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Welcome to our hardwood flooring resource hub! Here, you'll find valuable insights and tips for optimizing your hardwood floors. Whether you're navigating installation, seeking maintenance guidance, or exploring trends, we've got you covered. Our goal is to enhance your hardwood flooring experience, so explore additional resources for care tips—like how to clean hardwood floors—and design inspiration to ensure your floors stand the test of time.
Prefinished hardwood flooring adds beauty and value to any home. Each wood species has unique characteristics that are influenced by the conditions of its maturation, which result in exceptional and individual floors. Pre-finished hardwood floors are typically factory finished in a controlled environment, ensuring a uniform and very durable finish. These floors can be rejuvenated through screening and recoating.
Each species has distinct characteristics in color and grain patterns, depending on its origin within the tree. Natural variations in color and grain are normal, contributing to the wood floor's beautiful and unique appearance, akin to natural stone. Such variations make each floor nearly one of a kind.
Solid hardwood is consistent wood throughout, while engineered hardwood has a hardwood veneer on a cross-ply wood base, providing dimensional stability. Engineered hardwood is recommended for dry climates like Arizona due to its versatility. Not sure if hardwood or laminate is the better fit for your space? Explore the pros and cons here.
No subfloor is perfectly level, leading to occasional hollow sounds where dips and ridges occur. A solid subfloor is crucial for stable hardwood installation. It should be clean, dry, and level before installation, with common materials like plywood and concrete requiring specific preparation.
Before installation, hardwood flooring typically needs 3 to 7 days to acclimate to your home’s temperature and humidity. This helps prevent expansion, contraction, and warping after it’s installed.
Wood naturally reacts to changes in humidity, expanding in high humidity and contracting in dry conditions. In Arizona’s dry climate, maintaining consistent indoor humidity helps prevent gapping and shrinkage. Using a humidifier in drier months can stabilize moisture levels and protect your hardwood floors.
The journey to transform your space with hardwood floors involves thoughtful preparation. Before installation day arrives, it’s essential to clear the area where the flooring will be laid. Remove furniture, objects, and materials to ensure a smooth installation process. You can do so by emptying china cabinets and closets, allowing our professional installers the space they need for a seamless transformation. For a breakdown of how long hardwood installation typically takes, read our comprehensive guide.
As installation day unfolds, witness the skilled artistry of our professional installers. Subfloor preparation marks the initial step, ensuring a solid foundation for your new hardwood. Depending on your existing subfloor, our experts will make informed decisions to guarantee a clean and flat surface, aligning with manufacturer specifications. If moldings and baseboards need removal, our installers can handle this for you, though painted elements may require retouching post-installation.
Post-installation care is crucial in preserving hardwood’s timeless appearance. Consistent maintenance is vital to keeping your floors beautiful and inviting for years to come. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, and occasional lightly damp mopping using manufacturer-recommended cleaning products will maintain the floor's original splendor. In case of dullness, follow manufacturer recommendations for floor polish application to restore the floor's gloss.
Start at the doorstep to shield your hardwood floor from wear and tear. Strategically place walk-off mats or area rugs at every entryway to capture dirt and grit that could harm your pristine floor. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats, opting for those designed explicitly for hardwood floors.
Equip yourself with quality tools to combat dirt effectively. Use a high-quality cleaning broom, mop, and vacuum cleaner. After removing dirt and grease, consider buffing to restore your hardwood floor's natural luster. Cleaning methods vary based on your hardwood floor's installation and finish. For "Finish in Place" or "Pre-finished” floors, use an 8” x 14” terry cloth mop with a rotating head paired with a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by Baker Bros.
Never wax a floor with a urethane finish; opt for cleaners that leave no film or residue. A hardwood floor cleaner is excellent for occasional scuffs, but avoid ammonia cleaners or oil soaps. Minimize water exposure during cleaning, as excessive water can lead to swelling, cracking, or splintering.
For extensive wear, screening and recoating provide rejuvenation by abrading the current polyurethane finish and applying fresh coats. Severe damage might necessitate sanding and refinishing, mainly applicable to solid wood flooring. This meticulous process involves sanding the floor if screening and recoating prove insufficient. Regular maintenance and informed cleaning ensure your hardwood floor remains a lasting, elegant feature of your home.
The key to dealing with stains on hardwood is to address them promptly. When you notice a spill or stain, grab a clean, dry cloth or paper towel and blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing as it can spread or push the stain deeper into the wood. Swift action can prevent the stain from setting in.
For stubborn stains, choose a gentle cleaning solution on hardwood surfaces. Mix a mild dish soap with water or use a specialized hardwood floor cleaner. Apply the solution to a soft, damp cloth and gently blot or wipe the stain. Always test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the finish.
Harsh chemicals and excessive water can damage hardwood surfaces. Avoid using strong solvents, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can strip away the finish and discolor the wood. Additionally, never allow water to pool on the hardwood floor, as it can seep into the wood and cause warping or swelling. Use a damp, not wet, cloth for cleaning, and promptly dry the area after cleaning to prevent moisture damage.
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