Inlay is a method of decorating objects that dates back thousands of years. The earliest known example is a Mesopotamian limestone bowl with some shell pieces embedded in it, from around 3000 B.C. Basically, an inlay is a puzzle that the artist cuts all the pieces for, then routs (or grinds, chisels or gnaws) out a corresponding hole in the host material (usually wood, but possibly stone, metal, plastic, etc.), and glues in flush with the surface. After filling any residual pits and sanding smooth, the inlay might have some final details engraved on it, and the lines inked. Some people tend to confuse inlay with marquetry, which is a similar decorative technique that normally employs wood veneers, and is glued over the surface of the host object. Both methods are difficult to master, have their own specialized tools and jargon, and occupy specific niches in the decorative arts. Another craft similar to shell inlay is stone mosaic, again using its own unique equipment.

How do I care for my oil-impregnated Hardwood Floors?

Use Wood-Floor Soap for regular maintenance cleaning. Use a vacuum cleaner for lacquer-finished floors and damp-wipe only if needed.

Are Solid wood floors difficult to maintain and clean?

No - the pre-finished floor contains multiple layers of a UV-cured polyurethane. This gives the floor a tough, durable and smooth finish which is very easy to maintain. However you must never damp mop a solid wood floor - water and wood do not mix. There are a number of products now available which are specifically for wood floors.

How to look after your Your Wood Floor

To keep your floors as beautiful as the day they were installed or refinished, simply follow these easy steps and always use the manufacturers' recommended cleaning product: Never use vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors, they can cause the floor to become slippery and appear dull. Place mats and throw rugs at doorway exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit and dirt on your wood flooring. Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can stain or damage the wood. Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel. Place soft plastic or fabric faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scratching of your wood floor. When moving heavy furniture, completely pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor to best protect your wood flooring. Try not to let people walk on the wood floor with stiletto-healed shoes as these can cause damage. In the kitchen place a rug in front of the sink area. Use a humidifier in the winter months to keep the movement of wood to a minimum. Dust mop, sweep or vacuum your wood floor regularly. Clean with manufacturers recommended cleaner. Recoat the wood floor when cleaning no longer restores shine. The frequency of this will depend on the amount of traffic. Never place potted plants directly in contact with your flooring, even if they are placed in waterproof saucers. Condensation can develop under these saucers and damage your flooring. To avoid this, place your plants on trivets or stands, so that air can circulate underneath. Dog and cat nails can scratch and dent your floor's surface. Keep nails trimmed regularly. Immediately clean up pet urine, as it will damage the floor's finish if allowed to dry. No maintenance or cleaning products should be applied until 2 weeks after the wood floor has been lacquered or oiled. Do not use water to clean wood floors, always use a recommended cleaner.

Yes, it is quite noisy, particularly on the first day. When all machines are working you may want to go out for the day, or arrange for someone to look after young children.

Is it really sanding - dust free?

All our machines are virtually dust free. The maximum dust discharge will be no more than 2 mg. per cubic meter.

Should I decorate my room first, or have the floors sanded first?

Decorate first and carry out any plumbing, or electrical work prior to having your floor sanded is the optimal solution.

My Floor has gaps between the boards!

We can fill the gaps using clean fine sawdust from your floor, which we mix with a wood filler. If gaps are wider than 7mm we may use re-claimed splinters of wood to wedge into the gaps, then sand down to level.

How long will my room be out of action, when it’s being sanded?

A room that measures 20 sq. meters will take a day for sanding and finishing. Drying time of the finish itself depends of two things: environment of the room – humidity, temperature etc. (in warm and ventilated room, the floor finish will dry faster) and the type of the finish – Lacquer base finishes can get dry for 2-6 hours; Oil based finishes can take 24 hours to get dry. Try not to move furniture back in the room for 48 hours allowing the floor to cure properly.

My floor has black paint around the edges!

Many properties have this black tar like substance around the edge. All is removed during the sanding process using a coarse grit abrasive.

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FAQs

London Flooring Specialists

Categories: Marquetry
What Is Inlay?
read more
Categories: Wood flooring Maintenance
How do I care for my oil-impregnated Hardwood Floors?
read more
Categories: Wood flooring Maintenance
Are Solid wood floors difficult to maintain and clean?
read more
Categories: Wood flooring Maintenance
How to look after your Your Wood Floor
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
Is sanding noisy?
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
Is it really sanding – dust free?
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
Should I decorate my room first, or have the floors sanded first?
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
My Floor has gaps between the boards!
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
How long will my room be out of action, when it’s being sanded?
read more
Categories: Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing
My floor has black paint around the edges!
read more

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