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The threat of climate change is compelling. Melting polar ice caps, increasing sea levels, and the extinction of living species indicate that fighting climate change should be the top priority. As an individual and homeowner, switching to sustainable and eco-friendly materials and technologies in your home is a great way to combat climate change. Switching to wood floors is a great way to make your home more sustainable.

Here are five ways wooden flooring in your home helps fight climate change.

1. Wood floors are long-lasting
   A hardwood floor can last over a hundred years, far more than laminate and linoleum floors, which last only 15 to 20 years. By opting for wood floors, you make a one-time investment and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing the flooring materials for your home.


2. Sustainable manufacturing
   One major concern when considering wood flooring is that trees are cut down to manufacture them. However, many people are unaware that manufacturers replant equal or more saplings than the trees they have cut. It ensures that the forest cover is maintained. Manufacturing wood floors also creates less disposable waste as almost all tree parts, including sawdust, are used to manufacture other items.


3. Wood is a carbon-neutral product
   Trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and send out oxygen; hence, they are known as carbon-neutral products. Therefore, the wood generated from trees is essentially carbon neutral too. Therefore, wood flooring has a lower impact on the environment than other flooring materials like tiles and carpeting.


4. Wood flooring is energy efficient
   Less energy is used in manufacturing wood flooring than linoleum, tile, plastics, and other materials. Hence, the emissions are also lower for wood flooring. Apart from that, wood is also a great insulator of heat and can lock in warmth on floors. It is highly beneficial for winter when you have less energy to keep your home warm and cozy. You can combine wood floors with underfloor heating for a comfortable atmosphere inside the house during winter.


5. Wood flooring is recyclable
   Wood flooring is completely recyclable. You can recycle it in three stages: First, the leftovers can be repurposed when the flooring is manufactured. After the floors serve their purpose and you replace them, the material can be recycled to create new items like kitchen cabinets. In the end, when it has become entirely unsalvageable, you can use wood to produce energy.

Hence, wooden flooring is one of the most environment-friendly materials you can use in your home today.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.

Wood staining is popular for enhancing the color and life of your woodwork. Staining protects the wood against water damage and UV rays. If you plan on staining your wooden floor or other wooden items in your home, you will have to use a staining material that may contain VOCs. Hence, it is a good idea to know whether the products you use to stain your wood are harmful.

Here is everything you need to know about VOCs in your wood stain.

What are VOCs?
VOCs or volatile organic compounds are industrial solvents like trichloroethylene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). They are called volatile because they evaporate quickly at room temperature and get mixed with the air. What makes them dangerous is that they can have adverse effects on the health of humans and animals when inhaled.

How are VOCs dangerous for you?
VOCs are emitted from wood stain every time you open the can of the stain and apply it to the wood. The VOCs in the stain evaporate, mixing with the air you breathe. Depending on the concentration of VOCs in the stain, you can have severe short-term and long-term health issues. Oil-based stains have a higher concentration of VOCs and can harm your skin if you come in direct contact with them.

Why use VOCs at all?
Now that you know VOCs are so dangerous, you might wonder why people use them at all. The answer is simple: stains won’t do what they do without VOCs in them. However, it is not recommended to be using them regularly or without proper precautions. It is a major concern for you if you deal with wood stains regularly.

Are there less toxic variants available?
Yes, you can get wood stains with lower concentrations of VOCs. These stains are water-based and engineered with fewer VOCs for everyone’s safety. Even water-based stains can give you great results on your woodwork.
Using water-based wood stains helps protect your health and your family’s well-being. They are also easier to clean up after you are done with the work.

Should I call professionals for help?
If you are new to the staining process and want something that won’t harm you or your family, it is a good idea to consult professionals or hire them for the job. Let us get the job done while ensuring everyone’s safety.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.

While kids and pets are the most adored members of the family, they are prone to accidents and spills that damage your floor finishes. As a homeowner with kids, it’s natural to be wary of wood floors as they are prone to scratches and stains. However, you can still have beautiful hardwood finishes for your home if you pick carefully.

Here are some wood finishes you can opt for if you have kids and pets.

Things to consider

• Wood type: Wood is the best flooring material for your home if you have pets or kids because they have the least allergens. So you don’t have to worry about exposing your kids and pets to harsh chemicals leading to health issues like rashes, breathing problems, and more. However, when choosing wood flooring, always go for hardwoods instead of softwoods (like pine) or even the softer hardwoods like cherry and certain species of walnut. Harder woods are less likely to get damaged by your pet’s nails or kids' spills.


• Stronger grain: Hardwood with stronger grain patterns can easily hide scratch marks or other damages compared to hardwood with lower grain patterns.


• Sheen: Always opt for a low-sheen finish as they show fewer scratches and marks on the floor. Also, it is a good idea to opt for lighter colors owing to the same reason.


• Consider pre-finished floors: Opting for a pre-finished floor can help you get better finishes for your home. Pre-finished floors are sanded, stained, and sealed at the manufacturer’s facility before they are sent to you. They give you more options and stronger finishes.

Our recommendations
Here are some wooden floor finishes we recommend for your homes:

• Brazilian Walnut or Ipe
  Brazilian Walnut or Ipe is hard and dense. It’s commonly used to create decks but also works well for indoor flooring.


• Hard maple
  Hard maple is one of the best flooring materials for your home. It is the wood used for making basketball courts, and you can guess that it is highly durable and can easily withstand whatever your kids and dogs throw at it. Hard maple floors are resilient enough even if your dog is on the heavier size.


• Bamboo
  Technically bamboo isn't wood but grass, yet you can find bamboo that’s strong enough to withstand scratches and marks. Bamboo manufactured properly to enhance its durability can be a great fit for your home with pets and kids.


• Cork
  If you want something in softwoods, cork flooring is a great option. It is soft but resistant and has non-slip properties making it easier for kids and pets to walk around.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.

About 57% of Earth’s land was covered with forest 10,000 years ago. But with the encroachment of humans, the world has lost one-third of its total forest cover in the past 10,000 years. If this continued, the planet would no longer be habitable in a few decades. That’s why forest farming was introduced. It is a sustainable way of producing timber and other forest products for humans without destroying the existing forests. However, the benefits of farm forestry go beyond saving the forests.

Here are some practical and economic benefits of farm forestry.

1. Timber production
   The most prominent benefit of farm forestry is that it is a sustainable way of producing timber for commercial purposes. Unlike natural forests where trees grow wild, farm forestry uses techniques that help increase the production and profits from the timber. Farm forest owners trim the trees at the right time and size to maximize the output and quality of the wood.


2. Providing shelter
   Another benefit of having farm forests is that they provide shelter to the crops and livestock on the farm. Historically, trees have been used as shelter in various ways, and farm forests still serve this purpose. They can protect the crops, stocks, and even buildings in the vicinity against ground wind speed and rising temperatures. It is seen that crop fields with a forest cover near them produce a better yield.


3. Fuelwood production
   Trees have been used for fuelwood for a long time. However, with the increasing demand, it has been difficult to produce them at the pace they are being used. With the help of the SRC or Short Rotation Coppice forestry method, high-yielding trees like willow can be grown at a large scale over a short period for fuelwood. “Coppicing” means cutting trees back to ground level periodically to stimulate new and faster growth, and typically to produce firewood. With some species of trees, this is one of the most sustainable methods of forest farming as it provides fuel to help produce electricity and creates jobs in the local community.


4. Forest recreation
   Farm forests are a great way to spend time in nature for both visitors and owners of the forests. They provide the much-needed peace and tranquility people cannot find in the city. Farm forests have a mix of trees, plant life, and fauna to create a natural habitat that can be enjoyed for recreation.


5. Enhancing farm value
   More and more people want to live in properties with landscapes lush with trees and plant life. Trees on your farm can enhance your farm's aesthetics and it financial value. Farms that coexist with farm forests can have as much as 25% more value than farms without them.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.

Hardwood remains a super-popular flooring choice for most homeowners for its beauty, high versatility and low maintenance. Hardwood floors can last for decades when maintained with care, saving money and making your home more sustainable. However, to enjoy the full benefits, you must follow certain dos and don’ts. Otherwise, you may end up dealing with repair or renovation costs.

Here are the essential dos and don'ts of hardwood flooring.

Dos

1. Pick the right hardwood
   The first thing you need to do when getting hardwood floors for your home is to pick the right hardwood. There are several types of hardwood available, each with unique qualities. Before you make your choice, check out the different attributes, such as staining capability, texture, color, and Janka hardness ratings.


2. Choose the right installing professionals
   Having the right professionals install your hardwood flooring is also essential, as any mistakes in the installation process make your flooring vulnerable. Check the references, look for licenses and certifications, and trust your gut feeling when choosing your hardwood installation professionals.


3. Use the right cleaning techniques and tools
   To maintain the finish and texture of your hardwood floors, you must carefully clean them. Here are some maintenance tips to protect your hardwood flooring:
   
   • Sweep your hardwood floors regularly and use a mat at the entrance to prevent dust and dirt on shoes from spreading to the floors.
   • Use cleaners suitable for hardwood floors.
   • Regular exposure to sunlight can damage your hardwood flooring by fading the colors, and high-temperatures contract the wood too. Use drapes to protect your hardwood floors.

Don'ts

1. Don’t install hardwoods in excessive moisture areas
   The worst thing you can do to a hardwood floor is to expose it to moisture. So don't opt for hardwood floors if you have a room with a high moisture level, such as a basement. They are also not a great option for homes that are not temperature controlled the entire year, as excessive heat and cold can damage the hardwood significantly.


2. Don't use water for cleaning
   Water is the worst enemy of your hardwood floors. Wipe it up immediately if there is a spill and never use water to mop your hardwood floors. You should also avoid wax and oil-based cleaners as they can dull the shine of your hardwood floors.


3. Avoid abrasive footwear
   Sharp footwear like pointed heels and cleats on the hardwood floor is quite abrasive, and the damage caused can be hard to cover up. Also, trim your pets' nails regularly to avoid scratches on the hardwood floors.

Hardwood floors can provide a lifetime of service in your home, and do so while adding to the beauty of the space. Keeping these things in mind can help make sure you get the most out of your floors.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.

Wood is one of the most eco-friendly materials in nature. It is also a popular material in home interiors due to its high aesthetic value and durability. However, not all types of wood have the same sustainability. Some are more prone to deterioration from elements than others. So its best to chose hardwoods that are long-lasting in nature.

Here are some of the most sustainable hardwoods you can use in your home construction or renovation project.

1. White Oak
   White oak is one of the most popular hardwood materials used in the United States, and with good reason. White oak is strong, durable, and naturally water-resistant, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor projects. The large open pores on the oak give it a good texture and make it possible to create curves and bends in the wood for custom design elements.


2. Maple
   Another great hardwood is maple, which comes in hard and soft varieties. The hard maples, like sugar maple, have strength and durability on their side but are highly dense. Soft maples like red and silver are 25% less dense, making them suitable for furniture and panel cabinets. However, they don’t stain very well, and you must work with polishes to protect against the elements.


3. Mahogany
   Mahogany is a tropical hardwood known for its deep, rich color and smooth texture, making it a popular choice among homeowners. It has been used for making furniture for centuries. Its also a popular wood for making decks, hot tubs, and (of course) flooring, as it gives a polished finish and doesn't splinter easily.


4. Black cherry
   Black cherry is a highly sustainable hardwood used in the USA. It has a very low carbon footprint and is highly durable. On top of that, it has a lustrous appeal, making it a popular choice for furniture, paneling, and flooring. Bear in mind, cherry wood is photosensitive and will darken over time.


5. White ash
   White ash is a wood you can see everywhere across the United States. Its commonly used to make everything from hockey sticks to baseball bats and pool cues to tool handles. Known for its shock-absorbing qualities, its creamy color and malleable structure make it suitable for your home's curved furniture. Its also used extensively in flooring and cabinetry.


6. Beechwood
   Although not as strong as oak, beechwood is a great sustainable hardwood option for homes, mostly because it is a native tree and often locally available. Hence, the carbon footprint of procuring it becomes less. It is good for structural work but not an ideal option for outdoor projects, as it is not resistant to elements.


7. Bamboo
   While many people consider bamboo as hardwood, it is grass. However, it is stronger than many hardwoods and has a lower carbon footprint, making it a sustainable hardwood option.

About Us
Artizen Floor Corp should be your one-stop destination in California if you are looking for a wood flooring contractor for your next construction project. We go beyond just installing floors for you. Our focus is on understanding what you want your home to look like and creating floors perfect for your home's image. We offer a wide variety of wood flooring options, including White Oak, American and Brazilian Cherry, Hickory/Pecan, Walnut, Santos Mahogany, and others. You can see the full product range here. Contact us at (805) 650-1900 or fill out our contact form to know more.