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Home > FAQs > Hardwood FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardwood Floors
- What is the difference between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring?
- What is engineered wood flooring?
- What are strips? What are planks?
- How do I acclimate my hardwood floor
- Can we install hardwood flooring in the basement?
- Do I need a moisture barrier if it is above grade?
- How do I do a basic check of a concrete floor for moisture?
- What is floating installation?
- What is the best way to clean my hardwood floor?
- How does moisture affect my hardwood flooring?
- How do I handle stubborn soil spots?
- Can I apply a wax finish to my prefinished floors?
- How can I better protect my hardwood floors from early finish wear?
- Can I install hardwood flooring in the bathroom?
- The floor beneath my rug is lighter than the exposed floor. What can I do?
- What is the difference between Select and Better, Mill Run and Rustic grades?
- What is the difference between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring?
The prefinished hardwood floor is end matched with a tight micro-beveled edge and has coats of finish. The unfinished floor comes end matched with a square edge and must be finished on site.
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- What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring looks like solid wood from the top, but it is made up of several layers with only the top layer as hardwood.
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- What are strips? What are planks?
Strip flooring is 2 ¼ inches to 3 inches wide. Plank flooring is usually wider than 3 inches.
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- How do I acclimate my hardwood floor?
Let the flooring acclimate for 5-7 days, with boxes opened and laid flat in the room where the flooring is to be installed. If you are in an area with high humidity, you may need to install some humidity controls like a humidifier or dehumidifier.
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- Can we install hardwood flooring in the basement?
No. It is highly recommended that you do not install hardwood flooring below grade. However, it is possible to install laminate flooring or engineered hardwood floors in these situations.
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- Do I need a moisture barrier if it is above grade?
Yes. We recommend using a vapor barrier of 15-lb felt paper. This vapor barrier should be laid between the hardwood flooring and the wood subfloor to prevent any moisture from getting to the floor.
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- How do I do a basic check of a concrete floor for moisture?
Tape a piece of clear plastic sheeting to the floor. Pull the plastic cup up after 24-48 hours—If there’s moisture on it or the floor is discolored, you have a problem.
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- What is floating installation?
Floating installation includes strips of flooring that either snap together or are glued to each other as they’re installed. Instead of being nailed to the floor, they sit on foam padding. Base molding around the edges holds down the floor.
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- What is the best way to clean my hardwood floor?
The best way to maintain your floor is to sweep, dust mop, and/or vacuum the floors regularly. Hardwood floors also clean easily with a Swiffer or similar type dry mop. You should avoid excessive moisture. A slightly damp mop may be used to mop up a spill
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- How does moisture affect my hardwood flooring?
Excessive moisture can lead to numerous changes to your floor, such as cupping, buckling, or cracking. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you do not use water to clean your floors.
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- How do I handle stubborn soil spots?
For stubborn soil spots, apply the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner to a soft cloth and scrub the desired area. Repeat if necessary. Do not use wax based cleaners except when manufacturer-recommended.
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- Can I apply a wax finish to my prefinished floors?
No. You should almost never apply wax finish to your prefinished floors unless manufacturer-recommended.
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- How can I better protect my hardwood floors from early finish wear?
Avoid spike heels and furniture glides. Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly. Remove spills promptly. Use area rugs on high traffic pathways and pivot areas. Install proper protectors on the “feet” of furniture.
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- Can I install hardwood flooring in the bathroom?
No. Hardwood floors are not covered by warranty if installed in a bathroom. Moisture can cause damage to hardwood flooring.
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- The floor beneath my rug is lighter than the exposed floor. What can I do?
It is normal for hardwood floors that are exposed to sunlight to darken over time. To eliminate the obvious tone differences, it is best to rotate rugs and furniture so that the flooring gets an equal amount of sun exposure. Any differences in light exposure will eventually fade away.
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- What is the difference between Select and Better, Mill Run and Rustic grades?
Wood is sorted and sold in different grades. The grade names and criteria depend on the species. There’s a big difference in appearance between the highest and the lowest grades. There’s also a big difference in price. For example, in oak flooring, the grades from the highest to lowest are Clear, Select, No. 1 Common, and No. 2 Common. You get what you pay for.
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