Wood floors have been the hallmark of elegance since the earliest times, and this tradition is not about to change. Real wood floors are durable and increase the value of any home. Because wood is a natural and renewable material, hardwood is the most environmentally responsible, green and healthy choice when it comes to flooring options.

But with so many different types of wood flooring available on the market today, what questions should one be asking when shopping for hardwood? Price and durability – the obvious ones – are only the tip of the iceberg, as many other variables will weigh in on your decision. Consider, for instance, the following:

Will you lay the floor in a house where room temperature is regulated all year round (your primary place of residence)? Or will the temperature be falling below zero in the winter time (your summer cottage)? Will you install the floor below grade (basement), above grade, or in areas with increased humidity (your lakeside cottage, or bathroom/laundry room)? How much traffic will your new wood floor receive? Is the floor meant for a private residence or a busy commercial establishment? Will there be children dropping toys, women wearing high heels, or special needs equipment such as wheelchairs? How about large pets? Finally, how will the wood texture, stain color, feel of the finish and width of the plank affect the overall decor of your home?

Today, interior design trends are all about being green, environmentally responsible and practical. In hardwood flooring, this translated into a screaming demand for wood floors that are natural, easy to maintain and have an extensive decorative versatility. Brushed and oiled engineering white oak flooring is one of the few products that satisfy the demands of today’s homeowners and interior designers alike.

Although there are hundreds of different types of wood floors, few can match brushed and oiled flooring in its elegance, warmth, decorative ability, durability and ease of maintenance.

White oak naturally has a rich grain texture that disguises minor dents and scratches. When the wood is brushed, soft portion of the wood is scraped away in order to highlight the natural richness and deep grain texture. The result is a very natural-looking and forgiving floor surface that is further complemented by wood knots and dramatic character marks of white oak. Once brushed, flooring is then stained and finished with 4 layers of UV-Silk Oil, the deep penetrating oil that, unlike lacquer finishes, does not seal wood grains. Silk Oil penetrates the wood and crystallizes in its fibers, resulting in beautiful open grains. While traditional high-gloss polyurethane finishes produce cool surfaces, oiled floors have a warm and natural feel, and are a pleasure to walk on barefoot.

White oak that has been brushed to expose its grain texture, and then oiled to protect the surface translates into a very forgiving floor. Pre-brushed in the name of style and practicality, it will easily disguise any surface scratches or dents that result from dogs, children’s toys, lake sand or heavy traffic. In fact, additional scrapes will only further enrich the intense wood texture and will add more character to your floor over time.

Finally, brushed and oiled flooring is very easy to maintain and restore. In traditional polyurethane floors, fixing severe local damage will often entail removal and replacement of dented planks. With brushed and oiled flooring, the repairing procedure is a simple do-it-yourself job that requires only a piece of sanding paper, some stain, oil and a sponge. While brushed and oiled floors will need to be re-oiled on average every 3-6 years, it is an easy one-man job that can be completed in a single afternoon.

Because brushed and oiled oak flooring is manufactured both as single solid as well as engineered strips, it comes in a variety of widths and can be installed virtually anywhere – in basements, condos, cottages and over radiant heat floors. Unlike most other engineered floors, brushed and oiled flooring uses glues that are 100% formaldehyde free, which means zero harmful emissions or outgas from your floor overtime. Durability and forgiving nature of brushed and oiled flooring is what makes it perfect both for residential and commercial use. Water repellent properties of UV-Oil make it one of the very few wood floors that are suitable for lakeside cottages, bars and restaurants.

Brushed and oiled flooring comes in a variety of distinct colors, styles and grades, and can fit any decorating scheme. Aged French Estate, Terracotta or Natural oak can become the focus of any cottage, country or period home. Sharp coal Gothic, Antique White or classic Walnut oak will complement the clean and minimalist style of any condo.

Known for its rich texture, elegance, versatility, durability and ease of maintenance, brushed and oiled flooring is one of the few flooring options that satisfy the demands of today’s homebuyers, architects and interior designers.

Author Bio: For more information about brushed and oiled oak flooring go to Coswick Brushed and Oiled Flooring Collection, or visit us at Coswick Hardwood Floors

Category: Home Management
Keywords: brushed and oiled flooring, oiled oak floor, oiled floor, flooring engineered, hardwood flooring