Redwood is used mainly for paneling, cladding, decking and fencing. Redwood is used regardless of if the house is new or old (repairs, renovation etc) which means that the demand remains constant. "prices for recent sales of redwood logs have held longer at previous levels than prices for other logs." (quote from http://www.nzredwood.co.nz/redwood-uses-and-markets/) It's beautiful deep red colour makes this wood more of a display/decorative wood than other kinds. (Known as an 'appearance wood'.)
Redwood has low shrinkage/expansion rates, warping or checking rates which makes it perfect for decking and outdoor joinery. Redwood also has a natural durability to insect attacks and decay which means treatments and replacement is not needed in some cases, although a finish is recommended. Redwood is very porous and holds very little resin so it can absorb a wide range of finishes and retain them better than most other woods, which make this wood very easy to care for.
There is unsatisfied demand amongst Europe, the Eastern states and Asia for redwood as there are very few redwoods planted outside of their natural range. New Zealand however has one of the few planting grounds outside of the range, which makes our supply very valuable.
Fur is a very versatile material but is often only used for
statement pieces such as rugs or throws. There are many kinds of fur ranging
from Faux fur, made of synthetic materials, to fox or beaver fur, often having multiple skins being sewn together to make rugs.
The photographed rug is made of fox fur and is among the most popular furs.
Faux fur has become popular in the last few years and is very cheap in comparison but often it is not as insulating as real fur and looks quite obviously fake.
Fur is perfect for blankets or rugs as it is a great thermal
insulator so can hold heat for a long time but is also labour intensive so can
be walked on, rubbed, washed or moved many times before it is damaged.
Fur can be dyed or bought in virtually any colour so will
suit almost any environment. Being one of the softest materials used to
decorate interior spaces, fur is seen to be very luxurious and expensive.
Natural fox fur rugs (such as the one pictured below) sell for around $5,000 whereas
sheepskin rugs sell at around $200 and synthetic (or faux fur) rugs sell at $100-$200.
Carpet is commonly used in houses, hotels and inside most of the buildings. It is cheaper to install the carpet yourselves. If you want to install the carpet, first you have to consider the weather on the day you want to install it. This is very important because the carpet will ruin if you leave it uncovered on a rainy or snowy day. You have to install the carpet only after painting the wall. The paint should be totally dry. This is because there's a possibility that the paint will drop on it. You have to remove the old carpet and clean the floor so that it is easier for you to install it. Then you put the carpet padding underneath it so that the carpet will be even and looks nice.
There are a few advantages of using carpets compared to other textiles. First, it is comfortable and warm. Carpet adds insulation in the buildings. The heat from the carpet would save the energy cost. This is one of the main reasons why most people choose carpet over other textiles. Carpet installation is easier and less time consuming. It is very useful for soundproofing. It also got lots of varieties of colors and patterns that you can choose! This is very good for decorating and enhance the look with its styles and designs of carpeting.
There's also some disadvantages of carpet. It can trap dirt, dust, bugs and bacteria. It s not suitable for people with allergy or asthma. It also difficult to remove stain or smell from the carpet.
In this task I had to create colour schemes that included wooden floor boards.
Personally I find wooden floors can be very over-powering and I dislike the golden glow that shines off particular woods.
For my first colour scheme I took the golden floor boards and tried to create a design that captured your attention so that you weren't drawn to the intense glow of the wood. I used a split complementary colour scheme, the red-orange of the chair grabs your attention and the highlight of teal creates a really fresh look with the wooden floor panels.
In this scheme I have chosen a wooden floor paneling with a dark finish. This gives the room more depth and I personally think this gives the wood a richer, more natural look.
I have added the orange couch to give the room some colour to brighten it up. For this design I have gone with a Triad colour scheme, the orange couch, purple wall paper and the tints of green in the wooden panels create an overall sophisticated and elegant aesthetic.
I took on the challenge of incorporating my two least favourite colours; yellow and grey - which is also my least favourite colour combination, into a scheme I could handle.
I used this photo for inspiration; the two-tone yellow was aesthetically pleasing, it also incorporated a neutral tone, and a piece of dark furniture, something I found pleasing. It took away the harshness of a space which could look very clinical with the white planes. I took this as a method to tone down the vibrant yellow, as well as livening a space
I first tried a split complementary scheme; purple complementing the blue, complementing the yellow. I also incorporated a dark grey wallpaper, which is not a solid grey to ground the vibrant colours. This makes the yellow a feature, making the space pop.
My final scheme is a dark purple couch and wall planes, light blue chair and a light yellow rug. I found this reversed the colours of my inspirational picture, using dark colours to frame a colour. The yellow in this space enhances the space, leaving it feel less harsh and dark.
Stainless steel is a material used in many different environments, from surgical theaters to domestic and commercial kitchens. The popularity of the material is due to it's durability, sterility and aesthetics.
It is formed from the combination of steel and chromium, creating an alloy which instead of rusting, reacts with oxygen to form a transparent layer of chromium oxide, protecting the metal from chemicals and further corrosion. In this way, the material is self healing, and requires no other sealant. When the surface is scratched, the oxidizing process will naturally occur in the presence of oxygen, resealing the metal surface. A video of the production process can be viewed here.
The impenetrable nature of the metal makes it ideal in strictly hygienic environments, such as hospital, and in the preparation of food, as it has a uniform, non-porous surface which will not harbor bacteria and can be easily sterilized.
When processed as thin sheets, stainless steel is easy to cut, weld and is malleable to form curves and bends. This allows companies such as Mercer from Christchurch NZ, to create custom benches and equipment for factory, medical and domestic use. Benches especially, can be measured, cut and quickly bent relatively quickly, demonstrated well in a video from American company Tigpro.
Stainless steel bench tops are typically installed on either cabinetry units with a wooden frame, or welded onto it's own free standing stainless steel frame. New Zealand has many competitive companies, such as CNS which have a variety of textures, patterns as colours available. Colour can be added to stainless steel in it's molten form, therefore within the material and will not wear off or fade. The most popular finish for Kitchen benches and appliances is a brushed silver and highly reflective.
Coloured stainless steel as a facade on the Westfield Doncaster, Melborne Australia
Though a very tough material, stainless steel should be maintain and cleaned correctly to retain its quality. The use of corrosive or scrubbing chemicals can damage the surface texture and could corrode the metal before it can reseal. The use of steel wool is particularly to be avoided, as particles can lodge in the metal and cause iron oxide(rust) staining to occur.
Other equipment used on the surface can also cause scratching. With brushed stainless steel, light scratches can be removed by sanding in the direction of the grain and there are informative tutorials available.
For the maintenance of stainless steel surfaces, CNS has these recommendations on their website:
"Dirt and grease accumulate over time from many
sources. This can be easily removed by routinely cleaning with warm,
soapy water, followed by rinsing with warm, clean water, and finish by
wiping dry with a clean, absorbent cloth. One your stainless benches,
never use abrasive cleaners, as nearly all of these will scratch the
bright polished stainless steel surface.
........ For textured
surfaces, a nylon bristled brush will remove any dirt and grime which
may accumulate in the valleys of the textured finish. If marks such as
fingerprints are a problem, a light surface coating of baby oil, clear
silicone wax polish or furniture polish such as Neopol will help
prevent reoccurrence of this on your stainless benches."
Though stainless steel is itself resistant to high temperatures, putting hot objects such as pots onto a stainless steel surface can ruin the integrity of the adhesive below, depending on the mounting system. Most commercial benches will be purpose built to withstand hot cooking utensils, but this should be checked with the manufacturer and the warranty. Another consideration to be aware of is the variety of different grades and alloys of stainless steel that exist, some being more durable and more suited to particular environments and uses.
On top of its long durability, one of the greatest advantages of stainless steel is that the material is 100% recyclable. Requiring no finishes or additions, the metal alloy can be melted and reused infinitely, minimizing landfill waste.
Stainless steel can be expensive, with most standard bench sizes costing $1000+ however they typically have a very long life and can be sold for reuse or recycling.
Corrugated iron is sheet iron that has been folded to
created bends that increase the strength and rigidity of the metal. The sheets
are put through a hydraulic press that moulds the sheets into the required
shape.
Corrugated iron has been a very important material in the
development of New Zealand building. It was first introduced into New Zealand
over 150 years ago. Corrugated iron is usually galvanised (both sided treated
with zinc) which helps to prevent it rusting, which is good for New Zealand as
we are surrounded by sea. It was first used in New Zealand during the gold rush
period as buildings were needed to house people but they wanted easy and cheap
materials to construct the shelters. Corrugated iron was perfect for this as it
is lightweight which makes easy to work with and is weatherproof. Since then Corrugated
iron has often been used in rural settings as it wasn’t too heavy to carry out
to the farms (they didn’t have helicopters back then) and it could easily be
re-used on other buildings.
From the early 20th century it has mainly been
used as a roofing material. Though Corrugated iron is staring to interest
designers as well; it not only does it come in a range of colours but is also
staring to be used as an interior feature, such as sculpture or a digitally
printed surface.
New Zealand Sculpture Gumboot 2000 By Jeff Thomson
In construction terms corrugated iron has many uses, such as
roofing, wall panelling, base for laying concrete and water tanks.
It can be very noisy depending on the weather conditions, when
there is heavy rain, hail or snow this can be very loud on the metal surface.
Also, if it is not securely fixed to the structure it will flap in the wind as
separate sheets are light weight. Domestically blanket insulation is often used
under corrugated iron to help with sound control, as well as temperature and
reducing condensation. When designing the building you have to take into
account that metal is a very heavy material on mass and depending on the size
and thickness of the corrugated iron, the buildings structure has to be strong
enough to support the roof.
A kit home designed by a small company, Ral Homes.
Corrugated iron is usually galvanised, which means it is
treated with zinc to stop the metal from rusting, it is an anti-corrosion seal.
It is the best kind of roofing to use in places with extreme weather
conditions; it holds up against intense sun, heavy rain and even hail storms.
It is often used in hurricane prone areas as it isn’t damaged by the strong
winds. It is one of the most fire resistant of all roofing materials on the
market.
Corrugated iron has a life expectancy of 50 years, as long
as it is treated correctly and properly installed. It should be cleaned
regularly, depending on the environmental factors the amount of cleaning may
need to be increased. If you live by the sea corrosion will be an influential
factor, make sure you have galvanised iron, therefore the zinc will be corroded
and not the iron. To decrease the rate of corrosion there are sealants that you
can apply to the roof to increase its durability.
It is attached using screws and when being laid out on the
roof the valley of the corrugations should always be vertical, therefore the
rain will be able to run down into the gutters. When over lapping the sheets,
the standard over lapping is 1.5 corrugations, that way it will stop water from
entering and create a weatherproof seal. You must also be careful not to
stretch or damage the material as this will influence the weather resistant
properties. You can find more installation tips at- http://stratco.com.au/products/roofing_walling/types/corrugated/cgi.asp
At a building site corrugated iron is should stay dry and be
kept off the ground. If it does get wet, dry if off and leave it out in the
open to air, make sure it is dry when being used.
Corrugated iron is sold per lineal metre and the prices
change depending on the width of each corrugation, and the lengths that you
want it in. Depending on the amount you require, corrugated iron can be
delivered in sheets or in rolls of up to 10metres.
I got a quote from www.roof.co.nz
and for their 0.40 Corrugated iron Galvanised 762 it was $14.85 per lineal
metre + GST.
Corrugated cardboard is a cellulosic fibre
made from recycled materials. Other materials that are often put into the mix
are sawdust and bark pulp. Cardboard is a cheap and easily sourced
product, it is traditionally used for packaging but now is being sourced for
construction purposes.
Other uses are also in furniture manufacture, there
are particular lacquers that you can apply to the card to prevent scratches or
marks.
Frank O. Gehry’s corrugated cardboard, Wiggle Side Chair.
It is often used to construct temporary structures as it is quick
and easy to use and can be used as a form of insulation as it is good
for retaining heat. In Christchurch the Anglican Church is looking at building
a $4.1 million building from cardboard as temporary structure while they are
design the plan for their new church.
One of the limitations of using card, if it gets wet it will
get lose all rigidity and become soggy. Cardboard is a very absorbent material
and can soak up moisture or toxins in the atmosphere. Another restriction is if
it gets too hot it can potentially burst into flames, it is flammable and will
spread extremely fast. There are ways to treat the cardboard to make it weatherproof
and fire-resistant, including SafeCoat® Latex which is a sustainable coating
so that when the cardboard is finished being used it can still be recycled. http://www.materialproject.org/
Corrugated cardboard is a great absorber
of sounds and has high acoustic values. It has been used here as a sculptural
sound box, a space to listen to music. The properties of the card make it an
excellent atmosphere to enjoy the music.
When choosing the right kind of card for construction you need
to take into consideration that there are many different thicknesses and sizes
of corrugated cardboard. Cardboard comes in many different forms, it can be
flat packed or in rolls. To keep cardboard protected on a building site it
needs to be wrapped in plastic to keep it from absorbing moisture and off the
ground to keep clean.
Cardboard is really only a temporary option unless it is
treated to be weatherproof and fire resistant. It can be easily cut or marked
and if bent wrong, it can lose its strength. It cannot be cleaned with liquid
products, the only way would be to brush any dirt marks off. The most effective
method would be to replace the damaged or dirty area.
Cardboard can be installed in many different ways, you can
use the traditional construction methods, such as nails or screws, though less conventionally
cardboard can also be joint using adhesives like glue or sticking tape.
Concrete is an affordable,
hardwearing and easy to clean flooring option. Made from natural materials, it
has a unique characteristic, producing variable results. In an interior, concrete
flooring is most effective when it is positioned in a north facing location
with double glazed windows. This is due to its high thermal mass, soaking in
the heat during the day and releasing it in the evening, contributing to an
energy efficient home. Concrete can assist to improved allergy management, as
it does not harbour live organisms, such as dust mites. It also provides a high
fire resistance compared with other building materials. Concrete is ideal for flooring in
living spaces and kitchens. It can create a seamless indoor, outdoor flow and
cater for areas where non-slip is required. The acoustic performance of
concrete is dictated by its mass and damping qualities.
Concrete can be an adaptable
architectural material, as it can be coloured or stained, can be cut into
patterns (e.g. to look like tiles), different colour and sized aggregate can be
added and glass or crushed shells can be added to create a unique finish.
Peter Fell (www.peterfell.co.nz) are specialists in coloured concrete and offer a variety of options
when it comes to colouring and applying textures to interior concrete flooring.
With a selection of 80 colours, they offer a cost effective flooring finish
(approximately $50 per square metre). The colour pigment is mixed through the
concrete before being laid. This prevents a chipped or worn appearance.
Concrete is porous so can easily be
stained. During construction, concrete must be protected from staining and
marks with a polythene cover. After the concrete is cured (at least 28 days)
sealing can be applied. Sealers protect the concrete from staining, reduces the
risk of organic matter growing, reduces the transfer of moisture and stops
concrete dust occurring. It also adds a shine to the concrete, giving it a
vibrant look and preserves the colour. Due to iron oxides, the colour will not
fade. Sealing lasts around 3-5 years, depending on the area’s traffic and
exposure to sun. It requires little maintenance.
Allied Concrete (www.alliedconcrete.co.nz) have a
variety of high quality New Zealand river pebbles for use as exposed aggregate.
They have developed a range of colours to suit any home. Exposed aggregates
have become a popular choice for patios and paths. It is a durable and easy to
maintain option. Aggregates are natural products, so some colour variation will
occur depending on placement, weather and site conditions.
Allied Concrete also offers coloured
concrete options and READY Glow. READY Glow is a non-toxic, photo luminescent
aggregate. It is a unique flooring option, which uses powerful glow stones to
produce a long, bring glow. It is a self-powering, renewable light source.
Fifteen minutes of exposure to natural light will produce over 12 hours of glow
time. Stones are 19-25mm in size and come in Sky Blue and Yellow Green colours.
READY Glow can be applied to both indoor and outdoor areas, such as flooring,
stairs, walls, patios and more. READY Glow stones are sold per 100g.
Concrete has endless possibilities,
from decorative to structural. Because most foundations are made from concrete
there is no extra flooring cost other than its finishing.
For the most part leather furniture would not be considered practical for households with children. However now there are many degrees of treatment that the textile can undergo to make it fit any purpose.
Bycast leather has an artificial finish
Full grain leather has not been corrected by any means of sanding or buffing. Retaining the grain gives the hide strength and durability. Without any finishes smothering the fibres, the leather has breathability. Over time the surface with develop a patina, which is a natural sheen that comes with use.
Bycast leather is where the hide is split in thickness and a coat of polyurethane applied to the surface. An immitation grain is embossed in the polyurethane. The result is alot stronger than untreated hide, the texture is more consistent and it is easier to maintain. Such properties mean it is often considered an alternative furniture covering to cloth fabrics if small children are present.
Chair made with full grain leather
Top grain leather means the rawhide has been removed, leaving a thin layer of leather that receives a sand and a polish. This is the most common variety of treated leather for fine furniture.
Corrected grain leather are produced when the appearance of the leather does not meet the requirements. The imperfections are sanded off and an artificial grain is pressed into the hide.
Coloured leathers are increasingly sought after, and the range of colours is burgeoning. The structure of the grain means that the dying process is quite simple. An untreated hide will absorb the pigment easily and with the right finish, will retain the colour for a long time. Exposure to sunlight will fade the colour, but regular teatments will reduce the effect.
Depending of the process undergone by the hide, the cost of leather varies. Fullgrain leather requires the best quality hide because of how little it is treated. Whereas the bycast leather can be sourced from hide with imperfections and not affect the aesthetic. A sq.m of full grain cowhide will cost anywhere between $50 and $100. Low quality leather can cost between $10 and $50 per sq.m.
Bluestone is a natural stone which
is blue/grey in colour. It is a hard stone, making it very durable and long lasting.
Locally, Timaru Bluestone (http://www.timarubluestone.co.nz) offers a large variety of products and
finishes. Using the raw natural stone they manufacture Bluestone into paving, house
veneers, pool edging, tiles, architectural panels and much more. The unique
stone is unaffected by the weather and low maintenance is required. It is ideal
for high volume traffic areas due to its robust wear and tear qualities.
There are seven types of standard finishes available:
Brushed Polished – commonly used for tiles, vanities
and architectural panels. This finish should not be used when slip-resistance
is required.
Brush Honed – Generally used for internal
applications such as tiles, stair treads and vanities. This finish has an
acceptable slip-resistance (Co efficient of friction wet (AS/NZS 3661.1 1993) - 0.65).
First Brushed – This finish has a remarkable
slip-resistance. (Co efficient of friction wet (AS/NZS 3661.1 1993) - 0.75). A
light patina is created by one set of brushes. Generally used for tiles, stair
treads, thresholds and vanities)
Diamond Rubbed – By calibrating the stone slab a
non-slip surface is created. This finish is best suited for paving but is also
used for house veneers and large architectural panels.
Birds Pecked – This machine finished texture is
generally used for kerb and channel, house veneers and large architectural
panels.
Tumbled – The stone is tumbled to roughen the surface
and round the edges. This creates an aged appearance. Used for vehicular
paving, pedestrian paving and cobbles.
Pitched / Split Face – This finish exposes the natural
stone texture. It is commonly used for kerb and channel, house veneers,
vehicular paving, walls and fences.
Bluestone tiles:
Timaru Bluestone produces tiles for
both domestic and commercial use. Generally, they make their tiles 15mm thick
for internal application. This allows the tiles to be laid alongside other
flooring surfaces without a significant change in height. Standard tile sizes
are 400x400mm or 400mm x 350-750mm. They cater for custom sizes on request.
For indoor use, tiles are
predominantly Brush Honed or Brush Polished. Non-slip resistance is created
through the micro texture of the stone permitting no wear of resistance over
time. The low maintenance stone has a design life of 50+ years. Bluestone tiles have an availability
of 4-8 weeks. For installation, Timaru Bluestone recommends
the pavers be laid in a sand-cement mix on a 75mm 20MPA concrete bed or
equivalent. An acrylic bonding agent should be added to the mortar. When
grouting is required a 6mm joint should be considered, care must be taken to
avoid staining of the stone. If cleaning is necessary from mortar, Timaru
Bluestone recommends “Spirits of Salts”. Bluestone’s neutral colour will
allow it to be easily incorporated with other design elements. Its appearance
will be enhanced by the forming of natural patina. Examples of Timaru Bluestone projects are the Otago University and the Christchurch Airport.
Granite rock, contains the materials of quartz, mica and fledspar. Granite can be pink to grey in colour depending on the chemistry and mineralogy. Granite is used for flooring tiles, monuments and bench tops. Granite is very durable and resists heat. Although Granite can be useful it requires regular maintenance. Besides cleaning you need to make sure the granite is sealed regularly. Stains can be hard to remove, but not impossible. benchtops may also be susceptible to cracking. Basic Cleaning To keep granite benchtops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the bench daily and as needed using water. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone. For oily stains, try a poultice made of a cup of flour or baking soda and 5 tablespoons of dish soap. Add water to make it the consistency of sour cream or yogurt. Place the solution directly on the stain and cover with plastic wrap overnight, before washing away the poultice. It is recommended that for Seasonal cleaning to follow the steps below Sealing is a regular task for granite. Re-seal the countertop when water splashed on the surface no longer beads up. It's important to examine your granite at least once a year. Inspect areas to make sure there is no cracking or shifting at the seams. Inspect for stains and scratches as well. If there are stains or damage, contact a stone-care professional for repair.
My colour challenge was the colour orange as i just hate it! I had to incorporate something orange into a room, it could be a lamp, pillow, or small wall.
These were some of my colour schemes.
Here i found an orange vase in a kitchen setting as the kitchen itself is quite bland and only uses the grey tones, I thought the orange vase was great as it added a pop of colour but it wasn't enough to be distracting or too bright. It is something that i would have added into a modern kitchen.
I wanted to show an orange pillow on a chair or couch so I added some orange into an image to show what it would be like. As the tones of the chair are quite creamy white the orange adds in colour and makes the chair and would make the room more colourful and interesting.
This is an image of a kitchen where they have painted one wall orange. The one wall being orange makes the space more appealing, colourful and interesting. I think they have used the colour well in this space as it is not a full wall of orange as this could be too over powering and bright, but by adding it on a small wall it dosent overpower the space and adds in that bit of colour.
Laminate flooring has
become highly popular. This could be because it is easier to install and
maintain compared to more traditional surfaces such as hardwood flooring.
Laminateflooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic layer under a clear
protective layer. The inner core layer is usually composed of melamine
resin and fiber
board materials. Laminate
flooring works well in high-traffic areas and homes with pets. It is
scratch-resistant, durable and easy to clean.
Laminate flooring layers diagram
Laminate floors
are reasonably easy for a homeowner to install. Laminate flooring is packaged
as a number of planks that can be clicked to one another by tounges and
grooves. Sometimes a glue backing is provided to make the installation process
easier. Installed laminate floors normally "float" over the sub-floor
on top of an underlayment, which provides moisture and sound-reducing
properties. Laminate flooring does not absorb sound well and can have a hollow
sound when it is being walked on, mainly in high heels. Using an acoustic underlay
will help reduce the noise. Installation techniques can also effect acoustics.
The most common is the floating install. This is where the floor snaps together
with a specially designed edge joint and is laid over the existing floor. This
method is the loudest, causing echoes and movement noise from the floor itself.
Laminate flooring can be placed on top of almost any existing floor except
carpet. The interlocking planks make it an easy installation and it can be
uninstalled without damaging the laminate or the original flooring underneath.
It is important
to keep laminate clean, as dust, dirt and sand particles may scratch the
surface over time. Manufacturer’s warn that it is also important to keep laminate
relatively dry, since moisture/ water that sits on the surface can cause the
planks to swell, warp, etc., although some brands are equipped with
water-resistant coatings. Water spills aren't a problem if they're wiped up quickly.
Hardwood floors may be able to be sanded and refinished but laminate floors would
have to be replaced. Laminate flooring is easy to clean and will prove
to be an extremely durable floor if it is cleaned and maintained the right way.
Clean it with a soft bristle brush, vacuum cleaner or active fibre mop. Foot
marks can easily be wiped away with a moist, clean cloth. It is recommended
that you do not wash the floor with a wet cloth or mop. This spreads the dirt,
and can cause swelling of the joints.
Advantages
It is durable and strong.
Designed for heavy traffic.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Versatile and available in a range of colors, shades, and styles.
Less expensive than hardwood flooring, but can give the same look.
Dirt and dust cannot gather.
Disadvantages
Not the most environment friendly product.
Only lasts 10 to 15 years.
If laminate floors are installed in wet areas such as bathrooms,
many manufacturers will not honor the warranty if something goes wrong
with the flooring.
They cannot be sanded and refinished if they are damaged.
Laminate flooring
is cheaper and easier to install than hardwood flooring. Prices range from
about $1.50 per square foot to $3.00 per square foot.
At Mitre 10, there is a range of two laminate thicknesses with a
large selection of styles, colours and textures.
The 12mm range is the best in strength and durability that is suitable
for large residential and commercial floor areas. All 12mm options include
silent underlay for sound insulation. The 8mm range is suitable for large residential and general commercial
floor areas.
Redwood is used mainly for paneling, cladding, decking and fencing. Redwood is used regardless of if the house is new or old (repairs, renovation etc) which means that the demand remains constant. "prices for recent sales of redwood logs have held longer at previous levels than prices for other logs." (quote from http://www.nzredwood.co.nz/redwood-uses-and-markets/) It's beautiful deep red colour makes this wood more of a display/decorative wood than other kinds. (Known as an 'appearance wood'.)
