Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the more common questions we are asked.
Choosing the Right Floor
At what point in decorating should I consider new floors?
How important is the right floor to successful decorating?
What's important to look for in a wood floor and how do I choose a species and color that's right for my home?
Should I choose a neutral color so it will stay in style for many years to come?
What about prefinished versus unfinished?
What is the difference between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors?
How important is the right floor to successful decorating?
What's important to look for in a wood floor and how do I choose a species and color that's right for my home?
Should I choose a neutral color so it will stay in style for many years to come?
What about prefinished versus unfinished?
What is the difference between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors?
Care and Maintenance of Your Hardwood Floor
Are hardwood floors easy to clean?
What products do you recommend to clean and maintain my hardwood floor?
What about soaps or other products sold at the grocery store?
How do I care for my new hardwood floor?
What are some common cleaning procedures?
How do I remove those ugly scuff and heel marks?
How do I remove stains from my hardwood floor?
How do I clean paint and solvent stains?
How can I touch-up scratches and dents?
What About Cracking?
What products do you recommend to clean and maintain my hardwood floor?
What about soaps or other products sold at the grocery store?
How do I care for my new hardwood floor?
What are some common cleaning procedures?
How do I remove those ugly scuff and heel marks?
How do I remove stains from my hardwood floor?
How do I clean paint and solvent stains?
How can I touch-up scratches and dents?
What About Cracking?
Choosing the Right Floor
At what point in decorating should I consider new floors?
You should include the flooring from the very beginning. Your flooring type is one of the most important decisions you will need to make in order for your entire decorating scheme to work.
How important is the right floor to successful decorating?
The wood species, width of the product, and color of the flooring will have an effect on your trim choices as well as your wall covering and cabinetry choices.
What's important to look for in a wood floor and how do I choose a species and color that's right for my home?
You should look for a wood species that will coordinate with your over all decorating scheme. The species and width of the wood will depend largely on the size and style of your room. Durability is another factor you should consider when choosing a species. Some species are naturally stronger.
Should I choose a neutral color so it will stay in style for many years to come?
Most wood species are neutral in color but a natural finish on any species is the most common and will stay in style longest. Avoid white washing your wood floor... this is a very dated look. Consult an interior decorator or your local wood flooring supplies for your options and more specific information about each species.
What about prefinished versus unfinished?
Prefinished products, whether engineered or solid, are a good choice for an existing home, for someone who has problems with dust, or for a small area. If you can live with the dust during the sanding process, site finished flooring is always your best choice.
What is the difference between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors?
When deciding between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors, whether finished or unfinished you first need to consider where you will be installing your floor. Each have pro's and con's. Is it new construction or an existing home? Is it over a slab foundation or a standard subfloor? Will it be in a room where there may be a possibility of moisture or water damage? All these must be taken into account before you can make your final decision. Laminates like "Formica" are a good choice for a kitchen, laundry, or bath. For more information about specific products consult your local flooring supplier.
You should include the flooring from the very beginning. Your flooring type is one of the most important decisions you will need to make in order for your entire decorating scheme to work.
How important is the right floor to successful decorating?
The wood species, width of the product, and color of the flooring will have an effect on your trim choices as well as your wall covering and cabinetry choices.
What's important to look for in a wood floor and how do I choose a species and color that's right for my home?
You should look for a wood species that will coordinate with your over all decorating scheme. The species and width of the wood will depend largely on the size and style of your room. Durability is another factor you should consider when choosing a species. Some species are naturally stronger.
Should I choose a neutral color so it will stay in style for many years to come?
Most wood species are neutral in color but a natural finish on any species is the most common and will stay in style longest. Avoid white washing your wood floor... this is a very dated look. Consult an interior decorator or your local wood flooring supplies for your options and more specific information about each species.
What about prefinished versus unfinished?
Prefinished products, whether engineered or solid, are a good choice for an existing home, for someone who has problems with dust, or for a small area. If you can live with the dust during the sanding process, site finished flooring is always your best choice.
What is the difference between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors?
When deciding between vinyl, laminate, and solid wood floors, whether finished or unfinished you first need to consider where you will be installing your floor. Each have pro's and con's. Is it new construction or an existing home? Is it over a slab foundation or a standard subfloor? Will it be in a room where there may be a possibility of moisture or water damage? All these must be taken into account before you can make your final decision. Laminates like "Formica" are a good choice for a kitchen, laundry, or bath. For more information about specific products consult your local flooring supplier.
Care and Maintenance of Your Hardwood Floor
Are hardwood floors easy to clean?
With the new finishes that are on the market today, hardwood floors are very easy to clean.
What products do you recommend to clean and maintain my hardwood floor?
You should use the cleaning product recommended by the floor finish manufacturer. If no cleaning product is specifically recommended by the finish manufacturer use a product that will not leave an oil or wax residue on your floor. (Use of these products may cause a problem when you need to recoat your floor.) Damp mopping with just plain water will also work.
We recommend the use of "Glitsa Clean" as your cleaning agent and a "Sh-Mop" as your damp mop.
What about soaps or other products sold at the grocery store?
Do not use a detergent based product on your floor, they will etch the finish. A vinegar and water mixture may etch your finish over time as well, but it is a good second choice cleaning agent.
How do I care for my new hardwood floor?
Floor Protector Pads
All "moveable" pieces of furniture need soft clean pads on the bottom of the legs or supports. There are many kinds and sizes to fit all kinds of furniture.
Door Mats
Keep dirt and sand from coming in from outside by using door mats placed at all exterior doors.
High Heels
High heels concentrate a person's weight on a small area (estimate: 125 lb. person=approximately 2,000 lbs. per inch when taking a normal step). This kind of force can dent and pit wood floors. High heels in good repair may not damage wood floors, we recommend a "no high heel" policy.
Pets
Dog and cat toe nails can scratch a wood floor. It is a good idea to trim them regularly and try to contain vigorous play to a carpeted area. Finishes like urethanes are essentially waterproof. This is a great finish for pets households because pet urine will not hurt these floors if cleaned up immediately. Spills from the food/water bowl are usually no problem if wiped up soon.
Area Rugs
Some areas of the house experience more traffic than others. Kitchens (especially in the front of the sink) always have a lot of traffic. Make sure they are kept clean and dry. Shake out and vacuum all throw rugs frequently.
Moving Heavy Furniture
Remember to pick up heavy furniture and do not slide it across the floor. Use a furniture dolly or an "air sled." Floorguards enable you to move your appliances forward for servicing without gouging your floor.
Indoor Plants
Always use trivets or short stands under the pot and saucer so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation on the saucer from damaging the wood floor. It will also be easier to see if the plant is over watered or if water has spilled on the floor.
What are some common cleaning procedures?
Dirt & Sand
Dirt and sand act like sandpaper and destroy the surface of your wood floor. Vacuum, sweep and dust mop regularly. We recommend the "Sh-Mop"
How do I remove those ugly scuff and heel marks?
Use our recommended cleaning system (the "Sh-Mop" has a terry cloth cover that comes off to reveal a white pad that will not scratch your finish) and a little elbow grease on stubborn spots.
How do I remove stains from my hardwood floor?
Depending upon what the stain is you may be able to use our recommended cleaning system to remove it.
How do I clean paint and solvent stains?
For paint and solvent stains you will need to contact the floor finish manufacturer for their recommendation.
How can I touch-up scratches and dents?
Lightly scratched areas, which have not worn down to the raw wood, can sometimes be buffed. This will shine up the area and match the sheen of the rest of the floor, making the damage less obvious.
A deep scratch or gouge often can not be repaired as easily. Usually the only solution is to putty the mark. Repairs often show more because the newly repaired wood does not match the existing, older floor color.
Consult a professional when the damage exposes the bare wood.
What About Cracking?
Wood floors are very sensitive to climate. Seasonal cracking is a common occurrence. They expand in humid conditions and contract when the air becomes dry, usually due to heating. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier in conjunction with a heating/cooling system is recommended to keep a constant 30% to 50% humidity level. This will minimize shrinkage and cracking.
With the new finishes that are on the market today, hardwood floors are very easy to clean.
What products do you recommend to clean and maintain my hardwood floor?
You should use the cleaning product recommended by the floor finish manufacturer. If no cleaning product is specifically recommended by the finish manufacturer use a product that will not leave an oil or wax residue on your floor. (Use of these products may cause a problem when you need to recoat your floor.) Damp mopping with just plain water will also work.
We recommend the use of "Glitsa Clean" as your cleaning agent and a "Sh-Mop" as your damp mop.
What about soaps or other products sold at the grocery store?
Do not use a detergent based product on your floor, they will etch the finish. A vinegar and water mixture may etch your finish over time as well, but it is a good second choice cleaning agent.
How do I care for my new hardwood floor?
Floor Protector Pads
All "moveable" pieces of furniture need soft clean pads on the bottom of the legs or supports. There are many kinds and sizes to fit all kinds of furniture.
Door Mats
Keep dirt and sand from coming in from outside by using door mats placed at all exterior doors.
High Heels
High heels concentrate a person's weight on a small area (estimate: 125 lb. person=approximately 2,000 lbs. per inch when taking a normal step). This kind of force can dent and pit wood floors. High heels in good repair may not damage wood floors, we recommend a "no high heel" policy.
Pets
Dog and cat toe nails can scratch a wood floor. It is a good idea to trim them regularly and try to contain vigorous play to a carpeted area. Finishes like urethanes are essentially waterproof. This is a great finish for pets households because pet urine will not hurt these floors if cleaned up immediately. Spills from the food/water bowl are usually no problem if wiped up soon.
Area Rugs
Some areas of the house experience more traffic than others. Kitchens (especially in the front of the sink) always have a lot of traffic. Make sure they are kept clean and dry. Shake out and vacuum all throw rugs frequently.
Moving Heavy Furniture
Remember to pick up heavy furniture and do not slide it across the floor. Use a furniture dolly or an "air sled." Floorguards enable you to move your appliances forward for servicing without gouging your floor.
Indoor Plants
Always use trivets or short stands under the pot and saucer so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation on the saucer from damaging the wood floor. It will also be easier to see if the plant is over watered or if water has spilled on the floor.
What are some common cleaning procedures?
Dirt & Sand
Dirt and sand act like sandpaper and destroy the surface of your wood floor. Vacuum, sweep and dust mop regularly. We recommend the "Sh-Mop"
How do I remove those ugly scuff and heel marks?
Use our recommended cleaning system (the "Sh-Mop" has a terry cloth cover that comes off to reveal a white pad that will not scratch your finish) and a little elbow grease on stubborn spots.
How do I remove stains from my hardwood floor?
Depending upon what the stain is you may be able to use our recommended cleaning system to remove it.
How do I clean paint and solvent stains?
For paint and solvent stains you will need to contact the floor finish manufacturer for their recommendation.
How can I touch-up scratches and dents?
Lightly scratched areas, which have not worn down to the raw wood, can sometimes be buffed. This will shine up the area and match the sheen of the rest of the floor, making the damage less obvious.
A deep scratch or gouge often can not be repaired as easily. Usually the only solution is to putty the mark. Repairs often show more because the newly repaired wood does not match the existing, older floor color.
Consult a professional when the damage exposes the bare wood.
What About Cracking?
Wood floors are very sensitive to climate. Seasonal cracking is a common occurrence. They expand in humid conditions and contract when the air becomes dry, usually due to heating. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier in conjunction with a heating/cooling system is recommended to keep a constant 30% to 50% humidity level. This will minimize shrinkage and cracking.