Website Design by:
The Tu's Group, Inc.
2011

Services > Hardwood Floor Installation

Hardwood Floor Installation

Services > Hardwood Floor Installation > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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. To top

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. To top

What are strips? What are planks?

Strip flooring is 2 ¼ inches to 3 inches wide. Plank flooring is usually wider than 3 inches. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

How do I do a basic check of a concrete floor for moisture?

Pull the plastic cup up after 24-48 hours. If there is moisture on it or the floor is discolored, you have a problem. To top

What is floating installation?

Floating installation includes strips of flooring that either snap together or are glued to each other as they are installed. Instead of being nailed to the floor, they sit on foam padding. Base molding around the edges holds down the floor. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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. To top

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 is a big difference in appearance between the highest and the lowest grades. There is 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. To top

Services > Hardwood Floor Installation > Certification

Certification

Your home deserves the best care it can get, and you can rest assured that it will with The Tu's Group Inc. Our specialists are carefully trained and certified by the best organizations in the industry. The following are certifications obtained by The Tu's Group, Inc. owner and president, Peter Tu.

  • CFI (Certified Floorcovering Installer)
  • Bruce Hardwood Floors
  • Hardwood Flooring Installation School
  • ABR Products, Inc.
    • Wood Restoration/Preservation Specialist

All certifications...

Services > Hardwood Floor Installation > Our Service Areas

Our Service Areas

The Tu's Group, Inc. provides hardwood floor installation services in the following areas: Northern Virginia, Loudoun County VA, Prince William County VA, Fairfax County VA, Arlington County VA, Sterling VA, Ashburn VA, Vienna VA, Great Falls VA, McClean VA, Reston VA, Herndon VA, Fairfax VA.