Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important parts of your remodeling or new construction project. After all, it not only needs to look good but it also needs to withstand daily foot traffic. If you’re weighing the differences between hardwood flooring vs laminate, you might be interested in the benefits of hardwood in your home.

Long-lasting Good Looks

Hardwood floors like Tamarack can be refinished for a fresh, new look. Even when not sanded and repaired, in nearly all cases, the small scratches that hardwood shows over the years provide character and a warm, lived-in look that appeals to many homeowners.

Better Air Quality

Some laminate flooring types are made with strong chemicals and can release gasses like formaldehyde. This can cause problems, especially in children and pets who may be more sensitive. Fir and other types of hardwood floors are less likely to aggravate allergies and asthma.

More Eco-Friendly

Being mindful of the environmental footprint of the building materials we use in our homes is important for sustainability. Fortunately, hardwoods such as Birch can be sourced responsibly, offering you flooring solutions you can feel good about.

Are You Considering Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate in Lewiston?

Smiley Wood Floors is your source for beautiful, durable hardwood flooring that’s milled with care for our family-owned natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. We are dedicated to the highest customer service in providing the Tamarack (Larch), Birch and Fir cut to the most exacting specifications for reliable installation and a glowing finish. And because we ship nationally as well as locally, we are your first contact when you decide on hardwood flooring vs laminate in your home.

True Craftsmanship for Hardwood Flooring vs Laminate in Lewiston Homes

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on May 17, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

When it’s time to choose hardwood flooring for your new construction, remodeling or wood floor replacement project, you might be ready to think beyond oak, which is one of the most common hardwood flooring materials. If so, birch flooring offers several benefits that make it ideal for a wide range of settings.

It’s Highly Attractive

The generally light color of yellow birch helps brighten a room, which is especially helpful in visually opening up small or dark spaces. For a warmer look, consider red birch. The grain of birch wood floors is generally subtle, adding a unique and natural design element that functions as neutral in almost any decor.

It’s Moisture-Resistant

Birch is a durable hardwood that can naturally withstand some moisture. This makes it a viable option for flooring your kitchen, where possible exposure to water is a reality. While you’ll still want to be mindful of puddles, ordinary spills that get cleaned up promptly won’t typically pose a problem.

It’s More Environmentally Friendly

Compared to trees like fir, birch trees grow and multiply quickly, replacing those that have been harvested for hardwood uses more rapidly than other hardwoods. In fact, birch is referred to as a pioneer species that can spread out with ease over open areas, such as those affected by forest fires. 

Are You Interested in Birch Flooring for Your Yakima Home?

At Smiley Wood Flooring, we’re experts at manufacturing beautiful unfinished hardwood flooring in our own mill. We’re proud to deliver North America’s best timber, like Tamarack (Larch), in the cut style you prefer. Whether you choose our schoolhouse quarter-sawn, circle-sawn or mill standard grade flooring cuts, you can be assured of high-quality wood that enhances your home. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of birch flooring for your Yakima home.

Enjoy the Beauty of Birch Flooring in Yakima

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on April 11, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Wood provides warmth and beauty to a room like no other flooring material. Once you’ve decided to install a wood floor like Tamarack (Larch) in your home, it’s time to select what kind of cut you like best. Quarter-sawn flooring is a premium style that’s popular among homeowners in Wenatchee. Here are just a few of the great reasons why.

Reliable Strength and Durability

Because the wood is cut across the grain in this method, the orientation of the rings makes each piece more stable. The wood is less apt to expand or contract horizontally in response to changes in humidity. When it’s quarter-sawn, wood like fir won’t warp as easily, meaning you can avoid uneven surfaces or gaps over time. 

Uniform Look

When you view the wide surface of this type of woodcutting, the peaks that normally resemble a flame or the silhouette of a cathedral are minimized. Instead, quarter-sawn wood is characterized by its visible rays and flecks, which provide for strong visual interest. The result is a consistent appearance among all of the planks used for your project. 

Versatile Appeal for Years to Come

The attractive look of quarter-sawn flooring is truly neutral. It fits many home decor styles, and has a long-lasting beauty that compliments your home. Even if you change your home’s style from contemporary to modern, bohemian, traditional or eclectic, your floors will still match.

Are You Considering Quarter-Sawn Flooring For Your Wenatchee Area Home?

Hardwood floors offer homeowners unsurpassed elegance and strength. Smiley Wood Flooring offers a full range of cut styles prepared in our family-owned mill to suit any preference for customers across North America. Contact us today and learn how our quarter-sawn flooring can enhance the look of any room in your home. 

Skilled Quarter-Sawn Flooring Manufacturer in the Wenatchee Area

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on March 11,2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Once you have new beautiful wood floors in your home, you’ll want to take good care of them. Not only will it keep your home looking great, but you’ll also reduce dust and allergens that can affect indoor air quality. Cleaning wood floors is a quick and simple household task when you use these tips.

First, Pick Up Loose Dirt

Small particles can leave scratches on your birch floors, so use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum cleaner with soft brushes daily to clear them away. This also removes tiny debris that could just get pushed around when you get to the next step, mopping.

Second, Mop with Gentle Soap and Water

Mopping picks up the household dust, dirt and grime that sweeping and vacuuming leave behind. Use a cleanser that’s designed to go easy on tamarack (larch) floors while still being effective. While vinegar and baking soda were recommended at one time, today’s wood floor finishes don’t typically need them.

Third, Use These Expert Tips

Work a small area to avoid leaving too much standing water on the fir floor at any one time. Stick with a damp mop instead of one sopping with water to avoid saturating your floor and allowing moisture to seep between the cut boards.

Cleaning Wood Floors is Easy When Your Kennewick Home Features Quality Hardwoods

When Smiley Wood Floors manufactures your home’s new hardwood floors, you can be assured that your installer will achieve precision placement that your broom and mop head will glide over. Our North American milled woods deliver the glow that only genuine hardwood can provide, and we ship nationwide. If you’re thinking about custom flooring, we can show you that cleaning wood floors with ease is just one of the many reasons homeowners choose them, so contact us today!

Simple Steps for Cleaning Wood Floors in Your Kennewick Home

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on February 13, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

When you’re thinking about redoing the floors in your Missoula home, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. However, there are several benefits to choosing hardwood flooring, aside from the natural beauty of woods such as birch and fir. These are three great reasons to install hardwood.

Universal Appeal

Floors made from natural wood are always in style. Even if you decide to update the look of a room in your home, your wood floors will still lend themselves to your chosen decor style. Whether your style is rustic, elegant, modern, bohemian or minimalist, a wood floor can adapt with its timeless appearance. 

Make Cleaning Easy

Instead of lugging out a vacuum cleaner, you only need a lightweight broom and mop to keep your hardwood flooring clean and well-maintained. Because wood doesn’t offer as many small spaces for dust and allergens to settle into, it’s easier to get a thorough clean with less effort. This can reduce allergies and maintain good air quality in your home.

Improve Your Home’s Value

In many cases, installing hardwood floors like tamarack (larch) can increase the value of your home. They’re an investment that will look good and perform well for years to come. Keep them shining like new with regular maintenance, and be sure to consult your local flooring professional if concerns arise. 

Thinking About Installing Hardwood Flooring in Missoula?

As a family-owned business operating our own mill, the team at Smiley Wood Flooring is uniquely positioned to offer clients a combination of service and selection that’s second to none. Our clients include homeowners and commercial contractors who seek only the best flooring across cut styles. We are proud to serve our local community and customers across North America. When you’re ready to see for yourself the benefits of hardwood flooring in your Missoula home, contact us for more information, including special offers. 

Appealing Hardwood Flooring Choices for Missoula Homes & Businesses

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on January 11, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Having a beautiful home is a point of pride as well as comfort. There’s nothing like the feeling of real wood under your feet, to say nothing of the warmth it brings to every room in your home. But you may be concerned that the wood floors you love aren’t a good match for your pets. Fortunately, with a little planning, it’s possible to have pet-friendly wood floors installed in your home that will provide you and your pets with years of beauty.

Select the Right Kind of Wood Floor for your Kalispell Home

Wood is ranked on the Janka hardness scale, and  a higher number on the scale corresponds to stronger wood. This industry-standard impact test can help illustrate which wood types provide the kind of flooring that’s a good fit for your home. For pet-friendly wood flooring, it’s best to choose a strong wood that’s durable and able to withstand daily wear. 

Keep It Light

Avoid dark wood colors when selecting your flooring. Scratches will blend into light and medium shades of wood like birch wood flooring more easily than dark shades. The color of the unfinished wood that’s exposed by the scratch is typically much closer in color to the shade of the finished surface.

Go With the Grain for Pet-Friendly Wood Floors

No matter how careful your pets are, it’s likely they’ll leave at least a few minor scratches on your wood floors. Wood flooring cut styles with a rich grain can help conceal stray marks left by pets’ claws. Vivid patterns will stand out, while scratches will recede into the background. 

Finish Strong 

Once you’ve selected the right kind of wood for your home, make sure it stays looking good with a high-quality finish. Choose one that’s able to repel accidents, moisture, and light scratches. Selecting a matte finish helps hide blemishes, too. 

When you’re ready to choose pet-friendly wood floors for your home and want to ensure they not only look appealing but will stand up to animal traffic, turn to Smiley Wood Flooring. We offer a wide range of wood types, colors, and grains in durable finishes to enhance the appearance of your home. 

Pet-Friendly Wood Floors for Kalispell Homes & Businesses

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on December 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Apart from a better diet, exercising more and getting that promotion, what other resolutions do you have? Many homeowners are considering making hardwood floor resolutions. Home improvement, after all, benefits every occupant in the home. Here are a few easy-to-do maintenance methods for preserving your floor.

Mop the Right Way

Remove dust on the mop head before use. Most homeowners just give it a quick rinse and set it out to dry. If you mop hardwood floors with excessive dust intact, it’ll result in a hazy appearance on the surface. You’re essentially spreading the smear of the dust and debris.

Vacuuming the Floor

Some homeowners prefer vacuuming to sweeping the floor. If you opt for this method, be sure to turn off the rotating brush. The brush on a vacuum often contains stiff bristles that can scratch the floor. This will especially show on lighter colored wood.

Add a Rug

A rug is an excellent way to protect the hardwood floor surface. Rugs add a layer of texture to your décor, add warmth and increase comfort. Choosing a rug pad is as important as choosing the rug itself. Inferior rug pads can scratch up floors, whereas good pads protect hardwood flooring from being scratched by the back of the rug.  

Replace the Flooring

Perhaps you notice widening gaps between floorboards or wobbliness. Invest in a complete floor makeover. There are dozens of wood variations like fir and birch as well as a number of cut-styles. You’re sure to discover a wood type and cut-style that complements the rest of your home nicely.

Let Us Help with Your Hardwood Floor Resolutions in Spokane 

Kickstart 2021 with home renovations, making hardwood floor resolutions a part of that. Contact our team at Smiley Wood Flooring to find out how we can be a part of your home-related goals.

Assisting with Hardwood Floor Resolutions in Spokane for over 30 Years

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on December 10, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

It really comes down to personal preference with respect to hardwood and carpet for your flooring. From a cost perspective, though, which of the two is cheaper to own and maintain? Let’s find out.

Hardwood and Carpet Costs in Yakima

On average, hardwood costs around $12 to $20 per square foot. The figure can vary greatly depending on type of wood and cut style. It also depends on whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood. The former is typically more expensive. Carpets, including installation, varies between $6 and $12 per square foot.

As you can see, carpet is generally cheaper in the initial installation. However, this isn’t the full picture. Carpet has a lifespan of about 10 years, or around 15 years with regular professional steam cleaning. Hardwood can last anywhere from twice as long to a lifetime.

Maintenance Cost

As mentioned, carpet requires professional steam cleaning, usually once a year. Cost varies widely depending on home size and can easily run in the four-digit range if cleaning more than one room. Hardwood floors require simple sweeping and mopping. Even when hardwood begins to show signs of wear, you can have the surface refinished. It’s a lot more cost-effective than a total replacement. 

Resale Value

According to a USA Today report, 54% of homebuyers indicated they were willing to pay more for a house with hardwood floors. This is partly due to the aesthetics but far more due to the easier and lower-cost maintenance compared to carpets.

We Supply Hardwood Floors of All Types

We provide various hardwood types, ranging from fir to tamarack, all at warehouse prices. Contact us at Smiley Wood Flooring to begin your much-needed home remodeling project. Hardwood and carpet are both viable options, but the former has been proven to be more budget-friendly to own and maintain. 

Hardwood and Carpet Difference Comparison in Yakima

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on November 12, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Tiles are the common choice for bathroom floors due to their resistance against moisture. It’s the very reason carpets are out of the question. However, what about hardwood? Is this a viable option? Learn whether a bathroom hardwood floor is a realistic renovation solution.

The Truth About Hardwood for Bathrooms

Hardwood is indeed a viable option for bathroom floors. The main concern is that wood, if untreated and not sealed, is susceptible to mold growth. Most hardwood floors come sealed, but the sealant does wear with age. To make bathroom hardwood floors last, be sure to do the following:

• Optimize ventilation by installing a high-powered bathroom fan or a window.
• Mop up water on the floor; never allow water to pool on the surface.
• Refrain from using chemical-based cleaners, which may contain acids that erode the sealant.
• Add a bath mat to absorb most of the water when you step out of the shower.

Why Aim for Bathroom Hardwood Flooring?

More homeowners are gravitating towards bathroom hardwood floors despite the extra maintenance. Why the trend? Consider the following advantages:

• Hardwood floors provide a sense of warmth, a contrast to tiles that can feel cold and uninviting.
• Hardwood provides an earthy feel to a room that has limited options for décor.
• Hardwood is more comfortable on your feet. Tiles can especially be cold to the touch during winter.
• Wide flooring options like fir, birch, and more are available.
• If you renovated your living room with hardwood, leftover panels can be used for the bathroom for a seamless and integrated look.

Considering a Bathroom Hardwood Floor in Lewiston?

With the various cut-styles and wood grain patterns available, it’s no wonder a bathroom hardwood floor is such an appealing option. Contact our specialists at Smiley Wood Flooring to inquire about our diverse flooring styles compatible for all bathroom types.

Bathroom Hardwood Floor Options in Lewiston

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on October 15, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Is it time to replace your existing worn carpet or cracked tile floors? Hardwood is an excellent choice, and there are many options. One of these options is wide plank flooring. This is a floor style which an increasing number of homeowners are gravitating towards.

What Is Wide Plank Flooring?

Any hardwood floor with panels five inches wide or greater is classified as wide plank. Some styles are as wide as 12 inches. This contrasts with traditional hardwood panels, which on average are between two and four inches wide. 

The Benefits of This Type of Flooring 

Due to the wider panels, there is more surface for showing off the grain texture. This includes the knots and other natural imperfections. Wood species like birch and tamarack are especially known for their grainy patterns. The highly visible grainy texture makes wide planks a good option for cottage-style homes. They especially complement fixtures like distressed cabinets. That’s not all; in larger homes, the addition of wide planks in a lighter shade produces an airy, open ambiance. 

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Wide planks aren’t for every home. They may not be suitable for studios or smaller living units. The wide panels in a confined space can make the room feel cramped. Wide planks may also be more susceptible to warping. Being wider means more space underneath for the board to cup. With this in mind, wide planks aren’t recommended if you live in areas of high-humidity. This isn’t a major concern in the Northwest as humidity is fairly moderate in the region.

We Provide Multiple Flooring Options for Kalispell Homes and Businesses

Aside from wide planks, Smiley Wood Flooring also provides various other cut-styles. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, give us a call. We’ll help you acquire flooring that will completely reinvent your home. Wide plank flooring is just one of your many options. Contact us today for a consultation.

Wide Plank Flooring for Kalispell Residences

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell, Missoula & All of North America

Posted on September 15, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business