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

The advantages of wood flooring panels go beyond its visual charm. It’s also durable and ideal for households with multiple kids. Child-friendly wood flooring is the way to go for residences with young ones. 

Wood Flooring Disguises Dirt

Light-colored wood minimizes the appearance of smudged dirt. This seems counter-intuitive since dark colors are thought to be best for masking stains. However, the grain of light-textured wood like oak and cherry actually does a better job at concealing dirt.

Hardwood Is Easier to Maintain than Carpet

With kids running around, carpet is bound to get dirty. The same goes for wood floors, but the surface is much easier to clean. Sweeping and mopping is much easier than vacuuming and steam cleaning. Carpet maintenance, in fact, often requires an expensive professional cleaning every year, especially when you have children. 

Hardwood Is Durable

Not all wood floor panels are created equal; some hold up better than others. Panels like fir and birch hold up to the daily traffic of busy, active children. The flooring resists dents and scratches from toys dropping and tiny wheels running over the surface. Regardless of cut style, most panels are rated to withstand a high volume of physical impact and pressure.

Hardwood Floors Are Healthier than Carpet

A stained carpet is also riddled with bacteria and probably mold trapped beneath the fibers. This factor makes it easier for children and adults to get sick. It’s a lot easier to remove toxins and allergens on a flat hard surface like hardwood.

We Provide Child-Friendly Wood Flooring for Kennewick

Flooring is a major component in home renovations. High-quality hardwood is designed for rough traffic use day after day. Smiley Wood Flooring is a top provider of child-friendly wood flooring for Kennewick households; contact us today.

Child-Friendly Wood Flooring for Your Family in Kennewick

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

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

Are you considering tamarack wood flooring for your home or business in Kalispell? Tamarack is the densest softwood in North America and grows well in Canada. Its rot-resistance makes it ideal for outdoor use, but the handsome appearance makes it perfect for flooring as well. Keep the following factors in mind as you weigh whether larch flooring is right for you.

Color

While tamarack can be stained, its natural color is beautiful. It has yellow-brown heartwood and whitish sapwood. While it often turns silver-grey when exposed to the elements, this won’t occur when used indoors.

Texture

Tamarack has a coarse texture and a spiral grain. Leaving it natural or using a light stain will allow these features to shine through best.

Durability

Additionally, larch flooring is quite durable. The material is highly resistant to bending and compression. It’s also resistant to rot and doesn’t require chemical treatment. Because it’s so durable and also waterproof, it’s quite often used in boatbuilding and for outdoor projects like fencing. That said, larch wood is ideally suited for the production of wood flooring

Interested in Tamarack Wood Flooring in Kalispell?

Are you interested in purchasing tamarack wood flooring for your home or business in Kalispell, Montana? Contact a representative at Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline. We’ll discuss options for your upcoming project. We offer a wide variety of high-quality flooring materials, including tamarack, fir and birch. Our highly-trained specialists have a reputation for providing expert advice and unbeatable customer service. As industry leaders with 30 years’ experience, we have the knowledge and skills to meet your wood flooring needs. 

Tamarack Wood Flooring Sales & Service for Kalispell Homes & Businesses

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

04/18/2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Are you looking for a high-quality wood flooring manufacturer near Yakima?  The best way to learn about a manufacturer is to ask questions. Make the following inquiries before finalizing your order.

Ask About Years in Business

The best companies have been around for a long time. You’ll probably receive better service and products from a wood flooring manufacturer that’s been in business for several years.

Inquire About Cut Style

See what the company offers regarding cut style. Milling variety might include shiplap, square, and tongue and groove. Often wood edges can also be pillowed or squared. You may not know which milling option you’re looking for, but when several types are offered you have more choices.

Ask About Cost of Shipping & Review Quotes

If the wood flooring manufacturer is based in another city or state, your order may need to be shipped. Make sure you know how much this will cost before finalizing your order. Especially with the current cost of gas, shipping can add a hefty fee to the final cost. Lastly, verify width and lengths specifications on any quotes you receive, and on your final order documents. Don’t just rely on “word of mouth” specification details.

Looking for a Wood Flooring Manufacturer near Yakima?

Now that you know which questions to ask, it’s time to schedule a consultation. The pros at Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline have offered superior flooring products to customers throughout the country for years. We specialize in fir, birch and larch (tamarack), quality flooring products. With 30 years in the industry, you can rest easy knowing we have skills and equipment to meet your wood flooring needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Experienced Wood Flooring Manufacturer near Yakima

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell & Missoula

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

Some of the most popular wood flooring materials include natural larch, fir and birch. No matter what type of flooring you’re interested in, preparing for the upcoming installation ahead of time can save you a lot of time and money. Here are some tips that will impact the project’s timeframe and your budget. Keep these wood flooring installation tips in mind as you prepare.

Measure the Room

Measure the width and length of the room and multiply that number to determine the room’s square footage. When ordering hardwood flooring, always order an additional 10-15 percent extra for waste and cutting out irregular boards.

Prepare the Floor

If the area the hardwood will be going is carpeted, remove the carpet yourself. Cut the carpet into four sections of 36-in. strips. This makes it easy to roll the carpet into manageable strips and carry to it to the trash. Remove all of the carpet tack strip and clean the floor thoroughly before the installer arrives.

Get Your Home Ready

Make sure there’s a place for the delivery when your flooring arrives. The wood will probably need to acclimate to your home for several days before the work can begin

Looking for Wood Flooring Installation near Lewiston?

When you’re ready for wood flooring installation in Lewiston, you can count on the pros at Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline for high quality flooring products. We offer a wide variety of superior materials, including tamarack, fir and birch. In addition to top-notch flooring solutions, our highly-trained specialists can provide expert advice and unbeatable customer service. As industry leaders with 30 years’ experience we have the knowledge and skills to meet your wood flooring needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Wood Flooring Installation Experts Serving Lewiston

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell & Missoula

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

Are you looking for a reliable wood flooring manufacturer serving Kennewick? Whether you want tamarack (larch) or fir, birch or something else, not all hardwood flooring is created equal, and selecting a product isn’t simply a matter of choosing a preferred color. Following are some tips to point you in the right direction.

Ask About Preparation & Cut Style

It’s important that you know what services the company will and will not provide. It’s recommended that you interview several companies before hiring one. Discuss preparation. Some companies will take up carpeting or move furniture; ask who will do what. Cut style is another important consideration; the cut you choose greatly impacts the overall aesthetic of your floors,

Ask About Upfront Pricing

Avoid paying full price until work is complete and you’re happy with the results.

Ask for a Guarantee

Many wood flooring manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to excellence by offering a satisfaction guarantee or product warranty.  Find out what’s covered, how complaints are resolved and what the timeframe for reporting issues is. At a minimum, request a year on workmanship and finish. Once you decide on the service, get a written contract that includes all agreed-to terms.

Looking for a Wood Flooring Manufacturer in Kennewick?

When you need to find a reliable wood flooring manufacturer near Kennewick, the pros at Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline offer a wide variety of superior flooring products, including tamarack, fir and birch. Our specialists have worked hard to build a reputation for providing wood floors that last for generations. With 30 years’ experience in the industry, we have the skills and equipment to meet all your wood flooring needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Reliable Wood Flooring Manufacturer in Kennewick

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell & Missoula

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

When you’re looking for a high-quality wood flooring manufacturer for your Wenatchee home or business, the first step is establishing a budget. This can be hard, especially if you’ve never made a purchase like this before. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make this step easier. 

Research Average Pricing

Spend some time researching the average cost of both purchasing and installing the material you’re interested in. Whether you want larch, fir or birch floors, knowing the average price in your area will give you a good starting point for your budget. It’ll also help you spot estimates that are too high. Also keep in mind the variety of cut styles offered. The cut you choose greatly impacts the overall aesthetic of your floors, and these costs also vary.

Request Multiple Quotes

After you’ve researched online, get quotes from more than one company. They may offer discounts that aren’t shown on their websites. Get the quote in writing before moving forward with the purchase. 

Consider Options Holistically

Don’t choose a wood flooring manufacturer based solely on the quote. While the cost of materials is absolutely important, it isn’t the only factor that matters. Pay close attention to the company’s history, worker experience and reviews. Find a combination of these that suit your standards and budget.

Looking for a Wood Flooring Manufacturer Serving Wenatchee?

Are you looking for an affordable wood flooring manufacturer near Wenatchee? Once you’ve established a budget, contact us at Smiley Wood Flooring in Metaline to request a quote. You can have full confidence in our prompt and reliable service. After 30 years in the industry, we have the skills and equipment we need to meet your wood flooring needs.

Experienced Wood Flooring Manufacturer Serving Wenatchee

Serving Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Kennewick, Lewiston, Kalispell & Missoula

Posted on December 15, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business