Services
We believe in getting the job done right the first time and in a timely and efficient manner, and we do this by employing only the best team members and installers in the local area. We realize that when our team is out in the field meeting with our customers, they are a representation of our company, and the one thing our customers will remember for years to come.
While hardwood floors are very durable and retain their beauty for many years, it is sometimes necessary to refinish the floors to bring them back to their original condition.
The refinishing process consists of removing old finish and stain, fixing imperfections that have occurred in the wood, staining and finally applying a finishing coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwood Flooring Essential FAQ
For your convenience, we've gathered some of the most common questions people have about hardwood floors, laminate flooring, and other wood flooring.
Table of Contents
- Hardwood Flooring Essential FAQ
- Hardwood Flooring Essential FAQ (cont'd)
- Hardwood Flooring Installation FAQ
- Hardwood Flooring and Moisture FAQ
- Hardwood Flooring Maintenance FAQ
Questions & Answers.
- Q. What's the difference between engineered flooring and laminate flooring?
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Let's start with the original term laminate flooring. Before plastic laminate flooring became popular in the mid '90'sm those in the hardwood flooring business called today's engineered flooring laminate. Engineered flooring is constructed in layers similar to plywood with an actual finished hardwood veneer layer on the surface.
Today's laminate flooring is a photographed image of finished hardwood and cannot be refinished, whereas many engineered products can be refinished. How many times will depend on the thickness of the veneer, or top wear layer, and finding someone knowledgeable enough to handle the work.
- Q. What to choose, prefinished hardwood floors or ones which are installed and sanded in place?
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Today's prefinished hardwood floor finishes are vastly improved and are finished in controlled settings. Many offer more than six coatings whereas a normal site finished (sanded in place and finished) floor would be two or three. Prefinished warranties are exceptional but cannot be passed on from the original owner. There are advantages and disadvantages of both. Nearly all solid prefinished hardwood floors are beveled to some extent. On the other hand, a site finished hardwood floor that has been installed in its raw unfinished form and then finished will have a flawless uniform appearance upon completion. However, maintaining the appearance requires close attention to climate control during seasonal changes.
- Q. What is the difference between prefinished and unfinished flooring?
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The prefinished hardwood floor is end matched with a tight micro-beveled edge, and has up to 10 coats of aluminum oxide finish. The unfinished floors come end matched with a square edge and must be finished on site. Both floors come with a 25-year structural warranty.
- Q. What is the most durable hardwood floor available?
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Our hardwood floors are treated with up to 10 coats of an aluminum oxide finish. While this will certainly help 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 for a selected species:
- American Black Cherry: 950
- American Black Walnut: 1010
- Yellow Birch: 1260
- Red Oak: 1290
- White Ash: 1320
- White Oak: 1360
- Hard Maple: 1450
- Santos Mahogany: 2200
- Brazilian Cherry: 2345
- Brazilian Teak: 3540
- Brazilian Walnut: 3680
- Ebony: 3692
- Q. Where can I install hardwood flooring?
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Hardwood flooring is an extremely durable flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home that is above ground. There are several locations that are not recommended for hardwood flooring. Because hardwood flooring is a natural flooring product it is not recommended that it be installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause your hardwood flooring to warp, swell or crack.
Please note that certain species of hardwood are softer than others. You should consider using these harder species for high traffic areas. Refer to the Janka Hardness rating for an indication of the species hardness.
- Q. What are the benefits of hardwood flooring?
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Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular types of residential flooring. Here are a few reasons why you should choose a hardwood floor:
- Solid hardwood offers a variety of grain patterns, natural color variations, and the beauty of a natural material
- Hardwood floors are easy to clean.
- Hardwood floors are ideal for allergy sufferers as they do not promote dust or harbor dust mites.
- Hardwood flooring is longest-lasting. Although there is a 25-year structural warranty on our hardwood floors, many hardwood floors last for decades longer.