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| Frequently Asked Questions |
- What kind of flooring should I get?
Depending on your needs, both laminate and hardwood flooring can be the ideal solution. Laminate flooring is inexpensive and easy to install. They can be used in just about any area of your home or building, including wet areas (though the warranty may not apply). Most laminate flooring can be used over radiant heated concrete slabs. They're highly impact and scratch resistant, impervious to the fading effects from the sun and they do not require wax or polish.
Solid hardwood floors add real value to a home or building. When you are making an investment into a structure, whether for your own personal use or sale, hardwood floors are an authentic and valuable option. They are also natural and non-allergenic.
Engineered hardwood floors are more affordable alternative to hardwood floors. They simulate the look of a type of wood, reinforced by veneers. The cross-grain configuration of these layers combined with the heat and pressure of the binding process makes them more resilient to the effects of humidity and temperature. They expand and contract less and, oftentimes, they are the more suitable choice over hardwood for climates with high moisture levels.
- What is bamboo flooring all about?
Bamboo flooring is often viewed as the "greener" choice. This unusually strong type of grass is fast becoming a hardwood substitute. Some trees can take decades to mature, while bamboo replenishes itself quickly. It takes an average of three years to grow and process, requiring little maintenance and no fertilizers.
The core of the bamboo stalks are filleted, leaving behind the remains. Everything is boiled to eliminate the natural starches and sugars. Not only does this make them less appealing to threatening insects such as termites, but dictates the final shade of the bamboo. Minimally boiled bamboo will result in a natural look, while increasing the length of the boiling process will darken the bamboo resulting in a more carbonized appearance.
The oval-shaped stalks are laid out and bound together either vertically (standing on edges) or horizontally (laid flat), resulting in two very different looks. The remains are used for strand woven planks, a dense, highly durable flooring option. They are amazingly strong and demonstrate better resistance to UV rays, scratches and moisture.
One of the big benefits to bamboo floors is that they aren't at mercy to the elements as hardwoods, so they don't expand or contract as much.
- What are other options to consider?
Exotic woods are a high-end hardwood adding an even greater value to one's home. A textbook definition would negate any wood that is not indigenous to one's country. When most people hear "exotic woods," they think of species from deep within the South American rain forest. While this is often true, the actual definition of exotic woods is more inclusive. Exotic woods tend to be rare or endangered woods that are appeasing in the areas of physical appearance and workability. It's important to note that this includes woods that are amply available, but a designer or craftsman might be hard-pressed to find a quality specimen within that species to suit their needs and standards. This makes for a classic marketplace scenario of high demand and limited supply.
When compared to woods that are more simple and commonplace, their beauty is striking and obvious. Their patterns are rich and distinct and the coloring is unusual and alluring. They are known for their strength and durability. As well, they are more resistant to termites and other destructive pests that can rot and destroy wood.
Another option to consider is a distressed surface. Most flooring is available as a smooth surface, but oftentimes, there is a hand scraped or distressed version. The flooring is resurfaced to create a rougher more tactile feel. This is an aesthetic option available for laminate, hardwood, engineered and bamboo floors that creates a more rustic look.
- How does moisture affect flooring?
One of the most important aspects to proper installation of hardwood and engineered flooring is addressing moisture issues before, during and after the installation process. Different regions dictate varying outcomes to how a wood type will respond. The flooring must be acclimatized to the home it's being installed in and tested with a moisture meter for moisture content. Drier climates will cause wood to contract, where more moist environments will cause wood to expand. "Wood fibers are dimensionally stable when the moisture content is above the fiber saturation point (usually 30%)."
Once installed, users can control the effect changes in temperature and weather can have on flooring by stabilizing the environment of the building through adjusting temperature and humidity controls.
- How does one maintain the floors once installed?
In order to retain the look and integrity of your chosen flooring for years to come, you must properly care for it. Maintain a reasonable climate by controlling temperature and humidity. A humidifier is recommended for extremely dry environments. Frequently clean the floors by sweeping, dusting and/or vacuuming with a hardwood floor attachment. Follow up with damp (not wet) cloth or mop and/or specialized cleaning agents sold by flooring companies. Avoid oil-based cleaners, wax, polish or high ammonia content. As well, steer clear of steel wool, scouring powder or anything abrasive. Never wash with water or soap. Do not use buffing machines.
Keep your pet's nails trimmed. Avoid walking on floors with stilettos, cleats or any other kind of spiked foot attire. When moving heavy objects and furniture or using a dolly, cover your flooring with a protective mat or plywood sheets. For rooms containing hardwood floors with moderate to excessive sun exposure, be sure to rearrange your furniture periodically to ensure an even gradual fading, as the UV rays will lighten the color over the course of time.
- What about molding?
There are various moldings available for all types and brands of flooring.
Some of the basic include stair nosing (stairnose), which provide rounded accents for steps.
There are several kinds of transition pieces used between two different surfaces. For uniform surfaces, such as two separate hardwood floors, there is T-Molding, used particularly in doorways.Flush or overlap reducers are best suited where there is a disparity in height between two non-uniform surfaces, such as tile and carpet. Threshold accent exit areas.
Both decorative but also a concealing agent, quarter rounds cover the space where the floor meets the wall. They can also be used in other areas such as kitchen cabinets. Wall base, baseboards or MDF are taller, oftentimes more florid versions of quarter rounds.
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