15 Reasons to Love Hardwood Floors!

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15 Reasons to Love Hardwood Floors!

Feb 08, 2022

We love hardwood floors, but why should you?

It doesn't take much to fall in love with a hardwood floor at first sight. However, we understand that choosing and purchasing a hardwood floor is an investment. We know you won't regret it, but we want you to know it, too! So here are 15 reasons to choose hardwood with confidence and 5 additional reasons why a StoryBook floor is an excellent choice!

1) Beautiful

Hardwood floors add class to any home or business. There's something beautiful that you can't help but notice when you walk into a room with hardwood floors!

2) Easy to Clean

Just sweep up visible debris and then run a dry mop over the surface, and presto! You're ready for a party, holiday dinner, or the in-law's weekend visit.

3) Easy to Maintain

Keeping a hardwood floor looking beautiful is more simple than you may think! Regular cleaning with a hardwood vacuum and a dry mop keeps away most of the work. Every once in a while, give your floors a more thorough cleaning, and - if you have oil-finished floors - put on your favorite music and spend one Saturday afternoon every few years re-oiling the floor. It's that easy. Those floors will last a lifetime with just a little bit of love.
For more on the easy maintenance and benefits of an oil-finished floor, check out our blog post entitled "Why Oil?".

4) Acoustic Aid

Ever wonder why concert halls, old-time theaters, and dance studios all have hardwood floors? First of all, it's hard to tap dance on carpet, but the main reason is because wood does wonders for acoustics. It brings a richness to the sound that makes us contentedly sigh without the loudness that makes us cringe.
Did you know the streets surrounding opera houses in Europe were once "paved" with wood? The wood muffled the sound of carriages and wagons outside the building so the performers and the audience inside would not be disturbed by the noise.

5) Able to be Refinished

Make the major investment once, and then keep up your floors with regular maintenance and perhaps a refinishing years down the road. Polyurethane-finished floors require a more involved refinishing process, but oil-finished floors can be fully re-oiled or spot re-oiled as needed. Either way, once the floor is in, you don't have to worry about tearing it out if you want a bit of a face-lift.

6) Long-Lasting

With the right care, a hardwood floor can last for decades, if not centuries. Some European floors date back to the 1600s and are still in fabulous condition. Once again, make the investment once, and then sit back and enjoy years of hassle-free living when it comes to your floors.

7) Environmentally Responsible

For those who are interested in green building options or are concerned about carbon footprints, get excited! There is low to no carbon foortprint during the entire process of making a hardwood floor. That's a reputation with which the majority of other flooring options can't compete.
We use every aspect of wood for one purpose or another, even the scraps. You get the best wood as your floor, we use the scraps for firewood to heat homes, and local farmers' animals enjoy the sawdust for bedding in the barns. Nothing goes in a landfill; nothing is left to waste.
One of the greatest benefits of wood is that it can be repurposed again and again for decades and decades from one project or building to the next.

8) Hypoallergenic

Unlike carpet, hardwood does not house allergens, making it a health-conscientious flooring option.
Because of how easy hardwood floors are to clean and due to the fact that they do not conceal allergens, hardwood floors keep your home safe for those who struggle with allergies and they help maintain a cleaner and more pure air quality for your family.

9) Family-Friendly

Many people are worried about hardwood floors holding up to the test of time, kids, and indoor animals. Depending on the wood and finish, our answer is - no worries! Oak and (especially) hickory floors are tough and can survive almost any kind of traffic for years. Choose a circle sawn or wire-brushed distress, and even if the floor sustains a mark or two, they'll blend right in, and no one will notice!
As we mentioned before, hardwood floors are easy to wipe up and keep clean and they are hypoallergenic, making it easier to maintain a clean house even with the kids and the dogs.

10) Timeless Classic

Remember shag carpet of the 60s and 70s? Out of style. (thank goodness!)
Hardwood floors? Always in style.
Hardwood has the unique ability to adapt to all seasons of fashion and decor. Switch out the furniture, change the paint on the walls, and update the draperies, but don't worry about changing the floor in order to keep up with latest trend.

11) Add a Cozy Element (without the carpet cons!)

We all want our homes to be welcoming and comfortable, and hardwood floors are a great way to create that atmosphere. They can make a room instantly feel warm and inviting, all the while giving it an open and airy touch.
Still want the coziness of a carpet? Easy fix. Add an area rug! You can keep the benefits and durability of a hardwood floor, still maintain the snug feeling of carpet, and have an easier time cleaning plus the added benefit of being able to switch out the rug any time you want to redecorate!

12) Unique

Floor boards from a true hardwood floor are each as unique as a fingerprint. There is no replicating or duplicating grain pattern or coloring on a genuine hardwood floor, making your floor one-of-a-kind.

13) Balancing Effect

There is something about the naturalness of wood that brings a balancing effect to a room and calming element to an unspoken, inner craving within us. Just as walking outside in the woods can make you feel more peaceful, having wood floors in your home can help you feel more grounded.

14) Legacy-Worthy

Because of its durability, a hardwood floor can easily outlive the person who originally installed it. It will last decades, if not centuries. Your great grandchildren - and five generations after that - could all have the joy of living life on the floor that you choose today.

15) Enduring Investment

Most other flooring options need to be replaced every 10 years, if not sooner. Hardwood floors, however, can outlive all of us if cared for properly. While it may be a bit of an investment on the front-end, hardwood floors will practically pay for themselves and then go on to save you time and money over the years with not needing to replace them every decade.

...Bonus Reasons to Love a STORYBOOK Hardwood Floor...

1) Family-Owned

John & Susan Homer are our founders and owners, and they are the dynamic duo of wood. John works with the crew and is constantly coming up with new ways to improve efficiency, our floors, and the methods we use to make them. Susan holds down the fort and keeps all the wheels turning in every respect of management. Whenever she can, she's out on the shop floor experimenting with new colors, distresses, and flooring finishes, and helping the boys put together parquet floors.

2) All-American & Veteran-Owned

We are thankful to live in America - the land of hard work, ingenuity, and craftsmanship - and we are thankful to the men and women who have given their lives and sacrificed time with friends and family to defend us at home and abroad. We are proud to be owned by a veteran and to employ veterans whenever possible.
We believe America's industrial side was founded upon the principles that exquisite craftsmanship is of value, hard work always pays off, and determination is the grit that gets things done. We seek to continue these traditions in our shop with our employees and the interns who come to us to learn the skills, the logistics, and the art of the flooring world. We may not all have the same last name, but we've become family in an endeavor to preserve the best of the past for the brightest of futures.

3) Local Artisans

We work with Amish artisans and generational craftsmen to create custom hardwood flooring. A floor from us isn't a "run of the mill" product; it's a work of art every time.

4) Locally-Sourced

We are happily situated in the hardwood "sweet spot" of the United States in the Appalachian region.
We source all of our material from sawmills within 150 miles of our shop, and we work with local lumber companies and kiln driers who are masters of their trade to be sure that you have the very best for your floor.

5) 100% Customizable

You design it, we create it! It may be our work, but it's your artistic eye and homeowner's dream on display with your StoryBook Floor.
We mentioned before that every board has a fingerprint, but with a StoryBook Floor, you also have the fingerprints of master craftsmen over every board. All of our work is done by hand, and each board is handled and inspected no fewer than five times (and often times many more) before it ever gets to your front door.

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Updating Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Whole House Remodeling

16 May, 2022

Renovating your home is a big undertaking whether you’re updating your kitchen or taking on a larger project like replacing your roof. But whole house remodeling can be an entirely different commitment. From installing a new roof, refinishing or buying new flooring, to the design and construction process, there are countless things to consider when updating your new house or even a historic home . Before you decide if whole house remodeling is right for your home, we’ve asked the experts for their best advice. So whether you’ve just purchased your first home in Charleston, SC , or bought a fixer-upper house in Denver, CO , keep these remodeling tips in mind to help make a complete home renovation that much easier. First steps first, hire the right professional The most important part of any remodel is making sure you hire the right professional for the job. Factors to consider in choosing a professional should include expertise and experience, reputation, time frame of availability. Money is also a factor to consider, however, it should be the last priority. Cheapest is usually not best, the value a contractor brings to the table is way more important than the price they are offering. – Larabell Home Services Understand what works for your space and what doesn’t We first get to know our client’s lifestyles and focus on their needs, so we can design a functional space that flows well. Our biggest tip is to first live in a house before remodeling, so you can understand what works for you and identify pain points. Focus on function and flow, then focus on design and style. – Peartree Homes Have an empty space before you consult with the experts How should you prepare for a major remodeling project in your home? Many homeowners have a good idea of what they want for their home remodel, but when it comes to their contractor actually putting hammer to nails on the project, they aren’t sure what to expect. How can they prepare? What should they do to prepare the space? The process can be messy, so our remodeling experts recommend cleaning and emptying the space before your contractor shows up so they don’t worry about knocking or breaking something that is precious to you. – Gill Construction Solutions LLC Find a cohesive style and plan When planning for a first floor remodel, come up with a space plan that’s cohesive. Determine your style, whether it be traditional, contemporary, transitional or modern and make sure your design choices and color choices fit within that theme. – Century Kitchens & Bath If you’re working with a small space, take these tips into consideration Here’s five flooring tips for remodeling small spaces: Use the same type of flooring throughout – be consistent Avoid dark colors Install wider planks along the longest wall in your room Minimize clutter Use larger tiles – Home Zenith Consider everything that goes into the project Get the products you want in your remodel without the stress by planning your project down to every nuance. Professional firms understand the importance of planning and procuring all products to ensure they are inspected and on hand when it’s go time! – Joshua Ayars, Ayars Complete Home Improvements Opt to refinish your floors if possible Homeowners who have their wood floors refinished recover 147% of the cost, according to the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report , a joint study by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The return on investment was the highest of all remodeling projects. When it comes to flooring options, there are two things most homeowners consider: cost and appearance. We recommend that homeowners should also consider more practical factors, such as the lifespan of the product and how it will be used in your daily life. This way you can find a product that will last and look great for your home. Many homeowners don’t consider resurfacing their existing wood floors instead of buying new. One of the major advantages of refinishing your existing floors is the cost savings. It is significantly cheaper and easier to update what you already have than installing new. After your floors have been refinished, the lifespan of your new floors is dependent upon proper maintenance and care. The best way to care for your new floors is to lightly dust mop the floor using a tack cloth lightly dampened with an approved cleaner. With proper maintenance, a professionally refinished floor typically lasts an average of ten years in a residential home. – Scott Newman, Founder/CEO of NewRidge Refinishing Group Inc. Think of hardwood flooring as an investment Installing hardwood floors is one of the greatest investments you can make in your home for the quality of your home environment, increased real estate value, and as a pivotal piece to the puzzle of style and design. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory make a durable foundation that can last for decades, and they offer a blank canvas for custom-distressed flooring. If your home has a higher moisture content – but you still want a hardwood floor – look for a high-quality, 100% wood, engineered product that gives all the benefits of solid hardwood flooring with the added perk of not visibly shrinking or swelling with the presence of moisture. – StoryBook Floors Make sure you order extra flooring to prevent future issues No matter the type of flooring, always order with a buffer of 10% extra. People often live in their homes for years and you never know when you might need to replace a broken tile, or you are extending a room a couple feet. The flooring industry changes rapidly and once flooring is two years old or older, it is nearly impossible to find an exact match. – Tile Liquidators There’s a lot to consider when updating your roof When selecting a roofing contractor be sure to do your due diligence to verify their trade license (requirements vary by state) and the company’s online reputation (social media/google reviews, BBB complaints, etc). Avoid 3-tab shingles at all costs and ensure that your contractor is going to replace all step and headwall flashings as well as tear the roof all the way down to the bare deck to check for moisture damage before installation. Also, make sure that every project detail is carefully outlined within your build contract in order to protect yourself from any issues on the back end. – Michael Morganti, Lumen Construction Strengthen your roof when remodeling your home For a long lasting and durable roof, we recommend using base sheets made from rubber as an alternative to paper base sheets. In addition, granulating all tie in seams, though not a building code requirement, will ensure positive, long-lasting results for your roof. – Evans MacDowell, E.W. MacDowell Roofing Consider energy efficiency when choosing your roof When remodeling your home, it is wise to select the right roofing material not only for the climate, but also for energy efficiency. Many current home roofing systems are not correctly ventilated, adding to high cooling costs as well as shortening the life span of the roofing material. In addition, choose roofing that fits the aesthetics of the neighborhood and will help increase the curb appeal of the home. Always select a licensed and insured professional roofer to ensure the roofing system is installed correctly and to code. – EverGuard Roofing Don’t make these common remodeling mistakes When choosing new floors for your home it is important to avoid these common mistakes. Most importantly, always purchase flooring installation from a licensed dealer. This will assure you that Manufacturer’s guidelines are followed and no product warranties are voided. Licensed dealers will have a showroom as well as a customer service team to oversee the project. This is a requirement of reputable manufacturers. Once your new floor is “professionally” installed be sure to follow the manufacturer’s “Care & Maintenance” guidelines. These can be provided to you by the retailer, found on the manufacturer’s website, and also found in the box that the flooring comes in. – Cregg Henson American Dream Flooring & Tile , Executive, “Cregg The Floor Guy” from WPTF Radio’s “Making Your Home Great” Home Improvement Show Originally published by Redfin

Proud To Announce:

John Homer,
Co-owner & Operator,
Served in the Vietnam War.
Thank you for your service!
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All materials made in the USA & from USA material. All as locally sourced as possible.
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Susan Quick, Owner,
Supporting women's economic empowerment.
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Proud NWFA Members! Check out our "NWFA" page for more information!
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