Search Results

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, versatility, and beauty. It is also much more affordable than solid hardwood, which makes it a great option for those on a budget. However, keeping engineered hardwood flooring clean and looking its best requires the use of the correct cleaning products. The first reason why it is important to use the correct cleaning products is to prevent damage to the flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of several layers of different materials, including a hardwood veneer on top, which can be easily damaged if not cleaned properly. Using the wrong cleaning products can scratch the surface, strip the finish, or cause discoloration. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of the flooring and detract from its beauty. Another reason why it is important to use the correct cleaning products is to maintain the warranty. Most manufacturers of engineered hardwood flooring will specify the type of cleaning products that should be used in order to maintain the warranty. Using the wrong cleaning products can void the warranty, which means that the homeowner will have to pay for any repairs or replacement costs themselves. Additionally, using the correct cleaning products can help to maintain the slip resistance of the flooring. Slip resistance is an important safety feature, especially in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. If the wrong cleaning products are used, the slip resistance of the flooring can be reduced, which can increase the risk of slips and falls. In order to determine the correct cleaning products to use, it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions. They will usually specify the type of cleaning products that should be used, as well as any specific cleaning techniques that should be followed. It is also important to follow the instructions carefully, as some cleaning products may require dilution or specific application techniques. One of the most important things to consider when choosing cleaning products is the type of finish on the engineered hardwood flooring. Some finishes are more sensitive to certain cleaning products than others, so it is important to choose a cleaning product that is compatible with the finish. For example, if the engineered hardwood flooring has a urethane finish, it is important to choose a cleaning product that is specifically designed for use with this type of finish. Another important factor to consider is the pH level of the cleaning product. The pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the product, and it can have a significant impact on the condition of the engineered hardwood flooring. Cleaning products with a high pH level can damage the finish, causing it to become discoloured or hazy. Cleaning products with a low pH level, on the other hand, can strip the finish and leave the flooring looking dull and lifeless. In conclusion, using the correct cleaning products is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of engineered hardwood flooring. By choosing the right cleaning products and following the manufacturer's instructions, homeowners can keep their flooring looking its best for years to come. By using the correct products, homeowners can also maintain the slip resistance of the flooring, which is important for safety, and maintain the warranty, which is important for peace of mind.

There are two different types of oiled floors: Hardwax oiled and UV oiled. Hardwax oiled requires more frequent oiling. UV oiled means that the oil has been applied and cured under UV light to make it more durable. UV oiled floors do not need oiling post installation. HARDWAX OIL FINISH – QUICK GUIDE Oil after installation – vacuum, wash and oil as soon as possible after installation Oil annually to feed the wood and maintain protection against staining Top up oil in high-traffic or dry areas as needed Spot treat scratches with oil Never use solvents, chemicals, steam mops or excessive water (damp mop only) Use a floor ‘soap’ for oiled floors only Do not rub the floor hard – the oil finish may be removed HOW TO OIL THE FLOOR Ad Ciranova maintenance oil (shake well before use) to be used sparingly (1 litre is sufficient for approx. 70 – 100 m2). Distribute the oil evenly with the use of an oil-sponge, soft cloth or spray can. The quantity of maintenance oil applied may vary due to the different absorption of the wood. Polish the floor using a polishing machine and a white pad. Buff off with cotton cloths applied over the white pad. Small areas can be treated by hand using a white polishing pad or a soft cloth. Polish thoroughly. Do not apply the oil thickly. Ensure an even distribution of the oil in order to avoid differences in the overall shine once the floor has dried. Allow the floor to dry for approx. 24 hours, taking extra care during this period to prevent any contact with moisture. Note: this is best done by a flooring installer or experienced technician. NORMAL CARE (10 days after oil applied and thereafter): Vacuum/sweep floor If dirty/sticky/dull, wash with damp mop and Floor Soap for oiled floors (we recommend & supply Ciranova or Admonter). Use approx. 1 cap per litre of warm water for Admonter or Ciranova floor cleaners. TREATING STAINS Vacuum/sweep floor Wash floor with damp mop and Floor Soap solution, allow to dry If stain persists: Dilute a small amount of Floor Soap with water 1:1, use a cloth to wipe the stained area with this solution in the direction of the wood grain. Allow to dry. If stain persists: Use a microfiber cloth to spot-apply straight Floor Soap in the direction of the grain. Wipe away excess. If stain persists: Use a green Scotch pad to gently rub Floor Soap into the stained area in the direction of the grain. Wipe away excess. Please note: Frequent staining may indicate the need for an application of Maintenance Oil (this should be applied annually for oiled floors and bi-annually for UV oiled floors). Regular oiling of your floor will protect and feed the wood while enhancing its natural patina. Oiled floors acquire character over time and, with the correct care and maintenance, never require refinishing. Vienna Woods provide a floor oiling service – please call or email us to book a time. SCRATCH TREATMENT Buff a small amount of maintenance oil into the scratch using a cloth. Wipe away excess and allow to dry To repair especially deep scratches, contact us at HQ in Ballymount. UV OIL FINISH – QUICK GUIDE No need to oil after installation Oil every 18-24 months to feed the wood and maintain protection against staining Top up oil in high-traffic or dry areas as needed Spot treat scratches with oil Never use solvents, chemicals, steam mops or excessive water (damp mop only) Use a floor ‘soap’ for oiled floors only Do not rub the floor hard – the oil finish may be removed All other cleaning care etc. is the same as for hardwax oiled floors, with the exception of oiling regularity. ALL OILED FLOORING DOS AND DON’TS Oil is a traditional finish for wood flooring and is widely accepted to be the most attractive finish. Natural oil gives the wood a soft, natural sheen that mellows and improves with age and wear. Although the wood is no longer growing, it is a natural material which responds to light, humidity, temperature and wear. DO Expect some movement in your floor. It will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Expect the colour of your floor to change slightly. This is a normal response to UV light. Move rugs if necessary, to allow the colour to even or refrain from putting down for 6-12 months until colour has settled. Remove dirt and grit by vacuuming and sweeping regularly. This reduces micro-scratches. Clean up spills immediately with a water-dampened cloth or mop. Water or oils may stain the floor. Keep a bottle of floor soap solution pre-mixed somewhere handy for cleaning up spills. Wash your floor by mopping with the specified cleaner to maintain the oil finish. Replenish the protective oil coating regularly – we recommend an annual application of Maintenance Oil. Use a door mat at exterior doors. Ensure that mats and rugs have natural material backings (synthetics and rubber may discolour oil finishes). Put felt pads/glides under furniture legs and change these regularly to prevent scratches. These stick very well and are superior to standard felts. Contact us on 01 211 9120 if you have any questions or concerns. DON’T Steam clean/ steam mop your floor. This will damage both the wood and the finish. Use dusting sprays or other household cleaners on your floor. Expose the floor to excessive water/moisture. No wet mopping, only damp. Put pot plants directly on the floor. A trivet/stand will allow much better air circulation. Scrub the floor aggressively. This may remove the finish. Do not attempt to sand off the finish without contacting us first. Wear stiletto heels on the wooden floor. These may crack, dent or scratch the finish. Drag heavy furniture over the floor

Engineered wood flooring is a type of flooring that is made from multiple layers of wood, including a top layer of real hardwood, that is glued together and designed to look like solid hardwood. This type of flooring has become increasingly popular due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. However, with so many different brands and types of engineered wood flooring on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is the best quality. Here are some key factors to consider when determining the quality of an engineered wood floor. The thickness of the top layer of hardwood is one of the most important factors to consider when determining the quality of an engineered wood floor. The thicker the top layer, the better the quality. A top layer of 2mm or less is considered low quality, while a top layer of 4mm or more is considered high quality. High quality engineered wood flooring will have a top layer that is between 4mm and 6mm thick. The type of hardwood used for the top layer can also play a role in determining the quality of the engineered wood floor. High quality engineered wood flooring will have a top layer of real hardwood, such as oak, maple, or hickory. Cheaper, low quality engineered wood flooring may have a top layer made from a lesser quality hardwood or a composite material. The construction of the engineered wood flooring is also important. High quality engineered wood flooring will have a cross-ply construction, with the top layer being glued to the core layer at a 90-degree angle. This creates a strong and stable floor that is less likely to warp or buckle over time. While price is not always a reliable indicator of quality, it is important to keep in mind that high quality engineered wood flooring will often cost more than low quality options. However, it is important to remember that a high quality engineered wood floor will last longer, be less likely to warp or buckle, and provide a better overall look and feel. In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when determining the quality of an engineered wood floor. These include the thickness of the top layer, the type of hardwood used for the top layer, the construction of the flooring, the warranty offered, and the price. By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you are choosing a high quality engineered wood floor that will provide you with years of beauty and durability.

What’s The Difference Between Solid Timber Flooring and Engineered Timber Flooring? The biggest difference between engineered timber flooring and solid timber flooring is that engineered timber flooring is covered by a warranty and is pre-finished, meaning now acclimatisation, sanding or staining on site. What is Engineered Timber Flooring? Engineered timber flooring is a multi-layered floor composed of timber veneer surface layer sitting atop multi ply substrate. The top layer of the wood approximately 4-6mm making it easier to age and condition the wood, reducing the expansion and contraction of the wood, but can still be sanded back and repaired like solid timber flooring. This allows a manufacturer to create a pre-finished floorboard that doesn’t require additional sanding or polishing after installation – this also allows the wood to be delivered, laid and be ready to go all in one day. How Long Does Engineered Timber Flooring Last? On average, engineered flooring can expect to last around 20 to 30 years when cared for properly. When well looked after, timber flooring can expect to last around 10-12 years before it needs to be re-sanded. What Are The Advantages Of Engineered Timber Flooring? Oak Engineered Timber Flooring is a fantastic alternative to solid hardwood flooring as it’s less costly than solid hardwood, easier to install but more importantly, comes in a range of 100s of contemporary colours and finishes to freshen any home. Also, it’s very difficult to distinguish from its solid timber flooring once installed. A few other benefits to Engineered timber flooring are as follows: (As mentioned) it’s less costly than solid hardwood flooring Difficult to tell apart from solid flooring once installed Better resistance to fluctuations in temperature and humidity than solid wood flooring Significantly more stable Pre-finished timber flooring Matt finish coating Can be installed overheat sun floor Available in a wide range of wood species, styles, colours, and finishes The top layer can be sanded and refinished if necessary Quicker installation Environment friendly The oak engineered floorboards we use at Forte Flooring are constructed out of a multilayer ply base. This enhances the stability of the floorboards and significantly reduces the chances of the wood cupping or shrinking over time, which is common in solid timber flooring. Our Engineered floorboards are coated in the factory under a controlled environment, with a selective colour matching process. This gives customers the confidence they need when ordering their oak timber floorboards. Our matt finish coating significantly reduces the amount of dust seen on your floorboards and allows homeowners to do spot repairs on their floorboards rather than waiting to fully re-sand and recoat their floorboards as is the only way solid timber floorboards can be repaired. What Are The Disadvantages Of Engineered Timber Flooring? No flooring is without its drawbacks, and even though we’re strong advocates for engineered timber flooring there are disadvantages to the timber that needs to be considered. Susceptible to fading if in full sun, although this is greatly reduced with oak flooring Slightly less water resistance What is Solid Timber Flooring? Solid timber flooring is a traditional style hardwood floor which is a solid piece of wood all the way through. Solid timber flooring is often installed in its raw form which means the timber will need to be sanded down and polished once installed. Solid timber flooring doesn’t come with any warranty and has to be acclimatised in homes for weeks before installation. The had to be sanded and coated on site which adds more weeks before the flooring can be walked on. How Long Does Solid Timber Flooring Last? The lifespan of solid timber flooring is largely dependent on how well your timber floorboards are cared for. When done right, your floorboards can last for more than 40 years. What Are The Advantages Of Solid Timber Flooring? As mentioned previously, one of the biggest benefits of solid timber flooring is the ability to be able to sand the floorboards 3-4 times. A few other benefits to solid timber flooring are as follows: Can be used as your subfloor when being installed over bearers and joints Sanded and coated after all trades are done What Are The Disadvantages of Solid Timber Flooring? As we said, no flooring is without its drawbacks, not even solid timber flooring which we’ve detailed for you below: High Gloss that can show dirt and dust and require extra cleaning High gloss floors can require more maintenance and are a lot more difficult to repair than engineered floorboards Less stable than engineered timber flooring Thinner board sizes can add to clutter in homes Installation time can be between 4-6 weeks Longer wait time – Solid floorboards have to be acclimatised in the home for approx 6 weeks, then installed, coated and allowed to fully cure before homeowners can move in Limited choice of colours available More expensive option Choosing timber flooring that’s right for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and functionality. With 3 generations of experience in the flooring industry, our team of experts at Forte, are here to assist you in choosing a timber flooring that suits your needs.

After many years of supplying and installing engineered timber floors, we can say from our experience that glue down is the best method of installation and the only method we recommend. A glue down Engineered wood floor gives you a superior sound and feel unlike a floating floor. Although gluing down a timber floor does cost more, we believe that if you want to add value to your property it is a cost that you won't regret! You can re-sand it - A glue down engineered floor can be re-sanded down the track - up to 5 times depending on the thickness of the veneer. Quality feel - Although more costly it gives a quality feel - firm and solid-feeling which is what you want from a timber floor Quiet underfoot - Because the floor is fixed directly to the substrate it is much quiet to walk on. Unlike a floating floor that can creak. Can install in large areas- You can easily install in a large areas without the need of ugly trims and transition bars. Kitchen cabinetry can be installed on top glued down flooring Adds value - A long-term investment that will add more value to your property. Perfect for your forever home. WHY WE DON'T RECOMMEND FLOATING FLOORS You cannot sand it - Many people do not know this but you cannot easily sand a floating engineered timber floor no matter the thickness of the timber layer. As a floating floor is on a foam underlay it causes the floor sander to bounce , resulting in unsightly sanding marks on the floor. These sanding scuff marks are then highlighted when the floor is stained making the floor look damaged. Makes creaking noises - because a floating floor is 'floating' on top of an underlay and not fixed down in any way a wood floating floor moves a lot because wood needs to breathe. This causes the floor to creak and make noises, especially in the evening when it is cooling down. Cheap sounding to walk on - As a floating floor is not fixed down with adhesive they are noisy and hollow-sounding to walk on. It gives you a click clack sound which cheapens the feel. Needs expansion trims - The larger the floor area, the more expansion a floating floor needs. Large areas also require expansion trims which are not pleasing to the eye. Cheapens your investment - Floating a timber floor will make a quality product sound and feel cheaper than it is - you have invested in a beautiful natural timber floor, why cheapen it by floating it. Cannot install under kitchen cupboards - A floating floor must be installed after kitchen cabinetry as the kitchen cannot sit on top of the floor as it must be allowed to breath/expand and contract and the kitchen will stop this. More of a short-term investment, does not add as much value to your property