Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring
Can we install hardwood flooring if we have a dog or other indoor pets?
The finish of hardwood floors may be scratched by a pet’s claws, which is why hardwood floors are often installed in homes with pets. The manufacturers do not typically guarantee flooring that has been damaged by pets. Pet claws should be trimmed and messes should be cleaned up immediately. We recommend not putting the pet’s food or water bowl directly on the wood flooring.
What is the most durable hardwood floor available in Bethesda?
The majority of hardwood floors in Bethesda are treated with an aluminum oxide finish in up to 10 coats. The durability of the floor is certainly improved by this, however, the best indication of its durability will be its hardness. For a true indication of hardness, use the Janka Hardness rating.
Is it safe to use hardwood flooring in a kitchen?
Kitchen hardwood flooring should be installed with caution. Spills of food and liquid in a kitchen can raise the wood’s grain or damage the finish of a hardwood floor. You should clean up spills as soon as possible with a dry, clean cloth.
Is a solid wood flooring better than an engineered wood floor?
No. Engineered woods are thicker and better quality, allowing them to last for years and years, requiring less maintenance. Furthermore, the urethane finishes with melamine used by hardwood flooring manufacturers today are applied by factory and UV cured; as a result, they are easy to clean and maintain and are suitable for solid wood and engineered wood floors. In addition, engineered wood floors offer much more dimensional stability than solid hardwood floors, making them a suitable alternative for a variety of situations where solid wood is not ideal.
Can we install hardwood flooring over a concrete slab?
On or below grade, engineered wood floors can be glued down or floated over clean, dry, fully-cured concrete slabs. It may be a better choice to choose a non-wood flooring option at times of the year when moisture or humidity is very high. Some hardwood installers use a method to install a 3/4″ solid wood floor over a concrete slab that involves constructing a vapor barrier on top of the concrete slab and building up a wood subfloor. Most manufacturers do not recommend this–and it also adds considerable cost to your project. It is recommended to install engineered wood floors over concrete slabs.
Can we put hardwood flooring over an existing floor?
Floating (or gluing down) engineered wood floors over existing floors is possible in some situations. Ensure the existing flooring is fully adhered to the sub-floor and is sufficiently compressed to prevent bounce. Over level loop carpet, vinyl flooring, or glued-down tiles, for instance, can be installed over this type of flooring. Make sure to read the warranty of the manufacturer to determine whether installing over an existing floor covering is covered. Bethesda Hardwood Floors always follows the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
Can I use a paste wax on my hardwood flooring?
The majority of wood floors do not require paste waxes to finish, and the use of paste wax is not recommended either. There are many hardwood floors today that are finished with urethane and if a paste wax is applied to the finish, it will cloud and become sticky.
Can we install hardwood flooring of radiant heat?
Radiant heat can be used in a home depending on what it is. The manufacturer recommends installing “floating” engineered wood floors over radiant heated subflooring. However, the manufacturer’s directions must be followed. To avoid drying out or distorting the wood planks, the subfloor must not exceed 85 degrees Celsius. Ensure that the manufacturer will guarantee their flooring if it is installed over a radiant heated subfloor by looking at their written warranty.