Hardwood flooring Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my hardwood floor make noise?
As a wood floor naturally expands and contracts with changing humidity and temperature levels, you may hear small cracking or squeaking noises.
Will my hardwood floor change color after installation?
It’s natural for hardwood flooring to yellow, grow darker or even lighter over time, depending on the wood species. Exposure to direct sunlight and some artificial lighting accelerates this process. Moving furniture and rugs will keep your floor well blended.
Can engineered hardwood flooring be refinished?
A quality engineered floor will last as long and perform as well as a solid wood floor, and can even be refinished. The thicker the veneer, the more times you can refinish engineered hardwood floors. As a rule of thumb, count on 1-3 times.
Solid vs engineered hardwood flooring . . . what’s the difference?
Solid hardwood is cut from a single piece of wood. Solid hardwood flooring can be installed above or on grade, but is not recommended for below grade. Engineered hardwood is made from multiple layers consisting of a thick top layer of solid hardwood, an inner core of high density material and a hardwood backing. Engineered wood floors offer superior strength and stability, making them suitable for dampness-prone areas like finished basements and bathrooms.
Why do I have to acclimate hardwood flooring prior to installation?
The moisture content of the wood needs to adjust to the conditions in the room prior to installation. To acclimate hardwood flooring, place the packaged boards ─ cartons open and raised off the floor ─ in the room where they will be installed for 5 – 7 days. It is not necessary to acclimate engineered wood flooring.