I want hardwood flooring in my basement, but I’ve been told I can’t put hardwood below grade. Is this true?
Solid hardwood should not be installed below grade. However, engineered hardwood can be installed in basements as long as you do not have an existing moisture problem.
Can I have hardwood flooring installed over my concrete floor if it is above grade?
Yes, you can install engineered hardwood directly over concrete if it is above grade. There is even a system available to install solid hardwood directly over concrete floors.
I have radiant heat in my floors. Can I have hardwood installed directly over it?
Yes, there is a system designed to install solid or engineered hardwood directly over radiant heat flooring.
I live in a multi-level condo building. I am told that I cannot install hardwood unless it meets the sound proofing requirements. What do I need to do?
There are several sound proof systems available to properly install hardwood flooring in multi-level buildings. You may use a floating floor installation installed directly over cork or you may choose a direct glue system, which is installed over dense foam. Either system will provide you with the proper sound proofing to meet your needs.
Can I install my new hardwood floor directly over my existing vinyl flooring?
It is better to remove the existing vinyl, but if it does not cause a transition problem from one floor to the next and/or if it does not cause a problem with the installation or removal of appliances and doors then it can be done. Keep in mind though that you may want to remove and raise your base boards so they have the proper reveal.
I have a large dog and I’ve been told I should not have hardwood. Is this true?
No. Many people with large dogs have hardwood flooring. Your dogs will scratch the floors and it will cause more wear; however, unlike vinyl and laminate floors, hardwood can be refinished in the future. Keep in mind that even under normal circumstances, your hardwood floors will scratch. That being said, as hardwood floors age they tend to mellow.
I heard that hardwood flooring requires significant maintenance. Is that true?
Yes, to some extent you need to pay a little more attention to your hardwood floors then say, a ceramic floor. Proper maintenance and using the proper cleaning products will greatly add to your floor’s life. Once you get used to its care requirements, you will likely find that it is a very forgiving floor to live with.
I have a swimming pool and I want to put hardwood at the entrance to my house from the swimming pool. Is this okay?
This can be done, but special care should be taken to make sure water is not left on the hardwood floor’s surface.
I want hardwood in my laundry room as well as my kitchen. Is this okay?
Generally speaking we do not recommend hardwood being installed in areas where there is an enhanced likelihood of contact with flowing water. That being said, it is installed in powder rooms with a shower a toilet, so it can be done in a laundry room too, as long as you understand the risks.
Can I have hardwood flooring installed on my stairs?
Yes, this can be done, but often times you will find that hiring a stair contractor is about the same price and perhaps a better choice.
Do I need to have a humidifier installed if I purchase a hardwood floor?
Hardwood flooring expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. Having adequate levels of humidity in the home will help minimize the shrinkage of your floors during the heating months. While many people do not own a humidifier, we recommend one be used if you have hardwood.
I want to purchase a pre-finished hardwood floor, but I’ve been told they cannot be re-finished. Is this true?
As long as your pre-finished hardwood floor is a solid wood it can be re-finished. If you own a pre-finished floor that is engineered, then it may not be possible to re-finish it.
Should I purchase a pre-finished hardwood or a finished on site hardwood for my home?
The answer to this question depends on many variables. For starters, it depends on if it is an existing home or if it is a new home. If you live in an existing home it is much more convenient to purchase a pre-finished hardwood. If you are purchasing a new home the advantage of a good pre-finished hardwood is that the finish is applied in a controlled environment and it generally has a suspended metallic in the finish. This gives the finish extraordinary wear characteristics compare to finished-on-site products. The draw backs to pre-finished hardwood is it may not be offered in the stain color you want and it is less forgiving to install on uneven surfaces since it is not sanded flat. Finished on site hardwood also is easier to perform custom inlay work and install flush vents with.
I am concerned for our environment. Are there any hardwood products that are more environmentally friendly?
There are several hardwood flooring products and alternatives that are better for our environment. For starters, you may consider Bamboo, which is actually a grass and regenerates about every three years. Another consideration is an engineered hardwood, which is generally thinner and therefore requires a lesser amount of trees per foot of flooring. There are also hybrid trees that are designed to grow to full maturity in just fifteen years. An example of this is a product called Lyptus.
What are different grades of hardwood?
- Clear grade: color variation is minor, wood is selected for color uniformity, and sound knots are allowed, as are minimal stains, checks or splits.
- Select & Better” grade: color variation is moderate, wood is selected for color uniformity, sound knots are allowed, minimal stains, checks or splits
- Select” grade: relatively uniform with a little color variation in shade, sound knots are allowed
- Select Common” grade: a blend of select and #1 common grade. Color variation is pronounced, sound knots are allowed, some non-natural discoloration are allowed
- #1 Common” grade: A nice blend of natural color variations of heartwood and sapwood, all variations are allowed. The wood grain is very visible with its darker color. Unfilled pin knots are allowed, some non-natural discolorations are allowed.
- Character” or “Builder” grade: a nice blend of natural color variations of heartwood and sapwood, all variations are allowed. The wood grain is very visible with its darker color. Knots up to ¾” filled with putty are allowed. Cracks and splits filled may be present.
