Hardwood Flooring and Allergies: Are You At Risk?

Just like peanuts or shellfish, domestic and exotic hardwoods contain oils and particles that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Most people who work in the wood industry don’t have wood allergies, and most hardwood flooring customers won’t be working so closely with the wood that it could become a problem. However, it is still a good idea to know exactly what kind of reactions wood allergies can cause, who is most at risk, and the different ways you can avoid a reaction.

Taken from Hardwood Floors Magazine’s Green Blog, the following are a few “common-sense concepts” you should take into consideration when working with or around wood.

If you believe you are having an allergic reaction, stop what you are doing immediately and call 911.

1. Take Reasonable Caution
With this tip, Green Blog author Elizabeth Baldwin emphasizes the “common-sense” steps all woodworkers should observe, such as wearing protective gear like masks, gloves, and long-sleeve shirts.

Something as simple as a paper mask can help reduce exposure to wood dust and other potentially harmful particles.

2. Stay Clean
Here Baldwin states that keeping a clean and well-ventilated workspace will keep dust from piling up and blowing into your and your coworker's face. Keeping a clean workplace will also cut down on the chances of having an unfortunate incident involving wood splinters.

3. Be Aware
Stay ahead of the game – monitor yourself and others around you for symptoms of an allergic reaction, including skin irritation and rashes, difficulty breathing, and difficulty seeing. If you notice any of these symptoms, clean yourself up, take any necessary medication, and go to a doctor.

As Baldwin explains in her post, the problem with wood allergies is that everyone experiences them differently. Saw dust and wood oil may be perfectly fine for one person and mean certain death for another. Even two people that are allergic to the same type of wood can experience that allergy in very different ways. And as Baldwin aptly points out, “just because something doesn't cause a reaction the first time you touch it doesn’t mean you’ll never have an allergic reaction. Your sensitivities can increase with exposure, just as lactose intolerance can suddenly afflict a long time lover of ice cream.”

So if you are beginning a woodworking project yourself, or have hardwood flooring being installed in your home, remember to take the necessary precautions: wear protective gear, don’t inhale wood dust, and get to a doctor if you start to notice an adverse reaction.

Spring Renovation Projects – Hardwood and Composite Decking

Welcome back to your favorite Stone Wood Outlet exclusive blog series, Spring Renovation Projects. Summer is right around the corner – June 21st, to be specific – and to celebrate the end of our spring blog series we’re featuring a home renovation project that is perfect for the beginning of summer: decking.

Most of you won’t attempt to build a new composite or hardwood deck by yourself. That’s fine – you probably shouldn’t. What you should do, however, is study up on the types of decking materials you can choose from before going to a decking supplier. The following are seven of our favorite decking products, ranging from exotic Ipe decking to tough composite decking. These are the best of the best when it comes to decking, and we carry all of them at deeply discounted prices. Enjoy!

Ipe decking is just one of the many beautiful decking materials Stone Wood Outlet carries.

Types of Decking Materials

Ipe Decking
This striking South American hardwood is world renowned for its natural beauty and inherent durability. It is one of the strongest decking materials you can buy and is visually quite versatile. If left untreated, Ipe decking will fade to a sophisticated silver-gray tone. If treated, it will retain its original rich reddish-brown coloring.

Tigerwood Decking
Tigerwood is a distinctive exotic hardwood that turns any backyard into a festive, visually-engaging area. This species is naturally durable and resistant to decay, making it the perfect decking material. It also features a unique grain pattern and is a great choice for many different decking styles and applications.

Cumaru Decking
This hardwood species has an amazing density and a class A fire rating, making it a perfect choice for anyone with a barbeque or backyard fire pit. The dense cellular structure also means Cumaru is naturally resistant to the elements. Its warm, honey-brown coloring and distinctive graining make it the perfect accent to many different home paint and design styles.

Meranti Batu Decking
The perfect choice for classic Mahogany decking, Meranti Batu features natural durability, a consistent brick-red tone, and is quite easily installed. Perfect for sun decks or beach houses, Meranti Batu creates a relaxed, laid back paradise.

Angelim Pedra Decking
If you’re looking for a more traditional looking decking material, look no further than Angelim Pedra. This beige-brown hardwood features red undertones and sophisticated graining. It has a medium density and is resistant to fungi and termites, especially when paired with an effective sealant.

Brazilian Redwood/Massaranduba Decking
Due to its incredible density and water-resistance, Brazilian Redwood is the perfect decking material to use near pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. The rich red color and dark grain pattern give the wood a look that is both exotic and interesting as well as warm and comforting.

Moisture Shield Composite Decking
Our composite decking material is made from 95% pre- and post-consumer recycled content and carries a limited lifetime warranty against rot, decay, and termite damage. While most decking materials require some sort of lift, this composite can be placed directly on the ground. The wood and plastic work together to create a durable, attractive hardwood decking alternative.

Questions? Contact our knowledgeable customer service staff today at 503-222-9663, or visit us online at www.stonewoodoutlet.com.

Spring Renovation Projects – Countertops

Welcome back to the Stone Wood Outlet exclusive blog series, “Spring Renovation Projects”. This week we’re looking at an often unsung hero of the kitchen and bathroom design world: countertops. Countertop products are not something one can easily install themselves – they require professional installation. That’s why this week’s renovation post focuses on the thing that you can easily handle in the countertop installation process: choosing the type of material to use.

Countertops say a lot about a homeowner’s personal style, and choosing the right material is a big deal when designing a room. But unless you’re familiar with the ins-and-outs of countertops, knowing which material will work best for you can be difficult. The following are the most common types of countertop materials, a few of their pros and cons, and a final verdict on who should use which type and why. Enjoy!

Types of Countertop Materials

Laminate
Easy to clean, inexpensive, durable and available in a wide range of styles, choosing laminate countertops seems like a no-brainer. There are disadvantages, though. If damaged, laminate always needs to be replaced. It also has a tendency to crack or separate from its backing, and some homeowners don’t care much for the way it looks.
Verdict: Great choice if you’re on a budget, though you get what you pay for in terms of lifespan and appearance.

Tile
Tile is a truly versatile countertop material. It comes in many different colors, styles, textures, and designs, is durable, and is very easy to clean. However, tile stains easily, may harbor bacteria if not sealed, and has a tendency to crack.
Verdict: Tile is a great choice for designers that want a lot of versatility and choice. It may not be the best choice for people that put a lot of wear and tear on their countertops.

Marble
Often used for pastry tables, this beautiful, durable countertop material does have a few downsides. It is porous, it stains easily, and it can cost you quite the pretty penny.
Verdict: A great choice for someone that cleans a lot – or has someone else clean a lot. If you tend not to clean up messes right away, or get upset when something needs to be professionally cleaned or repaired, you might want to pass.

Granite
At the same time tough and delicate, granite is a paradox. On one hand, it is heat resistant, very hard, and comes in a number of different colors and patterns of stone. Unfortunately, granite is also very susceptible to grease stains, requires periodic resealing, and is usually a fairly expensive countertop material to acquire and install.
Verdict: Very ornate and very expensive, granite countertops don’t fit with every kitchen design scheme. They work best with rich, polished decors. If your kitchen is more on the simple side, don’t choose granite.

Stone
One of the toughest countertop materials available, stone is heat-resistant, relatively scratch-resistant, and most damage can be easily repaired by a professional.
Verdict: The biggest drawback to purchasing stone countertops is price. If you are on a tight budget you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you are willing to make an investment in your countertop material, stone will keep you happy for years to come.

Stainless Steel
This sleek, stylish countertop material is easily cared for, waterproof, scorch proof, and can be personalized by etching custom patterns into the finished material. It can also be quite noise, expensive, and a pain to repair or replace.
Verdict: Perfect for modern room decors, stainless steel can look out of place in an old-timey kitchen.

Wood
Wood countertops are making a comeback lately, and for good reason. They add a soft, natural atmosphere to any kitchen and are easily sanded and refinished. However, they also are very susceptible to burns, water damage, scratches, stains, and can be home to germs if not cleaned immediately after use.
Verdict: Wood countertops have long been used in kitchens and homes around the world, so if you like an old-fashioned, rustic feel, wood is right for you.

New Home Sales Rise in April - Time to Renovate!

Think the housing market is doomed for all time? Think again! According to a recent report from the US Census Bureau and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, April saw sales of new single-family homes increase for the second month in a row.

The Commerce Department confirmed the report, stating that sales increased by 7.3 percent in April, with the highest rise - 15.1 percent - occurring on the West Coast.

Are you one of the many new homeowners in the Portland area? Visit Stone Wood Outlet for design and renovation tips and ideas!

What does this mean for the home renovation industry? Why, remodeling products, of course! As you well know, Stone Wood Outlet is the Portland area's largest source discount hardwood flooring, decking, stone, tile, and cabinet building materials. If you're one of the many new homeowners in the Pacific Northwest that this report is referring to, you can't afford not to visit one of Stone Wood Outlet's four convenient locations. Or, visit us online at www.stonewoodoutlet.com.

Dino-Friendly Floors, Only at Stone Wood Outlet

Are you a parent? Then you need hardwood flooring that can stand up to the worst kind of treatment - a room full of rowdy kids. You need Dino-Friendly Floors!



Visit one of the four Stone Wood Outlet locations to talk to one of our friendly staff members about what our tough, durable Dino-Friendly Floors can do for you!