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Pre-Finished vs. Site-Finished Hardwood Flooring
Having trouble deciding on your hardwood floor finish? Here, we’ll examine the differences between, and benefits of, both pre-finished hardwood (factory finished) and unfinished hardwood (site-finished) flooring. Hardwood flooring installation and finishing is just one of our areas of expertise, and by the time our flooring clients come to us, they usually already know whether they want their floors to be finished in their homes, (on site) or pre-finished from the factory. However, some aren’t sure what they’re interested in (and that’s completely ok; we love to aid in the decision making process when it comes to what’s best for your home! That’s what we’re here for!) It’s…
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What is a Floating Floor?
What is a floating floor? A floating floor is a floor that is installed using an interlocking method. The floor is neither glued nor nailed to the subfloor or existing floor. “Floating floor” is a term that describes the way in which a floor is laid and is not a specific floor material in itself. You may choose to install a floating floor if there is an existing floor that you want to install on top of or if there is a concrete subfloor. We will elaborate on this topic and give you advice and key points to think about when deciding on installing a floating floor system. There are…
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Flooring Trends of 2017 Part II
Last week we posted Flooring Trends for 2017. This week we’re bringing you even more information on what’s trending in the flooring industry. Stain Colors and Polyurethane Finish We really have started to see a gravitational pull away from the super dark stains that have taken over the past few years and everything is leaning towards lighter and neutral tones. We can’t tell you how many floors we have sanded and refinished with the Jacobean and/or Ebony stain color – it’s countless. While those colors are bold, beautiful and timeless, a lot of our clients have recently been asking for lighter stain colors or a natural finish for their hardwood…
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Flooring Trends For 2017 Part I
It’s that time again; the New Year is almost upon us. Here’s a look at what’s trending in 2017 in the flooring industry …… The flooring industry continues to push boundaries with really innovative product lines, using all kinds of new technology to generate custom “looks” for the flooring consumer. Here’s an overview of the current styles we’re seeing: Flooring in colors on both ends of the spectrum; The color of your flooring sets the tone for the atmosphere and décor in your home. Last year, we saw a rise in really dark floors; specifically dark stained hardwood floors. Nothing says modern and contemporary like the bold contrast between a…
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Can Pets and Hardwood Floors Coexist?
Here are some hardwood flooring facts that can keep you ahead of the game when deciding on which material to choose for your pet friendly home… With 63% of all U.S. households having pets, this is a topic that we come across pretty often. Though we love our furry family members, they can be a bit tough on our floors. One of the biggest issues with our pets is their nails. If they’re not kept trimmed, they could easily scratch a hardwood floor. In addition to scratches, your hardwood floor has to try to endure food and water bowl spills, and lets not forget the dreaded housebreaking accidents! Even…
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How hardwood flooring impacts the look of your home.
One of the most effective ways to impact the look of your home is to change the flooring throughout. Many people do not realize that by changing their floors, they can update the look of their home in a dramatic way. Also, by removing carpets and installing hardwood in your home, you can add up to a 20% resale value. Hardwood flooring over the years can start to show signs of wear. This is the telltale sign that is it time to sand, stain and refinish your floors! Sanding and refinishing your hardwood will restore it back to its original glory and make it look good as new! During the…
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When to Sand and Refinish your Hardwood Floors…
Has the thought of sanding and refinishing your floors popped into your mind recently? Or have you been thinking about it for a while, seriously considering it, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right time or even a necessity to have your floors done? I know that sometimes taking the next step in having a professional come over for an estimate and then actually doing the work can feel like a daunting commitment… But don’t worry, we’ve listed some key points on what to consider and even look for on your floors to know if this is something you should do now. Your hardwood floors have been covered…
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The Importance of a “Solid” subfloor.
The importance of a “Solid” Subfloor What is a Subfloor? A subfloor is basically your current floors foundation, or what’s underneath; (typically made up of plywood or concrete; if your home is older, it could possibly be diagonal pine planks). Being in this industry for almost 2 decades, we’ve come to understand that each and every home is different. Even manufactured or townhomes; no two are alike with regards to settling over the years. While different homes may have the same subfloor material, one realizes when installing, that adjusting technique is a must. Also, homes with multiple levels will have a couple of different types of subfloors. In this article, we will explain what a subfloor is,…
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Hardwood Floor Care and Maintenance
Hardwood Floor Maintenance A guide to maintaining your hardwood floor Now that you have had your floors done, whether it be sanded and refinished or newly installed hardwood, maintenance and care are the next steps in keeping the floors as free of scratches and blemishes as possible. All hardwood floors scratch at some point. However, you can reduce the amount of scratching by following the steps below. Hardwood flooring has the ability to last 100+ years. We have been in many homes built in the 1800s with its original hardwood that just needs a good sanding and refinishing. Here are a few need-to-know tips on how to keep your new…
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Oil vs. Water Polyurethane Finish
Which hardwood flooring finish is better and which lasts longer? Oil based polyurethane or Water-borne polyurethane…. There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor. We’ve given some key points to consider when making your decision. Here are some factors to consider that might sway your decision either way: Durability: How long will the finish last before it has to be redone? Oil based poly is simply, more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. It’s due to the chemical makeup; oil based poly’s have 45% to 50% of solids, while water based polys only contain 30% to 35% of…
