FAQ about Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hardwood flooring:
1. How long do hardwood floors last?
Hardwood flooring can last for decades if properly maintained. Regular care and refinishing can easily last 20-30 years or even longer.
2. Can hardwood floors be installed in any room?
Hardwood floors are versatile and can be installed in most rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and even kitchens. However, it's not recommended for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
3. What are the different types of hardwood floors?
There are several types of hardwood flooring, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory. Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as color, grain pattern, and hardness.
4. How do I choose the right hardwood for my home?
Consider factors like your personal style, the room's function, and the amount of foot traffic it will receive. Lighter woods can make a room feel more spacious, while darker woods can add warmth and richness.
5. What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of wood veneer and is more resistant to moisture.
6. How do I maintain hardwood floors?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming, along with occasional mopping using a hardwood floor cleaner, will help keep your floors clean. Avoid using excessive water or harsh cleaners, as they can damage the wood.
7. Can hardwood flooring be installed over existing flooring?
In most cases, hardwood flooring can be installed over existing flooring, such as plywood or concrete, as long as the surface is clean, dry, and level. However, it's best to consult with a professional installer to ensure proper installation.
8. How do I protect hardwood flooring from scratches?
Use furniture pads or felt protectors on the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor and consider using rugs or mats in high-traffic areas.
9. Can hardwood flooring be refinished?
Yes, hardwood can be refinished to remove scratches, stains, or to change the color. This process involves sanding down the top layer of the wood and applying a new finish.
10. How much does hardwood flooring cost?
The cost of hardwood varies depending on the type of wood, quality
Have more questions? Here you go!
11. Can hardwood be installed over radiant heating?
Yes, hardwood flooring can be installed over radiant heating systems. However, it's important to choose the right type of wood and consult with a professional installer to ensure proper installation.
12. How do I deal with scratches on hardwood?
For minor scratches, you can use a hardwood floor touch-up pen or a wood stain marker to fill in the scratch. For deeper scratches, it may be necessary to sand and refinish the affected area.
13. Is hardwood eco-friendly?
Hardwood flooring can be eco-friendly if it's sourced from sustainably managed forests. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure that the wood is responsibly harvested.
14. Can hardwood be installed in a basement?
While hardwood flooring is not recommended for basements due to moisture concerns, engineered hardwood can be a suitable alternative as it is more resistant to moisture and humidity.
15. How long does it take to install hardwood?
The installation time can vary depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the installation. On average, it can take a few days to a week to install hardwood flooring.
16. Can hardwood be installed on stairs?
Yes, hardwood flooring can be installed on stairs to create a cohesive look throughout your home. However, stair installation requires additional expertise and may involve custom fitting.
17. How do I protect hardwood from sunlight fading?
To prevent sunlight fading, use window coverings or UV-protective films on windows to block out harmful UV rays. You can also rearrange furniture or use rugs to minimize direct sunlight exposure.
18. Can I install hardwood myself?
While DIY installation is possible, it's recommended to hire a professional installer for the best results. They have the expertise and tools to ensure a proper and long-lasting installation.
19. How do I clean spills on hardwood?
Promptly clean up spills on hardwood flooring using a damp cloth or mop. Avoid using excessive water, as it can seep into the wood and cause damage.
20. Can hardwood be installed in a home with pets?
Yes, hardwood flooring can be installed in homes with pets. However, it's important to trim your pet's nails regularly and clean up any accidents or spills promptly to prevent damage to the wood.
How Luxury Vinyl Flooring is made
What LVP consists of
Luxury vinyl flooring is made by combining different layers of materials. First, there's a vinyl core layer, which provides stability and durability. Then comes the design layer, where a high-resolution image of wood, stone, or other patterns is printed onto the vinyl. This layer gives the flooring a realistic and beautiful appearance. Finally, there's the wear layer, which protects the flooring from scratches, stains, and fading.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process of luxury vinyl flooring involves a technique called lamination. The layers are pressed together under heat and pressure, creating a strong bond. This lamination process ensures that the layers stay securely attached, even in high-traffic areas of your home.
Installation
Once the luxury vinyl flooring is manufactured, it's ready to be installed in your space. The installation process can vary depending on the type of luxury vinyl flooring you choose. There are different installation methods, such as click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay. Each method has its own advantages and suitability for different areas of your home.
Click-lock luxury vinyl flooring is popular because it's easy to install. The planks or tiles have interlocking edges that click together, creating a tight and seamless fit. This method doesn't require any adhesive, making it a great option for DIY enthusiasts.
Glue-down luxury vinyl flooring involves applying adhesive to the subfloor and then placing the vinyl planks or tiles on top. This method provides a more permanent and secure installation, especially in areas with high moisture or heavy foot traffic.
Loose lay LVP or LVT is another option where the planks or tiles are laid directly on the subfloor without any adhesive. The weight and friction of the flooring keep it in place. This method allows for easy removal and replacement if needed.
No matter which installation method you choose, LVP offers numerous benefits. It's highly durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. It's also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households. Additionally, LVP is available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, allowing you to achieve the desired look for your space.
Best Flooring Options for your Basement
Starting your basement renovation: First Step
Many people buy homes with unfinished basements or have basements that are outdated and need a refreshed look. The core of any home reno or basement remodeling starts with the flooring. By giving your floor a new modern look, it can give your home a whole new look. Determining what type of flooring to select can be a big choice, and ultimately it comes down to several options for most: Tile, Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl, or Carpet Flooring.
Tile Flooring
Many people decide to go with tile for their basements for one main reason: they are water resistant. Many homes have a significant issue with flooding in their basements in the spring when the snow melts, which can often damage their floors and furniture. One of the pros of Tile Flooring is that they are water resistant and stain-resistant, which means if your home is prone to flooding, it will be easier to clean come springtime. Aside from being water resistant, tile flooring is extremely durable and has a long life span compared to other types of flooring. Additionally, tile is affordable compared to many other types of floors, and they are very low maintenance. Many people only want to spend a little bit of time cleaning their basement floors, which makes tile a good choice, as they require little to no maintenance.
Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to hardwood flooring, it adds beauty and elegance that can be a timeless look for your basement. Hardwood has been known to significantly add value to homes as well when selling. The reason for this is most people do not want someone else's carpet in their home, which means they will have to replace the flooring. By adding hardwood to your basement, any prospective buyer will be glad you installed them. Hardwood is also very durable and resilient compared to other flooring options. Hardwood has been known to have a lifespan upwards of 20 years before being replaced.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices over the past few years. One of the main reasons people have been moving towards LVP is because it gives you the timeless look of hardwood, but with endless colour and pattern options. This makes LVP a popular choice for basements because with the endless patterns and colours available, you are able to find the right one that matches your basement perfectly. Another pro about selecting LVP for your basement, is they come in Planks or Tile sizes. So if you want to give your basement the hardwood floor look, put with a tile look as well you can! Lastly, Luxury Vinyl Floors are waterproof and very durable, making them a good choice for those who have basements that tend to flood.
Next Steps
Do you have an idea what type of flooring you want to choose, but still have some questions? Come to the store where one of our associates can walk you step-by-step through the entire process. Installing floors in your basement can be a big project, so make sure you do it right the first time! Our team has years of experience, so we can guide you through it, connect with a team member today!
Pros and Cons of Tile Flooring
Tile flooring has been popular for many homeowners over the past few years. It has an elegant look and an endless variety of styles to choose from. When trying to determine whether or not tile is right for your next home project it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. Tile can offer an elegant look and is very low maintenance.
Because of how durable tile is, tile flooring is suitable to install just about anywhere you can imagine, indoors and out. You can most commonly find tile on bathroom or kitchen floors where water, debris, and heavy traffic are unsuitable for other flooring options.
Pros of Tile Flooring
-
Water Resistant & Stain Resistant
- Due to tile being water resistant, it makes them a popular selection for kitchens, bathrooms, and even basements that are prone to flooding. Water collects on the tile flooring without seeping it, making it easier to clean than many other flooring options. Also, when it comes to spillage of food, or waste, it tile makes it easy to clean up the mess, without leaving stains or marks on the flooring. This is a great option for people with young kids or dogs that tend to make a mess.
-
Low Maintenance:
- Many people choose tile due to its low maintenance. It requires minimal effort, unlike other flooring options such as carpet or hardwood. Tile requires you to mop occasionally when needed to keep them looking clean. This is very different from hardwood which requires constant upkeep, and hiring professionals to refinish the floors.
Cons of Tile Flooring
-
Hard Surface to walk on
- If you are someone who likes to walk barefoot throughout the house, you may not want to install tile extensively throughout your home. Tile also makes for a hard walking surface, which is why many homeowners prefer being able to walk on plush carpeting in rooms where they spend the most time.
-
Not Noise Resistant
- Tile does not muffle noise very well, which if you have ever lived in an apartment, or in a basement you may know what we are referring too. You can hear the sounds of people talking or walking very easily through tile flooring. So it is not recommended if you are looking to install in a bedroom or hallway on the second floor of you home.
Wanting to learn more about tile flooring? Connect with one of our sale reps today, and we can help you take the next steps in any flooring project!
Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
When looking to renovate your home or buy a new house, hardwood flooring is usually at the top of many homeowners' must-have lists. Many people prefer hardwood floors due to their ageless look or low maintenance effort to maintain and clean them. This blog will go over all the reasons you may want to select a hardwood floor for your home or your next project.
Value to Your Home
Unlike carpet and other flooring options, hardwood flooring can increase the value of your home when looking to sell! Many home buyers will pay extra for homes with hardwood floors over carpet because most people want to buy something other than a house with someone else old carpet. Carpet can attract and store germs and dirt more than other flooring options, so buying a house with hardwood is more attractive to many than carpet.
Hardwood Flooring is Low-maintenance
Compared to many types of flooring, hardwood floor is one of the easiest and lowest maintenance types. Compared to tile, you do not have to worry about cleaning the grout monthly to keep the floors looking fresh, or carpet where you have to vacuum or steam clean them daily. Hardwood floors require minimal effort, just vacuuming and moping when needed.
Gives your Home a Fresh Look
One of the pros to having hardwood floor in your home is it gives your rooms a fresh look. Unlike many alternative flooring options, as the years go on many floors get worn down and start looking bad. With Hardwood, you have the option to refinish the floors, which can make them look close to brand new.
When considering going with hardwood floors, there any many pros for doing so. Before making a big decision like this, its always best to talk to an expert. Connect with one of our staff members today, and let them walk you through this process, giving you all the information you need to take the next step! You will not regret selecting hardwood floor for you next project!
The Guide to choosing Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Choosing any flooring for your home or office, its a big decision. You are making a significant financial decision, and its going to be there (hopefully) for 10-20 years. So making sure you do your own due diligence when picking flooring is very important. This blog is going to help walk you through the things you should consider when looking at Luxury Vinyl flooring for your next project.
What types of Luxury Vinyl are there?
When looking at Luxury Vinyl Flooring, there are two options: Luxury Vinyl Planks or Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Planks are shaped more like traditional hardwood floor planks, while the Tile pieces are squared like your typical tile flooring. The LVT floors can replicate natural materials such as marble, stone, or travertine. There are endless pattern combinations, giving you many different possibilities, helping you find exactly what you had envisioned.
LVP Flooring offers many different looks and patterns that are similar to hardwood flooring. Many people want hardwood flooring, but do not want the hassle of maintaining them, or having to pay extra for them.
Making the right selection with Luxury Vinyl
- Set a budget that works for you
- Making sure you set a budget that works for you is one of the most important steps of this process. You never want to spend more than you can afford on flooring, so coming into this process knowing your budget, will help you determine options that are feasible for your project.
- Consider whether you want LVP flooring or LVT flooring
- Take a look at both options. Take some samples home and see what you think looks best. Ultimately it comes down to your personal preference, so make sure its what you love!
- Choose a color that aligns with the design of your living space or business
- With LVT and LVP, there are endless designs and patterns to consider. Make sure you have a flooring expert walk you through all the potential possibilities so you know exactly what is our there.
- Assess the durability of the various options
- You never want to pick an item that wont last. Do your research into the Luxury Vinyl Flooring your considering, make sure it can meet the physical demands and wear and tear that they will go through on a day-to-day basis.
Next Steps
Following these initial steps is the first step. Talking with a team member and having them walk you through all the different options available and answer any questions or concerns you have is also very important. Contact one of our team members today to learn more about LVP. We would love to walk you through the journey of starting your next project.
When to use Luxury Vinyl, Tile, and Hardwood
Regarding flooring options for your home, three popular choices stand out for their durability, aesthetics, and versatility: luxury vinyl, hardwood, and tile. Each of these materials has unique advantages, making it essential to consider your lifestyle and design preferences when deciding which is right for your space.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Style Meets Practicality
Luxury vinyl flooring has gained quite a popularity in recent years due to its combination of style, affordability, and durability. It's an excellent choice for those who want the look of hardwood or tile without the associated costs and maintenance. Here are some key features of luxury vinyl:
- Aesthetic Versatility: Luxury vinyl comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, making it a versatile option for various design aesthetics.
- Durability: It's highly resistant to wear and tear, water, and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.
- Easy Maintenance: Luxury vinyl is a breeze to clean and maintain and can withstand spills and moisture.
- Affordability: It's often more budget-friendly than hardwood or tile, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious homeowners.
Hardwood Flooring: Elegance
Hardwood flooring is a classic choice that has stood the test of time. Its natural beauty and durability make it a sought-after option for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance to their space. Here's why hardwood is so highly regarded:
- Great Appeal: The warmth and beauty of real wood bring a sense of elegance to any room.
- Longevity: When properly cared for, hardwood floors can last for generations, increasing the value of your home.
- Environmental Benefits: Sustainable harvesting practices and renewable options make hardwood a responsible choice for eco-conscious consumers.
- Allergen-Friendly: Hardwood doesn't trap allergens like carpet, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
Tile Flooring: Durability and Versatility
Tile flooring is another durable and versatile option, especially in spaces with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Tile offers a variety of styles and materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Here are some advantages of tile flooring:
- Water Resistance: Tile is highly resistant to moisture and is ideal for areas prone to spills and high humidity.
- Design Variety: Tiles come in various sizes, colors, and patterns, allowing you to create unique designs and customize your space.
- Ease of Maintenance: Tiles are easy to clean and are highly durable, withstanding daily wear and tear.
- Cool Comfort: Tile floors are naturally cool, making them an excellent choice for warm climates.
In conclusion, choosing the right flooring for your home involves a balance between aesthetics, practicality, and budget. Luxury vinyl, hardwood, and tile each offer their unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your space. Whether you opt for the versatility of luxury vinyl, the timeless beauty of hardwood, or the durability of tile. A well-informed decision will ensure your flooring meets both your functional and aesthetic requirements.
How to Clean Grout in Tile Flooring
One of the common issues people have when they choose Tile Flooring is they need help to clean the grout between the tiles. Several easy-to-do steps can have your grout looking brand new in under two hours. Grout is the space between the tiles in your bath or kitchen, or wherever you place your tiles. If the grout is left untouched, the grout can collect mold, mildew, and dirt. Ensuring you clean the grout several times, a year can give your tiles a new fresh look.
Step 1: Apply Grout Cleaner
- Before getting started, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands from the cleaner and mold
- Next, apply any commercial tile cleaner, you will put it on all the dirty areas on the grout
- You can also create your own grout cleaner for your tiles. Use ¾ baking soda, ¼ hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. You can apply it to the grout like you would with any other grout cleaner
Step 2: Scrub and Rinse Grout around the Tiles
- Next you will start scrubbing the grout using mops, towels, microfiber cloths, or sponges.
- Some will even use toothbrushes to ensure they get all the small crevices.
Step 3: How to remove difficult stains
- Apply your grout cleaning solution to all the grout, you can use store-bought solutions or homemade ones.
- Next you can use a steam cleaner to review all the surfaces. By scrubbing all the grout surfaces with the steam cleaner, you can ensure to get rid of all the stubborn stains.
Step 4: Preventing Grout Build up on Tile Flooring
- By cleaning the grout once a week, you can ensure to avoid build up of mold and dirt in the grout
- By pouring a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth and wipe down the dirty grout and tiles.
- This will also kill mold and mildew and help keep the tiles and grout clean
If you were able to clean your grout, congrats! Now may be a good time to reseal it. High-traffic areas should be resealed every 6 months to 1 year, while low-traffic areas can go 2–3 years between sealings. If the methods above didn’t work, it may be time to replace your grout.
By following these steps and frequently cleaning the grout often, you can avoid having your grout between your tile flooring looking old and gross. Although cleaning the grout may seem tedious and time consuming, it can keep your flooring look brand new.
Pros and Cons of Natural Hardwood Flooring
When considering putting any type of flooring in your house, its important to consider the pros and cons each type of flooring. For Hardwood Flooring, there are many pros and cons to consider, for example, hardwood floors can work in many types of rooms. This blog will go over some of the pros and cons related to Hardwood Flooring, and will give you more to consider about Hardwood Flooring.
Pros of Hardwood Flooring
Durability
One of the main reasons that drives people to purchase Hardwood Flooring, is its durability. Hardwood has the ability to be refinished and sanded down to give the hardwood a new fresh look. Having the ability to refinish the flooring can save you thousands of dollars, instead of having to install new floors, you can just give them a new, refreshed looked.
Hardwood Flooring is Easy to Maintain
Having floors that are low maintenance can be a large selling point for many people. Hardwood floors require very little maintenance, however they do need to be cleaned regularly like most floors. If you are able to sweep, vacuum, and mop regularly, the floors will hold their integrity and increase their life span. Interested in learning more about how to properly clean hardwood? Learn more here.
Endless Styles
If you are picky when it comes to your flooring, one of the many pros to hardwood is that they have endless options. There are many different natural wood options, that create various different styles and looks for your flooring. If you want to see some of the options we have for hardwood, make sure you come by our showroom to see the endless options!
Cons of Hardwood Flooring
Discoloration
If in direct sunlight, some types of hardwood can start to become discolored. Because of this, you may have to refinish your flooring early than you would like
Water Damage
One of the common complaints about hardwood is if water is left on hardwood for to long, it can damage the flooring and cause it to start peeling or become worn out. So if you experience flooding in a specific room, or have pets that are constantly spilling water in areas from their water bowl, you may not want to put hardwood in those rooms.
Interested in learning more about the Pros and Cons of Hardwood? Call or visit our storefront where a team member can walk you through the different options, and determine what's best for you and your project.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP)
Over the past few years, Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP) has gained much traction. One of the main reasons people have been leaning toward Luxury Vinyl (LVP) is because of its affordability of it compared to other options such as hardwood.
Pros of Luxury Vinyl
Easy to Install
LVP is very easy to install. Because of how straightforward the installation is, many people opt to try installing the flooring themselves. This helps reduce the overall cost of purchasing the flooring, and also you are able to install them on your own schedule.
Durability
Luxury Vinyl Flooring very durable flooring option for both residential and commercial installations. Many are waterproof, which means they can be installed anywhere, including wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements, while others are water-resistant. They also resist other things like moisture, mold, mildew, stains, scratches, and scuffs.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring has Unique Designs
With Luxury Vinyl Flooring, the design options are endless. There are thousand of options when it comes to designs for LVP, which ensures you are able to find your dream design for you floors.
Cons of Luxury Vinyl
May not do well in Sunlight
Depending on the brand and quality of Luxury Vinyl that you go with, some of the cheaper brands do not do well in sunlight. When purchasing LVP its important to do your research on what brand you are using, and look at the reviews to ensure the quality is good.
LVP can be hard to remove
Once the Luxury Vinyl is installed, it can be hard to remove if you change your mind. This is due to the adhesive glue used to keep them in place.