Discovering how efficient hardwood floors are can be a relief. But what about color? Color can make or break any room. Color stains on wood can update your style or date your style. Some people like a weathered look, others want a glossy finish. The great thing about hardwood flooring is its ability to change in color without having to re-install it. And, did you know because of each type of wood's natural finish- each stain goes on differently?

Each one of the below photos has a Mahogany finish stain. Hardwood floors can stain differently because of the type and texture of the wood, previous treatments, layers of the new stain and the type of product being used for the new stain.

We here at Fabulous Floors can help you navigate changing the color and appearance of your current hardwood floors. Let us know what style, look and even texture you have and want to achieve. We are here to help!

Many people do want to was their hardwood floors on occasion. Lots of water is never good for hardwood floors. But, you can use a damp mop. More so, if you want to use a little cleaning agent to make them shine- you can. Oil soaps are terrible. Don't use them. In fact, we recommend using a natural and "green" way to clean.

If you want to add a little shine to your hardwood floors- try this mixture the next time you clean. And, again, don't overuse water or this method:

1. First, get a bucket of clean, plain water
2. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm/hot water
3. Add in two drops of orange essential oil to the water and vinegar mixture.
4. Use one microfiber cloth per room to wipe the floor down.
5. Once you mix the vinegar and oil with the water soak the microfiber cloth inthe liquid and ring it out.
6. Get on your hands and knees and wipe the floordown.
7. You should change the cloth each time you enter a new room.

Some people like using a mop for this mixture. Although the mop method probably does work, we suggest going with the old-fashion method of wiping the floors down while on your hands and knees. This allows you to reallymonitor the moisture level and microfibers will not damage your floors-unlike some mops that will.
 

Wood floors are great because you can always restore them, pending there is no major damage. If you have pet stains, loose/missing boards, termite damage, or other issues- don't panic. These are easy repairs for a flooring professional, like Fabulous Floors.

So, if you have pet stains, slight damage or just want a change of look-consider hardwood floor restoration. It saves money. Yes, it saves money. Most people think hardwood floors are a pain to keep up or that they are expensive to repair. Neither one of these statements are true.

In fact, hardwood floors are easy to clean, host less allergens in a home and they are reasonable when it comes to fixing minor issues or starting a complete restoration job! A great restoration company, like Fabulous Floors, will not try to sell you a whole new set of floors and installation. Why? Because it is a rare occasion when hardwood floors have to be completely redone. It is always better to maintain the integrity of the original hardwood flooring- even if you want to change the design.

Fabulous Floors can have a qualified and pleasant professional answer all of your questions before you make a financial commitment to move forward with a restoration project. But, if you have any questions- please feel free to leave a comment.

TIP! Did you know you can use Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner safely wood surfaces? It's true. Just dilute ¼ cup of your favorite Pine-Sol® in one gallon of water in a bucket. Ring out the mop well so you only have a damp mop, not a wet one. Mop your floor with this mixture to a beautiful, shiny glow.

The top two trends this year in hardwood flooring are hand-scraped floors and wide-width planks.

Through the 1800s, hardwood finished surfaces were commonly worked by hand with draw knives. The trend requires the pulling toward the craftsman (or woman) who could scrape thin layers of wood off a piece of lumber. This allowed the top surface to become smooth. However, the scrape marks were left behind, proving for generations to come that a piece of wood had been worked by hand. Now, what was once a flaw is now a treasured trend! Handscrape marks are commonly seen in flooring reclaimed from old structures. These "beauty marks" allow for a distinctive to walk on with your barefoot!

Another trend from the past is wide-width planks. Also from the 1800s, floors that range from 5 to 8 inches wide are making a come back. No longer are the 2-3 inch planks popular. The reason is easy to understand. The larger boards allow a more retro look, which can add value to a home.

Fabulous Floors can help you pick the right style and shade of wood for your home. You don't always have to go with a trend, but know that you do have options when it comes to installing or refinishing hardwood in your home!