Anderson Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Anderson Flooring is a leading manufacturer of engineered hardwood flooring with more than 20 beautiful collections of hardwood flooring products.  Distinctly known for gorgeous and unique hand scraped engineered wood flooring, Anderson is recognized for quality craftsmanship built into each plank.  Anderson was the first flooring manufacturer to develop 5-ply construction by alternating 5 separate wood grains into a durable product which uses half the wood of solid hardwood flooring and provides the strength of steel, setting the industry standard still used today.

Anderson introduced the revolutionary hardwood finish in aluminum oxide which provides unmatched durability and stain resistance.  This hardwood manufacturing leader delivers cutting edge technology in milling profiles to provide easier installation without compromising quality and style. Anderson delivers durability, fashion, style and exquisitely beautiful prefinished hardwood flooring.

Beautiful Hardwood Flooring Collections from Anderson

Anderson offers a large collection of engineered wood flooring collections such as the traditional Oak look of Lincoln Plank  or the classic beauty Northern Maple which is a good solid choice for high traffic areas.  The Jack Creek collection includes rich Walnut, rustic Hickory or warm American Cherry.  Depending on your style, consider a wide 6 ¼” plank from the Dellamano line which means “of the hand” in Italian to describe the rustic, hand scraped textured appeal.

The hand scraped textures provide unique character and distinction to any room to enhance any style of furnishings and décor.  A protective finish of Luster Lock Ultra finish provides maximum resistance to scratches and scuffmarks. Anderson prefinished hardwood flooring offers beauty, durability and easy maintenance for a wise investment that will last for many years.

Anderson continues to deliver exquisite and innovative wood flooring products such as the latest addition of the Landsdowne Collection which features 3 beautiful colors in solid Oak ¾” x 4” planks.  Anderson Flooring has been a leader in solid wood and engineered, prefinished hardwood flooring since 1946.  Contact your favorite flooring company, Great Western Flooring to learn more about the many possibilities with Anderson hardwood flooring products.

Great Western Flooring is a leading flooring and tile company pleasing customers in and around Chicago for more than 35 years.  We offer free design consultations, quality flooring and tile products with professional installation.  Contact us to learn more about hardwood flooring options and the many benefits of Anderson prefinished hardwood flooring.

This article was previously published at https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/anderson-prefinished-hardwood-flooring/

How to Keep Hardwoods Looking Beautiful

Hardwood floors add value to homes with durable floor that can last for decades if you know how to maintain and keep your hardwoods looking beautiful.  Hardwood floors are not that difficult to clean and can be simpler to maintain than carpeting or tile.  With a few tips on the proper way to maintain your hardwood flooring, you’ll enjoy a stunning floor for many years.

Here are a few tips on the best way to maintain your hardwood flooring and prevent damaging your beautiful floor.

Dust Hardwoods Regularly

Regular cleaning and removal of debris is important to maintain hardwood flooring.  Use a dust mop regularly to remove dust, pet hair, and even small specks of dirt which could easily scratch a hardwood surface.  If using a vacuum, be sure to use the floor brush attachment and not the beater bar as this could damage a hard wood surface.  If your vacuum has a hard floor setting this should turn off the beater bar and lower the vacuum for increased suction.

Immediately Dry Spills

Polished hardwoods may appear shiny and water resistant but certain liquids can eat away the polished top coat of a hardwood floor.  Specifically, pet urine, milk and mustard should immediately be dabbed dry.

Wet Mopping

Use a liquid cleaner such as a commercial wood cleaning product for periodic deep cleanings and be sure to follow the manufacturer directions.  You can use a damp mop to help clean and maintain a hardwood floor with recommended cleaners available at most home supply stores.  Most wet mop products for hardwoods contain isopropyl alcohol because it dries up quickly.  It is also safe to mop with a solution of one cup of white vinegar to one gallon of water as this solution effectively removes dirt and grease without stripping the polished finish.

Do not ever use a steam mop on wood floors as this may cause irreparable damage to hardwoods.

Use the Right Hardwood Products

Using the right products with regular dusting and mopping is important to keep your hardwoods looking beautiful.  Some products may add a shine or polish, which is not the same as a protective coating.  When regular dusting and mopping do not restore the luster and shine to your floor it may be time for your hardwood flooring to be refinished.

Hardwood Refinishing

Refinishing hardwood involves sanding the top layer to remove scuffs and marks and covering with a protectant sealant.  You should plan on refinishing your hardwood flooring at least every ten years, or even two to five years for high traffic floors.

Great Western Flooring offers complimentary design consultations and a wide selection of quality flooring products.  Stop by one of our convenient design centers in Naperville, Oswego or St. Charles to speak with an experienced flooring and tile expert.  Contact us with any questions on selecting, installing or maintaining your floors and more tips on how to keep your hardwoods looking beautiful.

This article was originally published at https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/how-to-keep-hardwoods-looking-beautiful/

What is the Janka Hardwood Flooring Test?

The Janka hardwood flooring test is a scale developed by Gabriel Janka to test the hardness of various species of wood.  This measuring scale was derived from the hardness test created for metals by J.A. Brinell.  The Janka test is a hardness test applied to various wood flooring products by flooring professionals to reveal how long the wood floor should last without showing wear or denting.

The Janka hardwood flooring test is the industry standard for testing wood flooring and meets all requirements of the American Society of Testing and Materials, ASTM.

How Does the Janka Hardness Test Work?

The Janka hardness test is based on the pounds of force required to drive a .44” steel ball halfway into a piece of wood flooring.  The best results are derived when the ball is driven into the wood grain with perpendicular force, and leaves an indentation of 100 sq. mm.  The hardness level will vary depending on the direction of the wood grain.

Most wood species will have similar ratings with only a 10% deviation within a species so that flooring installers have a good idea of the hardness of wood they’re using.

The Janka hardwood flooring test is important to hardwood flooring installers and homeowners who want to know the durability of the wood flooring choice.  In areas of heavy foot traffic, a wood with a  higher Janka rating may be desirable.  Knowing the Janka rating of your hardwood floor will help you determine the best hardwood flooring for your home.

Hickory provides a decent Janka rating and is a popular choice in heavy traffic areas.  Patagonian Rosewood receives the highest Janka rating, although Hickory, Maple and Red Oak also provide extremely durable wood flooring which holds up well in heavy use areas.

Contact your flooring specialists at Great Western Flooring to learn more about the Janka hardwood flooring test and with help in determining the best wood flooring for your home.

Great Western Flooring is a leading flooring and tile company offering quality products and professional installation. We provide complimentary design consultations from any one of our convenient locations in Naperville, Oswego and St. Charles.  Contact us to speak with a flooring specialist and learn more about the Janka hardwood flooring test.

This article was originally published at   https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/what-is-the-janka-hardwood-flooring-test/