Hardwood FAQs

FLOOR ADVISOR ANSWERS SOLID & ENGINEERED WOOD FLOOR QUESTIONS

Hardwood floors are a timeless addition to any home. You’ll enjoy the added character and visual appeal while raising the value of your property. If you’re considering upgrading the floors in your home, you may be unsure about the difference between solid and engineered wood. And what maintenance is required for hardwood flooring? Floor Advisor in Leesburg, VA has all the answers you seek. For more information, continue reading or contact us today.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE HARDWOOD FLOORS OVER CARPETING OR LAMINATE?

A single type of flooring isn’t right for every person or every application. Some people enjoy stepping on soft carpeting, while others like the unique design options of laminate. However, hardwood floors could be right for you if you want a traditional or rustic home design. Wood flooring is superior for people with allergies, and it can be easier to keep clean than carpet. Also, unlike laminate, you can refinish hardwood to help it last many lifetimes.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOLID WOOD FLOOR AND AN ENGINEERED WOOD FLOOR?

Solid hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of solid wood. As such, the boards can withstand heavy foot traffic and be refinished almost limitlessly. However, they are prone to expanding and contracting with changes in relative humidity.

Engineered hardwood flooring is a manufactured product with multiple cross layers of plywood and a thin veneer of real wood on top. This construction counteracts the tendency of wood to buckle or crack, creating more durable flooring that can be installed anywhere, including the basement and bathrooms. However, the thin veneer of engineered wood floors limits refinishing to just once or twice at most.

WILL MY HARDWOOD FLOORING BE PERFECTLY FLAT?

All hardwood flooring conforms to the shape of the wood subfloor or concrete slab beneath it. The smoother this surface is, the flatter your hardwood flooring will be. In general, professionally installed subfloors have minimal deflections that become unnoticeable once your hardwood flooring is installed.

IS IT SAFE TO USE HARDWOOD FLOORING IN A KITCHEN?

We recommend being cautious with hardwood flooring in the kitchen. This room is prone to liquid spills that could raise the grain of the wood or cause permanent water stains. If you do install hardwood in the kitchen, be sure to wipe up spills immediately.

WILL MY DOG RUIN MY WOOD FLOOR?

Many pet owners decide to install hardwood floors. Your dog and wood flooring can coexist, but you should keep the animal’s claws trimmed to prevent nicks and scratches. Also, clean up pet messes immediately, and avoid placing your pet’s food or water dish directly on the wood floor.

DO HARDWOOD FLOORS CHANGE COLOR OVER TIME?

Most species of hardwood change color to some degree over time. This change, known as patina or aging, is mostly caused by exposure to sunlight. As a result, any flooring covered by furniture or rugs will not darken as quickly as exposed areas. If you rearrange the furniture, rest assured that the previously covered areas will catch up in a few months. To slow the patina process, hang directional blinds in your windows and aim the sunlight toward the ceiling. This also helps prevent upholstery and wall paint from fading over the years.

ARE HARDWOOD FLOORS HARD TO MAINTAIN?

High-quality hardwood floors should last for many years before needing to be sanded and refinished. To lengthen this timeframe, maintain your floors with these tips:

• Sweep or vacuum at least weekly. If you vacuum, make sure the appliance has a soft bristle brush, not a beater brush.
• Wash the floor with hardwood flooring spray cleaner as needed, wiping or dry mopping in the direction of the grain.
• Install felt chair glides on all furniture to prevent scratching the floor.
• Take off your shoes when you enter the house to keep dirt, grit, and moisture out.
• Place rugs in high-traffic, twist-and-turn areas, such as in front of the sink, refrigerator, and patio door. This tactic helps prevent the finish from wearing out prematurely.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity level of 40 to 60 percent to limit the expansion and contraction of hardwood floorboards.

CAN I WET-MOP MY HARDWOOD FLOORING?

No. Wet-mopping introduces too much moisture. This may discolor any type of hardwood and result in the delamination of engineered wood and laminate floors. Vinegar and tap water also contain acidic materials that can leave a film on the finish, so avoid cleaning your floors with these products.

CAN I TOUCH UP SCRATCHES AND DENTS IN MY HARDWOOD FLOOR?

Yes. Most manufacturers offer touch-up kits to help you restore scratched areas without refinishing the entire surface. Color-matched putty fillers are also available to mask dents and other small blemishes.

SCHEDULE HARDWOOD FLOORING SERVICES TODAY

For top-notch hardwood floor installation in Leesburg, turn to Floor Advisor. We offer high-quality products and employ practiced installation methods. Our services ensure long-lasting results that will add to the beauty and value of your home for decades to come. We also provide floor refinishing to economically extend the lifespan of your original floors. Meet with our consultation team today to begin examining wood floor samples and finishes that fit with your design scheme, lifestyle, and budget. Then, for answers to any remaining questions or concerns leading up to your hardwood flooring installation or refinishing date, please contact Floor Advisor.