Wood FAQ's
What is the difference between engineered flooring and laminate flooring?
Today’s laminate flooring is a photographed image on top of highly compressed wood products and cannot be refinished. Engineered flooring is made by actually adhering real hardwood to multiple layers of plywood and sometimes can be refinished.
What kind of hardwoods can I place on concrete sub-floors?
There are three typical types of wood products available for concrete sub-floors: engineered glue down, engineered floating floor and solid glue down.
Floor and Décor has introduced a fourth option with a solid hardwood flooring that can be floated with their unique clip together system. Any of their Floor & Decor labeled hardwood flooring can be installed this way.
When should hardwood floors be installed?
If you’re having a home built or making some renovations it is highly suggested to have the hardwood flooring laid near the very end of the project after the ac/heating system has been installed and running for several days. The temperature and humidity of the rooms, the floors and the installed product need to be the same.
Should I choose pre-finished hardwood floors or one that are finished in place?
Today’s pre-finished hardwood floor finishes are vastly improved and are finished in controlled settings. Many offer more than 6 coatings whereas a normal site finished floor (sanded and finished in place) would have 2-3 coats of finish.
How do I acclimate the wood?
For new construction or remodeling, the heating system must be operational and the house must have been heated for a week at 71 degrees F.
Can you install wood floors over ceramic tile?
Yes, if your tile is flat you can install and engineered floating floor.
Can you put hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom?
Yes, hardwood is acceptable for installation in a kitchen or a powder room, but its highly recommended that you put a throw rug by the sink and tub because excess water can damage wood.
If my wood floor changes color or fades, is it because the finish and wood are defective?
No, all floors experience a color shade with change overtime, due to natural characteristics. Area rugs and large furniture that cover the floor should be moved periodically to allow light and air on a specific area.
If my wood shows gaps between boards in the winter months is it defective?
Nearly every wood floor endures some separation between boards. In winter, when homes are heated and the air is dry, wood flooring gives up some of its moisture and therefore shrinks. A wood floor can expand and contract an inch or more depending on the size of the room and type of wood.
Do wood floors require a lot of time and effort to maintain?
Unlike other types of floor coverings, hardwood floors can be kept looking like new with minimum amount of effort. Never damp mop your floor. Use only products designed for wood floors.
What’s the best way to remove dust and dirt from my wood floor?
Vacuuming is the best way to remove surface dust and dirt before it gets walked into the finish and dulls its luster.