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

Not all hardwood flooring is the same in quality and appearance. Some are naturally firmer and able to withstand more pressure than others. You can determine quality by referring to the wood’s Janka Hardness Scale.

What Is the Janka Hardness Scale?

The Janka Hardness Scale measures a hardwood’s ability to withstand scratches, dents and general wear and tear. The scale also refers to the wood’s ease of installation with respect to nailing, sawing and sanding. Birch, or paper birch to be more precise, has a 910 rating. Fir, or Douglas fir to be more specific, has a rating of 660. Floors on the lower end of the scale include poplar cottonwood and ceiba, which have ratings of 300 and 240, respectively. 

Going Beyond the Janka Hardness Scale

The Janka Hardness scale is reliable but shouldn’t be the sole barometer for your floor selection. First, it should be noted the scale only measures solid hardwood and doesn’t apply to engineered floorboards. Exact scale numbers may also vary slightly; suppliers may conduct their own tests and release their own scales.

Other factors that should go into your final decision include:

• Finishing options like satin, matte, and gloss
• Grain pattern
• Pre-finished or site-finished
• Home type; oak flooring, for example, may not be visually compatible for some contemporary home styles.
• The type of existing subfloor, which can determine the compatibility of certain hardwood
• The amount of daily foot traffic. Does your home contain young children and pets?

We Supply High-Quality Hardwood Flooring for Spokane

Contact Smiley Wood Flooring for various hardwood styles and cut styles. Choose a floor type that meets both your durability and visual needs. We’re committed to providing the best wood flooring products and the highest level of customer care in our industry.

High-Quality Hardwood Flooring Experts Serving Spokane

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

Posted on August 11, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

The term hardwood tends to be used widely to describe all floor types made from wood or laminate wood. Some wooden panels, though, are classified as softwood. We’ll explain the differences between hardwood vs softwood flooring.

Hardwood vs Softwood Flooring Explained

Hardwood refers to any wooden floors derived from deciduous trees. These are trees that lose their leaves in fall before regaining them in spring. 

Softwood floors mostly consist of wood from evergreen and conifer trees, which don’t shed their leaves.

Common Hardwood Floors

Popular flooring options include maple, birch, oak, and beech. Fir, despite being a conifer tree, does lose its leaves and drop its pine needles annually. It’s therefore a deciduous tree and considered a hardwood.

Hardwood is a great option for floors in high traffic areas, such as the living room and kitchen. It’s more resistant to dents, scratches, and scuffs. This is thanks to the wood’s denser cellular structure. 

Common Softwood Floors

Softwood floors are typically softer and less dense than hardwood, but not to the degree that they’re unsuitable for home use. They’re recommended as a decorative element for areas with less traffic, such as the guest room.

Typical softwood flooring options include cedar and pine. These options are typically cheaper than hardwood. It’s also a more sustainable option as evergreen trees grow at a quicker rate than hardwood trees.

Which Is Better?

Both options have their respective pros and cons. Generally, we recommend hardwood as the better overall option for its longevity and durability. You’ll pay a little more, but it’s worth the investment in our opinion.

We Provide a Multitude of Flooring Options for Lewiston Home and Business Owners

We are a major supplier of various wood floors offered in a variety of cut-styles. Contact Smiley Wood Flooring if you’re ready for a major home renovation. We provide different hardwood and softwood flooring variants.

Experts in Hardwood vs Softwood Flooring Options near Lewiston

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

Posted on July 25, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Wood flooring has its own set of care guidelines, much like carpets and tile. Unbeknownst to most homeowners, there are some simple wood floor maintenance hacks that preserve the surface texture. These hacks work on all wood types, including birch and tamarack. 

Restore Dents with an Iron

Wood is susceptible to dents. Drop anything heavy on the floor, and it’ll leave an indentation. Did you know you can smooth out these dents by running an iron over it? Place a moist cloth over the dent and iron over it the way you would a shirt.

Put Socks on Your Furniture

Are you moving furniture over the wood floor? Put socks over the furniture legs the way you would over your feet. This way, you can freely drag the furniture without causing a scratch. If you’re in doubt a single sock can prevent a scratch, use two or more socks per leg.

Toothpaste Does the Trick

Toothpaste isn’t just for cleaning your molars. This is actually an effective cleaner for removing common stains from wood surfaces. It works great for scuffs and markers. Just put a dab of toothpaste on a cloth and lightly scrub. If light scratches are present, rub some canola oil over  the scratches to minimize their visibility.

Natural Cleaning Solution

Many store-bought cleaners contain additives and harsh chemicals. If you’re seeking a homemade solution, consider black tea. Brew a pot of the beverage and use a spray bottle. It works wonders! However, we do suggest a spot test first in a not-so-conspicuous area. 

Give These Wood Floor Maintenance Hacks a Try in Yakima

Older floors with clearly visible damage may need to be replaced. Contact us at Smiley Wood Flooring for special offers on high-quality wood flooring. These wood floor maintenance hacks, though, may offset some premature damage.

Down-Home Wood Floor Maintenance Hacks in Yakima

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

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

Are you considering the many fir wood flooring advantages for your home or business in Helena? Whatever your project specifications, there are numerous types of flooring material available, and you need to weigh your options carefully before making a final installation decision. Fir is a top choice, but it isn’t the best solution for everyone. Keep the following benefits in mind as you decide whether it’s the right flooring solution for your project.

Stability

When dried properly, fir wood flooring is known to be extremely stable, resisting checking and twisting. Even with constant exposure to heat and moisture, you can expect these floors to retain smoothness and stability.  

Appearance

Another benefit of fir wood flooring is its lovely appearance; it’s known for providing remarkable uniformity. Ideal for both rustic and modern projects, fir has an orange coloration and has strikingly straight grain.

Size

Douglas Fir trees grow to unusually tall heights.  This quality offers builders and wood flooring manufacturers a unique opportunity to utilize longer-than-average boards. This is ideal for individuals who prefer fewer but longer boards for their projects.  

Want to Learn More About Fir Wood Flooring Advantages in Helena?

Now that you know so many home and business owners prefer this material, speak with a professional about your upcoming project. Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline has representatives available to discuss options right now. We offer a wide variety of high quality flooring materials, including tamarack, fir and birch. With a variety of cut styles, our specialists are here to serve you. We have over 30 years’ experience in the industry, so you know we have the ability to meet all your wood flooring needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

The Many Fir Wood Flooring Advantages for Your Helena Flooring Project 

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima & Kennewick in Washington; Kalispell, Helena, Missoula & Bozeman in Montana; and Lewiston & Coeur d’Alene in Idaho

Posted on June 9, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business