The GateWood Floors Blog

Featured Product: Wenge

2010-10-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Overall Construction Spending - Good; Residential Construction Spending - Not so Good

2010-10-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

As reported by the National Association of Home Builders, overall construction spending is improving, but residential construction spending continues to struggle.

The Census Bureau reported that the Value of Construction Put in Place improved in August, rising 0.4% to $811.8 billion from an upwardly revised $808.6 billion in July. Despite the modest gain, construction spending was down 11.2% year-to-date from a year earlier.

The monthly increase was driven by a 2.5% rise to $313.6 billion in public construction spending — which included strong gains in public residential construction (up 6.7%), commercial (up 8.2%), healthcare (up 5.1%) and road construction (up 5.0%). With funding from American Reinvestment and Recovery Act continuing to roll out, public construction spending should continue at a healthy pace in the near term.

Much of the increase in public construction spending was offset by a 0.9% decline in private construction spending — the fourth consecutive month it has fallen. At $498.2 billion, this spending was at its lowest level since January 1998.

Much of this decline was in private non-residential construction spending, which fell 1.4% to $259.7 billion. Spending was down in the power (2.9%), commercial (2.8%), transportation (1.8%) and communication (1.8%) sectors.

Overall private residential construction spending fell 0.3% in August, with single-family construction spending slipping 4.2% to $109.5 billion, just above its October 2009 level. This was expected, given the decline in single-family housing starts since the conclusion of the home buyer tax credit in April.

However, the rise in single-family housing starts in August signals that the payback from the home buyer tax credit may be drawing to an end, and we can expect to see the value of private single-family residential construction put in place to stabilize soon.

Private multifamily construction spending also fell sharply in August — down 11.4%. This more than offset the marginal increases in June (0.3%) and July (0.6%) and, at $11.85 billion, is just above its February 1994 level.

With multifamily housing starts exhibiting a modest upward trend in recent months, the multifamily value put in place numbers should begin to move higher in the next few months.

BR-111 & Bamboo

2010-10-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

BR-111 has announced the launch of its very first Bamboo Collection, BR-111 Bamboo.

In an interview with Ricardo Moraes, president of BR-111, Floor Covering Weekly highlighted the changes coming to the fall catalog.

“We are committed to developing the most unique and beautiful flooring products available anywhere in the world,” said Ricardo Moraes, president. “The focus of our new product offering is uniqueness, quality and value.”

In addition to BR-111’s African species Wenge, Iroko, Afzelia and Sapele — which will be available in several different width, thickness and construction options — the company will introduce a comprehensive collection of bamboo.

“We are very excited to introduce our new superior quality bamboo line,” said Moraes. “We have always been interested in offering bamboo products. We just wanted to take our time to develop the absolute best bamboo flooring available today. We are very happy with the results and we know our dealers will be too.”

Moraes said the bamboo collection includes, “jaw dropping colors, board widths and lengths, and unparalleled durability.”

BR-111 will also introduce a new 3/4” solid line of exotic products that has, “the same warranty and wear layer as our 3/4” solid line and many of our most popular species including Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, Amendoim and Machiato Pecan but with amazing low pricing, installation flexibility, and extensive environmental consideration,” said Moraes.

The company will also add to its recently developed high end line of 5-inch engineered locking products an array of handscraped and brushed looks in species like Classic Walnut, Angico, and Antique Amendoim. “We are so excited about our new product offerings and increased margins to our dealers that we have decided to fully re-merchandise our patented BR-111 FUF display, with an eye catching new header, footer, info panels, product flip cards and sample boards for all of our product lines,” said Moraes. “These new product lines will be available in the coming weeks and we will be contacting each of our BR-111 exclusive dealers to schedule delivery of the new BR-111 FUF re-merchandising kit, including new sample boards. Our new re-merchandising program will be followed by very aggressive and wide spread marketing campaigns.”

Ask us about these great new products!

Elephants and Wood Flooring

2010-10-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

In a recent release by National Floor Trends, they featured Mohawk flooring and their SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet. Their PR people have designed quite the event. I can't wait to see the results! And a great cause too!

Here's what National Floor Trends said:

Mohawk is teaming up with The Dallas Zoo to put SmartStrand carpet to a new durability test that includes six African elephants. For two weeks in October, six African Elephants with a combined weight of 45,000, will test the resiliency of the carpet. In 2009, Mohawk placed SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona carpet into the enclosure of a 2,800 lb. Black Rhino for two weeks. At the end of the test, people across the country—flooring retailers, national media, and millions of consumers—“were astounded to watch the carpet restored to brand-new condition with a simple cleaning,” Mohawk says.

In addition to its latest challenge, Mohawk is also introducing a new Human Habitat element to the challenge, where zoo guests can visit four different household situations: a living room, kitchen, bedroom and foyer. Each living situation will incorporate Mohawk flooring products—carpet, laminate ceramic and Mohawk’s brand new strand woven bamboo—“allowing visitors to interact with the exhibits and see for themselves how the flooring is tough enough to stand up to their wildlife. This special area also allows consumers to engage with Mohawk’s GreenWorks sustainability platform. Because we are all part of something bigger than our individual selves, the Human Habitat makes consumers aware of available sustainable products they can select for their homes,” the company notes. Further, in an effort to help its retailers take full advantage of the merchandising and promotion opportunities available, Mohawk is providing comprehensive point-of-purchase kits, customizable advertising materials like television spots and print ads, among other elements. “We have an extraordinary product and we’re challenging it in an extraordinary way to prove the unmatched durability of SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona,” said David Duncan, Mohawk’s vp of Marketing. “After having 45,000 pounds of pressure applied to the carpet repeatedly for two weeks showcasing its supreme resiliency, consumers will be confident in putting SmartStrand in their own wildlife situations at home. And we’re getting additional ‘human testing’ on our hard surface products with the Human Habitat! The SmartStrand Zoo Challenge is back and bigger than ever—all designed to drive consumer traffic to retail store locations.”

SmartStrand Zoo Challenge t-shirts will be sold, benefitting the Dallas Zoo’s “Zoo2Wild” Conservation fund, and supporting field conservation partnership programs such as Charles Foley’s Tarangire elephant project, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, International Rhino Fund and Gulf Oil Spill relief efforts.

Featured Product: Ash

2010-10-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Visit our Ash Collection from Chelsea Plank for more information and more flooring selections.

Summary of Trim Profiles

2010-10-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Trim

Reducer

T-molding

Threshold

Stair Nosing

Nosing

Socia

Quarter Round

Crown Molding

Thanks to Allwood Floors for the images.

Remember that trim and coordinating accessories can make all the difference in finishing your new floors!

Featured Product: Tigerwood

2010-09-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tips to Save you Money

2010-09-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

In doing some research for a different project, an article online made me stop and think about what goes into a flooring purchase. Everyone has a different reason as to why they make the choice they do. And I think we all consider the cost. Here are some things to think about when you are making that decision.

Most consumers choose hardwood flooring for the feeling of warmth, beauty and comfort it can give a room. Because of today's modern technology, many manufacturers are coming up with great new synthetic flooring that not only looks good, but is also durable and low-maintenance, a definite plus for those who are always on the go but want stylish floor coverings; however even though synthetic flooring is a great alternative, many people still crave the look and feel of all-natural floor coverings such as wood.

There are many other reasons to go with hardwood floors, such as the value they add to your home, easy care and easy cleaning, great style and durability and they're natural and safe for the environment. Although carpeting is an easy alternative to floor decorations, many home decorators are now setting a new trend with exotic hardwood flooring.

If you know a building contractor or hardwood floor contractor, they may be able to help you get a nice discount. In most cases, refinishing your floors will increase the value of your home, not to mention, adding style and beauty. Some of the most well known hardwood floor manufacturers include Bruce, Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington and Armstrong.

If you're looking for great ideas, get a copy of Hardwood Floors magazine; it's sent to more than 24,000 hardwood flooring professionals throughout the world, including contractors, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, builders, architects and many other industry professionals. If you own an older home, if the floors are structurally sound, why not go ahead and refinish them and bring your old hardwood floors back to life. After all wood is wood, and what can be more ecologically clean than natural wood planks after very little chemical processing?

There is no need for cleaning chemicals, carpet shampooing, or replacement carpets whenever you have big spills. When you're deciding on what type of flooring is the best for you and your home, the first step to making sure it's really right for you is to list all the pros and cons.

Today's hardwood flooring has made advances in style, durability, maintenance and care, making it more widely usable throughout the home, except in the bathroom where its use is not recommended due to possible moisture problems. Many people are now installing hardwood floors in their kitchen and it can also be installed over concrete. The cost of hardwood flooring depends on what type you choose.

With tons of web pages online, you can easily check online for all types of hardwood flooring including: red oak, white oak, American cherry, Brazilian cherry, maple, red birch, ash, hickory, walnut and even bamboo. If you're thinking about a do-it-yourself project, you can easily learn how to install flooring with a few of the proper tools like sanders, nailers or nail guns etc. which you can easily rent or borrow.

Summarizing, we can say that hardwood flooring provides the utmost warmth and beauty for your home. Most hardwood floors almost never need to be replaced and can add thousands of dollars to the value of any home.

Hardwood floors are the healthiest choice for interior living, especially if you live with children. If you're looking for a great way to improve the look, durability and value of your home, they are definitely the way to go. They are one of the most important design elements in any home or business.

Visit GateWood Floors to see what options are available to you and to find out more about your flooring choice. As always, if you don't see what you want, ask - we usually have it!

Featured Product: Brazilian Walnut

2010-09-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Featured Manufacturer: Bois Chamois

2010-09-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

European White Oak

Fumed White Oak

Check out our website for more from Bois Chamois! And others! As always, if you don't see what you want, ask - we probably have it for you!

Featured Product: Prefinished Heart Pine

2010-09-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Warm Sable

Golden Honey

Antique Brown

Bamboo Used in Sports Flooring

2010-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

As a follow up to the last post about bamboo flooring, we received an email from Smith & Fong Plyboo, announcing their increasing success with bamboo sports flooring. Here's what they said:

Bamboo emerges as a solid contender in the sports flooring segment.

Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School
Atlanta, Georgia

PlybooSport® – North America’s first bamboo sports flooring – faced a uphill battle in the marketplace when it was introduced five years ago. But as more and more corporate and institutional building projects have adopted sustainable products into their plans, PlybooSport has experienced dramatic growth.

The company sold its first PlybooSport floor to the City of Dallas, Texas, in 2005. Since then PlybooSport has enjoyed a robust annual growth rate in sales. Floors have been installed in 16 states as well as Mexico and the UK, and the company has a backlog of orders for projects as far and wide as the UAE, Pakistan and China.

Smith & Fong attributes PlybooSport’s increasing popularity to a growing awareness of sustainability and environmental health among commercial and institutional architects. PlybooSport is PlybooPure formaldehyde-free, California Section 01350-compliant, FloorScore®-certified and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, offering numerous green attributes attractive for school gyms, recreational centers and corporate fitness centers.

“We identified PlybooSport flooring as a product that would make a highly visible statement about the importance of sustainable and rapidly renewable materials,” said architect Clayton Daspit, of Atlanta-based Collins Cooper Carusi Architects. His firm specified PlybooSport for a gymnasium project in Atlanta’s Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School, which ultimately achieved the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, in part due to its use of PlybooSport flooring.

And some more recent installations:

NetApp Corporate Headquarters
Sunnyvale, California
PlybooSport

Hillside High School
Marlborough, Massachusetts
PlybooSport

Singing Hills Recreation Center
Dallas, Texas
PlybooSport

If you are researching sports flooring, bamboo may be right for you. Contact us to find out more!

A Review of Bamboo

2010-09-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Some interesting facts about bamboo in a review posted by Fast Floors:

Bamboo is not just for pandas anymore. Its fibers are used to make clothing. The shoots of young bamboo trees are nutritious and to some quite tasty. But it can also be used for new home construction, and it makes for some spectacularly beautiful flooring.

To a lot of people, the use of hardwood trees for flooring is a poor use of a precious resource. An oak tree takes 60 to 120 years to grow. While on a larger scale, all wood could be called a renewable resource, the 'guilt tax' for a hardwood floor is a price more and more people are unwilling to pay.

That's where bamboo comes in. Bamboo goes from seedling to mature plant in just five years, growing several inches per day. It grows in a variety of climates, both in its native Asia and even here in the USA.

Bamboo provides a habitat for small animals where it's grown. Because it's basically 'mowed' and not cut down like a tree, the habitat isn't destroyed by the harvest. Pesticides are unnecessary, as the plant has natural chemical defenses against insects and disease.

All of that is wonderful, but the fact is that unless it's a good product, it won't succeed on the merits of its environmental resume alone. So here are the selling points of bamboo flooring.

Hardness and durability: Bamboo flooring is as hard as oak or maple, yet resilient and flexible. This means it's pleasant to walk on and easy to work.
Cost: While quality varies, bamboo is generally quite inexpensive, sometimes running half of the price of hardwood.
Upkeep: Bamboo requires some upkeep, but no more than hardwood floors. The care for bamboo is the same as for wood. Bamboo, a tropical plant, is naturally resistant to moisture. This makes it the perfect choice for kitchens and utility rooms.
Appearance: Bamboo floors have a unique look, unlike any comparable wood or laminate product. The grass has a system of nodes that creates darkening bands of spectacular color. Bamboo can also be finished into darker colors to match any decor.

Customer Service is Essential to Success

2010-08-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

In an article in the August edition of National Floor Trends, the author presents some interesting and important tips for great customer service. Seems likely that most consumers will agree that they prefer businesses that have excellent customer service and would pay more to do business with those companies.

The results of an American Express study show that Americans will spend 9% more with companies that provide excellent customer service. Leading the author to pose these questions:

How does your company rank in customer service?
Does your store have the highest rating amongst consumers?
Do you have a presence on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook?
Are customers writing favorable reviews about you on Angie’s List, Yelp and blogs?
Is your store known as the customer service leader?

And concluding that if this is not the case, it is time to re-evaluate your company's procedures and how you and every person in the company interacts with your customers.

He lists eight key items for top quality customer service and how to use or know if you are already using them.

1. Know your customer’s desires. Your customers will let you know what they want and how you can provide good service.

2. Be a good listener. Ask questions of your customer to determine their flooring needs. Listen to their words and tone of voice, watch their body language, and most importantly, find out how they feel. Don’t make assumptions or guess what the customer wants. After your conversation, can you list three things that are most important to your customer?

3. Make your customer feel important and appreciated. Always find ways to compliment them. The goal is to generate good feelings about doing business with you. Thank them every time you get a chance and be sure to convey sincerity. Customers don’t buy products or services. They buy good feelings and solutions to problems.

4. Explain the purchase process. Take time to explain how your store works, including the sales, measuring, and installation steps.

5. Provide continuous solutions. Always look for ways to help your customers. When they have a request, show them you can do it. Make doing business with you easy. Always do what you say you are going to do.

6. Apologize when something goes awry. Deal with problems immediately and let customers know what you have done. Oftentimes if you work extremely hard to solve any problems that come up, your customers will be more likely to recommend you to their friends.

7. Give more than expected. Elevate yourself above the competition. What can you give customers that they cannot get elsewhere? Follow-up and thank people even when they don’t buy flooring from your store. Perhaps the buying situation changed and they will return soon.

8. Get feedback. Encourage and welcome suggestions about how you could improve. Listen carefully to what they say and provide a method that invites constructive criticism, comments and suggestions. Check back with your customers regularly to see how things are going.

The way we do business is changing quickly with consumers doing more research online to find flooring products and choosing where to shop for them. A successful business must provide all of the information the customers need without ever interacting with the customer. The customer is now seeking out the business, not the business seeking customers. The customer is directing the sale and leading the interaction. And as businesses, we must meet them there, or we'll lose them to the ones that are.

Featured Product: Caribbean Heart Pine

2010-08-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Featured Product: American Cherry

2010-08-11T12:59:00.001-07:00

Hardwood Floors are Easier and More Beautiful than you Think

2010-08-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hardwood floors bring an unparalleled richness that makes them seem a bit intimidating in regard to maintenance and decor. One of the arguments against hardwood flooring is usually that "they are so hard to maintain". However, hardwood flooring is exactly the opposite and may be the easiest flooring type to maintain. Sweeping is all you'll need to do. The main advantage to wood flooring is that there is a lot you can do to prevent problems. Mats and rugs and inexpensive furniture pads will prevent damage from regular use.

Unlike carpet, vinyl, tile and linoleum, hardwood flooring does not need to be replaced after only a few years. Refinishing, which used to be expensive, cumbersome and messy, is hardly "necessary" anymore. Old products that were used to maintain wood floors were not very "user-friendly" and refinishing may have immediately been recommended by your flooring professional then. However, with today's finishes, if a wood floor is properly maintained, it will outlast you, your mortgage and your house.

Not only is wood flooring easy to care for, but the natural beauty and long-term value it adds to your home make it the reason you'll want to incorporate it into your design and decor. The species and finish you choose can set the atmosphere for your whole room. Home Gurus shows how wood flooring fits into any style and decor. For a traditional style, oak is the most popular choice. Oak grains are classic and timeless and you'll have your choice of practically any stain color and finish. A modern look may include the smooth look of maple or the surprising pattern of an exotic wood like tigerwood. If rustic is your choice, hickory and cherry are great options. Walnut is a great choice for a worldly look.

Design is also important in decorating with hardwood flooring. Dark finishes on your wood flooring and light finishes on furniture (or vice versa) may appeal to you if you prefer contrasts. For a modern look, a high-gloss dark stained floor may fit your image. Rich colors like mahogany or honey seem to appeal to traditionalists. And country lovers will be drawn toward antiqued or hand-scraped hardwoods.

Last thing to consider in design and decor is the size of the flooring boards you'll use. Strip flooring is the most popular and is considered to be any board's width that is 3 inches or less. Strip flooring gives a traditional and modern look. Plank styles, any board width greater than 3 inches, or Wide Plank, any board width greater than 5 inches, will give your space a rustic feel. And Parquet flooring is easily recognized from is square pattern. Parquet floors were used in churches and palaces and give a formality and majesty to your design.

So when you hear: "Wood flooring - so hard to maintain, so expensive, and so hard to install", you'll know what to tell them now.

Featured Product: Breckenridge Skip-Sawn Hickory

2010-08-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

The product description from the manufacturer is all you need to envision this flooring in your home.

"Sun glistens off mountain peaks where the snow is so cold and powdery it radiates an ice-blue glow. Ahead, the windows of the log resort beckon tired skiers with warmth and hospitality. This upscale lodge, with its warm handcrafted hickory floors, could be high in the French Alps, or as close as the Colorado Rockies. The beauty and tradition of hickory is a superior choice for even the most discriminating of tastes - character and charisma meets practicality with a charm uncompromised. A solvent-free, seven-coat, UV-cured coating makes the floor abrasion resistant, resilient, and easy to clean. Breckenridge Skip-Sawn Hickory brings the beauty of a classically superior lodge floor to your log home or retreat."

For more Harvest Timber products, check out our selection at GateWood Floors.

Description and images courtesy of Pioneered Wood.

Where do Reclaimed Floors come from?

2010-07-30T12:43:00.001-07:00

Sometimes from old Chestnut log cabins or barns.

They are given new life and turned into gorgeous Reclaimed Wormy Chestnut wood flooring.

Images provided by Timeless Wood Floors, one of our manufacturers.

Featured Product: White Oak

2010-07-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Do you see the Forest for the Trees?

2010-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

An ever-increasingly popular topic: earth-friendly, eco-friendly, "green", sustainable, environmentally-conscious product, service, or decision. So here is some more evidence that wood flooring is all of that.

Years ago, environmentally-conscious homeowners and remodelers had few options when it came to being earth-friendly but still getting the look, feel, and durability of their chosen flooring material. However, the once-hard-to-find sustainable flooring now comes in all the popular species: white oak, red oak, maple, birch, cherry, hickory, even some exotic species. And you'll be pleasantly surprised at the cost. Four-inch wide, medium-grade American cherry that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)— an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests — has the same square foot cost as standard American cherry.

To get FSC Certification, forest operations must follow 10 principles and meet 56 criteria, including social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations based on managerial aspects as well as environmental and social requirements. In fact, FSC rules are the strictest and FSC’s social and environmental requirements the highest. Protection of local wildlife, minimal use of chemical pesticides, even the guarantee that loggers can unionize are examples of the all-inclusive requirements set forth. Look for FSC logo and a "chain of custody" number, which allows them to be traced back to their source, to know if the wood flooring you are interested in has been FSC-Certified.

By 2005, there were 556 U.S. companies turning out FSC-certified lumber, up from 20 when the program was founded. While the flooring they produce still makes up a small share of the U.S. market, it's growing fast. More important, they're having a profound effect on the nation's forests. By 2005, FSC-certified forests covered 15.5 million acres, up from 1.4 million in 1995 in the US and 135 million acres of FSC-approved forests covering the international globe.

It may be difficult to find "green" flooring from a single retailer, since only about 10 percent of the typical retailer's stock is likely to be classified that way so you may have to do some hunting to start. For a list of certified companies in your area, visit The Forest Stewardship Council website.

The availability of products is increasing along with consumer awareness," says Tom Dietsche, program manager for the U.S. Green Building Council, which has made FSC certification a benchmark in the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines for homebuilders. "We've made a lot of progress."

In combination with the FSC guidelines, these Green Floors Principles will help you to understand how and why wood flooring is earth-friendly.

Ten attributes that make a flooring GREEN
	Rating Table	Applies To	Explanation
1.	Social Responsibility	Manufacturer	Socially responsible and enlightened company to workers and customers and embraces environmental practices.
2.	Manufacturer Processes	Manufacturer	Methods are environmentally responsible and are not detrimental to the environment.
3.	Distribution Methods	Distribution	Uses environmentally friendly and innovative methods of distribution, i.e., packaging and transportation. LEED credits given for purchasing local materials.
4.	Renewable	Product	Made with renewable materials. Definition - raw materials can be replaced within _____ years.
5.	Recycled Content	Product	Made with recycled materials. Percentage of post-industrial vs. post-consumer materials.
6.	Recyclability	Product	Content of product is mostly recyclable and can be disposed of safely or reused in manufacture of same product or downsized for another product
7.	Toxicity	Product	Does not contain toxic materials. Meets accepted air quality standards.
8.	Life Cycle	Product	Designed for extended life cycle to reduce costs per year and impact on the environment.
9.	Installation	Product	Can be installed in an environmentally friendly manner, i.e. using low VOC adhesives.
10.	Maintenance	Product	Can be maintained in an environmentally friendly manner, i.e., low toxic cleaning chemicals and low water consumption.

Environmental concerns are starting to have a very real effect on the wood products marketplace, and it's about time homeowners are able to participate. Visit GateWood Floors for the environmentally-friendly wood flooring of your dreams!

The Difference Between Common Hardwood Species

2010-07-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Oak is the most popular species for both Prefinished and Unfinished hardwood flooring. White oak has a straight grain with medium to coarse texture and longer rays than red oak, which creates more patterns or figure. White oak can easily be stained to a wide variety of colors.

Red oak has generally the same appearance as white oak. In red oak, a lot of visible grain gives it a distinctively warm and rich appearance. Red oak also stains very well, and is more popular than white oak.

Maple has a contemporary look. Its fine grain is very condensed, giving maple less texture than oak. Generally, maple has a uniform straight grain. Because the species is very hard, it resists abrasion and wear. That's why it's perfect for bowling alleys and basketball courts.

American cherry has a rich reddish color with fine graining and a satin smooth texture. American cherry is pinkish when first milled and naturally darkens to a deep red color when fully aged. This color change takes just a few weeks in direct sunlight, or 6 to 8 months in non-direct sunlight. American cherry is about 75 percent as hard as oak.

Brazilian cherry, also known as jatoba, has a naturally rich color and superior hardness. This exotic species is also photosensitive; like its American counterpart, it will darken from salmon to deep reddish brown over several months. Dark streaks give it an exotic feel, while an interlocking grain, golden glow, and toughness make Brazilian cherry a popular flooring choice. It's approximately 228 percent harder than red oak.

Pine creates a rustic mood. Its warm look is owed to prominent character marks - knots, marks, and stains. Because pine is much softer than other woods, it's less-than-ideal for high traffic areas.

Santos mahogany, also called cabreuva, is another popular Brazilian hardwood. It has a unique grain variation and color, ranging from a beautiful deep red to reddish brown. Popular because of its unique look and extreme durability, Santos mahogany is 175 percent harder than red oak.

What WOOD you do?

2010-07-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite? Would you put it in your home? Why?

By the Numbers

2010-06-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

According to Floor Covering Weekly:

By the Numbers

	Current Number	Previous Month	Percent Change	Date
Retail Sales*	363.2	357.5	+1.6	4/10
Unemployment	9.9%	9.7%	+2.1	5/10
Consumer Confidence	52.5	46.4	+13.1	4/10
Existing Single Family Home Sales**	5,002	5,005	-0.1	4/10
New Home Sales**	308.0	315.0	-2.2	4/10
Housing Starts**	637.0	622.0	+2.4	4/10
CPI	216.68	216.68	0.0	4/10
* In billions of dollars ** In thousands of units

Have you noticed?

2010-05-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed prices increasing? On everything? What about wood flooring? We've received notifications from suppliers with price increases. However, we are working hard to continue providing you with the best prices possible. We have been given some reasons for the price increases of the raw materials, which directly affect the prices of the flooring.

In March, Armstrong World Industries, who manufacture Bruce, Armstrong Hardwood, and Robbins brands, have attributed their price increase to these contributing factors:

Significant reduction and capacity from lumber mills due to a decrease in board feet demand from 11.6 billion in 2005 to 5.7 billion in 2009. In conjunction with the tightening of credit, it has reduced the number of lumber mills.
Weather conditions in 2009 and 2010 have prevented loggers from getting to the wood with no relief in sight.
Decrease in high-end furniture sales, causing an increase in the cost of select grade products, as the lumber mills are shifting that wood to flooring.
Lumber demand has increased over 30% since August 2009 and now there is less capacity to fill.

Just this week Armstrong announced another price increase:

[Lancaster, Pa.] Armstrong announced that it will initiate a six percent price increase in the U.S. and Canada on solid hardwood flooring products effective with shipments on July 1st, 2010.

"Since the announcement of our last price modification, lumber and energy prices have continued to rise. Early signs of a recovery in housing are putting continued volume pressures on saw mills. The cost impact on solid hardwood flooring is clearly visible through the price on commodities such as unfinished strip, which has increased 20 percent in the last 60 days. Armstrong's continued focus on productivity and overhead reduction allows us to protect our customers from the full severity of raw material increases," said Daniel Call, vice president, wood product management.

It seems unavoidable at this time, and for an unknown amount of time. We'll all be battling this together. Know that we will do our best to keep your prices as low as possible.

2010-04-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

Our new reclaimed products will soon be featured on our blog: http://ping.fm/RJCg4

Moisture Problems - Part 3

2008-10-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Prevention is the Key
Acclimation of hardwood floors to the jobsite, proper moisture testing and control –before, during, and after installation- all play an important role in the results and performance you will see from your hardwood flooring. Most manufacturers suggest 40-55% relative humidity in your home to maintain and avoid any potential moisture problems. Stay well-ventilated in the hotter months so moisture can flow out of the house. Dehumidifiers may help. If relative humidity is not maintained, you could see shrinkage, buckling (swelling), or other sometimes-irreversible damage.
Never leave standing water. Clean up spills immediately. Fans may be needed to help dry out the flooring.

A damaged floor may need to be sanded, refinished or even replaced. Dry out the floor before you call for repairs. Many humidity problems are temporary so keep an eye on it.

Check out our Buyer's Guide: Seasonal Care for some prevention tips. Hardwood Floor Care will also give you some great maintenance do's and don'ts.

Moisture Problems - Part 2

2008-10-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Results of Moisture Problems
You will usually see moisture problems in the Spring and Summer because the air inside is more humid than during the drier months in the Fall and Winter. Wood flooring will absorb the moisture in the air and expand. Depending on where you live, you may experience these problems year-round. Your flooring will continue to absorb the moisture until it is in equilibrium with the atmosphere. (For more information, see Moisture Problems- Part 1.)

The possible results:
1.) Cupping
A moisture imbalance between the subfloor and new hardwood flooring can create a number of problems, most commonly cupping. This is usually a problem for new constructions because unprotected subfloors can often be exposed to prolonged periods of standing water during building. There is no real danger is this, however, if the building process is rushed and the subfloors are not allowed to dry out properly or completely, you will most likely experience any or all of the problems associated with moisture damage. Cupping occurs when planks begin to look like shallow cups as the sides rise above the center on the slat. The bottom of the floor contains more moisture than the top. Water spills are sometimes the cause but moisture and humidity are more often the problem. Leaks in the subfloor or improper drying of the subfloor, whether it’s wood or cement, usually cause this moisture to become a problem.

2.) Crowning
Crowning occurs when the center of a wood floor board appears to be higher than the sides. Standing water is the most common culprit and will cause the most damaging crowning. Spills should be wiped up immediately.
Sometimes crowning will occur naturally which is much less severe, however, this is the exception rather than the rule and would only be seen by an extremely discriminating eye. Naturally occurring crowning is usually caused from a humid environment and will disappear once the wood is allowed to dry out completely. Note: Beveled edges will hide some of the distortion if you live in a humid area and your floor is prone to absorbing the ambient moisture.

3.) Buckling
Buckling is a serious problem. This occurs when the wood flooring detaches from the subfloor. This problem is never caused by normal changes in humidity. If your flooring is reacting this way to humidity, it was most likely installed incorrectly. You will need to contact your installer as soon as possible. Buckling is very common in homes that have been flooded.

Most problems from ambient humidity will resolve themselves once the humidity level in the house is maintained at correct levels. If your moisture problems are from water damage, you may see more extensive damage to the integrity of your floor boards and will need an expert to repair or replace the damaged areas.

In Part 3, we will discuss Prevention and Resolution. Until next time...

Moisture Problems - Part 1

2008-10-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

It’s not a secret – Wood and Water do not mix. Moisture is The Number One cause of problems for hardwood flooring. There are many reasons for this. However, there are steps that an installer and homeowner can take to prevent a lot of the problems caused by moisture.

Why do moisture problems exist?
Trees grow with roots in the ground and leaves in the air. The roots collect water/moisture and nutrients from the soil and send through fibers up the tree and out to the branches and leaves. So a tree is made up of vertically-aligned fibers but once the tree is cut down, the fibers become horizontal. The wood fibers of a manufactured floor board are also horizontal, running the length of the board. A live tree is full of moisture, keeping it alive. Once the tree is cut down, the wood starts to dry out as the moisture evaporates. This causes the fibers to shrink – in diameter/thickness, not lengthwise. This is the critical point in understanding the effect moisture has on wood. Wood will lose or gain moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. Also worth noting, protective coatings cannot prevent wood from gaining or losing moisture, they only slow the process.

Results of Moisture Problems
Occurring mainly in the Spring and Summer, the air inside is more humid than during drier months in the Fall and Winter. Wood flooring will absorb the moisture in the air and expand.

In Parts 2 and 3 of Moisture Problems, we'll provide more details about Cupping, Crowning, and Buckling. We'll also discuss some prevention and resolution if you do happen to be a victim of Moisture. Stay tuned!

Introducing Allwood Floors!

2008-08-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

“Have you ever just stopped, closed your eyes and used your feet to feel the world you stand on every day?”

Introducing Allwood Floors, a new line of hardwood flooring products that we have added to our catalog!

Their philosophy: To bring more than just beauty to your eyes – To bring beauty to your feet.

Their devotion: To bring the beauty that nature has given them, combining it with precise engineering to enhance that beauty – providing its customers with a floor so beautiful their eyes and feet will never be the same.

Allwood Floors is based out of Portland, Oregon. Allwood Floors are exotic real wood floors, with wood species from China, Indonesia, South America and Africa. Their manufacturing base in China is equipped with the “most advanced manufacturing facility and management team”. Allwood Floors are gaining popularity for their consistent quality, excellent service and competitive prices.

Allwood Floors initially started with 3-strip engineered maple and oak flooring, offering select, natural and rustic grades to satisfy the varied tastes of their customers. With the increase of demand, they added in single-strip in a variety of species and bamboo flooring in both engineered and solid.

They offer an incredible selection of wood species to choose from: Hickory, Brazilian Cherry, Bamboo, Red Mahogany, Maple, Red Oak, Sapele, White Oak, American Walnut, and Birch. Allwood Floors is bound to have something that fits into your budget and preferences including: three different grades: Natural, Rustic or Select; hand-scraped or not; solid or engineered; prefinished or unfinished.

“So whether you are standing in your black oxfords, or sliding down the hall in your socks, rest assure that Allwood has taken it all into consideration when they engineered the world beneath you.”

Visit GateWood Floors for more information and to see the wide selection of products we now offer by Allwood Floors!

Thanks to Allwood Floors, LLC. Images and information courtesy Allwood Floors, LLC.

What is Reforestation? Is it Important?

2008-08-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Wood is a vitally important natural resource. Sometimes people think that harvesting it is a bad thing; however, this is hardly the case. In fact, we are protecting and preserving that natural resource through responsible use. Wood is the only renewable construction material. Plastic and aluminum use up valuable nonrenewable natural resources. Ninety-five percent of every tree cut down is used to make products such as construction lumber, plywood, wood chips, and sawdust. Even the bark is used in landscaping. The remaining 5% is made up of branches left in the forest to biodegrade naturally and enrich the soil, helping saplings to grow.

Careful use of the forests, including selective cutting methods, helps to promote new tree growth, and increased sunlight allows for a greater diversity of species and their survival over time. When forests become old or overcrowded, trees stop growing and begin to decay. They release carbon dioxide that contributes to the greenhouse effect. Responsible harvesting of forests and reforestation lock in the carbon and ensures a continual supply of oxygen-producing trees. Reforestation actually removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and puts it somewhere else, like in the mass of a live, growing forest. This is a vital part of reducing carbon emissions, offsetting “carbon footprints” and providing time to transition to a clean energy economy.

Reforestation is the restocking of existing forests and woodlands, which have been depleted, with native tree stock. It can also refer to the process of restoring and recreating areas of woodlands or forest that once existed but were deforested or otherwise removed or destroyed at some point in time. Simply put, reforestation causes a forest to grow again. The resulting forest can provide both ecosystem and resource benefits and has the potential to become a major carbon sink (a natural carbon dioxide reservoir that removes carbon from the atmosphere and releases oxygen back into it).

Reforestation occurs by allowing a deforested land to be undisturbed for several years or by replanting native species in open areas or adjacent to the remaining forest. Native forests are resilient and may re-establish themselves quickly by letting nature take its own course. Pressure on forests can be relieved by creating tree farms for the sole purpose of harvesting them for sale or manufacture, such as in the wood flooring, pulp and paper industries. This method of replanting trees whenever some are cut down is similar to harvesting of other crops.

Reforestation can provided other benefits in addition to financial returns, including restoration of the soil, rejuvenation of local flora and fauna, and capturing and sequestering 38 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. It also helps protect the natural habitats of some animal species and prevent shoreline erosion. So, ultimately, reforestation is very important, not only for the industry but also our environment.

Radiant Heat & Wood Flooring: Part 2

2008-08-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

A strange phenomenon occurring in radiant heat floors is color change directly over the tubes, typically happening with oily woods (often exotics). Over time, the difference in heat exposure directly over the tubes, compared to the rest of the floor, causes a color change in the warmer areas, usually darker, and reveals the exact pattern of the tubes. This is damage to your flooring that cannot be sanded out of the floor.

Before the wood flooring arrives at your job site, the radiant heat system must be running. How long depends on the moisture conditions necessary to bring the wood flooring inside. Some say 2 weeks, others say 30 days minimum. Turning the system on will ensure it is functioning properly, there are no leaks, and it is driving moisture out. If it is not turned on, and the subfloor sufficiently dried before the wood flooring is installed, it is a virtual certainty that when winter arrives, and the system is turned on for the first time, the wood flooring will cup and buckle as the moisture is driven out of the subfloor and into the wood flooring.

Once the flooring has been installed and it is time to apply the finish, it is important that prior to the finishing, the radiant heat is turned off long enough to allow time for the floor surface to reach a normal temperature, usually a minimum of 6 hours. If not, the entire floor will act like one big “hot spot”, similar to any spot where sunlight is directly hitting the floor. This will cause the finish to dry too fast, leaving applicator marks and causing bubbles. Once the finish is dry, the radiant heat can be turned back on.

Lastly, what happens after the installation is just as important as before and during. The environment must be maintained at optimal levels. Stabilizing humidity is the key. Whether that means adding moisture in winter or drier months or dehumidifying in summer or warmer months – this is critical to the success of the floor. Speak with you contractor to understand what the optimal environment is for your floor. Understand that even with humidity controls, it’s natural for wood floors to shrink and swell. It is also important that after being turned off for the season, the radiant heat is gradually turned back on. By its nature, radiant heat warms up slowly and it will be hard to resist the urge to turn it up higher and faster. This will cause a drastic temperature change for the floors and potentially irreversible damage. There are safeguards available to ensure this does not happen. Outdoor thermostats automatically and gradually turn radiant heat up or down in response to outdoor temperature changes. You should be educated by you contractor or installer as to how the heat works and why it shouldn’t be turned up too much at once. Finally, controls can be included in the system that prevent anyone from turning up the system too much at any one time.

For more helpful information on hardwood flooring options, or to buy the right flooring for your radiant system, please visit www.GateWoodFloors.com.

Radiant Heat & Wood Flooring: Part 1

2008-08-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Wood floors are successfully installed over radiant heat every day. When deciding to install a hardwood floor over a radiant heating system, you will need to consider the experience of your installer, his understanding of the radiant heat system and his knowledge of the hardwood flooring being used, and most importantly – moisture. These variables need to be controlled or your dream floor will be a disaster.

Moisture is hardwood flooring’s most-feared and intimidating nemesis. Even without radiant heat, moisture is the leading cause of wood flooring problems. Add radiant heat, and the potential for moisture problems is exponentially increased because the radiant heat dramatically exacerbates the moisture fluctuations in a wood floor.

To understand better, some basic information about radiant heat may be helpful. Radiant heating consists of "radiant energy" being emitted from a heat source; this radiant energy (commonly known as
heat) then penetrates all objects in its path, including people. For example, the heat felt from the sun or fireplace is radiant heat. Radiant energy travels through a space without heating the space itself (unlike forced-air heating systems which actually warm the air). When radiant heat comes across a cooler surface (like a human being), it attempts to equalize the temperature difference, thus giving off heat. Most radiant heat systems used in the United States today are hydronic, meaning the subfloor has plastic tubes through which hot water flows. The water may be heated by anything from natural gas or electricity, to solar energy. A radiant heat system heats all the materials around it. In the process, it drys everything out, while driving moisture from the joists, slab, subfloor and flooring.

There are many product choices you can make to increase the chances of a successful radiant heat flooring installation. However, there are no guarantees.

• Quartersawn & Rift-sawn Floors: More dimensionally stable than plain sawn wood flooring. They expand in height, whereas, plain sawn boards expand in width.

• Narrower Boards: Shrink and swell less than wider boards. Less than 3” wide is recommended.

• Engineered Floors: More dimensionally stable than solid wood flooring. The more plies, the more stable the product.

• Reclaimed Woods: Have a tighter pattern of growth rings, making them more stable.

• Parquet: Less expansion and contraction tendencies.

• Dark floors: Darker colors make seasonal gaps in boards less noticeable.

• Floors with Obvious Grain Patterns: They also downplay the appearance of seasonal gaps between boards.

• Distressed Flooring: Minimize the appearance of seasonal gaps.

• Beveled Edges: Make seasonal gaps less obvious.

• Tongue and Groove Strips

• Dimensionally Stable Species: North American Oak, American Cherry, and American Walnut are known for their inherent dimensional stability. Species that are more dense, such as Beech, Australian Cypress, Maple, Brazilian Cherry, and some Bamboo products are less stable. Exotic species can be particularly susceptible to problems resulting from bad drying practices.

• Products made Specifically for Radiant Heat

In Part 2 of our series on Radiant Heat, we will talk about the best ways to stabilize your floor and avoid disaster.

For more helpful information on hardwood flooring options, or to buy the right flooring for your radiant system, please visit www.GateWoodFloors.com.

Bamboo

2008-08-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

As one of nature’s most renewable gifts, bamboo has been used in many ways since the beginning of time. In modern times, it has become the wood of choice for making both decorative and practical items that are aesthetically pleasing as well as environmentally friendly. Bamboo will give you the natural beauty of hardwood flooring in your home without the detrimental effect on the environment. Bamboo is one of the hardest natural materials available for flooring use, and is an excellent alternative to tree wood, because of its extremely fast growth speed. Because bamboo is a rapid growing grass, and not wood, it can be harvested every 3-5 years, unlike 15-25 years for most tree wood, or up to 120 years for oak! Here are couple interesting facts about bamboo:

• Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth. It can surge skyward as fast as 121 cm (47.6 inches) in 24-hours

• It can also reach maximal growth rate exceeding one meter (40 inches) per hour for short periods of time

• 6 million people in China work in bamboo and 600 million people worldwide rely on income from it

Growth speed makes bamboo a very environmentally friendly product for flooring. When it’s harvested, it grows back – just like your lawn. But unlike your grass, bamboo is hard – 25% harder than red oak, but equally as strong. Bamboo is also blessed with colorful tones and distinctive grains. Such sustainability, strength and beauty are major reasons why bamboo has grown to become one of the most popular flooring choices in America.

Bamboo is found in diverse climates, ranging from cold mountains to hot tropical regions. The majority of today's bamboo flooring products originate in China, and other areas of Asia. There are about 1,000 species of bamboo. The species of bamboo used for flooring is commonly known as "Moso.” The manufactured bamboo flooring commonly found in North America is processed by steaming, splitting and flattening the bamboo and then allowing it to dry. The bamboo is then laminated in layers with glue under high pressure. Manufactured bamboo floors are typically made available in planks with either vertical- or horizontal-grain orientation. The two major colors are natural (similar to beech) and carbonized (similar to oak). The process of steaming bamboo material under a controlled pressure and temperature is called carbonization. During this process bio-organisms and sugars break down allowing it to become brownish in color. The natural and carbonized bamboo floors are typically referred to as solid bamboo, although, in fact, the structures are layered, similar to plywood.

Bamboo flooring is available in countless colors and styles, which will compliment any interior design. From ultra-contemporary chic, to a more traditional, classic style, natural bamboo flooring will give you a truly unique look.

With high sustainability and environmentally sound origins, bamboo flooring has become a great choice for those looking to decorate their homes or workplaces with the beauty of a wood floor while being environmentally conscious. Because of this, consumers are increasingly choosing to install bamboo flooring in place of traditional hardwood.

There is no question that bamboo is a renewable resource and has been recognized as a “green material.” Quoting Environmental Building News, “Environmentally, it’s hard to argue with a wood substitute that matures in three years, regenerates without need for replanting, and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides.”

Visit GateWoodFloors.com and check out our selection of bamboo. It’s one of the biggest selections you’ll find anywhere!

Hardwood Flooring 101

2008-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

You will find an overwhelming number of websites with information and how-to’s. Using our experience as professional hardwood flooring installers, and as homeowners, we’ve answered some of the general questions you have about hardwood flooring and where to start. To get you started, here is an introduction to some great basic information and how-to-choose guides:

Species:
Let’s start with Hardwood Species. What’s popular? Which one should I use? The answers to these questions lies strictly within you. Your taste, your style, your color preference, your purpose, the look you want – you, you, you!

Which species is harder? For the answers to questions like these, check out the Hardwood Species Guide at GateWoodFloors.com!

Types & Grades:
On the list of things to consider when purchasing hardwood flooring is “What type of flooring do you need or prefer?” Solid 3/4” thick hardwood flooring is what most people think of when someone says “hardwood floors.” But there are more options today than ever before. The area in which you are installing the new hardwood flooring will dictate what type of flooring you will be able to use. “On” or “Above Grade” is any room at ground level and up. “Below Grade” is any room below ground level. Your choices are Solid, Engineered, or Laminate. Solid hardwood flooring is available in both Unfinished and Prefinished and can only be installed “On” or “Above Grade.” Engineered wood flooring also comes in Unfinished or Prefinished but can be used at any level - “On,” “Above” or “Below Grade.” Laminate flooring is only available in Prefinished, and can also be used at any level. Moisture varies at each level, and should be taken into consideration when deciding what type of flooring to install. For more detailed information, check out the Products Guide at GateWoodFloors.com!

Time to Calculate:
You’ll need to calculate how much flooring is required before you make your purchase. We can show you how in 4 easy steps!

Doing It Yourself?
You will first need to determine your method for installation. Depending on the type of flooring you’re installing can choose “Nail Down,” “Glue Down,” or “Floating” installation. Read our Do-It-Yourself Guide for much much more!

Care & Maintenance:
After your flooring is installed, you probably have questions about how to care for it, especially in different seasons. What about pets? We’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions right here!

Upon first glance, it seems as if installing a new hardwood floor is a monumental task. At GateWood Floors, we keep it simple. Visit our extensive Buyer’s Guide. In just a few minutes you will get all the info you need to get a hardwood floor that gives you a lifetime of pleasure.

Contractor Responsibility

2008-07-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hardwood flooring contractors work with a natural, infinitely variable, renewable product that has a warmth and beauty all its own.
This unique product can last a lifetime. What is the contractor’s role and responsibility when it comes to providing this lifetime product?

The contractor is obligated to know the product he is installing. He should be accountable for proper placement and installation, as well as the products requirements. Wood is a naturally dynamic and variable product, particularly sensitive to moisture. Each species, size, and construction type will react differently to moisture. A contractor should know the typical environmental conditions for the geographical area in which he is working, and how the flooring to be installed will react. A contractor should know if the product, as specified, is suitable for the intended use and application.

For example:

• A solid product should not be used below grade.
• A wide plank, or species with high expansion tendencies, should not be used with radiant floor heating or in areas with extreme moisture ranges.
• A close grained species, such as maple, should not be used with a dark stain finish.
• Flooring with a lot of character marks should not be used in a formal setting.
• Soft species should not be used in high traffic areas.

For acceptable product performance, and a long life, one should expect exceptional quality workmanship from his contractor. The contractor should also know what conditions are required for the flooring to produce the highest performance possible. Site conditions need to be evaluated, and inadequacies need to be discussed. This will allow the consumer to make the best decisions, and provide the best opportunity to have his or her expectations met.

All manufacturer’s installation instructions and applications should be followed, including using the appropriate tools and proper use of those tools. The contractor should know the specifics for each and every item. Contractors should not install a defective product.

Finally, and maybe most importantly, the contractor is responsible to produce quality work that will satisfy his customer.

As a consumer, do your research, and ask a lot of questions. The more knowledge you have, the more educated your decision will be. And in the end, you will have a hardwood floor that gives you a lifetime of pleasure.

For more information on getting the right floor and making it last, check out the Buyer’s guide at GateWoodFloors.com.

Hardwood Flooring is Eco-Friendly

2008-07-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

The nature of trends is that they don’t last. However, rising concerns over environmental issues indicate that “being green” has surpassed the “trend” stage and has now become a way of life for many consumers. There is evidence of this in our grocery stores with organic and natural foods displays, on packaging for brand name products, advertising “all-natural” or “no hormones,” and in the wave of community recycling programs for everything from paper to children’s toys to furniture - not to mention the free-cycling sites on the internet. So it is now safe to say that "being green" is not a “trend." It is a movement.

The move to environmental responsibility has reached the hardwood flooring industry as well.

Hardwood flooring is, in itself, green. It’s green because it already has the potential to be timeless - used forever as long as it’s maintained properly. It’s made from all-natural renewable resources. Manufacturers around the hardwood flooring industry are making an even bigger push to create flooring products with less waste and longer life. For example, engineered hardwood flooring continues to gain in popularity with consumers. It is a preferred flooring option in most every residential sector. In response to this increasing demand, manufacturers are creating engineered flooring that provides solutions to contractors’ and consumers’ concerns associated with construction, styling, performance and installation. In addition to coming from managed forests, some of these new engineered flooring products are produced with up to two-thirds less harvested wood than with typical wood flooring options. Manufacturers are using the dense inner layers of wood fiber, which are created as by-products from the manufacturing of other products like sawmill by-products. Otherwise these fibers would be thrown away, burned or put into landfills. An example of this extremely eco-friendly product, that showcases unsurpassed structural integrity, impact resistance and moisture tolerance, is Shaw’s EnviroCore ™ - used in their Epic engineered hardwood collection.

We’ve come to a time where “what’s old is new again." And it’s becoming increasingly popular, and important. Reclaimed wood flooring manufacturers are turning old timbers into beautiful wood flooring. Consumers appreciate the reclaimed flooring for its character and time-worn look. And they feel good about choosing a floor with minimal environmental impact.

Whether you are buying new, refinishing old, or reclaiming and reusing, being aware of how your flooring decision effects the environment is important. As the move to go green continues, many hardwood flooring manufacturers will only continue to offer more options to their customers. And GateWood Floors will be here to guide you along the way.

Welcome to the World of Hardwood Flooring!

2008-07-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting the GateWood Floors Blog! We are thrilled to introduce ourselves and share lots of great information with you. Check back often for all kinds of useful content about hardwood floors:

You’ll learn how to plan a hardwood floor purchase, from pro’s and con’s of flooring types and guidance for decision-making to how to install and take care of your new floor.

We’ll also share hardwood floor industry information and updates, such as the latest production techniques and hot trends from manufacturers. Of course, we’ll always keep you in-the-know about brand new products, as well.

Lastly, don’t forget to check our blog for sales and special promotions – you’ll find the best deals on our hardwood flooring mentioned here.

Sharing our experience and knowledge with you in our blog is just the first step – visit GateWoodFloors.com to shop from wide variety of wood species in a range of widths, finishes and grades to suit any taste and lifestyle.

Bringing you the best of Hardwood Flooring!

2008-06-01T17:04:00.001-07:00

It’s so fun to watch the competition at Churchill Down’s. The preening, the jockeying for position, and who gets left on the backstretch. We’re not talking about horses. We’re talking about lady’s hats.

People down in the infield will assume you have a thoroughbred in the running when they look at your hardwood floor from GateWood Floors. It’s a smart, across-the-board bet – a guaranteed win – and the style is something that will turn heads like the coolest hats at Churchill Downs.

When people see things they like, they immediately think one of two things. I can’t have it. I gotta have it. With a hardwood floor from GateWood Floors, you think the latter because it’s designed to appeal to the way people with style like to live – at a price that makes us an odds-on favorite for your customer satisfaction.

By style, we mean taste and class that endures, not this week’s trend. That’s what’s so good about GateWood Floors. It's the real thing. Our team knows exactly who we’re supplying…people who love the world to know that they’ve got a beautiful home with a “thoroughbred” hardwood floor. Our team negotiates the best deals from exclusive hardwood flooring sources around the globe so our customers can pay the best price for the best look.

At GateWood Floors, we have only two real passions.

Hardwood floors.

And you.

Bringing you over 20 years experience, GateWood Floors offers high quality hardwood flooring in 15 wood species in a wide range of widths, finishes and grades that appeals to many tastes. Our products are high quality and durable at appealing prices.

That makes us happy to sell it. And it makes our customers thrilled to showcase it in their homes.

Add GateWood Floors to your favorites list, and visit our blog often for tips, trends, specials and more!