- Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
THOUGHT WOOD floors were outdated? Think again.
With an infusion of colours, a variety of shapes and caressing textures, wood floors have taken on a whole new look. There's even a choice between woods that require little cleaning and the old-fashioned variety that evoke memories of country life and that sparkle with a coconut brush.
Horace Brown, Manager of Excellent Flooring, in Kingston, noted that wood floors can add value to a house by moving it from the ordinary to the sophisticated.
"When selling or renting it encourages more people to buy or rent," said Brown who has been installing wood floors for three and a half years. He added that bedrooms, living rooms, staircases or walkways can be transformed with wood into a beautiful pathway.
Hyacinth Curry, who shops at Excellent Flooring, is a wood floor lover. Curry has had wood floors in her home since 1986 because "it's easy to take care of" and because of the beauty it adds to the house. In June she had the wood flooring in her room renovated after 12 years. She has also done the passageway, living and dining rooms with a modern type of wood.
As for sound of shoes clicking on the bare floor, Curry said she was not bothered and that it performs the job of a house alarm.
"I like the sound on the floor it makes me aware that someone is coming."
BETWEEN LAMINATE AND HARDWOOD
There are two types of wood flooring, laminate and hardwood. Curry's bedroom has hardwood which, after many years, can be re-sanded and
finished for a newer look.
Laminate, on the other hand, requires no polish or chemicals, said Brown. It only needs rubbing with a damp mop when cleaning.
The major difference between the two, he explained, is the cost. "The laminate costs about US$2.30 per square foot, which includes installing. Hardwood costs about US$7 per square foot that is also inclusive of installation."
There are about 70 patterns of the laminate wood. For a spectacular appearance Brown said it can be designed to suit a client's style.
"The hardwood has various designs and it can be used to form patterns on the flooring, with the laminate two of a particular colour and two of another can be placed in straight rows."
There are also three kinds of shines, a flat mat which is rather dull and contains no shine; a semi-gloss which is half-shine, and gloss which provides a glow and glamour to the solid woods. The main types of hardwood used in flooring are Jatoba, Brasilian Teak, Bamboo and Cherry woods.
Brown, a former building contractor, noted that in recent years the demand for wood floors has been climbing and is becoming as common as ceramic tiles.
"Clients are always introducing us to others. We do have disagreements at times but it is minor as most accept the work we do," said
Brown, who plies his trade islandwide, installed the boards on the dance floor of the Edna Manley School of Dance dancing floor. Business is good, he added, especially at the end of the year when people want to improve their homes and businesses.
