( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Hardwood Floors in Historic Homes: Maintaining Timeless Beauty and Charm in Portland Oregon
Entering a historic home is like embarking on a voyage through time, as each groaning floorboard and intricate molding narrates a tale from the past. Preserving the original flooring is an essential component to protecting the beauty and character of these architectural gems. Early Colonial Era wood floors were made of random-width softwood pine planks. Fast-forward to the turn of the 20th century, floors evolved into lavish hardwood surfaces with ornate parquet boarders and inlays. Today, it's an art to maintain an old home’s hardwood floor and requires skill to prolong the life of these venerable spaces.
Many of Portland’s historic structures are testaments to the city’s rich past. Rejuvenation Floor and Design has a unique understanding of how to properly maintain historic floors. Let's discuss the significance of keeping this history alive!
Portland Oregon is known for its
iconic architectural home styles. Victorian, Bungalow, Craftsman, American Ranch, Mid-Century Modern and Foursquare are all styles that are make Portland's landscape a design dream. Portland is a city that seamlessly blends the past and present and many homeowners recognize how important it is to keep their home original. Refurbishing the original hardwood flooring is frequently the first step towards preservation.
Why it's important to preserve hardwood:
1. Authenticity: Many homeowners in historic neighborhoods believe that it is their duty to keep their houses authentic. Since hardwood flooring was frequently the initial flooring material put in historic buildings, it serves a vital role in maintaining historic exactness.
2. Aesthetic: Historic houses are prized for the artful craftsmanship and distinctive architectural designs of bygone eras. Together with other original antique design components, hardwood floors' deep patina and weathered character improve the space's overall attractiveness.
3. Durability and Longevity: Hardwood has an unparalleled potential to last a lifetime. Homes that are a century or older often have hardwood floors that are in excellent condition. Hardwood may tell the history of a home for generations if it is properly cared for.
4. Value of the Property: A well-kept original hardwood floor would draw in prospective buyers. Making your historic property more desirable in the real estate market might increase its value.
5. Environmental Benefits: Maintaining original hardwood floors is in line with eco-friendly practices in this era of sustainability and eco-conscious living. Not only are you preserving a portion of history, but you're also making the earth greener by lowering the demand for new materials.
Historic Hardwood: The Difficulties of Preservation
Though it is undeniably satisfying, maintaining antique hardwood floors has its own set of difficulties:
1. Wear and Tear: Old hardwood is susceptible to dents, scratches, and even water damage over time. To preserve its integrity, deterioration needs to be addressed with expert care.
2. Color Matching: Selecting the correct wood for your historically significant floors can be difficult, particularly if the wood is uncommon or no longer milled for production. To flawlessly blend new wood with the old, repairs frequently call for expert craftsmanship.
3. Pests & Infestations: Termites and other pests can cause problems for historic homes. To keep your hardwood flooring safe, it's imperative to treat and prevent these problems. Many local companies have non-toxic options for treating homes for pests that are safe for children and pets.
4. Refinishing and Coatings: It's possible that certain older hardwood floors were finished using substances or coatings that are now deemed unsafe. It might be challenging to restore vintage finishes while upholding contemporary safety regulations.
5. Respect for History: Keeping a sense of appreciation for the past is crucial while restoring old hardwood. In many instances, maintaining a floor's charm and character should come before giving them a "brand new" appearance.
Establishing Balance
Historic property owners choose to maintain and
restore their flooring as a commitment to honoring the rich history woven into each plank. Maintaining or restoring original hardwood flooring is an exciting way to merge past with present, capturing the artistry and classic beauty of bygone eras.
It takes a delicate touch, an acute eye, and the knowledge of experts who appreciate history to preserve the uniqueness and timeless elegance of your old hardwood floors. Contact Rejuvenation Floor and Design at 503-989-8997 for help, guidance, or professional assistance with your historic hardwood flooring. Keeping your historic home original and beautiful is something our team is enthusiastic about!
Phone: (503) 989-8997
Flooring Showroom: 2000 NE 42nd Ave #B
( Located in the 42nd Street Station Mall )
Portland, Oregon 97213-1357
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RGC - Residential General Contractor License: 189522
General Contractor License: REJUVCL901DW
Certified Lead-Based Paint Renovation (LBPR)
WA UBI License: 602997950
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Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens | Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag
Beaverton | Canby | Clackamas | Damascus | Estacada | Gladstone | Gresham | Lake Oswego | Milwaukie | Oregon City | Sandy | Scappoose | Sherwood | St. Helens
Tigard | Tualatin | Welches | Wilsonville | Zig Zag