Frequently Asked Questions
Is hardwood really more cost effective than other floor coverings?
Despite the cost of purchasing and installing hardwood floors, they are actually less expensive than vinyl, linoleum, tile and carpet alternatives when you consider maintenance and life expectancy. While hardwood can last 50 years or more, most other floor coverings have an average life span of four to six years. In addition, after 15 or 20 years of use, hardwood flooring can be refinished to give it a fresh, new appearance for about half the cost of replacing carpet or other flooring alternatives.
Hardwood flooring can also increase your property’s market value by $7,000 to $10,000 or more. Research shows that 90% of real estate agents think homes with hardwood floors sell faster.
Are hardwood floors environmentally friendly?
According to the American Hardwood Information Center, hardwood forests in the United States are now producing nearly double the amount of wood than is harvested every year. Moreover, when hardwood flooring is discarded it can be reused or recycled. An added benefit is that hardwood floors provide superior insulation so can keep energy costs down.
Will hardwood produce any allergens or toxins in my home?
Often seen as one of the original “green” building materials, hardwood is environmentally friendly and ecologically safe inside the home. It is often recommended for those suffering from allergies, asthma or sensitivities to chemicals. Unlike carpeting and other flooring options, hardwood floors do not trap allergens like mold spores, bacteria and dust mites. In addition, hardwood is easy to clean with non-toxic products. For this reason, among others, hardwood is increasingly being used in places that must meet high cleanliness and health standards, like hospitals, restaurants, retail establishments and other commercial and institutional settings.
Does the amount of traffic in the room affect my choice of wood?
Absolutely. Any type of flooring is impacted by foot traffic in a room, and for hardwood floors, it's the finish and the color that is most affected. Darker colors show wear sooner than natural-colored wood like oak or maple. High traffic areas also require extra maintenance, and to keep your floors looking their best, we recommend applying 1 or 2 coats of flat finish and a light sanding every 6-18 months.
How do I know what color will look best
Oak and maple are two of the most popular options. Darker colors make rooms seem smaller (and show more wear & tear), while lighter or natural colors give an open feeling to the room. Of course you'll need to consider the decor, color scheme and personality of the room. Darker colors work best in formal and traditional spaces while lighter
look great with a country, casual or contemporary interior.
How do I care for my hardwood floors?
Simply sweep or dust mop regularly, or use the hardwood setting on your vacuum cleaner Canister vacuums are best, because upright models with beater bars can create dents in the floor's finish . We also recommend purchasing a wood floor cleaning kit to keep your surfaces in the best possible condition.
Can sunlight harm my floors?
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can cause discoloration in hardwood floors over time.
Some floor finishes include sunscreens to help block UV rays, and the water-based urethane finishes also offer advantages in slowing color changes.
How long will installation take?
The process through delivery to finishing and clean-up can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks, depending on the installation method and square footage. Please see our installation page for details.
What are the warranties and or guarantees?
Our work is guaranteed for one year, as provided in our contracts.
Can I install hardwood flooring in my basement?
People don't generally think of installing hardwood in areas below ground level because moisture can cause solid hardwood to expand, causing warping and other problems. However, engineered wood floors are a perfect alternative that can be used below-grade. Engineered flooring carries the same warmth and elegance as regular hardwood flooring. It's ideal for areas with high moisture because it is made of several layers of wood stacked and glued together under heat and pressure, so it is less affected by extremes in temperatures and humidity.
Is it wise to install hardwood flooring in a home with pets?
Hardwood floors are often an excellent choice for homes with pets because unlike carpeting, wood floors will not trap animal dander, fleas, ticks, mites or other allergens. They're far easier to clean when it comes to pet messes, and won't trap odors.
If you have pets, you may want to use three coats of oil-based polyurethane finish to provide the best protection for your floors. We recommend that you keep your pets' nails clipped to avoid scratch marks, and that you clean up spills and other liquids immediately, because standing liquids can damage floors. Choose water bowls with stable bases that are designed to avoid spills, and consider placing a throw rug or matt under the pet’s bowl to absorb liquids (but remember to remove it and dry it immediately if it gets very wet).
What types of hardwood flooring are available?
While there is a vast assortment of wood types and colors to choose from, solid wood floors usually fall into three main types:
- Strips - Most installations use strip flooring, in which separate floor boards approximately 2 ¼ inches wide are fitted together by tongue and groove and nailed to the subflooring below.
- Plank - Similar to strips, but the boards are about 3 inches wide.
- Parquet - parquet flooring comes in blocks rather than strips. The blocks are fitted together to create a pattern over the floor's surface. Standard blocks are 6” x 6”, but specialty patterns can be up to 36” square.
What are inlays?
Inlays and borders are used to incorporate designs into hardwood floor surfaces. These designs can be as intricate as a family crest or as simple as stripes or other geometric patterns. Often these designs combine different types of wood, like maple, cherry, ash, and walnut, to produce variations in color and grains. Sometimes inlays and borders are creating by combining hardwood with other materials, such as aluminum, brass, leather or ceramic tile.
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