About Hardwood
Hardwood flooring has a timeless beauty that survives decorating styles and trends. Because hardwood floors are so durable, the need for replacement is virtually non-existent. And because it increases the value of your home, the decision to choose hardwood flooring becomes a matter of making an investment rather than a purchase.
With hardwood flooring, changing decor no longer means changing your floor! You retain the option of sanding and refinishing in order to complement your current color scheme.
Hardwood flooring is the clean, hypo-allergenic choice for your home. It provides a healthy environment; it does not trap dust, pollen, and other allergens.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Two main types of wood flooring exist, engineered hardwood and solid hardwood. Both of these are manufactured from real wood, but the manufacturing process is different.Engineered hardwood has a thin hardwood surface with multiple layers of fibreboard or plywood underneath. It is very strong and is quite resistant to moisture as it has many laminated layers. Because of its resistance to moisture, it can be installed above or below ground. It may also be sanded and refinished once or twice.
Engineered hardwood provides greater stability than solid hardwood, especially if heat or moisture pose a risk for your floors.
Engineered Flooring Species
Engineered hardwood is available in the same species as solid wood, such as oak, birch, maple, walnut, and hickory.
Installation Methods
Engineered wood floors can be installed in a few different ways; depending on which type of flooring you choose to purchase, engineered wood may be nailed down, glued down, or float. This provides more options than standard wood which must be nailed to a wood sub-floor.
Pre-Finished
Engineered wood flooring has a pre-finished top layer, meaning it has already been sanded and sealed before installation. Unfinished solid hardwood, however, must be sealed and therefore cannot be used as soon as it is installed. Pre-finished solid hardwood is also available.
Sanding
One advantage of engineered wood flooring over laminate is that it may be sanded if scratches or dents appear. It can usually be sanded 1-2 times, but because of the high quality of finishes that are available 95% of hardwood surfaces never get refinished. It is recommended that if you do refinish your engineered wood flooring, that it be done by a professional.
Light Moisture
Engineered wood flooring works well in almost any room, such as kitchens or basements. However, in areas that may be exposed to heavy moisture such as basements that are prone to flooding, engineered flooring is not the best option. For these areas, tile or vinyl is a better choice. Engineered wood flooring will hold up to moisture better than other wood flooring products.
Radiant Heat
Depending on the type of wood and recommendations made by the manufacturer, most engineered wood flooring may be installed on top of radiant heat.
Value
Although engineered flooring is a more expensive alternative to laminate flooring, it provides better value to your home in the long run, as long as it is properly cared for and maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floors
Is it difficult to maintain hardwood flooring?
As long as the cleaning and maintenance instructions listed above are followed, your floors will remain in good condition, even in homes with small children and pets. Hardwood flooring can last many, many years when properly cared for.
Can hardwood flooring be installed in a basement?
As long as the basement is not prone to flooding, hardwood flooring is suitable for almost any elevation, especially if it is engineered wood flooring.
Can hardwood flooring be installed on concrete?
Yes; the concrete should have been fully cured for at least 60 days. It must also be clean and dry, leveled, and should have no history of moisture issues. Engineered floors can often be glued directly to a concrete slab.
Can hardwood flooring be installed over radiant heat?
It is not recommended that hardwood floors be installed over radiant heat. Instead, an engineered hardwood floor that has been approved for this type of heating may be selected. The heat should be turned off during installation of your engineered hardwood floors, and the temperature should never exceed 29.5 °C.
Will hardwood make my room colder?
Wood has excellent natural insulating qualities, and will thus keep your space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Do I need to keep temperature and humidity controlled year-round?
It is possible that very hot, humid weather may damage your floors. In this case, a dehumidifier is recommended to keep your floors from being damaged by changes in humidity. In the winter, homes tend to get very dry and warm, and during these months a humidifier may be required. Solid wood floors tend to be more affected by humidity changes than engineered hardwood floors.
Is it possible to repair my floor if it gets gauged?
Small damaged areas (less than 2.5cm in diameter) may be repaired using Colorfill Putty. If the damaged area is too large, the entire plank may need to be replaced. Always keep a few extra planks in case damage does occur.
Can I wax my hardwood floor?
Wax tends to become very messy, and should usually be avoided. Approved hardwood floor cleaners should be enough to keep your floor in great condition without the need for waxing.
What is the best way to restore the finish to my hardwood floor?
A light screening and recoating of urethane is the best way to restore the finish of a very scratched or dull hardwood floor. This is best done by a professional.
Can I wet-mop my hardwood floor?
Wet mops can cause water damage to your hardwood floor by raising the grain. Instead, use an approved wood floor cleaner to clean your floor.
Maintenance of Hardwood Flooring
Wood floors are an excellent flooring option but it is crucial for them to be cared for properly for them to retain their value. If spills, excess moisture, and dirt are not properly dealt with, your floor may become damaged.
Strategically placed area rugs and protective pads placed on the legs of furniture will help keep your floor from getting scratched, and routine cleaning will keep your floors looking like new.
Steps to follow to keep your hardwood flooring in good condition:
- Your floor should be regularly swept, vacuumed (using the soft brush attachment) and/or dust mopped to keep it free of dirt and dust.
- Clean your wood floors regularly using a wood floor cleaning product and a suitable cleaning pad. The pad should be slightly damp, never dripping wet. It is recommended that you use the floor cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer of your wood flooring, and that the cleaning pad be clean each time you start your cleaning process; otherwise the warranty on the product may be void.
- Protective pads should be placed on furniture legs.
- Mats and/or area rugs should be placed in high traffic areas, and these mats should be kept clean and dry on the bottom.
- Avoid walking excessively on your hardwood floors with high heels, and keep pets nails trimmed to avoid scratches and gauges.
- Ideally humidity in the home should remain between 35% and 65%. It is suggested a humidifier be installed to keep it at this level.
- DO NOT use wet mops or cleaning products meant for other flooring types.
- DO NOT use ammonia or dust cleaners.
- DO NOT let dirt be tracked around your floor; allowing dirt to remain on your floor will cause scratches to the surface.
- DO NOT wax a urethane finish.
