What You Should Know About Australian Cypress Hardwood Flooring
For clients wanting a light-colored floor, Australian Cypress is a great option. It's softwood with dark knots that appear naturally throughout the wood and that doesn't darken as much as some other species when exposed to light. Only Australian Cypress is more demanding than Red Oak. Cypress Pine is another name for this tree. This severely knotted softwood flooring material is often known as cypress pine. It gives rooms a rustic charm and is a popular choice for restaurants, cabins, and other interior spaces that require extra visual character.
Australian cypress is graded at 1,375 on the Janka Wood Hardness Scale. It comes in different colors ranging from cream and honey to deep amber, with irregularly scattered dark brown or black knots. Even though it is legally classed as softwood, it is harder than American red oak and can last with proper care. When finishing Australian cypress, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Sanding
The high resin concentration of Australian cypress wood floors contributes to the wood's pleasant, refreshing fragrance. This glue may extrude through the grain of the wood, mainly if knots are present. To avoid the formation of wood resin on the sandpaper, the Australian cypress should be sanded with sandpaper that is changed frequently. Also, avoid sanding so hard that the resins in the wood are heated and released. More sanding will be necessary to remove the resins if they are redistributed across the surface. Begin with a coarse grit of paper to efficiently cut the wood, then progress to finer grits to obtain a smooth surface. Sandpaper more exemplary than 120 grit should not be used. Set a 45-degree angle of Sanding the grain because many knots in each plank are tougher than the surrounding clear wood.
Sealing
Oil-based wood sealers and finishes may not adhere correctly to Australian cypress, especially around knots, where the oil-based finish may remain tacky rather than cure. One option for the initial coat after sanding is a single-component, water-based sealer intended for general wood sealing and applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations. On the other hand, some commercially available finishes include a sealer and can be applied straight after sanding, eliminating the need for a separate sealer.
Finishing
Apply a hardwood-floor-specific water-based acrylic and polyurethane finish. Brush, roller, or T-bar applicators can be used to apply these finishes. On top of the sealer, apply three consistent coats, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. In 24 hours, avoid applying more than two coats. Between applications, softly sand with mesh sanding screens to create a smoother surface. The last coat that is applied after the sealer has dried for 24 hours, heavy furniture can be cautiously placed in the room; however, allow the finish to cure for eight to 14 days before putting rugs or carpets on the floor or allowing heavy foot activity.
Maintenance
Dust mop regularly to remove grit that dulls the finish, and damp mop as needed to remove the filth. Furniture legs should be protected and secured with felt or rubber pads, and high-heeled shoes should be avoided. In indoor circumstances with relative humidity between 35 and 55 percent, Australian cypress retains optimal dimensional stability like most wood floors.
Both home and commercial environments can benefit from Australian Cypress hardwood flooring. You can use it in almost any part of the house; however, it is not recommended for use in bathrooms, kitchens, or other locations where there may be standing water. The flooring can be used in any room of a home or business where the character and color of the floor will complement the decor. This wood is especially beneficial in locations where termite damage is an issue. The finish, like other hardwood floors, defines how to properly care for and maintain it. Clean with a cotton mop regularly, and use rugs and mats around doorways and in high-traffic areas. Spills should be cleaned up right away, and high-heeled shoes should not be worn on the floor. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the floor finish.
