Hardwood flooring 101

 Why choose hardwood flooring?

• Solid hardwood offers a variety of grain patterns, natural color variations, and the beauty of a natural material.
• Hardwood floors are easy to clean.
• Hardwood floors are ideal for allergy sufferers as they do not promote dust or harbor dust mites.
• Hardwood flooring is longest-lasting. 
• Increase the value of your home.

Solid wood flooring, as the name suggests, is made of solid wood throughout its thickness. It usually made of a hardwood species, such as oak, maple, or walnut, and its major advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished many times over the course of its lifespan. Solid comes in pre-finished and unfinished.

Engineered wood flooring looks very similar on the surface, but it is made from a relatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high-quality plywood. Engineered flooring is somewhat less expensive than solid hardwood, but most types can be sanded and refinished only once since the surface hardwood layer is relatively thin. 

 Water-based and oil-based polyurethane both provide excellent protection for various surfaces. The significant distinction between these two options lies in their appearance. Water-based polyurethane offers a clear finish, ensuring that the natural beauty of the surface shines through. Additionally, it has the advantage of emitting a low odor, making it preferable for indoor applications. However, it is worth noting that the cost of water-based polys is double that of oil-based options. 

Oil-Based leaves an amber glow and requires fewer coats than water-based poly and it is less expensive. Your house will probably be out of commission for 3-5 days. You will also have a strong odor while it cures.

 Unfinished hardwood flooring and pre-finished/factory finished hardwood flooring differ primarily in their level of completion before installation. Unfinished hardwood flooring consists of raw material that must be installed on site. It requires additional steps such as sanding, staining and sealing to achieve the desired finish. On the other hand, pre-finished/factory finished hardwood flooring has already been finished in a factory setting and is ready for installation immediately. This distinction contributes to the time-saving advantage of pre-finished flooring over the unfinished variety.  The process of installing unfinished hardwood flooring involves more extensive labor. 

 However, some individuals prefer the flexibility offered by unfinished flooring as it allows for customization and the choice of a personalized finish that best suits their preferences and existing decor. 

  Prefinished flooring offers a more time-efficient installation process. Once installed, one can comfortably walk on the surface and immediately place furniture on top of it.  This swift turnaround time makes prefinished flooring a highly convenient and efficient choice for homeowners.  Another notable advantage of prefinished flooring is the absence of chemical smells during installation. Since prefinished flooring is factory finished, there is no need for chemicals to be applied on-site.  

 Hardwood floors can be successfully installed in half bathrooms, provided that there is no tub or shower present. It is essential to consider moisture levels when choosing flooring materials, as excessive exposure to water can cause damage to hardwood floors. Therefore, it is not recommended to install wood floors in areas where they will be subjected to a lot of water, such as full bathrooms. However, half bathrooms that lack bathing facilities can be suitable for hardwood floor installations, as long as precautions are taken to prevent water damage. 

  One of the most suitable areas in a house for hardwood floors is the kitchen. Kitchens are known for being high-traffic areas that withstand constant use. By installing hardwood flooring in this space, homeowners can benefit from its incredible durability and ability to handle heavy foot traffic. Furthermore, hardwood floors in kitchens can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and add a touch of elegance to the space. However, it is important to remember that spills and moisture are common in kitchens, so proper care and regular maintenance are essential to prevent water damage and maintain the longevity of the hardwood floors. 

 Installing solid hardwood flooring below grade is not recommended due to the moisture and humidity issues commonly found in basements. Solid hardwood is susceptible to warping, cupping, and shrinking when exposed to high levels of moisture. It is advisable to explore alternatives that are better suited for below grade installations. Laminate flooring, cork, and engineered hardwood floors are viable options that can withstand the unfavorable conditions typically present in basements.

 Laminate flooring is a popular choice for below grade installations due to its durability and moisture resistance. It is composed of multiple layers that provide stability and protection against moisture penetration. Additionally, laminate flooring offers a wide range of designs and styles, mimicking the appearance of solid hardwood floors while providing a more suitable solution for basements. 

 GeoWood™ is a revolutionary engineered hardwood combining real timber layered over GeoCore™ -- Cali’s stabilizing limestone composite foundation. This technological breakthrough yields rock solid hardwood flooring with exceptional water resistance and comes at a lower price point than solid wood planks. 

 The different levels of the home are often referred to as "Grade Levels." In most cases, when you walk into a home through the front door, that ground level floor is known as "on grade." Every floor located above this ground level on grade is considered to be "above grade." Leaving the basement to "below grade".

There are many wood species available for wood flooring. The Janka test measures the force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball into the wood by half its diameter.  This test is one of the best measures of the ability of a wood specie to withstand denting and wear. 

 Whether you are installing a new hardwood floor, refinishing an old one, or just keeping your existing floors looking good as new, Minwax® has a full range of products to make and keep your floors beautiful. The following are popular stain colors that Minwax offers. If none of these colors are what you are looking for, we can mix different ones to come up with a unique color just for your liking.

Your floors just received their final coat, now what?

• Do NOT walk on floors for 24 hours after final coat of Polyurethane is applied.
• Light foot traffic for 2 days.
• No pets for 2-3 days.
• Furniture can be moved back 4-5 days after final coat.
• Wait 2 Weeks before putting any rugs back.
• Change furnace filter(s).
• DO NOT use any cleaning products for 30 days, ONLY use a dry microfiber cloth.

 Schindler Hardwood highly recommends Bona Floor Cleaners for maintaining and enhancing hardwood floors. Bona Floor Cleaners are known for their exceptional quality and effectiveness in removing dust, dirt, and grime from all types of floors. With their residue-free and fast drying formula, Bona Floor Cleaners leave no streaks or film behind, revealing the true natural shine and beauty of your hardwood floors. 

 For those who prefer a more natural clean, water and white vinegar can be used as an alternative.