Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring
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Can we install hardwood flooring if we have a dog or other indoor pets?
Many hardwood floors are installed in homes with pets, however, a pet's claws may scratch the finish of the wood flooring. Also, pet damage to the flooring is not warranted by the manufacturers in most situations. Keep the pet's claws trimmed and clean up any messes immediately. It is best not to put the pet's food or water bowl directly on the wood flooring.
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What is the most durable hardwood floor available?
Most pre-finished hardwood floors are treated with up to 10 coats of an aluminum oxide finish. While this certainly helps the durability of the floor, it is the hardness of the floor that will give the best indication of durability. Refer to the Janka Hardness rating for a true indication of hardness on selected species.
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Is it safe to use hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
Use caution when installing hardwood flooring in a kitchen. A kitchen is prone to food and liquid spills which can raise the wood's grain or permanently stain or damage a hardwood floor's finish. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately with a dry, clean cloth.
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Is a solid wood flooring better than an engineered wood floor?
No. The thicker and better quality engineered woods will last for years and years and can be refinished once or twice. Also, the technology and factory applied, UV-cured urethane finishes with melamine that are used today by hardwood flooring manufacturers makes a really tough, durable finish and is available on both engineered and solid wood floors. Engineered wood floors are also much more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood flooring so they can be used in many situations where solid wood is not recommended.
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Can we install hard wood flooring over a concrete slab?
Engineered wood floors can be glued down or floated over a dry, clean, fully-cured concrete slab that is on or below grade. If moisture or humidity is very high at times of the year, perhaps a non-wood flooring option would be a better choice. There are installation methods used by some hardwood installers to install a 3/4" solid wood floor over a concrete slab, which includes a vapor barrier and building up a wood subfloor on top of the concrete slab. This is not recommended by most hardwood manufacturers--and it also adds considerable cost to the project. Installing an engineered wood floor over a concrete slab would be preferable.
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Can we put hardwood flooring over an existing floor?
In some situations an engineered wood floor can be floated (or glued down) over the top of an existing floor. The existing flooring has to be fully adhered to the sub-floor and be compressed enough so there is no bounce. For example, it is possible to install over a low profile commercial type level loop carpet, or glued-down vinyl flooring or tile. Be sure to read the manufacturer's warranty to see if installing over an existing floor covering is covered under the warranty. Also, be sure the installer follows the manufacturer's recommended installation procedures.
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Can I use a paste wax on my hardwood flooring?
Today's wood floors do not require a paste wax to the finish and paste waxes should not be used. Most hardwood floors today have some type of urethane finish and will cloud up and become sticky if a paste wax is applied to the finish.
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Can we install hardwood flooring of radiant heat?
Yes, depending on the type of radiant heat used in the home. It is generally recommended installing a "floating" engineered wood floor over the radiant heated sub-floor, but the installation has to be done according to the manufacturer's exact specifications. Also, the surface temperature of the sub-floor must not exceed 85 degrees to avoid drying out or distorting the wood planks. Be sure to check the manufacturer's written warranty to be sure they will warrant installing their flooring over a radiant heated sub-floor.
HARDWOOD FLOORING REVIEW
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Hardwood floors are one of the most important design features in your home. No matter what your lifestyle or taste, wood floors add value and comfort to any décor. Now let us see if we can help you choose the wood flooring that is right for you and your home.
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Advances in wood flooring over the years means that you now can have wood flooring anywhere in your home. Different living areas will determine the type of wood flooring you can use.
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Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance of today's wood floors is easy. New technology in stains and finishes call for regular cleaning that takes little more than sweeping and/or vacuuming, with occasional use of a professional wood floor cleaning product. You will want to use a cleaning product recommended by your flooring manufacturer, installer, or other wood flooring professional. This will ensure that you use the proper cleaner for your type of flooring and finish.
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Ecological
Wood floors are ecologically friendly. Since it is a natural resource, wood is both renewable and recyclable. Many of yesteryear's old wood ships , warehouses, barns, and other structures often find a second life in wood flooring. And, because wood does not collect dust and other allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home.
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Types of Wood Floors
The two types of wood floors available in today's market are solid and engineered.
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Solid Wood Floors
Solid wood flooring is exactly what the name implies: a solid piece of wood from top to bottom. The thickness of solid wood flooring can vary, but generally ranges from 3/4" to 5/16". One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times. Solid wood flooring can be installed above or on grade.
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Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood floors are real wood floors that are manufactured using three to nine layers of different wood veneers. The sub layers can be of the same species, or of different species. The grain of each layer runs in different directions, which makes it very stable. This means that the wood will expand and contract less than solid wood flooring with fluctuations in humidity and temperature. The top layer of engineered wood flooring consists of high-quality wood. While this type of flooring can be sanded and finished, it cannot be refinished as many times as solid wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring can be installed above, on or below grade.
CARE & RECOMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
This Maintenance Schedule will keep your woods floors looking the best they can be along with helping to get maximum life.
DAILY
Sweep or dust mop
Weekly
Vacuum using the bare floor setting
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MONTHLY​
Clean with recommended wood flooring cleaner
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EVERY 3 - 5 YEARS
Maintenance coat
Every Few Decades
Sand and refinish
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MAINTENANCE
CARE
Use a vacuum or sweep your floor regularly with a soft-bristled attachment or broom, especially in high-traffic areas. This prevents gritty dirt and particle buildup that can scratch the wood’s surface. Don’t use vacuums with a power rotary brush head. Use protective window coverings to block fade-causing UV rays and excessive heat from direct sunlight. Most wood types will gradually age when not covered, so it’s a good idea to rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to help it age evenly.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING DAMAGE
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Keep pets’ nails trimmed and their paws clean. Pets can track in substances that cause scratching and stains.
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Use a humidifier during heating seasons to help reduce wood shrinkage and humidity between 35% and 55%.
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Wipe up spills and spots immediately.
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Use ice to harden tough substances like wax or chewing gum, and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper or a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the surface and wipe the area clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
PROTECTION
Invest in high quality floor mats and protective pads on heavy furniture for an extra layer of protection on your hardwood floors. Place floor mats at entrances and exits—they collect and trap corrosive substances that can be tracked in, like dirt, sand, oil, grit, asphalt, or even driveway sealer. Placing mats in high-traffic areas—in front of vanities, kitchen sinks, and stoves—is an effective way to reduce wear.
TRY TO AVOID
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Avoid walking on your hardwood floors with spiked or damage-heeled shoes.
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Resist wet-mop, damp-mop, or cleaning your hardwood with water or other liquids.
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Don’t use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax, or other household products containing lemon, citrus, or tung oil, or silicon to clean floors.
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Stay away from harsh cleaning aids like steel wool pads, any scouring pads containing metal, or scouring powders.
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Don’t use 2-in-1 cleaners that contain acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss.