Hardwood Flooring FAQ

What is the difference between a finished and unfinished floor?

The main difference between these two kinds of hardwood flooring is that the first one is finished with a micro beveled edge and can have up to 10 coats of finish made up of aluminum oxide. On the other hand, unfinished hardwood flooring has a square edge and is finished at the job-site.

Will moisture affect my hardwood flooring?

Water should be avoided when cleaning hardwood flooring, especially if you plan on using an excessive amount. Moisture from water, especially in huge amounts, can be detrimental to hardwood flooring. This can lead to cracking or buckling.

Is hardwood flooring okay in basements?

Although hardwood flooring is an ideal material for your flooring needs, it is not recommended to be installed in sub floors or below floors. What you can do is to have it specifically done for this purpose. Laminated hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood flooring will do the trick.

What moisture problems effect hardwood flooring?

When water gets trapped in the hardwood flooring and the sub floor, this can lead to crowning, warping, or cupping. If you see this happening, what you can do is to let it completely dry to avoid the occurrence of crowning.

What is the best way to clean hardwood flooring?

The easiest and most common cleaning tip for hardwood flooring is to sweep, vacuum and use a dry mop when cleaning your hardwood floors. Mopping your floor with a lot of water is not advisable because this can lead to seepage and water moisture buildup.

Should I use commercial-grade cleaners on my hardwood floors?

Yes you can. However, you do have to keep in mind that for pre-finished hardwood flooring, you need to check with the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Is wax helpful in maintaining my hardwood flooring?

Contrary to popular belief, wax should never be used especially if you have a surface type finish already.

Where’s the best place to install hardwood flooring?

Thanks to its versatility, hardwood flooring can be installed anywhere in your house provided that the room you are installing it into is above ground. Since hardwood flooring is very sensitive to water and moisture, installing it in bathrooms, kitchen and sauna baths are not recommended.

Which is better? Unfinished or pre-finished hardwood?

Both choices have their advantages. If you are planning on matching new hardwood flooring with an existing room then it is recommended to use unfinished hardwood just so you can customize it to match your existing hardwood floor. On the other hand, the use of pre-finished hardwood will provide shorter installation time and ease of installation at the same time.

What is meant by “wood’s stability”?

The stability of hardwood flooring is determined by its ability to withstand moisture, water and heat.

What is the Janka hardness test?

The Janka hardness test is actually a scale that measures the hardness of hardwood. The higher the rating, the harder the wood. Examples of hardwood with their corresponding Janka hardness number are: Brazilian cherry – 2350, mesquite – 2345, Santos Mahogany – 2200, Merbau – 1925 and Jarrah – 1910.

Which specie is considered the benchmark for hardwood?

Red oak is the benchmark at least in terms of the Janka hardness test. This specie has a rating of 1290 and is often compared to other species of hardwood in terms of hardness.