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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
How is hardwood a cost-effective choice when there are less-costly
materials?
Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment. You don’t have to
replace your flooring every five to seven years as you do with carpet. It
lasts the lifetime of a home with reasonable care and a quality product.
If you intend to sell your home in the future, wood floors typically
increase the value of your home. Wood floors also provide a warmth and
elegance other flooring options lack.
What things should I consider when selecting a species of wood?
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a species of
wood, but some of the foremost considerations should be the following:
coordinating the grain structure with your other furnishings; durability
for high-traffic areas; style, theme, and overall décor of your room or
home as a whole—formal, country, rustic, modern, etc.; and budget.
Arizona’s warm weather and dry climate are more conducive to certain
species than others.
Is hardwood flooring a durable choice for a kitchen, bathroom, or
laundry room?
Hardwood flooring is certainly durable for kitchens and powder rooms;
however, it is recommended that you check your sinks and refrigerators for
leaks and make any necessary repairs before having your hardwood flooring
installed. Hardwood flooring is not recommended for bathrooms and laundry
rooms. Wet clothes and towels, bathtubs, showers…water damage is a
bigger risk factor, particularly with large families and children.
What is the difference between solid wood floors, engineered wood
floors, and laminates? Which is better?
A major difference between solid wood floors and laminates is their
longevity. Solids last a lifetime (with the aforementioned stipulations)
but laminates typically do not outlive twelve years. Solids and engineered
floors can be sanded and refinished while laminates cannot. Solids are the
most expensive wood floor option, followed by engineered then laminates.
What is the difference between polyurethane, water-based, and tung
oil finishes?
Polyurethane finishes are tough, oil-based finishes that create
a hard, durable coating atop the wood. They are known for their excellent
durability and stain resistance, as well as a rich look. Polyurethane
finishes are available in three sheens. Note that polyurethane, according
to the Dura Seal brand’s Web site, “will have an ambering effect when
applied over light-colored surfaces,” and should not be applied to
floors previously finished with wax, shellac, lacquer, or stains
containing wax or stearates. Three coats is standard procedure. These
finishes take approximately eight hours to dry, but should not be walked
on until the following day. You should wait 48 hours before you replace
any furniture or rugs. Please allow for longer drying periods if there is
high humidity, low temperatures, or minimal airflow.
Water-based finishes are also considered durable finishes, but have
a less offensive odor as they produce no harmful fumes and have a low VOC
(Volatile Organic Compounds) content. Some, like BonaKemi’s brand, are
GREENGUARD-certified for indoor air quality. Waterborne finishes have a
significantly faster dry time of just one to three hours, and will cure 80
to 90 percent in three days. These finishes do not amber or change color
over time, and also serve to promote the beauty of the wood. We apply
three coats of these finishes as well.
Tung oil finishes are made from the tung tree, which is indigenous
to China, where it has been used as far back as the fourteenth century.
The oil is produced from the nuts of the tree. Tung oil maintains its
elasticity and soaks into the pores of the wood. They take roughly the
same drying and curing time as polyurethane, and we apply our standard
three coats of finish. They are a little less durable, but are easier to
repair. Tung oil finishes are not recommended for use on floors that
endure heavy traffic or use, as they water spot and attract dirt. These
finishes will need to be reapplied frequently. However, Waterlox’s brand
processes the tung oil with special ingredients that make the surface more
waterproof and durable. We do not often use these finishes.
How long does the finish smell after the hardwood floors have been
finished?
There are many variables to consider, such as type of finish, how
large the finished area is, and the amount of airflow through the finished
areas, but after two to three days, the smell is often minimal. Some
degree of scent will linger for a couple of weeks—longer if there is
little airflow.
What preparation is necessary?
Preparation depends on a number of variables. Furniture must be moved.
Existing tile, linoleum, carpet, etc., will be removed, and the remaining
slab leveled if necessary. Each manufacturer has detailed guidelines that
stipulate surface levels and treatment. In Arizona, solid wood floors
require a sub-floor, which consists of nailed-down plywood.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Which should I dust first—hardwood floors or
furniture?
Furniture. The rule of thumb is to start at the top of the room and
work your way down—floors are last!
What specific cleaning products can be used on hardwood floors?
We recommend using BonaKemi floor cleaner or other brands that
specifically do not contain any waxes or silicones.
Can I damp-mop my wood floor?
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How can I prevent scratches on wood flooring?
Scratches are most often, though not always, created by furniture,
high heels in poor condition, cleats, and sliding objects across the
floor. Use plastic or felt protectors on the bottom of all your
furniture. High heels in good condition (protective caps on the heels
still in place) are typically fine. Active dogs around forty pounds or
more may put some “character” into your wood floor. If you dog lovers
have wood floors installed knowing this, you can still enjoy your floors
as well as the next person. Scratches are a fact of life with wood floors,
but excepting particularly deep, long, or abnormal indentions, will not
affect the beauty or quality of the floor.
How can I restore my hardwood floors myself?
It is always advisable to have a professional restore your hardwood
floors.
Is there an alternative to refinishing?
There usually is not. But depending on the condition of the floors,
heavier sanding may not be necessary. A screen (or “buff”) and recoat
may suffice.
How can I stop my hardwood floors from splitting?
Keep the humidity consistent, and make certain the wood flooring is
acclimated before it is installed. We always have the wood ordered and
delivered to the residence or business in time for it to acclimate before
we install it.
My hardwood floors appear to have separated a
little. What does this mean, and can it be fixed?
This means the humidity levels have been inconsistent. This may be due
to a change in seasons, which typically cause floors to expand and
contract to some small degree. More serious separating issues can usually
be fixed, but wood is a natural product and does move some.
What steps can I take to prevent damage or
excessive wear to my hardwood floors?
Aside from using plastic or felt protectors on all your furniture and
avoiding wearing high heels in poor condition, bear in mind that the less
grit and debris you track onto the floors from outside, the better. Check
your tennis shoes and boots for rocks. Area rugs at entrances are perhaps
the best preventative measure, and mats or rugs in front of the kitchen
sink are helpful. Do not use products not approved for hardwood floors on
your wood floors, as they can dull, scratch, or otherwise damage your
floor. If you spill water or some other liquid on your floors, clean the
spill as soon as possible, as standing moisture causes damage, including
cupping.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Is wood flooring a healthy choice for indoor
living?
Very much so! Wood floors do not collect and hold dust, dirt,
bacteria, and allergens as carpets do. A regular routine of dust mopping
or vacuuming should keep your floors clean.
Is wood flooring hypoallergenic?
Yes.
How long does hardwood flooring last before needing to be replaced?
Hardwood flooring will last the lifetime of the home with reasonable
care and a quality product, barring fire, flooding, or some other
large-scale natural or man-made disaster.
Is recycled wood flooring available?
Yes, it is. You may have heard it called reclaimed wood. In fact,
recycled wood flooring is becoming increasingly available, as well as
increasingly popular in this time of increased environmental
consciousness. It is an ecofriendly choice.
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