| How can I tell if my hardwood flooring could be refinished, or if I have to replace it? |
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The easiest way to determine if refinishing could be done is to answer these questions;
1. Do you see any exposed nail heads between the strips of your hardwood floors? This will be evident if you see shiny steel spots between the strip floor.
2. Are the joints of the hardwood floor cracking or lifting, exposing the tongue and groove?
3. Is the surface of the flooring worn down to the bare wood, but the rest of the floors are in good shape?
If the answer to questions 1 and 2 are yes, then most likely refinishing cannot be done as the hardwood has been sanded as far as it can be.
If the answer to question 3 is yes, then it is very likely that you can refinish your flooring. Worn down areas will sand off and a new finish will restore the life and beauty of the hardwood. |
| Is installation of hardwood flooring easy enough to do myself? |
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If your choice of hardwood is prefinished, then installing your own floors is possible. Any installation helps with some form of carpentry skills, but if you follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, it can be done. If you choose to install unfinished flooring, sanding and finishing should be left to the professionals. |
| How do I know what type of flooring I should be looking at for my home? |
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Is the hardwood going to be installed over a wood subfloor or a concrete surface? If it is going over a wood surface, then any nail or glue down type hardwood can be used. If the installation is over a concrete, then any laminate or engineered type flooring can be used. |
| Are prefinished floors scratch proof? |
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NO. We must remember that we are talking about wood. Any heavy objects that fall on a hardwood floor or dragged across the floor will dent or scratch the surface. Most prefinished flooring has a very durable surface on them which in most cases will outlast any on-site finished product. But remember, it’s still wood. |
| Why does my hardwood flooring show gaps in the winter season? |
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Wood is a product of Mother Nature which will expand and contract depending on the relative humidity in the home. Stabilizing relative humidity throughout winter and summer is very important for hardwood flooring. If there is too much humidity the flooring will expand, if there is not enough, the flooring will shrink. Air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers are a must for moisture control. |
| How do I clean my hardwood flooring? |
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Most flooring manufacturers will carry floor cleaners for their products. These will always be our first recommendation. Vacuum cleaning and dry mopping is also recommended. Damp mopping can be done as long as a dry mop is passed afterwards to dry up any excess water. |
