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943 State Highway 33 West
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
When selecting the right hardwood floor it may at times feel overwhelming with the immense amount of decisions and questions. Hopefully some of your questions can be answered by our list of frequently asked questions below. If you do not find the question, or answer you seek, please feel free to contact us with your questions (via. telephone, email ...etc.).
Q: Can I install a solid wood floor over a concrete slab?
A:
It is not recommended to install solid wood flooring over a concrete
slab. Although this is the general rule, there have been successful
installations of solid wood flooring installed over dry, concrete
slabs. This entails several additional steps. A plastic barrier is
set over the slab and taped at all seams. Then some sort of
moisture-resistant wood subfloor (marine plywood) is built on top of
the plastic film. Then the flooring is nailed to the wood subfloor.
If you decide to take the chance be sure to consult with the
manufacturer as to their recommendations. Be aware, you may be
voiding your warranty. for more information see:
How To Install Solid Hardwood Floor
Over Concrete Slab.
There is a new synthetic underlayment product on the market (called
Sika AcouBond) that may allow for installing solid wood flooring
over a dry slab. Check with the manufacturer of the wood floor to
see if they will warranty this type of installation and what their
recommended installation procedures are for this type of
installation.
Q:
What wood floor can I install over a concrete slab?
A:
With the improvements in hardwood floors most engineered and
longstrip engineered plank floors can be used over a concrete slab.
Manufacturers do not recommend using solid hardwood flooring over a
concrete slab. Engineered planks and strip wood floors can be glued
directly to a clean, dry, well-cured concrete slab. Some engineered
wood floors can be glued at the tongue and grooves and then allowed
to be floated over a special padding that is laid over the concrete
slab. Longstrip engineered planks can be floated over the slab with
a padding underneath. There are some new "hybrid" engineered floors
that can be floated over a concrete slab and come with a click
(glueless) tongue and groove locking system. For more information
see:
How To Install Hardwood Floor Over
Concrete Slab
Note:
New concrete slabs need to be fully cured for a least 60 days. All
wood planks should be acclimated for 24-48 hours prior to
installation. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's
recommended installation procedures.
Q:
Can we install a hardwood floor over an existing vinyl floor?
A:
Yes and no. Is the vinyl
flooring is tightly secured to the subfloor? Does the vinyl flooring
have a thick cushion attached? If the vinyl floor is thin and well
secured to the subfloor you may be able to float a wood floor
over it. In some situations you may be able nail/staple a wood floor
over it also. If the wood subfloor is sound you may be able to nail
a solid wood floor over the top. Be sure to get the manufacturer's
installation procedures for going over an existing vinyl floor and
be sure to check if this type installation is warranted by the
manufacturer.
Q:
What to I do to remove scratches in my wood floor?
A:
This really depends on the
type of wood floor you have, the finish you have and how deep the
scratches are in the top layer. For small minor scratches in a
urethane finish you should be able to order a touch-up kit from the
store you purchased the flooring from. Be sure to use the
manufacturer's recommended finish products and test first by
applying a small amount in an out of the way area. For deep
scratches you will probably have to have a professional do a screen
and recoat. This is where they use special sanding screens to
lightly abrade the floor's finish to help the new urethane bond
better to the existing finish. With some wood floors you may be able
to just replace the damaged boards. It is best to leave the sand and
recoat, or board replacement to a professional flooring installer,
or refinisher.
Q:
Can I install a hardwood floor if I have pets?
A:
Although many homeowners have pets, hardwood flooring is not
designed for the abuse a dog or cat can cause on a floor. Urine may
permanently discolor the finish of the wood floor and large dogs'
claws will probably leave scratches in the finish. The type of wood
floor you buy, the color and the finish will also be factor in how
much punishment the floor's finish can withstand before showing
scratches and excessive wear.
Q:
Can an engineered wood floor be refinished?
A:
Some of the better quality engineered wood floors have a 1/8" thick
finish layer and can be sanded and refinished 1 or maybe 2 times.
The sanding and refinishing of an engineered wood floor is best done
by an experienced hardwood flooring refinisher. If you have heat
vents in your floor you can remove a heat cover to get a side view
of your wood floor. This will help you check to see how thick you
finish layer is. Always consult with the manufacturer to see if the
recommend sanding and refinishing of the engineered wood floors.
Q:
Can I use throw rugs on my hardwood floor?
A:
Before using any throw rugs on your wood floor you should know the
type of finish you have on the floor. All rugs should be
non-staining, meaning the colored dyes will not bleed. Generally
in the presence of moisture, some dyes used in rugs may bleed
through onto your floor and discolor the wood floors surface. Also,
be sure the rug does not have a rough backing material that may
scratch the surface of the floor. Clean dirt and debris from under
the rug regularly. To prevent possible shading of the wood
underneath the rug, move the rug occasionally.
Q:
How do we stop a solid hardwood floor from gapping?
A:
Gapping in solid wood floors cannot be stopped completely. Wood
expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Using a humidifier
during the heating months may help reduce the amount of gapping in
solid wood floors. Also, some wood species may gap expand and
contract less than others. Engineered wood floors are much more
dimensionally stable than solid wood floors and will show little or
no gaps between planks.
Q:
What should I use under furniture legs?
A:
Most flooring stores carry the recommended felt pads for using under
chair legs and other furniture. The felt pads come in various sizes.
Some pads just stick on the bottom of the legs and others need to be
nailed on. Never hit the pads directly with a hammer. Follow the
directions provided with the pads. Check and clean the pads often to
prevent debris, dirt and small particles from being trapped in the
pad, which may cause scratches in the wood floor's finish.
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