SWO Top Sellers: Peruvian Travertine Tile

Welcome back to our brand new blog series, Stone Wood Outlet Top Sellers. This week we're taking a look at one of the highest quality tile products available: natural stone Peruvian travertine!

Travertine tile is a type of sedimentary stone that is formed when limestone is put under extreme pressure for thousands of years. Limestone, travertine, and marble are all made of the same calcium carbonate deposits, with the difference being the amount of time the stone is exposed to pressure.

Travertine has a medium hardness rating - about 4-5 on the ten-point MOHS hardness scale. This makes it perfect for many high-traffic areas of the home, including hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. However, travertine is a porous stone material, so the material should be sealed with a penetrating sealer to prevent stains and water from seeping into the stone and damaging it.

Travertine tile has a number of useful applications, including:

• Flooring
• Walls
• Shower surrounds
• Fireplaces
• Vanities
• Exterior applications
• ...and much more!

Visit one of our three Portland-area locations today to view our large selection of travertine tile products, or call our professionals today at 503-222-9663.

This travertine tile dining room is just application of the versatile natural stone product.

Don't Take Our Word For It...

Fact: We love our customers. Whether you're looking for hardwood flooring, natural tile flooring, exterior decking, cabinets, or any of our other high-quality products, we're excited to help you find just the right product for your home improvement needs. And not to toot our own horn, but that high level of customer appreciation doesn't go unnoticed. We often get great feedback from our customers, and today we'd like to share some of their kind words with you (as well as their beautiful finished project photos!). Enjoy!

"I wanted to send you some photographic evidence of how your great service paid off for the customer. We really enjoyed our experience and the advice you and the entire Stone Wood Outlet team provided in making our "do-it-ourselves" project a complete success. We will recommend Stone Wood Outlet to all our friends." - Mike

"These are some pictures of one of the apartments I have refinished. The tile on the floor and countertop and the laminate is from your store. The quality and prices of your materials are great. Everybody that has seen the apartments have liked them a lot. I have enjoyed working with you, since you always have taken the time to explain options and how to best use the materials. The persons at your other outlet have also been helpful and knowledgable about tile and flooring. I can easily recommend your store to my other associates and friends." - Bruce

"We had counters put in last April that we purchased from you. We love them and had a great experience start to finish with you. Thanks again! We recommend you to friends!" — Mo and David

Visit one of our three Portland-area locations to learn more about our great flooring, tile, and cabinet products, or give us a call at 503-222-9663.

SWO Top Sellers: Acacia Hardwood Flooring

Welcome to a brand new series on the Stone Wood Outlet blog: Top Sellers! In this series we will take a look at some of the most popular products at our three Portland locations, explain why we think they're so popular, and make some suggestions as to how you might use them in your next home improvement project. This month's featured product is Acacia hardwood flooring. Enjoy!

Acacia hardwood is one of the most popular exotic imports we offer. With its origins in Australia and parts of East and South Africa, Acacia adds an exotic air to any room. Boards feature a beautiful array of colors, from dark brown heartwood to red-orange and yellow accents, that blend together in an eye-catching and sophisticated way. The wood has an air of romance, perfect for curling up next to a fireplace or having a candlelit dinner for two.

For all its beauty, Acacia hardwood flooring is also one of the most durable species of hardwood available. It is not photosensitive, meaning it won't lose its fantastic color over time. It has a very high Janka hardness rating and, with proper acclimation in the right environment, it experiences little warping. By properly installing an Acacia hardwood floor in your home you can rest assured that floor will be around for a long, long time.

Visit one of our three Portland-area locations to learn more about Acacia hardwood flooring, or give us a call at 503-222-9663.

The Case for Natural Tile Flooring

We recently came across this great video on YouTube regarding the difference between vinyl flooring and natural tile flooring. The host, Donnie, makes many good points about natural tile flooring - it can be cold, it can be uncomfortable to walk on, and it's harder to replace if stained or chipped. However, we feel like Donnie leaves out many important features of natural tile flooring in this video. They are:

Natural tile flooring looks more ... natural.
That isn't to say that vinyl or laminate flooring is unattractive. Quite the opposite. We carry many varieties of laminate flooring and are proud to offer them. And while laminate and vinyl are great, affordable alternatives to natural stone, it's pretty obvious they aren't the real deal. Natural stone has a look and feel that is hard to imitate, and even the most state-of-the-art material can't compare.

Natural tile flooring lasts longer.
Natural tile is one of the longest-lasting flooring materials you can use. Tile and stone has traditionally been used for outdoor building projects because of its durability and ability to stand up to the elements. Today, designers and builders have realized the potential of natural stone and tile as a long-lasting flooring material inside the home as well.

Natural tile flooring is fancier.
Again, vinyl or laminate flooring is a great alternative to natural tile or stone, but let's face it - it isn't as upscale. Natural glass, tile, or stone flooring is a very classy choice for a bathroom, kitchen, foyer, or any other part of your home. As mentioned above, the beauty of a natural flooring material is hard to match, and as much as vinyl or laminate flooring tries, neither really come close to natural tile in terms of pure class.

Visit one of our three Portland-area locations to learn more about natural tile flooring, or give us a call at 503-222-9663.

This Just In At Stone Wood Outlet

Stone Wood Outlet is constantly receiving exciting new products at our three Portland-area locations. From flooring to decking to cabinets, we're always on the look-out for great new items we can offer our customers at rock-bottom prices. Here are just a few of the newest products we've got in at our stores. Enjoy!

Western Red Cedar Decking
We're pleased to announce the addition of Western Red Cedar decking to our extensive line of hardwood decking products. Our Western Red Cedar hardwood decking products are #1 select quality, Oregon grown, are usable on both faces, and come in 2" x 6" random lengths. We also offer a full range of posts and rails to go along with these great decking boards.

Glazed Porcelain Tile
The Pamplona collection of glazed porcelain tile from Emser is a beautiful new addition to our already huge collection of quality tile products. The Pamplona line comes in three versatile sizes, making it perfect for the home-owner with a knack for design. The natural stone graphics complement almost any design style and the tile is very abrasion- and water-resistant. 

Glass Mosaic Tile

Nothing adds beauty and visual interest to a bathroom or kitchen quite like decorative glass mosaic tile. The new glass mosaic tile products at Stone Wood Outlet are part of the De'Co Surfaces line and are as beautiful as decorative tiles come. The design experts at Stone Wood Outlet are always available to help you pick out the best glass mosaic choice for your home decor.

Glass mosaic tile from De'Co Surfaces, now
available at Stone Wood Outlet.

These are just a few of the many new products we have available at Stone Wood Outlet. Visit one of our three Portland-area locations for more information, or give us a call at 503-222-9663.

Product Spotlight: Laminate Flooring

Do you want the look and feel of hardwood flooring but without the cost or difficult installation process? If so, laminate flooring may be just what you're looking for!

Stone Wood Outlet is one of the Portland area's premier suppliers of laminate flooring materials. Laminate comes in many different sizes and styles, making it one of the most versatile flooring options around. Still unsure about laminate flooring? Here are three good reasons why it just might be the right flooring material for you.

1. Price and Installation
Laminate flooring is often much less expensive than solid hardwood flooring. It is also much easier to install, and can be installed over almost any existing floor.

2. Durability
Laminate flooring is tough. It's solid finish makes it perfect for high-traffic areas of your home. Laminate products from Stone Wood Outlet also come with at least a 25 year warranty, meaning you can feel confident in your purchase.

3. Resale Value
Most home buyers look for hardwood floors over carpet. By installing laminate floors instead of carpet, you get the look of hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost.

Glacier Peak Laminate Flooring from Stone Wood Outlet

For more information about laminate flooring, visit us at one of our three Portland locations, or give us a call at 503-222-9663.

The Stone Wood Outlet Top 5 Hardwood Decking Materials

Interested in exterior hardwood decking but unsure about which material is best? You’re in luck! The professionals at Stone Wood Outlet have years of experience helping customers choose the right hardwood decking material for their needs. When it comes to decking, there are only a few species of wood that are durable and beautiful enough to get the Stone Wood stamp of approval. Here are our top five favorite exterior decking choices and a little about each species. Enjoy!

1. Ipe
Ipe is one of the most popular exotic decking species available in the country today, and for good reason. It features rich, striking tones and an intriguing grain pattern. It is also one of the most durable, with extremely high hardness rating and density and a Class A fire rating. This species of exterior decking will certainly last a lifetime.

2. Cumaru
A little lighter in color and with a more visually interesting grain pattern, Cumaru hardwood decking is perfect for someone looking for a very exotic natural decking material. Like Ipe, Cumaru has a very high hardness rating and density, which makes the wood naturally resistant to decay and wood boring insects. Cumaru is also often used for finer applications such as flooring, making it easy to coordinate indoor and outdoor design schemes.

3. Tigerwood
Tigerwood decking features soft brown and yellow tones and incredibly eye-catching black striping that gives the wood its name. This unique decking material is of medium density and easily absorbs stains and oils. Tigerwood is also quite resistant to fungi and termites. If you want to Wow! your guests with one of the most unique exterior decking materials they’ve ever seen, Tigerwood is the choice for you.

Tigerwood Hardwood Decking
from Stone Wood Outlet

4. Angelim Pedra
This species of hardwood decking is known not only for its rugged good looks but also its coarse texture and straight, interlocked grain. Beyond decking, Angelim Pedra is also used for truck trailer decking, flooring, furniture, and heavy construction.

5. Massaranduba
Also known as Brazilian Redwood, Massaranduba hardwood decking is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after decking materials around. It features warm reds and browns, a varying interlocked grain pattern, and a very fine texture. If left untreated, Massaranduba will age to a distinctive silver-gray color, though you can easily retain its redness with a sealant or stain.

Still unsure about what kind of exterior decking material is right for you? Visit one of the three Stone Wood Outlet locations, or give us a call at 503-222-9663!

Preparing Your Deck for Winter – 5 Things to Do Right Now

Winter can cause some serious damage to your hardwood decking. Without proper preparations, winter cold, rain, and snow can cause major problems, like wood rot and warping. Even naturally resilient species like Ipe and Cumaru decking can be at risk. Luckily for you, it’s not too late to properly prepare your hardwood deck for the coming winter weather. The following are five steps you can take to make sure your wood stands a chance against the rain and cold.

1. Clean it.
   One of the biggest threats to Ipe or Cumaru hardwood decking is dirt and yard debris. Organic matter like leaves and grass can decompose and cause wood rot. Thoroughly remove all fungus, dirt, mildew, leaves, dirt, and other yard waste. If your deck is particularly dirty you may want to use a formulated deck cleaner.
2. Strip it. 
   It’s natural for a deck finish to peal a bit over time. Now is the perfect opportunity to strip away any deteriorating or unwanted finish.
3. Refinish it.
   If you needed to remove any of the deck’s finish you will need to refinish the spots you stripped. This will help keep your deck protected and looking good throughout the winter.
4. Seal it.
   Use a water repellant to ward off any excess moisture and prevent water-related damage like cracking or warping.
5.  Cover it.
   If you live in a part of the country that has particularly nasty winter weather, you might want to consider covering your hardwood decking with a waterproof deck cover. Deck covers are designed to be installed over Ipe or Cumaru hardwood decking during poor weather months.

Visit StoneWoodOutlet.com to learn more about exterior hardwood decking and get advice from our decking experts!

How Laminate Flooring Is Made

If you’re a fan of Stone Wood Outlet on Facebook, you’ll know that we recently added a whole line of laminate flooring to our list of in-stock inventory. Laminate flooring is a great alternative to hardwood flooring for a number of reasons: price, ease of installation, durability, and resale value, just to name a few. But few people know what laminate flooring is actually made of. Even less know how it’s made. This post will take a look at the components of laminate flooring and how they’re put together. Enjoy!

Components
Laminate flooring is made of four components bonded together. They are:

• Wear layer – Designed for dimensional stability, stain resistance, and protection, most wear layers contain aluminum oxide, melamine resin, or another protective plastic.
• Decorative Layer – A printed, high-resolution photo-reproduction of a wood grain, stone, or tile pattern, this layer is what gives the flooring its look.
• Core Board – Usually made of high-density fiberboard or particle board, this layer helps improve moisture-resistance and dimensional stability.
• Backing – This layer, made of melamine plastic, adds even more dimensional stability to the boards. It also helps prevent moisture from coming up from the sub-floor.

Assembly
First, the four layers are assembled in large sheets. Each layer is stacked on top of each other and pressed together at temperatures reaching upwards of 400 degrees. The sheets are pressed with up to 600 pounds/square inch of pressure. The pressing usually lasts around 30 seconds.

Imprint
Some laminate flooring varieties have a textured surface, a feature achieved with specialized plates that imprint a texture pattern on the outer layer of the board. This process is usually either included in the general assembly process or takes place immediately after, when the sheets are still hot.

Edging
After the sheets are cooled they are cut into planks of various sizes. Multiple precision saws are then used to cut the tongue-and-groove edges on the side of the planks, enabling the flooring to lock together during installation.

Inspection
Last but not least, the cut planks are inspected for quality. They are checked for color, texture (if applicable), finish, size, and that they interlock correctly.

Visit the Stone Wood Outlet website to learn more about laminate flooring, including the many varieties we carry and why it may be the perfect flooring choice for you.

Product Spotlight: Tigerwood Decking

One of the most unique hardwood decking options available, Tigerwood features visually stunning black striping, soft brown-yellow tones, and a soft shine sure to add an exotic flair to any outdoor setting.

Tigerwood hardwood decking is a medium-density wood that is kiln-dried for maximum stability. It easily absorbs stains and oils, making it a very versatile decking choice for homeowners with a specific design scheme in mind. Since Tigerwood is naturally resistant to fungi, termites, and other nasty intruders, there is no reason for us to treat our wood with any harmful chemicals. This means you can use our Tigerwood decking anywhere - near a pool, along a boardwalk, as a balcony, etc.

Tigerwood decking is a very sought-after material, and the selection of Tigerwood at Stone Wood Outlet is some of the highest-quality you'll find in the Portland-Metro area. Visit one of our three locations to view a sample yourself, or go to the Tigerwood Hardwood Decking page on the Stone Wood Outlet website to learn more.