingdale | Bolingbrook | Bridgeview | Broadview | Brookfield | Buffalo Grove | Burbank | Burr Ridge | Calumet City | Carol Stream | Carpentersville | Cary | Chicago | Chicago Heights | Chicago Ridge | Cicero | Clarendon Hills | Countryside | Crestwood | Crystal Lake | Darien | Deerfield | Deer Park | Des Plaines | Dolton | Downers Grove | East Dundee | Elgin | Elk Grove Village | Elmhurst | Elmwood Park | Evanston | Evergreen Park | Forest Park | Forest View | Fox Lake | Fox River Grove | Franklin Park | Geneva | Gilberts | Glen Ellyn | Glencoe | Glendale Heights | Glenview | Golf | Grayslake | Green Oaks | Gurnee | Hanover Park | Harwood Heights | Hawthorn Woods | Hickory Hills | Highland Park | Highwood | Hillside | Hinsdale | Hodgkins | Hoffman Estates | Huntley | Ingleside | Indian Head Park | Inverness | Itasca | Joliet | Kenilworth | Kildeer | La Grange | La Grange Park | Lake Barrington | Lake Bluff | Lake Forest | Lake In The Hills | Lake Villa | Lake Zurich | Lansing | Lemont | Libertyville | Lincolnshire | Lincolnwood | Lindenhurst | Lisle | Lockport | Lombard | Long Grove | Lyons | Manhattan | Maywood | McCook | Medinah | Melrose Park | Midlothian | Mokena | Mooseheart | Morton Grove | Mount Prospect | Mundelein | Naperville | New Lenox | Niles | Norridge | North Aurora | North Barrington | North Chicago | North Riverside | Northbrook | Northfield | Northlake | Oak Brook | Oak Brook Terrace | Oak Forest | Oak Lawn | Oak Park | Orland Park | Oswego | Palatine | Park Ridge | Plainfield | Prospect Heights | River Forest | River Grove | Riverdale | Riverside | Riverwoods | Rolling Meadows | Romeoville | Roselle | Rosemont | Round Lake | Round Lake Beach | Round Lake Heights | Round Lake Park | St. Charles | Schaumburg | Schiller Park | Skokie | Sleepy Hollow | South Barrington | South Elgin | Stickney | Stone Park | Streamwood | Summit | Tinley Park | Tower Lakes | Vernon Hills | Villa Park | Warrenville | Wauconda | Waukegan | Wayne | West Chicago | West Dundee | Westchester | Western Springs | Westmont | Wheaton | Wheeling | Willow Springs | Willowbrook | Wilmette | Winfield | Winnetka | Wood Dale | Woodridge | Yorkville | Zion
When building a house or renovating your home in Chicago area, you will need to make a decision about your flooring. And the cost matter.
There are two primary choices – wood or carpet. Choosing between hardwood floors and carpeting can make a big difference for your Chicago home.
Here are some things you should consider.
Hardwood floors cost more upon initial installation than carpeting does.
On average, hardwood costs $4 to $12 per square foot, while carpeting costs $3 to $5 per square foot. This higher initial cost can lead many people to choose to carpet instead because they are trying to lower their costs. However, in the long term, this often is the wrong choice. Surprisingly, over the decades that you own your house, hardwood can even end up being far cheaper.
Hardwood floor maintenance is much easier than maintaining carpeting. Carpeting requires more intensive cleaning, including vacuuming and regular shampooing. It also only tends to last for about ten years. Hardwood, on the other hand, only requires sweeping and mopping, and the floors can last for more than a century.
Additionally, the two different varieties of flooring can change the character of your home. Most houses built around the turn of the century had hardwood floors, so adding hardwood flooring to a new home can give it a sense of character. If you are a fan of Victorian or other older architectural styles, adding hardwood floor can make even new construction feel older. Carpeting, on the other hand, can just feel cheap.
Most people who are considering building or renovating a home also want to take into account the eventual resale value. Hardwood floors tend to stay good looking much longer than carpeting does, and add more character to a home. You can choose between different kinds of wood, to fit best with your architecture and personal style. Potential home buyers tend to be attracted to the character of hardwood floors rather than the intensive maintenance and eventual replacement cost of carpeting.
If you are trying to decide what kind of flooring to install in your home, then you need to consider multiple variables. The initial cost is certainly important because you might be concerned about staying within your original budget, but the long-term cost of carpeting can be much higher. Initially, you will want to consider the eventual resale value of your home, as well as the maintenance required. You’ll probably find that hardwood is almost always the right choice.
