Hand scraped wood floors, like its name suggests, are floors that have been scraped to provide protrusions onto the surface to add that characteristically worn out appearance. Back in the day, hardwoods were literally grazed with long-handled metal scrapers to do the job. But with the advances in technology came machines that are fitted with metal imprints which are then pounded onto the wood to create the effect. While machine-distressed hardwood is cheaper in price, the demand for the old fashioned handcrafted flooring is still high.
Hand scraped hard wood flooring uses different species of hardwoods like Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Hickory, Oak and Birch. Different techniques are employed to bring out various types of character markings onto the wood, although the most preferred still is the hand-scraping method. Since the wood is sculpted with calculated blows and scrapes, a much smoother feel and uniform markings are created.
Handscraped wide floor planks are commonly utilized. Because of the planks’ ample measurements of 5 inches or wider, the blows and markings are more visibly seen. Floorings intended to bear very rough appearance often employ these measurements to further emphasize the designs. Rough sawn or hand hewn technique leaves the sawing marks untouched, while the pegged technique exposes the pegs across the planks to attain that characteristically American Old West charm. Wire brushing is another popular technique used. Stiff metal bristles are brushed onto the surface to make the wood grains more noticeable to the eye.
Well-intended markings on the handscraped hardwood floors are further highlighted with the use of various hues of wood stains. These are typically pre-painted onto the wood. However, raw wood planks devoid of color are also available so as to allow choosing of desired color stains, with ochre, bronze, rose, and sienna as the most popular ones. Of course, neutral color base can also be utilized to maintain that earthy look of the wood.
If in the market for handcrafted wood flooring, it is best that you canvass prices from numerous flooring companies. Typically, a preliminary assessment will be conducted so as to ascertain the actual floor dimension of the place. Based on these, the personnel should provide you with a detailed rundown of the possible costs. Obtaining these quotes is crucial seeing as how such a major undertaking requires considerable investments from your part. This way, you get to reserve adequate funds to ensure the construction proceeds without a hitch.
