Hardwood Flooring Archives - Page 15 of 24

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 21, 2018

Avoiding The Hollow Spots On Your Hardwood Flooring

What’s the most common complaint about wood flooring installations gone wrong?

Creaky, hollow sounding floors that develop quickly after the installation process is complete.

They can detract so much from the final project that you decide never to install wood floors again.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. The right installer knows how to avoid this problem long before it begins.

Hollow spots are often blamed on adhesives. That’s rarely the cause. If the adhesive were bad, it would cause problems throughout the room, not just in one spot. And most complaints about hollow spots occur in specific sections of the room.

The most common reason for hollow spots is not getting the subflooring correct. If the concrete substrate doesn’t meet industry requirements, it won’t provide the right surface for the wood floor to reside on.

The National Wood Flooring Association recommends the substrate for an engineered hardwood floor to be no more than 3/16 inch deflection or variance in the slab within a 10-foot radius of the floor. If the radius is greater, proper steps should be used to rectify the situation before installation continues. That includes grinding the substrate and/or leveling it by pouring cement underlayment to achieve flatness.

The flatness of the substrate is imperative when installing boards that are greater than ½ inch thick, or greater than 5 inches wide. The thicker or wider the board, the less likely it will conform to any deflection or variance with the substrate. This means the greater likelihood of a hollow spot.

Of course, it isn’t the only problem that can cause a hollow spot. Other problems include not applying the right amount of adhesive. If the flooring and adhesive lose contact when being installed or doing the curing process, a hollow spot will occur. Weights should be used if the wood has the possibility of rising up during the process. The installer should also use the proper flooring trowel to ensure a sufficient amount of adhesive is laid down.

For some hollow spots, removing the wood flooring, flattening the substrate, and replacing the wood is the only way to correct the problem.

In other cases, injection repair kits are available to allow an installer to inject additional adhesive under the flooring. This works when specific areas are popping up or voids have developed.

Installation isn’t a time to skimp on materials. Always use premium grade pressure sensitive wood flooring adhesive to ensure it will remain tacky for the lifetime of your flooring.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 18, 2018

Don’t Make These Wood Flooring Mistakes

Having wood flooring throughout your home is at the top of most homeowners checklists. It’s beautiful. It’s durable. It matches any decor.

The good news is that installing wood flooring isn’t rocket science. With a little due diligence, an installer can create flooring that will last for years. However, if you take shortcuts, plenty of problems can surface almost as soon as the flooring is installed. Being guilty of these common mistakes will cause problems almost from the start.

Not Checking Moisture

Moisture – or lack thereof – can be a big problem after the wood flooring has been installed. Here’s how.

A contractor receives shipment of solid wood flooring from a location outside of the Denver Metro area. He stores it in his warehouse until he needs it for a project. Due to time sensitivities and delays, he brings it into a clients home and installs it right away. The flooring looks great and the client is happy with the job. A few months later, after season changes and a cold winter, the client runs the furnace frequently and starts to notice some of the boards have gaps between them.

The likely cause: the flooring wasn’t acclimated properly for the conditions.

Whenever possible, the goal should be to install the flooring at a moisture content between the extremes of summer and winter living. While gaps are a natural part of the process, they should never be large enough to cause a problem.

Not Preparing Subflooring

The subflooring in your home sets the stage for how well your wood flooring will behave. If the subfloor isn’t prepared properly, you’ll have a variety of problem with your wood flooring. Have you ever had wood floors:

A floating floor with enough deflection that things shake when you walk by
A glued down floor that is loose in some areas
A solid strip floor that squeaks in different places.

It’s not the floor; it’s the way it’s installed. It comes from not ensuring the subfloor is primed and ready for installation. It might not be flattened throughout. It might have leftover drywall, plaster, or paint from renovation. Or the subfloor may be inadequate or inappropriate, such as particleboard.

Think “clean, dry, and flat” before you ever tackle a project.

Not Enough Nails

Some less than stellar contractors do just enough to get by. But if you don’t put in enough fasteners, the problems will surface quickly. Floors without enough fasteners will be loose, which can cause them to move and squeak. They are also more prone to have gaps between the boards as they move and settle with time and the weather.

Simple rules of thumb should be:

Every board must have at least two fasteners
There should be a fastener 1 to 3 inches from the end of each board
Standard strip flooring should have fastener spacing about every 8 to 10 inches
Plank flooring should have fastener spacing every 6 to 8 inches
Always follow manufacturers guidelines

Have you ever had problems with your wood flooring installation?

Hardwood Flooring
February 28, 2018

How Thick Should Engineered Wood Flooring Be?

Engineered wood is a wood flooring solution that looks like the real thing but offers a little more stability and flexibility to certain areas of your home.

Like solid wood, engineered wood flooring comes in various thicknesses. So how do you decide how thick your flooring should be? Three key points should be considered before making your final selection.

1. Will you be using under floor radiant heating?

2. How much traffic will your floor see?

3. What is your subfloor made from?

Radiant Heating

Many homeowners purposely select engineered wood floors so they can have radiant heating installed underneath. A thinner plank will allow more heating to transfer to your space in a faster way. That said, you should pay attention to manufacturers guidelines to ensure your engineered wood meets specifications for installation.

Traffic

Certain areas of your home are subjected to more traffic than others. Hallways, entryways, kitchens, and living spaces can all have a lot of wear and tear, especially if you have kids and pets.

Investing in a thicker board gives you more life in your flooring. If you have the ability to sand it and refinish it multiple times, it’ll keep looking it’s best for years to come. The number of times you can sand engineered floor is determined by the thickness of the wood top layer. Depending on its thickness, it is capable of being sanded a half-dozen times or so. Work with a qualified engineered wood flooring dealer to learn about all of your options.

Subfloor

Your subfloor also plays a factor into what type of engineered wood you can lay. If your subfloor is uneven, a thicker board can help you overcome some of the minor issues better than a thin one can. If you’re planning on laying the engineered wood boards directly over the joists, it is essential to go with a thicker board to provide the stability you need.

Hardwood Flooring
February 25, 2018

What Type Of Wood Is Best For Hardwood Floors?

Thinking of installing hardwood floors in your home? What type of wood works the best?

All types of hardwood floors have an unmatched natural beauty that can go with any decor. However, not all woods offer the same benefits to every room in your home. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements all warrant special considerations.

Unfinished or Finished?

If you install unfinished hardwood, you can select a custom stain to match your preferences. After hardwood flooring installation, the flooring is given several coats of stain and protective finish to give you a final look you desire. If you’re thinking of adding hardwood to a kitchen, unfinished flooring is a good choice because the seal will penetrate between the boards, helping to prevent water from seeping between the boards.

Prefinished wood is great because it comes from the factory already sanded and sealed. It makes for easy installation.

Solid or Engineered?

Solid hardwood flooring is all wood. Because it’s solid wood, it can be sanded and finished over and over again. However, it is susceptible to humidity and is not recommended for below-grade basements.

Engineered hardwood is a veneer of real wood attached to several layers of wood underneath. This gives it more stability over time and makes it a good choice for below-grade basements. Depending on its thickness, it can be sanded and refinished up to a half-dozen times.

What are the best species?

Take a look at your hardwood options, and you’ll find there are many species available. You’ll likely find a variety of common woods, such as oak, maple, and cherry. Other wood species have entered the marketplace and make excellent choices: bamboo, walnut, ash, and mahogany. You can even create uniqueness throughout your home by getting into exotic woods such as teak, jarrah, and mesquite.

In all cases, be sure you select wood that comes from sustainably harvested forests.

What look are you going for with the hardwood in your home?

Carpet, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 14, 2018

Is Carpet Or Wood Floors Better For Asthma?

If you have asthma, you look for ways to reduce your symptoms. And chances are you’ve looked down at the floor a time or two, wondering how it impacts your health.

The key may be in what the flooring is made of rather than a specific type of flooring. The more conscious you are about the products and manufacturing process, the better choice you can make for the flooring installed inside your home.

Carpet

Carpets can cause potential problems to live within the fibers. However, not all carpets are bad. The key is to ask a flooring specialist about the best choices for you.

Opt for short fibers rather than long
Be conscious of the fiber the carpet is made from. Natural fibers such as wool can provide a clean environment. You can also select hypoallergenic synthetic fibers designed to stay cleaner over time.
It’s often the chemicals used in the fibers, padding, or adhesives that cause problems. Look for Green Labels to choose better options.
Clean your carpets regularly. Also, have a no-shoe policy to avoid tracking in dirt and other contaminants.

Hardwood

Wood flooring is a good choice for asthma sufferers because its smooth surface does not trap dust mites or pet dander in the fibers.

Be sure you install it without your loved one around. Dust from sawing and sanding can linger in the air for quite some time. Be sure you clear out your home before entering once again.
Dust frequently with a static dust mop to remove dust.
Select a low volatile organic compound (low VOC) sealer, as this won’t emit fumes that normally come from other types of sealers.
Wood laminate can also be an option, but only if the laminate materials are bound together with high VOC content.
Offgassing can occur from formaldehyde and other chemicals used in the process. Ask about the entire process if you are concerned.

More Choices

Keep in mind that there are other choices that may be better suited for your lifestyle. They include:

Cork – naturally resists water, mold, and mildew, making it a natural choice that’s good for you and the environment.

Ceramic Tile – the hard, durable surface can be a great option, especially in high traffic areas. They are easy to clean and maintain, just avoid high VOC adhesives when you install.

Linoleum – this is made from natural materials (linseed oil, pine resin, and powdered wood) and offers a durable option for any room in your home. Just be sure you select low VOC options for both the adhesive and the linoleum products.

Have allergies? Let us help make the right selection for you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 17, 2018

Can You Change The Color Of Hardwood Floors?

Thinking of installing hardwood floors? Worried you’ll have to live with the same floor color for the next several decades? Think again.

Can you change the color of hardwood floors? The answer is yes.

However, that does come with a caveat. Are your hardwoods high quality, solid hardwood that can be sanded and refinished? That’s why installing only the best hardwood will do.

Over time, hardwood can take a beating. Kids can scratch and dent the. Pets can leave messes or damage them with their nails. Furniture can mar the finish, especially if you have an active household.

By refinishing the hardwood, you can extend its life.

You can also change the color .. go from light or dark or red tone, to anything in between. And it doesn’t matter if you are going light to dark or vice versa.

That means you can keep up with trends or select a finish perfectly suited for your decor and personality.

And while the process does take time, it’s fairly simple to do.

Sand the floors – a professional may sand up to three times with increasing fine grit. This ensures your hardwood is smooth and will create a lasting look.

Stain the floors – this is where you can get as creative as you desire. Select a light stain such as Golden oak, or darken it up with stain such as Ebony. Want to go natural? Not a problem.

Add Polyurethane – By adding two to three coats, you’ll ensure the wood is properly covered and can withstand all your family can dish out. Allow at least 24 hours of drying time between each coat.

How light you can go depends on the type of hardwood you install. Aside from a whitewash finish, the lightest you can go is natural – no stain. That will give your hardwood a natural color depending on the type of hardwood installed. White oak will be a bit darker than red oak. Maple will be a bit lighter than pine. The only way to truly get a white or give hardwood a lighter color than its natural color is to bleach it or use a whitewash. Be aware both can react to oil and can give you a blotchy look.

So what’s your color? How do you want your hardwood floors to look? We can help you make your perfect choice now, and give you a world of opportunity for decades into the future.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 22, 2017

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood?

One of the best reasons to install hardwood flooring into your home is its ability to last a lifetime. With a little TLC and occasional refinishing, hardwood can last for decades.

But what about engineered hardwood? Can you refinish that too?

It depends on the engineered hardwood.

Engineered hardwood has a hardwood surface. And that surface layer can be refinished. How many times depends on how thick the hardwood layer is.

The layer of solid hardwood on engineered flooring is known as the wear layer. It ranges from 1mm to 8mm thick depending on the quality of the flooring. When an engineered floor is refinished, the sanding process will eliminate anywhere from .75mm to 1mm of the wear layer. That means you can refinish your engineered hardwood several times before you eliminate the wear layer altogether.

A floor with hardwood layers of 1mm should never be refinished. With 8mm of hardwood layer, it can be refinished up to 8 times.

Several factors reduce the number of time an engineered floor can be refinished.

Deep scratches or stains in the wood might be deeper into the wood that the wear layer
If moisture damage has occurred, cupping may occur near the edges of the planks. This can require more layers to be removed in order to bring the planks flush again. If the cupping is severe, refinishing may not be possible.
Uneven floors can have low spots that require more sanding. If refinishing is too deep and goes beyond the wear layer, you’ll have to replace rather than refinish.

If severe damage is done to the planks, you may be able to replace the damaged planks or repair the scratches with stainable wood filler. This can help you save time and money during the process and get more life out of the rest of your floor.

In some cases, adding a layer of polyurethane sealer to the existing finish, a process known as refreshing the finish, is a good option when only light wear has occurred. This can be a possibility if the wear hasn’t penetrated the wear layer starting to show on your floor.

Refreshing can be done every 4 to 7 years depending on how much traffic the floor receives.

If you don’t know the history of your engineered floors, then investigating the condition will be necessary. Removing a floor grate may expose an edge profile of the wood and allow you to measure the remaining wear layer. You can also remove baseboard trim to have access to the side.

If you need further assistance, we’d be happy to help and provide you with options on the best course of action for your flooring needs.

Carpet, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 11, 2017

Home Flooring Trends – The 2018 Guide

Planning on giving yourself a gift this holiday season? Want to update your home in 2018 with brand new flooring? We have a few ideas in mind.

It’s that time of year where top home and fashion magazines make predictions on colors and styles for the coming year. And while we prefer to stick with things that have longevity and will offer you classic style for years, it is important to watch for updates to the flooring choices we like best.

And you’ll love what the “latest and greatest” ideas are for your flooring needs are!

Eco-Friendly Flooring

In every industry, technology is shaking things up a bit. It’s no different in the flooring industry. Using organic materials just makes sense, especially when they are as good looking as cork, marmoleum, or linoleum. If you’re looking for a clean, minimalist option, any of these eco-friendly options are sure to please. And because of their gain in popularity, you’ll find all new patterns and styles that don’t remind you of a hospital or school corridor. The best part of it is you don’t need to stick with one to have a perfect look. We’ve seen combinations work well together too. Try mixing marmoleum and cork for a modern day twist in your downtown condo. Or change the color and lighten a bedroom up with white cork flooring. Whatever you choose, you’ll love the look and the ease.

Hardwood Flooring

Of course, hardwood flooring never goes out of style. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be updated along the way. Planks are getting wider, and we’re seeing spaces that blend rustic and contemporary elements into the final design. As well as wider planks, we are also seeing planks with different widths to give a less uniform look. Again, this offers you options without having to find actual reclaimed hardwood planks. And the best thing is with this new look is you can find any color and pattern you choose, giving you the ability to create any ambiance you desire.

Vibrant Rugs

One of the best new trends is something that’s more flexible, more changeable. You’ll find lots of opportunities to showcase strong design elements throughout your home with a vibrant color and pattern palette available for you to choose from. Key color trends for 2018 are bright, yellow, lime green, cherry tomato red, sky blue, bright purple, and fuchsia. You’ll find many different rugs available to showcase your wild side in any one of these colors. It’s not just about the color, texture plays an important part as well. It’ll be easier than ever to give your home a personal touch

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 7, 2017

How To Protect Your Wood Floors From Damage

Is upgrading your floors to hardwood on your to-do list this year?

There are many good reasons to install hardwoods throughout your home. It adds elegance and warmth to any space. They are highly durable and long lasting. They add value to your home.

It’s a classic and timeless choice for flooring. And if cared for properly, they can last a lifetime.

But that also means they take a little extra effort to ensure they keep their beauty and strength. If you change your routine and properly maintain them, you’ll love the look no matter how many times you redecorate.

Sweep and Clean Regularly

The simplest way to keep them looking their best is to clean them on a regular basis. Even small particles of dust, dirt, gravel, or other debris can dent or scratch the surface. Make sure to sweep up often to eliminate these elements that can shorten your floor’s life.

Vacuum

Sweeping is best for wood floors. If you vacuum, make sure you are using the right attachment for your floor. The bristles you use for carpets are too rough for wood surfaces and can scratch the wood. Make sure you use the hardwood feature that is specially designed to be gentler on wood surfaces.

Stop Mopping

Water and wood don’t mix. Saturating your wood floor with moisture can cause the water to seep into the wood fibers which can swell, warp, or permanently damage hardwood. If you need to deep clean due to a mess or spill, use lukewarm water and immediately wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Choose Cleaners Carefully

Just because it says “good on wood floors” doesn’t make it so. Many of the cleaners on the market today can strip off the finish and dull the shine of your hardwood. Start by checking with your flooring manufacturer; they will have guidelines for the best cleaning methods for your floors. As a general rule, avoid cleaners that use vinegar or ammonia, as these can dull floors over time. Oil soaps can create buildup on the floors that can be difficult to remove over time.

Remove Shoes

Removing shoes at the door is one of the best ways to preserve your floors. High heels act as tiny hammers that scratch and dent. If sand and rocks stick to soles, they can scratch with every step you take. Leaving your shoes at the door reduces the chances that you’ll bring damaging debris into the house and carry it onto your floors. Leave a mat or rug near your doors and even consider having a pile of slippers available in the cold winter months.

Implement a Care Routine

Because wood floors need regular maintenance, it’s important to develop your routine right from the start. When cared for properly, they can last for decades. Have tools readily available and use them frequently. You should even ask your flooring consultant about stripping and adding a new layer of wax to ensure you provide what’s best for the wood.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 5, 2017

The Best Alternatives To Hardwood Floors

What’s the one thing holding you back from installing hardwood flooring throughout? For many, it’s the cost of the wood. Traditional hardwood is a costly investment. It’s also more difficult to maintain than other flooring choices. As a result, many property owners are looking for more affordable, durable options.

We have some ideas for you. To determine which material is right for your home, take a look at these budget-friendly alternatives.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a common flooring choice that still offers beauty and appeal. It’s natural textures and characteristics give the appearance of hardwood. And because it’s a sustainable material, it can offer eco-friendly characteristics into your home. However, bamboo’s structure is similar to hardwood in that it will scratch and dent easily. Cleaning regularly should be used as a way to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

Cork

Cork is increasing in popularity and is a completely renewable alternative that is available in both tiles and planks. It has an added benefit of absorbing loud noises and insulating the surroundings. You’ll love this cushioned floor if you stand for extended periods of time. However, it does have a low tolerance to humidity and can dent easily under heavy furniture.

Vinyl and Laminate

For those who want the visual appearance of wood without the prices and upkeep to go along with it, synthetic materials such as vinyl and laminate offer a viable alternative. They offer the convenience of a floating floor installation that duplicates the look and feel of real wood. They are also highly resistant to stains and discoloration due to spills, sunlight, or heavy foot traffic. However, their longevity is shorter than hardwoods and will need to be replaced on a more frequent basis.

Tile

With today’s technology, tile can create the look and feel of hardwood with all of the durability and ease you come to expect with tile. It’s the most versatile flooring choice for every room in your home. And with their protective glazes and sealants, they can withstand water damage and stains. That means you have an unlimited amount of design possibilities combines with durability that will last the test of time. Homeowners also love being able to install them over radiant heating, which can make even the coldest room in your home a little bit warmer even during the cold, winter months.

See a choice that sounds perfect for you? Stop by today and we can show you all of your alternatives and help you make the right selection for you.