FAQ’s

The following frequently asked questions are the most commonly asked when considering the purchase of a wood floor product:

• Are wood floors expensive? Is it cost effective compared to other floor coverings?
• What species and color should I choose?
• Which rooms can I install a wood floor in my home?
• Engineered floor versus a solid wood product?
• Does wood flooring go well with most design styles?
• What about installing wood in high traffic areas like kitchens?
• Which installation method is best?
• Are wood floors hard to maintain and can I damp mop them?

Are wood floors expensive? Is it cost effective compared to other floor coverings?

Hardwood floors are very competitively price and represent an excellent value when compared to other flooring options. Hardwood floors never have to be replaced and will enhance or even increase the value of your home should you decide to sell. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting value, as Real Wood Floors are “Beauty that last a lifetime”.

Is it cost-effective to select wood flooring over less costly materials?

Yes! According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) & Residential real estate agents, say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by the trade organization. By a three-to-one margin, real estate agents said that a house with wood floors would sell faster than a carpeted house. Some 58 percent said a house with wood floors would bring a higher price.
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What species and color should I choose?

There are several species, colors and grain variations to consider. Other than the walls, the floor represents the largest expanse of color or pattern in a room. Your floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the room as a whole.

The most popular color : red oak natural, maple natural running second, but with today’s eclectic decoration styles, anything goes.
Darker colors – Formal or traditional interiors,
Lighter colors – country, casual and contemporary settings
There are many choices when selecting the right floor for the rooms in your home. There are several many species, colors and grain variations to consider. See Wood Floor Species, Grades & Cuts
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Which rooms can I install a wood floor in my home?

Any room except a full bath. With the variety of products available and a choice of installation options, hardwood flooring can now be installed in any room of the home. The only consideration is whether the floor will be installed on-, above- or below-grade. For example, because of potential moisture problems, solid hardwood is not recommended for installations below grade, such as in a basement. Engineered products, which are inherently dimensionally stable, are better choices for this type of area. All types of wood can be installed on- or above-grade.
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Engineered floor versus a solid wood product?

Engineered products, available in Planks, Strips are manufactured of hardwood using a cross-directional laminated construction (3 to 5 layers), with a top layer of premium hardwood. This construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, making engineered products inherently dimensionally stable. Solid products, available in Planks, Strips or Parquet, are manufactured from a solid piece of wood.
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Does wood flooring go well with most design styles?

Yes. In a recent survey commissioned by the NWFA, more than three-quarters of interior designers find that wood flooring works well with many decorating styles. “It’s the most versatile floor covering there is,” says one designer. “Wood goes with contemporary and traditional and everything in between.” Designers rated natural materials as superior to man-made materials in beauty, prestige, style, maintenance, and durability.

A variety of woods and finishes are available to complement the decor and style of any room. Oak and maple are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry and Purple heart.
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What about installing wood in high traffic areas like kitchens?

The urethane finishes on most new wood floors stand up to water and traffic, bringing wood flooring into bathrooms, kitchens, and other higher-stress areas. These finishes resist wear and stain better than other finishing and require no stripping, no buffing and no waxing. High traffic areas include exterior doorways, hallways, and the areas in front of the sink, stove and refrigerator. To protect the floor just inside exterior doorways, use walk-off mats or small rugs to catch tracked-in dirt and grime. Place small rugs or mats at other high traffic locations. Watch for grit or pebbles that might be brought in on waffle soles of athletics shoes and collect these with a hand-held cordless vacuum.
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Which installation method is best?   

The method used for your hardwood installation will depend upon the type of product you have chosen, where the will be install and type of sub floor. Nail down, glue down and floating are the three type of installation. See installation  methods.
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Are wood floors hard to maintain? Can I damp-mop my floor?

No. A hardwood floor finished at the factory features three to seven layers of a UV-cured polyurethane. This finish gives the floor a tough, durable and smooth no-wax surface that is both luxurious and easy-care. See Maintenance and Do’s & Don’ts for your wood floor. DO NOT damp mop – Water and wood do not mix. Therefore, we suggest that you use the maintenance products and procedures recommended by the manufacturer of your floor. Maintenance kits can be purchased from your retailer or contractor.
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