ST. Louis, MO, August 16--Distressed floors are in high demand right now and are gaining in popularity. Their unique look and antiqued appearance appeals to many homeowners and businesses looking for that one-of-a-kind floor.
Distressed floors are installed in much the same way as other type of wood flooring, but achieving the distressed look is an art that is labor-intensive and time-
consuming.
Hand-scraping is the most-common distressing technique. Using tools such
as chisels, planes and grinders, the installer will work with the wood to achieve a worn and distressed look. The end result will be a new floor that looks beautifully antiqued. Other distressing techniques that installers often use include wire brushes, chains, hammers, chisels, awls and saw blades.
To create the look of worm holes, drills, ice picks and wire brushes often are used. Burning is another technique that is used to create a unique distressed appearance. To be sure that your new floor reflects the weathered look you want, be sure to discuss your expectations up front with your NWFA installer.
Any wood species can be distressed, but those that adapt well to hand-distressing include walnut, oak, hickory/pecan and pine.
The National Wood Flooring Association recommends that you consult with a wood flooring professional to find out more about distressed wood floors. To find a wood flooring professional in your area, please visit the Find a Professional or Product section of woodfloors.org.
