Frequently Asked Hardwood Flooring Questions

Below are some of the more common questions we are asked. If you have other questions, please contact us directly and one of our experts will be pleased to help

Why is wood a better value for the money than carpet, tile, or vinyl?
Wood is a natural product, is aesthetically pleasing, flexible in design, structurally sound and hypoallergenic. Its exotic features are unmatched by any other floor covering.

What other advantages does wood flooring have?
Wood is an insulator, has excellent acoustics, is appraisable, and increases the resale value of your home.

My family has members who have problems with allergies. I have seen the precautionary labels on carpet advising the buyer that the carpet may increase such problems. How does wood flooring compare?
Wood flooring is hypoallergenic and will not contribute to an increased allergic response. As well, hardwood will not trap allergens in the house the way carpet will.

Isn’t wood flooring difficult to take care of?
Not at all! With the finishes and new cleaning products and accessories now available on the market, wood flooring is more easily maintained than carpet on a day-to-day basis.

Why do wood flooring products vary in color and shading?
Wood, being a product of nature, will have characteristics such as grain, knots, pin holes and many other beauty marks of nature. Each piece of flooring will react differently to stains and finishes. This is what gives wood flooring its warmth and differentiates it from processed flooring products.

Which is better, prefinished or site-finished hardwood floors?
The answer is “it depends”. Both have situations for which they are most appropriate. Site-finished floors have a smooth, more traditional surface, while prefinished floors have small grooves, known as micro-bevels between each board. The installation process is much more involved with the site-finished floors; following installation, the floor is sanded smooth, and three coats of high quality finish are applied, with 24 hours drying time and a light sanding between each coat. With a refinished floor, you install it and use it right away. There is no smell or fumes as there are with the site-finished floor. Site-finished floors are generally less expensive, while the finish will likely last longer with a prefinished floor.

Can I put rugs on my hardwood floor?
Place throw rugs in entries, in front of the kitchen sink, and other highly trafficked areas to avoid the accumulation of dirt. Avoid rubber- backed rugs and move and rotate rugs on a routine basis to prevent discoloration of hardwood floors.

Why am I getting cracks in my wood floor?
Cracks are a reaction to humidity, or the lack of it, and are happening constantly in your wood floors. Tiny cracks between the edges of boards may appear when dry conditions are produced by your heating system. This can usually be reduced by installing a humidifier. With a proper balance of moisture in the house, both family and floors benefit from a healthier environment.

How much moisture in the air is too much for my wood floor?
The relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor actually present in the air at a certain temperature to the greatest amount possible at the same temperature. 40% to 60% is recommended for maximum performance of hardwood flooring.