DuChateau Floors vs. Triangulo Flooring

Creating an enduring statement for any interior space has never been easier with the help of wooden floors. Not only do wood floors fill warmth in homes and commercial enterprises, but they also do increase the value of any property due to their impeccable aesthetics and performance that could last a lifetime. If you’re in the lookout for the best wood floors to complete your stunning interior design, then check out these two leading manufacturers of premium quality wooden floors worldwide. We have made a comparison to give you some background of how they could be a worthy addition to your interior project. The decision is for you to make: DuChateau floors vs. Triangulo flooring.

Explore DuChateau and Triangulo Flooring at NYC Wood Floors Showroom: 425 W 46th St. New York.

Duchateau Floors

Overview

DuChateau flooring manufactures and markets antique replicas of hard-wax oil wooden floors either in solid or engineered planks, made to perfection by their European craftsmen. DuChateau flooring focuses on providing European vintage-looking textured hardwood floors using the latest methods in styling, technology and innovation.

Production

In line with their mission to provide top-quality, wide-plank wood floors, DuChateau flooring employs natural processes to successfully achieve vintage aesthetics, such as distressing, hard-wax oil finish, hand scraping and hand sculpting, brushing, smoking, and carbonization.

Environmental Initiatives

DuChateau flooring has the following certifications and membership as part of their environmental preservation campaign: FSC®, CARB certified, Lacey Act compliant, member of U.S. Green Building Council, LEED qualifiers, and a partner of American Forests, a non-profit organization aiming to plant 100 million trees by the year 2020.

Triangulo Flooring

Overview

A Brazilian wood floor manufacturer, Triangulo flooring is one of the forerunners in exotic wood floor manufacturing by employing the highest engineering standards in the industry. They offer exquisite exotic wooden floors in a variety of stains and sizes, either in solid or engineered wood planks. Exotic wood species are renowned for their striking beauty and superior durability unmatched by domestic wood species.

Environmental Initiatives

Triangulo flooring has the following environmental certification as proof of their campaign on caring for the natural resources: Tecpar Certificate, Triangulo FSC, Forest FSC and Carb Phase II. As a matter of fact, Triangulo is even recognized worldwide for its sustainability and favorable environmental contributions. Moreover, the company has been acknowledged as “exemplary case of sustainable forest management” by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of United Nations.

Basically, the main difference between the two manufacturers is that DuChateau flooring provides vintage wooden floors while Triangulo flooring offers exotic wood floors. Both DuChateau and Triangulo manufacturers are industry leaders in their respective niche. Buyers can explore the selections they have for hardwood floors in our new showroom in New York City. One thing that you guaranteed of, these brands are compliant to high industry standards and environmental protection.

15 Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Tips

Having hardwood flooring is never demanding to maintain. Unlike other flooring alternatives hardwood flooring maintenance is pretty straightforward that makes homeowners and businessmen delighted for their smart investment. However, minimal up keeping is still necessary or else risk damaging the beauty of your wooden floors.  No matter how small gravel and dirt are, never ever estimate the effect they could bring to any marvelous wooden floors. Get rid of them before they cause any destruction you would regret to have.

1. Get rid of tracked in rocks and dust on your wooden floors by vacuuming regularly using floor attachment, sweeping with microfiber floor mop.
2. Once the polyurethane or other surface finishes becomes dull, recoat the wooden floor with a surface finish.
3. To restore shine of wax finished wooden floors, re-wax and buff the surface once or twice a year. Avoid damp mopping this type of wooden floors. Just vacuum regularly and sweep off dust.
4. Never use vinyl or tile floor care products on any wood flooring.
5. Avoid using self-polishing acrylic wax that can make the wooden floors slippery and later on dull out the finishing. Moreover, get rid cleaning products with ammonia content.
6. Use the wood floor products recommended by the manufacturer. Also, use them properly as indicated on the instruction.
   
7. Protect your wooden floors by putting felt pads on the legs of furniture. Carry objects when moving them from one place to another. Avoid dragging them along the surface of the wooden floors to prevent any scratch or gouge.
8. Place rugs on the entryways to keep away of tracked in rocks from entering the house.
9. Keep your wooden floors away from excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Protect them by putting on blinds or curtains.
10. Wipe off spills immediately with paper cloth. As we all know, moisture is the bane of wooden floors. Situating rags at the bottom of kitchen sink and working area around kitchen can prevent moisture from getting into the surface.
11. High traffic areas need area rugs for protection. Place throw rugs on these areas to minimize wear on wooden floors.
12. Try to move rags and mats from time to time to even out the color of the surface.
13. Skip using rubber and vinyl mats that can trap water beneath them.
14. Trim the nails of your pets. 
15. Implement a no high-heel shoes inside the house. Better remove shoes prior to entering. The pressure from high heeled shoes can cause damage and scratches to wooden floors.

With just little care and maintenance, wooden floors can last for decades without being sanded and refinished.

Mirage Wood Floors Maintenance Tips

The maintenance of your Mirage hardwood floors is never a daunting task. With the following Mirage wood floors maintenance to guide you, you will find more time to enjoy the beauty of your flooring without feeling dragged to make it spotless every now and then. Let its exquisiteness stand the test of time. 

• Get rid of dust and pebbles that can act as abrasive on the finish by vacuuming regularly or sweeping with microfiber floor mop. Avoid using beater bar attachment when vacuuming. 
• Prevent tracked in rocks from entering the house by placing mats at the entryways.
• Ensure to remove high-heeled shoes and sports footwear that can mark or gouge the surface of Mirage wood floors.
• Trim regularly your pet’s nails.
• Immediately wipe up spills on Mirage wood floors.
  
• Beware of moisture for it’s a bane for all wood floors. Place mats at the bottom of kitchen sink and around the working area of the kitchen to prevent spills and food drop-offs from the surface of the Mirage wood floors.
• Avoid using mats made of rubber and vinyl that can trap moisture underneath.
• Protect your Mirage wood floors from scratches caused by dragging heavy objects along its surface. Attach felt pads on the legs of furniture. Ensure to replace them once broken.
• Use wide rubber or soft polyurethane caster instead of plastic casters.
• It is recommended maintaining humidity levels between 40 to 50% to ensure healthy environment as well as to protect Mirage hardwood floors. Use hygrometer to maintain the recommended humidity range.
• Intense sunlight can impair the color of Mirage wood floors. Protect it by using blinds and sheers. The lighter the shade of the wood, the more likely the color changes will occur.
• From time to time, move your carpets and furniture to expose the surface and even out its color.
• Use Mirage Clean kit for easier Mirage wood floors maintenance.
• Avoid directly pouring wood floor cleaner on the surface.
• Never use self-polishing acrylic wax, abrasives or harsh chemicals such as ammonia, vinegar, dish washing detergent, oil soap, etc on Mirage wood floors. These products leave a greasy feeling on the surface that makes it hard to get rid of and eventually dull out the surface.
• Avoid adjusting the temperature of the radiant heat system by more than 5°F (2.8°C) per day when turning the system on or off.
  
  Once properly maintained and well cared of, your Mirage wood floors can add great aesthetic value to your property, resulting in a major investment you won’t ever regret.

Why Use Quarter Sawn Flooring for High Traffic Areas?

Best flooring for high traffic areas

Many homeowners are in a dilemma when it comes to choosing flooring for their homes that would encounter heavy traffic on a day to day basis. Some of the areas that would experience heavy traffic day in and day out are living rooms, kitchen etc. The best flooring that will suit high traffic areas are quarter sawn wooden  flooring and the manufacturers of wooden  floorings can cut the floor in a less conventional manner in order to make the floor highly durable and one that will be able to withstand very heavy traffic.

Features of quarter sawn flooring

Quarter-sawn boards are more improbable to draw in at the boundaries, because of the consistent durability of its grain. Quartered sawn wooden flooring is very stable and it is built to last and endure consistent traffic. When it comes to its aesthetic value, quarter sawn floorings are very impeccable. They do not have the curls and twirls of plain-sawn flooring, so the appearance of the quarter sawn flooring is all of the time consistent and spectacular.

Recommendations on Installing Mercier Engineered Wood Flooring

Floors Mercier Inc. manufactures premium quality prefinished wood floors that are truly remarkable and incomparable in the industry. By adhering to the installation instruction set forth by the manufacturer, your product warranty remains valid, guaranteeing that you would be enjoying the beauty and comfort of your wood floors even for the years to come. The Mercier Generations certified Greenguard finish on each Mercier engineered wood flooring guarantees from the date of purchase 35 years warranty under the usual residential condition and five years for simple commercial use. If you choose to install Mercier engineered wood flooring whether in your house or any commercial space, take time to follow the installation instructions as well as take note of the recommendations for your guidance.

You may choose to install engineered wood flooring in three ways, such as by gluing down, nailing down, floating on a subfloor. Here are precautions and recommendations for installing engineered wood floors on each installation method.

Photo courtesy of Mercier Wood Flooring

Glue-down Installation

Mercier engineered wood flooring ½” (13mm) can be installed on either of the following subfloors such as concrete or wooden, ceramic tile, linoleum on the ground floor, or upstairs and even in basements.

In applying the adhesive, use the manufacturer’s recommended trowel. During the installation, wipe off any adhesive from the surface of the engineered wood flooring using AD-remover or Bostik’s ultimate adhesive cleaner.

Nail-down Installation

Mercier engineered wood floors should only be nailed down on plywood subfloors or OSB panels. As recommended, use ¾” (19mm) plywood or OSB for spaced joists over 19.2” (48.3mm), center to center.

Frequently clean the shoe under the flooring nailer to prevent the varnish from being damaged. For pneumatic nailer, adjust the air pressure of the compressor. Ensure to check it often afterwards.

Floating Installation

Apply at least 1/16” (1.6mm) but not more than 1/8” (3mm) wide of glue on the base of the groove. Avoid applying glue on the tongue and groove at the end of the plank. Apply only adequate glue or risk having the joint separated or cause more complications in the installation. Wipe off excess glue with a dry cloth. At times, it is necessary to use 3M blue tape to keep the boards in place while the glue dries.

Installation on Hardwood over Radiant Heating Systems

Prepare the area by warming it 5-6 days before the delivery of the boards to achieve ideal moisture stability on the subfloor. Ensure that the temperature and the humidity are the same when populated. The engineered wood flooring heated with radiant heat should not have more than 85°F (29.44°C) throughout the installation and when being used.

For queries regarding Mercier engineered wood flooring installation process, contact your authorized Mercier retailer in New York City Wood Floor Planet or Mercier’s technical department.

Choosing the Type of Mirage Floors

One of the most acclaimed and leading in the flooring industry, Mirage flooring is highly recommended brand for its over-all top-notch wood floor quality that is incomparable and truly commendable. Since installing Mirage floors in any interior house or commercial project indicates a long-term investment to be seriously taken, a thorough planning and sifting through details can significantly facilitate in coming up with a sound choice—one that is bound to last for generations.

Mirage flooring is designed to suit whichever kind of application is needed and whatever environment to be considered. Basically, one of the significant factors to consider is the type of Mirage flooring.

Solid Hardwood Mirage Flooring

Measuring a standard of ¾” (19mm) thick, solid hardwood Mirage flooring is made of planks that are totally made of hardwood. Owners can opt for unfinished or prefinished boards depending on their preference and necessity. Unfinished boards can give the owners the liberty to customize the stain as well as type of finish to be applied by a specialist, but unfortunately doesn’t guarantee from wear and tear. On the other hand, Mirage flooring only offers prefinished hardwoods that are factory-finished and already undertaken necessary procedures in a controlled and ideal environment, ensuring odor-free and installation-ready flooring.

Glueless Engineered Hardwood Mirage Flooring

Tagged as ecologically friendly, glueless engineered hardwood Mirage flooring is consists of recycled materials and is a convenient flooring alternative for re-installation since it can easily be removed and installed in another place. On layman’s term, it’s usually called a floating floor, which doesn’t need to be secured to any subfloor. Glueless engineered Mirage flooring can be installed over any other engineered floor, plywood, concrete subfloor or over subfloor equipped with radiant heat system.

Engineered Hardwood Mirage Flooring

Made of several layers of wood on top of solid plywood bottom, engineered hardwood Mirage flooring is perfectly designed for highly traffic areas such as commercial areas due to its durability that is way ahead than solid wood planks. Its high resistance to seasonal expansion makes it an ideal option for installation to places with varying humidity. Moreover, engineered hardwood Mirage flooring can be directly installed on every type of subfloors even on concrete floors with radiant heating system.

To choose the type of Mirage flooring is more than just about its appearance. Carefully plan and talk with a specialist to help you come up with the best flooring your dwelling or commercial area needs. Let the experts give you relative advices considering your taste, style, environment and budget.

With more than a quarter of century of significant experiences in providing quality wood floors and offering various services to our clients, we at Wood Floor Planet guarantee nothing else but only excellence at all time as our clients put their valuable trust on our name. To find out more information and to receive a free estimate, visit our Mirage flooring webpage or give us a call to 212-252-3838

Going for the All-Natural Look? Choose Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

The trend nowadays is to go green. Whether it is about your diet, your lifestyle, your electricity consumption, going green and being environmentally-friendly has engaged a lot of people. That is why more and more clients are asking for types of flooring which can help them achieve the all-natural look. One of our recommendations for that is strand woven bamboo flooring.

Photo courtesy of Hawa Bamboo Flooring

If you will notice in most Manhattan and New York establishments, strand woven bamboo flooring can readily give your home or office a natural finish. From the name itself, strand woven bamboo flooring is made using interwoven fibers from the bamboo. Once the weaving process is completed, the material will be placed under pressure and heat while applying adhesive materials. This is to ensure structural integrity and durability of the finished product (3,000 pounds-force Janka Hardness).

Formaldehyde

When choosing strand woven bamboo flooring, it’s very important to make sure the adhesive used in the manufacturing process doesn’t contain more formaldehyde than allowed by U.S. OSHA, European E0, CARB Phase 1 and CARB Phase 2. Here at Wood Floor Planet, we have reputable strand woven bamboo flooring brands available such EcoFusion and Hawa that comply with formaldehyde emission standards. Feel free to browse our bamboo flooring selection here or give us a call to 212-252-3838 for more information.

The Wonders of Exotic Hardwood Flooring

Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors

Different individuals have different ways of expressing themselves. At times, self-expression is done through decorating the interior of your home. In connection with this, many homeowners are looking for a way to create an antique and classic vibe to their homes. Our recommendation for this is to use exotic hardwood flooring. Exotic hardwood flooring hit two birds at once with their dependable durability and exquisite aesthetic value. On top of that, this kind of flooring is available in a wide array of types, species and patterns.

Different Choices for Exotic Hardwood Flooring

As mentioned, there are different types of exotic hardwood flooring that are available in the market today. Some of these are antique type wood flooring, bamboo flooring, and other flooring made from exotic woods such as Santos mahogany, rosemary, Brazilian teak, walnut trees, Pecan and Brazilian cherry wood.

Exotic hardwood flooring also comes in different sizes so you can choose the best size that will fit the rooms of your home. When you choose exotic hardwood flooring, take into consideration your aesthetic preference and the amount of foot traffic that it will endure.
Whatever it is that you are looking for, there’s a specific type of flooring for you. Exotic hardwood flooring is best for those who are going for the classic, timeless beauty of the antique period.