frequently asked questions

FAQ

Have a questions about flooring? Look here for answers.

What are the differences between Solid Hardwood and Engineered Wood?

Composition
- Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4-inch thick.
- Engineered Wood: Composed of a real wood veneer on top, supported by a core of plywood, high-density fiberboard, or other layers. Its design aims to improve stability, but this depends heavily on quality and installation conditions.
Durability and Longevity
- Solid Hardwood: Extremely durable and can last for decades. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times but requires a stable indoor environment to prevent issues like warping or gapping.
- Engineered Wood: Durable but with a thinner wear layer, limiting refinishing. While it’s marketed as more stable, engineered floors may delaminate or warp in environments with uncontrolled humidity or rapid temperature swings.
Climate Sensitivity
- Solid Hardwood: Very sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Without proper climate control, it may expand, contract, or develop gaps. Indoor humidity and temperatures should remain consistent to maintain the flooring’s integrity.
- Engineered Wood: While it’s more dimensionally stable than solid wood in theory, some engineered floors with thin or low-quality veneers can be even more sensitive to extreme humidity swings causing checking cracking and delamination. Engineered wood flooring with a thicker veneer also need to be monitored, cupping can occur when the humidity changes.
Installation
- Solid Hardwood: Requires nailing-stapling and/or glueing to a subfloor, typically done by professionals. Best for above-grade installations with stable environmental conditions. With proper precautions can be installed over radiant heat.
- Engineered Wood: Offers versatile installation methods (floating, glue-down, or staple-down) and can be installed over concrete or radiant heating systems. However, even with engineered wood, acclimation to the space before installation is crucial, as climate inconsistencies can still cause problems.
Appearance
- Solid Hardwood: Offers a timeless and authentic look, with a wide range of wood species and grains.
- Engineered Wood: Looks nearly identical to solid wood due to its real wood veneer, but its long-term appearance depends on the veneer’s quality and how well climate control is maintained.
Cost
- Solid Hardwood: Generally more expensive upfront, particularly when factoring in the need for climate control measures.
- Engineered Wood: Often more affordable initially, but lower-quality options may require significant climate regulation to prevent damage, increasing maintenance costs over time.

Is Solid Wood or Engineered Wood Better?

Which is Better?

Choose Solid Hardwood if:
- You can maintain consistent indoor humidity and temperature year-round.
- The installation area is above grade and in a controlled environment.
- You want the ability to refinish floors multiple times.
Choose Engineered Wood if:
- You live in a moderately stable climate or have high-quality HVAC systems to maintain indoor conditions.
- You need a flooring option for basements, concrete subfloors, or areas with radiant heating.
- You’re selecting a high-quality engineered floor with a thick veneer and durable core.

How important is Climate Control for Hardwood?

Climate Control is Essential for All Hardwood Floors

While engineered wood is often perceived as requiring less climate control, this is only true for high-quality products. In many cases, engineered wood can be more sensitive to rapid humidity or temperature swings than solid hardwood, especially in humid climates or areas prone to dampness. Here’s what to consider:

Solid Hardwood: Performs best with consistent indoor humidity between 30–50% and steady temperatures. Significant deviations can lead to expansion, contraction, or gapping.
Engineered Wood: May tolerate minor fluctuations better, but abrupt or extreme changes (such as in homes without HVAC systems or areas with seasonal humidity extremes) can cause delamination, cupping, or warping, especially with cheaper products.

- Ultimately, both types of flooring need a controlled environment to perform their best. If your home experiences significant humidity or temperature swings, investing in a humidifier, dehumidifier, or reliable HVAC system is key—regardless of whether you choose solid hardwood or engineered wood.

Why Choose Wood Floors?

Wood floors are such a great choice for so many reasons, and it’s not just about their looks. Here’s why they stand out:

They’re Beautiful and Timeless
- Wood floors have a natural warmth and elegance that works with any design style—modern, rustic, or traditional. They never go out of fashion.
They Last Forever
- With proper care, wood floors can last for decades. Even if they get worn, you can refinish them to make them look brand new.
They’re Low Maintenance
- Unlike carpets, they don’t trap dirt or stains. A quick sweep or mop is usually all it takes to keep them clean.
Better for Allergies
- Wood floors don’t hold onto dust, pet dander, or allergens, making them a healthier option for your home.
Tons of Variety
- With so many types of wood, stains, and finishes, you can completely customize the look to match your style.
They Add Value to Your Home
- Wood floors are a big selling point if you ever decide to move. They’re seen as a high-end feature that increases home value.
Eco-Friendly Option
- When responsibly sourced, wood floors can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
Comfortable and Warm
- Wood feels soft and warm underfoot, especially compared to cold tile or stone. It just makes a space feel cozy.
Versatile
- Wood floors work in nearly any room (except for high-moisture areas like bathrooms) and fit with almost any decor.

If you’re considering wood floors, they’re definitely worth it—beautiful, durable, and a solid investment for your home.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring?

Description: Unfinished hardwood flooring is raw wood that needs to be sanded, stained, and finished after installation, allowing you to fully control the final look of the floor.

Pros:

Customizable Finish:
Unfinished hardwood gives you complete control over the type of stain, color, and finish (matte, satin, gloss), which is ideal for achieving a personalized look.
Seamless Look:
The edges of unfinished floors are often less noticeable, and when finished, they can appear more integrated and uniform, especially with darker stains.
Ability to Refinish:
Unfinished floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which is a great long-term option for maintaining the wood.
Higher Resale Value:
A well-executed, custom finish can add value to your home and appeal to potential buyers.

Cons:

Extended Installation Timeline:
The process of sanding, staining, and finishing adds to the timeline. While it requires patience, the result is a fully customized and unique floor.
More Involved Process:
Finishing on-site means additional steps, but modern techniques help minimize dust and fumes, making the process smoother than it once was.
Higher Initial Investment:
Unfinished floors may have a higher upfront cost due to the craftsmanship involved, but their durability and timeless appeal make them a worthwhile long-term investment.

What are the best uses for Water Based Polyurethane?

Best Uses for Water-Based Polyurethane:

Light-Colored Woods: Ideal for maple, ash, or other light-colored species where clarity is desired.
Spaces with Tight Timelines: Perfect for projects needing faster drying and minimal downtime.
Eco-Friendly Spaces: A good choice for homes with kids, pets, or those concerned about indoor air quality.

What are the problems with Oil Based Polyurethane?

Strong Odor:
- Oil-based polyurethane has a strong chemical smell due to its high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- This can make it unpleasant to work with and potentially harmful in poorly ventilated spaces.
Long Drying and Curing Time:
- It takes much longer to dry between coats (often 8-24 hours per coat) compared to water-based polyurethane.
- Full curing can take up to 30 days, during which the floor must be treated carefully.
Yellowing Over Time:
- The amber tone of oil-based polyurethane deepens with age, which can change the look of lighter-colored woods.
- This yellowing effect may not suit modern, lighter, or cooler-toned design aesthetics.
Environmental Concerns:
- High VOC levels contribute to air pollution and may not meet stricter environmental regulations in some areas.
- Less eco-friendly compared to low-VOC or water-based alternatives.
Cleanup with Solvents:
- Cleaning tools or spills requires mineral spirits or paint thinner, adding time and expense to the process.
Slower Project Completion:
- The extended drying and curing times make oil-based polyurethane less practical for projects with tight deadlines.
Not Ideal for Light Woods or Modern Aesthetics:
- The warm amber tone may clash with light-colored hardwoods like maple or ash, as well as contemporary, minimalist styles that favor cooler tones.

welcome to our firm

We are a full-service business law firm providing clients with the highest quality legal advice

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis convallis elementum lacus, in posuere enim. Nulla cursus magna consequat dignissim semper. Ut molestie, ante non vestibulum auctor, velit ipsum congue ligula, non imperdiet diam mi at sem.