VANISHING FLOORS

By Michael Purser
How many times can a wood floor be sanded? There seems to be universal agreement that the magic number is three and that could spell problems for any house built before the 1950s. After the original sanding when the house was built, many homes got their second sanding during the ’70s and ’80s when wall to wall carpet fell out of favor with homeowners. This means that any more sanding from that point on can be the final one with few options to consider. For the last 35 years, most of my work has been on old floors and I think I can provide you some insight.

What do you look for?

These two pictures help explain some warning signs. Most floors are tongue and groove and fit together like a puzzle and are secured to the subfloor with hidden nails. After repeated sanding, you will begin to see the nail heads as in the photo at left. The shiny objects above the pencil are nail heads. Continued loss of wood will eventually lead to splitting as in the photo at right. Needless to say, this is what I call a high risk floor.

What are your alternatives?

An excellent option to avoid sanding wood floors refinished within the last 25-30 years is recoating. Recoating is basically a cosmetic procedure that involves a thorough cleaning and prep before applying finish to the surface. As long as the floor has never been waxed with paste or acrylic waxes, it should be a candidate. Many contractors offer a “screen and recoat” as an option but this has a higher risk than using safe and environmentally responsible cleaners to prep the floor prior to applying new finish. I recommend this approach along with two applications of waterborne polyurethane for the best results.

If sanding is the only option on an old floor, homeowners better check out their flooring contractor carefully. You want to make sure the contractor has extensive experience working on older, at risk floors. Turning a crew loose in an old house that is accustomed to sanding new wood floors can be an expensive and heartbreaking lesson. Experienced flooring contractors avoid excessively coarse sanding, which removes more wood than old finish, and often have secondary sanders for the fine sanding. They understand the risk of removing too much wood and know how to avoid this costly mistake. This approach will usually require more time, patience and is more costly. But compared to replacing a ruined floor, it is a bargain.

As any real estate agent will tell you, a wood floor is a very valuable asset to an old home. You want to enjoy it and benefit from its enhancing the beauty and value of your home. Treat it like the investment that it is and you avoid a lot of problems.

(Michael Purser is owner of the Rosebud Co. and has been a wood flooring contractor in the older neighborhoods of Atlanta since 1973. For more information about Rosebud Co., visit www.rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment December 13th, 2008

CARING FOR WOOD FLOORS: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

With the economic instability we are currently experiencing, homeowners are showing an interest in alternative approaches to refurbishing and caring for their wood floors. Recoating is proving itself as a high value an economically practical option. This is an ideal way of upgrading the look and value of your home without the chaos or traditional refinishing. It is environmentally responsible, dustless and has a very rapid turn around time. Compatible with fully occupied house and families with active lifestyles recoating has proven itself to be very successful in “staging� homes for resell. It is also ideal for engineered or prefinished floors with tough original factory applied coatings that are in bad need of repair. Recoating is the perfect complement to Rosebud Co.’s services that preserve and protect floors without sacrificing excessive amounts of wood.

Add comment January 31st, 2008

ENGINEERED OPTIONS

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

Engineered wood flooring is the hottest and fastest growing segment of the wood flooring industry. Formerly called “prefinished�, this rapidly expanding selection is not only large, it can be confusing and intimidating to wade into if you don’t know what to look for. Let me highlight a few differences, point out some of the pluses/minuses and give you a sense of direction before you head into a showroom.

Categories

Engineered wood floors usually come in three varieties; solid, veneer and laminate. The solid is just that; a solid piece that has all the stain and/or finish already applied to the surface. The veneer is a thin layer (from 1/32nd of an inch all the way to 3/8 of an inch) of any one of a variety of species of wood that is over a plywood-like surface. The plywood-like surface is called the “core� and has layers of alternating direction plys that give the whole piece very good stability in terms of warping, shrinking or expanding. Laminated products are typically a photographic reproduction of wood on a high density fiber (HDF) backing. It will have the thinnest wear layer of the three categories.

Pluses

There are a multitude of pluses with engineered flooring. First and foremost is that the majority only require installation. There is no sanding or finishing involved. This eliminates the time needed to install a regular wood floor, sand and finish it and then have the coatings dry and cure. It also eliminates the collateral side effects; most notably the dust and vapors of the sanding and the finish.

Another big bonus is that products mounted on the plywood like “core� have far more stability than a solid piece of flooring material. This enhanced stability means that the wood if far less likely to expand and contract resulting in warping, cracking, splitting, cupping or buckling of the product. This would be a prime consideration where there was any moisture or heat related issue that might affect the wood. Basements, concrete slabs, kitchens and radiant heating are just a few instances where the directional stability of the wood will be critical over extended periods of time. You should also be mindful of homes that are occupied seasonally (vacation homes, second homes) as the interior environment might not be as stable as it should be.

Another factor to consider is that engineered products offer a wide variety of stains, finishes and milling options to select from. Finishes and stains applied in the controlled environment of a factory are usually very color stable, tough and very durable. This translates into very good quality control and often eliminates problems that would occur from on site sanding and finishing.

Minuses

One primary concern with engineered floors has to do with sanding or refurbishing them after extended use and wear. The number of times it can be sanded will depend on the thickness of the wear layer. Industry experts suggest that you remove 1/32nd of wood per sanding. With over 35 years experience in this work, I strongly disagree. You might remove 1/32nd under lab conditions but that is rarely how it is done in real life. If you are looking at a wood floor as a permanent fixture of the house and anticipate it will need to be refinished, I recommend no less than one sixteenth of an inch (or 1.5 mm) in thickness. You cannot assume that the floor is going to be perfectly flat or that the super hard finishes will sand off easily — they don’t. And due to height variations and a much more aggressive sanding, you can rest assured you will be losing more than you would in a lab situation.

Options

As far as refurbishing the surface, the news is very good. And by refurbishing I mean restoring luster to the surface after years of wear. Recoating an engineered product has been made easier due to a couple of manufacturers who produce bonding agents to be used in preparing the floors for recoating. These bonding agents are an absolute must for the super hard finishes that are factory applied. Conventional screening of the floors is not enough to create a good bond between the old finish and the new finish going down. What this translates into is that recoating an engineered product with a surface coating can be done but it better be done properly or it will fail. Basic Coatings and BonaKemi are the only two manufacturers of cleaners and prepping materials that include a bonding agent. Basic Coating’s product is called TyKote and BonaKemi’s product is called Prep. You would be penny wise and pound foolish to try and skip either of these company’s tried and testing recoating systems.

Anyone who is looking for what guidance or advice to follow in looking selecting an engineered flooring product need only consider this; your wood floor is one of the most permanent and valuable surfaces in your house. Treat it like the investment it is and you will rarely make any mistakes. I have worked in houses well over a hundred years old and the wood floors are often the only original surface still intact. That is a remarkable thing to consider. Don’t try and cut corners and do your homework. There are remarkable investments out there and it is just a matte doing the due diligence to get what you want.

Add comment July 21st, 2007

UNDERSTANDING WATERBORNE POLYURETHANES

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

The last 20 years have seen some dramatic changes in products for finishing wood floors. At the top of this list are waterborne polyurethanes. These finishes provide superior performance, are easily maintained and provide homeowners better options than ever before. For these reasons, I am recommending and using waterborne urethanes over all my work. It has been on my own floors for over ten years and I wouldn’t consider any other product.

Many homeowners have either never heard of this product or have gotten mixed messages about its quality. Let me give you a little background information.

What originally caught my attention about waterborne urethanes was the performance I saw on my own kitchen floors when my daughter (now a teenager) was about 18 months old. It took everything she threw and poured on it and proved to be very easy to clean and renew. As I began using waterborne finishes in more demanding situations (kitchens, breakfast rooms, houses with young children, pets, etc.) I continued to be very impressed by the products performance. The list of benefits is long and is getting longer:

• More durability and the ability to hide abrasion.
• Specific cleaning products making maintenance and care easier.
• Color stability to reduce ambering and discoloration.
• Faster drying and curing times. Projects are completed much quicker.
• User friendly solvents to avoid the choking and annoying vapors of mineral spirits, alcohol and toluene. This not only makes for a more tolerable work site, it also eliminates environmental and physically hazardous vapors, odors and flammable products.
• The ability to recoat over itself and other coatings if necessary after extended use.

As enthusiastic as I am about waterborne urethanes, my feelings are not shared by all of my competitors. Waterbornes are difficult to work with, expensive and mistakes are difficult to correct. A lot of contractors simply don’t want to pay $90/gallon for a product they don’t feel comfortable working with. I can appreciate that but I can also identify with a homeowner who wants to gain the benefits waterborne products offer. I mentioned that I have waterborne on my own floors and I also go back and check to see how well it is holding up on older work where I used it. I have no qualms about recommending it and will be happy to put you in touch with satisfied clients who are experiencing the benefits of these superior coatings.

***

(Since 1973, Michael Purser has been the owner of Rosebud Co. When people ask him how he ended up in the wood flooring business, he tells them he is a product of genetic engineering. His father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C., started in the business in 1946. So, like his two brothers, he grew up around the trade. Originally from Charlotte, Michael grew up around the wood flooring trade and started his own company in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. These 100+ year old homes had been neglected and abused for decades and became the focal point of the rebirth of Atlanta’s old and original tree lined suburbs His interest in older homes prompted him to research and write about traditional methods and products used in refinishing wood floors over the ages. He has gone on to write articles, papers and make presentations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Association for Preservation Technology, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other preservation groups. He has also become involved with contemporary wood floor products and materials and has written extensively for Fine Homebuilding and The Journal of Light Construction. He has continued to work in the preservation field and has pioneered Passive Refinishing®, a unique process that allows for the restoration of wood floors without sanding. More information is available about Michael and Rosebud Co. on the internet at www.rosebudfloors.com, or you may contact him directly at mpurser@rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment July 1st, 2007

TOO FAR GONE

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

If you are a wood floor contractor and working on an older home you get accustomed to a frequently asked question: “How many more times can my floor be sanded?� Thirty years ago, the question might not have been considered too important. That is not the case today. With the increased popularity of wood floors and how much they appreciate the value of a home, homeowners are going to greater lengths to keep their floors in top notch shape. And this is taking a toll.

When do you know?

Add comment June 18th, 2007

SPECIAL EVENTS PROTECTION FOR YOUR FLOORS

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

It is not unusual for a private residence to assume a role or be exposed to conditions it is not ordinarily meant to endure. Wedding receptions, open houses or cameo appearances involving throngs of people and professionals can present some real challenges. These events can and should be a source of good memories and fun, not a time when you experience frustration and duress.

Add comment June 15th, 2007

WHAT ABOUT WOODEN FLOORS FADING FROM THE SUN?

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

Question: I have a hardwood floor that I had to re-sand after only seven years because the stain faded from the sun. I was hoping to re-stain it with a product that could withstand direct sun. Do you have any recommendations?

Answer: In talking with various manufacturers of stains, finishes and other industry experts, it is clear that the problem of color degradation from exposure to direct sunlight does not have one single answer. The best course to follow involves a series of steps and actions in addressing this complex issue because sunlight is not the only cause of the fading and discoloration. Color deterioration in wood floors occurs from three sources: UV exposure, heat and moisture.

Manufacturers of stains and coatings were very clear that their products are not capable of stopping the fading. It is true that stains with pigments (as opposed to dyes) and finishes with UV inhibitors will slow the process down but the manufacturers emphasized the word “slow� and made no claims of stopping the problem.

You do have some other options available that will further slow the deterioration. If you are building a new house or adding on and have any input in the selection of new windows, you would be wise to consider Low E glass windows. There will be a broad selection but the bottom line is that this type of window will help reduce the two components of sunlight that are the most destructive — UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared). The UV will be the light that bleaches the floor and the IR is where the heat comes from. Too much of either and no finish or stain on the market will stand up to it.

If you have to work with older existing windows, you have the option of looking into a variety of window films. These thin, multi-layered film products are applied to the inside of a window to help do what Low E windows have built into them. I have seen them applied to the windows of historic properties where protecting wood floors, old rugs and expensive fabrics were a high priority. They may not be as affective as Low E windows but they beat the heck out of nothing.

Finally, let’s go for the low tech solution and just use window coverings. Drapes, shutters or blinds may not be what you had in mind when you bought or built the home but this is an approach previous generations put to good use. And when you weigh it against the alternatives (in this case the homeowner refinished his floors) it can be a good bit cheaper!

Sunlight is known to be very destructive to many interior surfaces. And with the increasing popularity of how large decorative windows look from the outside and the view they provide for those on the inside, the issues will continue. I hope the content of my answer shows you that little can be done by treating the various surfaces. The focus should be on where the light in entering the room and how to reduce its intensity.

***

(Since 1973, Michael Purser has been the owner of Rosebud Co. When people ask him how he ended up in the wood flooring business, he tells them he is a product of genetic engineering. His father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C., started in the business in 1946. So, like his two brothers, he grew up around the trade. Originally from Charlotte, Michael grew up around the wood flooring trade and started his own company in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. These 100+ year old homes had been neglected and abused for decades and became the focal point of the rebirth of Atlanta’s old and original tree lined suburbs His interest in older homes prompted him to research and write about traditional methods and products used in refinishing wood floors over the ages. He has gone on to write articles, papers and make presentations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Association for Preservation Technology, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other preservation groups. He has also become involved with contemporary wood floor products and materials and has written extensively for Fine Homebuilding and The Journal of Light Construction. He has continued to work in the preservation field and has pioneered Passive Refinishing®, a unique process that allows for the restoration of wood floors without sanding. More information is available about Michael and Rosebud Co. on the internet at www.rosebudfloors.com, or you may contact him directly at mpurser@rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment October 28th, 2006

THE VALUE OF CLEAN AND GREEN

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

There is little doubt that wood floors in residential houses are the most highly prized material ever put under our feet or furniture. Ask any realtor or look at any real estate advertising and it is clear that wood floors increase the value of a home and facilitate its sale. Simply put, this flooring material is an asset to have in your home.

At the same time, one of the most dreaded acts any homeowner may venture into is wood floor refinishing. Dusty, smelly, dirty, vapors, disruptive, displaced, and inconvenient are just a few choice words that come naturally when homeowners describe the process. They said it enough that some manufacturers actually listened and decided to offer some reasonable alternatives. The areas that they focused on were dust and noxious fumes. Because the majority of our work is in occupied houses or facilities where excessive dust and vapors are not tolerated, the Rosebud Co. invested in the equipment, training and materials to dramatically reduce these troublesome byproducts of wood floor refinishing.

Dust Containment

Let’s cut to the chase; wood dust is a known carcinogen. Whether you have constant exposure or, like a homeowner, have casual contact, you are better off avoiding it all together. It is also the source of complaints and problems that occur on most worksites. Using enhanced vacuum systems, we have reduced dust to the point it no longer is an issue on our worksites. We have chosen to go with a mobile system and our clients have been stunned at how clean our work is. We do not claim a 100% dustless operation and you should be suspicious of anyone who does. What we will give you is a clean, safe worksite.

Environmentally Responsible Finishes

For the last 10 years, Rosebud Co. has offered our clients the finest in waterborne polyurethanes. Tough, durable and more easily maintained than any other products, waterborne polyurethanes are the finishes of the future and they are available now. These environmentally responsible coatings rid the work site of noxious fumes and hazardous vapors. We also use stains with lower VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that also improve the jobsite environment. With incredible fast drying and curing times, work can be completed quicker and floors can be back in service sooner.

Homeowners should never pay more unless they are getting more and in this case, you are getting a good return on your investment:
· Enhanced dust containment facilitates work in occupied and furnished homes.
· Removing dust eliminates the primary source of complaints & problems.
· Waterborne products offer superior durability, protection and are more easily maintained.
· Faster drying and curing times reduces the down time.
· By eliminating hazardous vapors and fumes, homeowners do not have to vacate while work is in progress.
· Waterborne finishes provide a healthier work environment and remove a highly flammable material from the work place.

For those with doubts, please visit the growing list of satisfied clients and their comments on our website.

(Since 1973, Michael Purser has been the owner of Rosebud Co. When people ask him how he ended up in the wood flooring business, he tells them he is a product of genetic engineering. His father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C., started in the business in 1946. So, like his two brothers, he grew up around the trade. Originally from Charlotte, Michael grew up around the wood flooring trade and started his own company in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. These 100+ year old homes had been neglected and abused for decades and became the focal point of the rebirth of Atlanta’s old and original tree lined suburbs His interest in older homes prompted him to research and write about traditional methods and products used in refinishing wood floors over the ages. He has gone on to write articles, papers and make presentations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Association for Preservation Technology, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other preservation groups. He has also become involved with contemporary wood floor products and materials and has written extensively for Fine Homebuilding and The Journal of Light Construction. He has continued to work in the preservation field and has pioneered Passive Refinishing®, a unique process that allows for the restoration of wood floors without sanding. More information is available about Michael and Rosebud Co. on the internet at www.rosebudfloors.com, or you may contact him directly at mpurser@rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment June 6th, 2006

COOKING WITH WOOD

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

For some people, when it comes to putting wood floors in a kitchen, the jury is still out. For me and a lot of other folks, it is a no-brainer. To better understand why wood has emerged as such a practical alternative and deal with some of the myths and facts, it may help to understand some of the reasons behind this trend.

Improved Finishes

There have been dramatic improvements in the quality of the finishes. In particular, waterborne polyurethanes are proving to be more durable and easily maintained than any finish we have ever seen. When I first evaluated waterborne finishes, it was on my own kitchen floors some 15 years ago. I took away the “splat matâ€? under my daughter’s high chair and let her spill and throw as much food as she liked on the floor. When I saw how well the finish held up and how easy it was to clean, it was a no-brainer.

Improved Care and Maintenance

Perhaps the biggest issue with any flooring material used in a kitchen is how to care and maintain the surface. Regardless of how decorative the surface may be, the inability to clean and maintain the surface usually trumps all concerns. There have been some dramatic improvements in cleaning products and we have the manufacturers of waterborne finishes to thank. The products eliminate any homegrown cleaning formula and any question about damp mopping the floors. The cleaning kits that are available from BonaKemi & Basic Coatings are simple to use and replenishing your stock of cleaning products is a snap. Along with the improvements in finishes, the improvement in cleaning products has made all the difference in the world.

Design Options

Have you ever tried to change the color of linoleum, or a ceramic tile?  It is not an option, so you better choose the colors carefully.  On the other hand, with a wood floor you just sand and stain to whatever color you want.  The selection of the various specie of wood that is available is now in the dozens.  Area rugs and floor cloths only add to the color and décor of the room.  Decorators and designers have quickly seen these options and this is a driving force behind the move to wood in the kitchen.
Comfort Zone

Long ago, manufacturers found out that employees who worked on a wood floor as opposed to concrete or stone suffered less back pain.  Wood is a better shock absorber than most floor products and this translates into a more comfortable surface to work on.  If your kitchen is like everyone else’s, it is the nerve center and where most families gather to interact and work.  Lower back pain may not be a problem with your children but how does your back feel at the end of the day?

Engineered and Pre-finished

Manufacturers have caught on and the number of engineered floor products has skyrocketed.  The selection of colors, specie, widths and finish options has never been so varied.  A surface that had often only presented a maintenance challenge now has the potential for making a bold design statement and contribution to the most active and heavily used room in the home.

Value

-Wood floors in kitchens really bring out the best in this regal material.  Practical and utilitarian, it provides you with more options than any product ever offered.  The care and maintenance of the surface is as simple as it has ever been.  And the option to refurbish and recoat extends the life of the floor indefinitely.  Do you and your house a favor and explore the options “Cooking with Wood� can bring to your home.

(Since 1973, Michael Purser has been the owner of Rosebud Co. When people ask him how he ended up in the wood flooring business, he tells them he is a product of genetic engineering. His father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C., started in the business in 1946. So, like his two brothers, he grew up around the trade. Originally from Charlotte, Michael grew up around the wood flooring trade and started his own company in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. These 100+ year old homes had been neglected and abused for decades and became the focal point of the rebirth of Atlanta’s old and original tree lined suburbs His interest in older homes prompted him to research and write about traditional methods and products used in refinishing wood floors over the ages. He has gone on to write articles, papers and make presentations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Association for Preservation Technology, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other preservation groups. He has also become involved with contemporary wood floor products and materials and has written extensively for Fine Homebuilding and The Journal of Light Construction. He has continued to work in the preservation field and has pioneered Passive Refinishing®, a unique process that allows for the restoration of wood floors without sanding. More information is available about Michael and Rosebud Co. on the internet at www.rosebudfloors.com, or you may contact him directly at mpurser@rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment May 18th, 2006

CLAWS ON A FLOOR

By Michael Purser
Rosebud Co.

As someone that has had a plethora of pets over his lifetime, I think I understand the challenges of domestic pets and hardwood floors as well as anyone. I wanted to share my views and information I have collected to enable you to enjoy your pets and protect your floors.

Scratches & Indentations

Take the weight of the dog, put it all on the sharp points of contact of his/her nails, toss in a bundle of energy and you have a critter that is going to leave marks. The first thing I did with Jessie was to take her to obedience school. If the dog understands that running through the house is unacceptable and as long as you don’t promote it by heaving a tennis ball around, the problem diminishes. Don’t waste your time thinking the problem is the finish. It is the animal and their behavior. Treat the problem, not the symptom. Too many people have told me this is the better option. I did it with our dog and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

Animal urine

Over my 33+ years in wood floor work, I have seen more damage to wood floors from animal urine than termites, fire and water - combined. Animal urine contains ammonia nitrate and this powerful chemical will permanently turn an oak floor dark very quickly. If you notice puddles on a floor after your pet has been in the room, get it up quickly. Cats are the most chronic offender. They have a tendency to mark a spot and then they repeat the action. The degree of damage is greatly exacerbated by wall to wall carpeting or area rugs. The urine is trapped in the material and will be held in direct contact for prolonged periods of time. I don’t recommend bleaching the floors since this can structurally weaken the wood. I typically remove and replace the damaged wood. If a pet doesn’t have the option of going outdoors to relieve themselves, then you need to provide them the facilities. Kitty litters are mandatory. For a dog, you may need to contain them in a room without wood floors or carpeting. Several homeowners have relied on their laundry rooms. Aging pets usually compound the situation and I would say take the precautions I have already mentioned and consult your vet for other options.

Dirt, debris and hair

With animals, these are all natural byproducts. I always recommend that you have a runner that your pets (and people!) have to walk over when they come in the house. Since dogs tend to carry in dirt in their fur, go to your local pet store and get a pad or pillow that they will head to and have a dog biscuit on it waiting for them when they come inside. Make sure it is conveniently located and be prepared to either wash it or toss it and replace it when you can’t stand the sight or smell of it. You will also be doing more cleaning. Vacuuming is still your best method of cleaning. Most contemporary finishes (primarily polyurethane) can be damp mopped. Make sure you have the proper cleaners and equipment and have at it!

Always remember that even though your pet makes great company and doesn’t talk back when you talk to them, they’re still animals. Get them outdoors as often as possible. They love it. Encourage good indoor behavior with positive reinforcement. A simple food treat can do wonders. And take pictures of them whenever possible!

***

(Since 1973, Michael Purser has been the owner of Rosebud Co. When people ask him how he ended up in the wood flooring business, he tells them he is a product of genetic engineering. His father, William B. Purser of Charlotte, N.C., started in the business in 1946. So, like his two brothers, he grew up around the trade. Originally from Charlotte, Michael grew up around the wood flooring trade and started his own company in Inman Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest inner city neighborhoods. These 100+ year old homes had been neglected and abused for decades and became the focal point of the rebirth of Atlanta’s old and original tree lined suburbs His interest in older homes prompted him to research and write about traditional methods and products used in refinishing wood floors over the ages. He has gone on to write articles, papers and make presentations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Association for Preservation Technology, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and other preservation groups. He has also become involved with contemporary wood floor products and materials and has written extensively for Fine Homebuilding and The Journal of Light Construction. He has continued to work in the preservation field and has pioneered Passive Refinishing®, a unique process that allows for the restoration of wood floors without sanding. More information is available about Michael and Rosebud Co. on the internet at www.rosebudfloors.com, or you may contact him directly at mpurser@rosebudfloors.com.)

Add comment May 12th, 2006