Frequently Asked Questions

Introducing hardwood flooring into your home marks an exciting milestone, and there's much to explore. You might find yourself with various inquiries. That's why we've assembled a selection of commonly asked questions to provide you with swift responses.

Feel free to reach out to us today, where our seasoned hardwood flooring specialists await to provide you with expert guidance and prompt solutions tailored to your needs 360-869-5699

How do I clean hardwood floors?

Hardwood floors serve as the sturdy foundation of your family's daily life, enduring the constant foot traffic, playtime antics of little ones, and the inevitable dirt and grime that gets tracked in. Despite this wear and tear, we expect them to maintain their luster. However, keeping them clean is simpler than you might imagine. A damp mop with water and an occasional non-aerosol spray are all you need to restore their shine!

Contrary to popular belief, cleaning hardwood floors is not more challenging than carpet or tile. Hardwood lacks the nooks and crannies where mold can grow, fibers that harbor bacteria, or hidden spots where dust accumulates. This makes it an ideal flooring choice for individuals with allergies.

When it comes to choosing cleaners, experts advise against using oil-based products as they can leave a film on the floor, affecting future refinishing efforts. Instead, less is more, and a damp mop with water is typically the best option.

Here's a simple guide to cleaning hardwood floors:

Prepare the space: Clear the floor of easily movable furniture to prevent scratches, employing furniture pads during relocation to minimize the risk of damage.
Preliminary cleaning: Employ a dry mop or vacuum to effectively eliminate surface-level dirt and debris.
Mopping: Dampen a mop with plain water, ensuring it is sufficiently wrung out to avoid excessive moisture. Proceed to methodically clean the floor surface, following the natural grain of the wood, thereby preserving its inherent beauty and integrity.

Will hardwood floors scratch?

Over time, regular foot traffic inevitably leads to wear and tear on hardwood floors, resulting in scratch marks. To minimize this, avoid placing rugs and runners in high-traffic areas, as they can trap dirt and cause scratches. Additionally, consider using chair leg protectors and stick-on cushions beneath decorative items to prevent scratching. When moving furniture, refrain from dragging or pushing it across the floor. Consulting with a specialist can help you choose the hardest wood flooring options, minimizing the risk of scuffs and scratches.

Which hardwood floors are the hardest?

Is the hardness of wood flooring an essential consideration for you? Unsure about the appropriate wood flooring hardness for your upcoming installation? Read on for more information.

There's a wide array of solid hardwood floors to choose from, but it's crucial to prioritize selecting a wood that resonates with your preferences. We understand that investing in hardwood floors entails significant deliberation. Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection:

Understanding the Janka Scale

For those seeking hardwood floors that can withstand the rigors of daily life, familiarizing yourself with the Janka scale is paramount. This test measures wood hardness by embedding a 0.444-inch steel ball into the wood at half its diameter. The resulting force, measured in pounds, is then indicated on the scale. Higher numbers denote harder woods, while lower numbers indicate softer ones. The hardest hardwood flooring on the Janka scale requires 4,380 pounds of force to embed the steel ball, whereas the softest only requires 350 pounds.

Softwood Flooring

Examples of common softwood varieties include Pine (1570), Bamboo (1380), Cedar (900), Fir (660), and Cypress (570). Despite the term "soft," all wood possesses a degree of hardness. Opting for "softer" hardwood flooring implies greater susceptibility to dents, dings, and imperfections. However, many homeowners intentionally distress new floors to achieve an aged aesthetic. Properly staining and sealing soft hardwood floors can also enhance their durability.

It's worth noting that softwoods typically come at a lower cost than harder wood varieties, with quick-growing woods like bamboo offering eco-friendly benefits. The rustic charm and affordability of softwoods may align perfectly with your space and budget.

Hardwood Flooring

For those prioritizing durability, options such as Cumaru (3540), Brazilian Walnut (3684), and Brazilian Cherry (2350) offer superior strength and resilience. While hardwood floors may come at a higher price point, their numerous benefits outweigh the cost. These harder woods are particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and homes with children.

Solid hardwood floors rank as the toughest among available wood flooring options. However, softer alternatives like laminate and engineered flooring are also viable options. To explore further, consider delving into the different types of hardwood flooring or consult with a specialist at Renovation Hardwood Floors. Your local wood flooring expert can provide invaluable insights to help you determine the ideal floor hardness for your needs.

What are engineered hardwood floors?

Engineered wood flooring looks almost identical to the hardwood on the surface, but instead of a single wood plank, it's made of a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood flooring on top. Engineered wood flooring is a more affordable option, but it can't be refinished to extend its lifespan

Engineered floors are good for those do-it-yourself customers.

Engineered flooring is a great option for DIY enthusiasts. It's particularly well-suited for installation over basement or concrete floors and is compatible with radiant floor heating systems. While there's some debate over whether engineered floors can be refinished once, they generally lack the multiple refinishing capabilities of solid wood floors. Solid wood floors offer the advantage of being refinished multiple times and can also have their color changed over time. Additionally, they come in various colors, plank widths, and textures. For more detailed information on solid flooring, feel free to explore our 'prefinished vs. unfinished' section.

What Are Prefinished Hardwood Floors?

Prefinished floors come with multiple layers of finishing, making them highly durable. While unfinished floors offer the advantage of being refinished numerous times, prefinished floors require less maintenance over the years. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's essential to discuss your preferences with a hardwood flooring installer.

Why Reseal Hardwood Floors?

Resealing, or screening and recoating, can refresh your floors and remove minor scratches and dullness. While it won't fix deep scratches or discoloration, it can restore the shine to your floors quickly and affordably. Opting for eco-friendly, low-odor finishes can minimize any fumes or odors during the process.

Should I Resurface or Repair Hardwood Floors?

Before committing to refinishing your floors, consider less costly options like buffing and recoating. This can provide a new shine in a fraction of the time and cost of sanding and refinishing. Repair work, such as replacing stained boards or touching up scratches, can also be considered. However, keep in mind that touch-ups may be challenging if your floors have undergone significant color changes. For seamless results, refinishing the entire room may be the best option.

Do Hardwood Floors Increase Home Value?

Real wood floors not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also boost its resale value. Unlike carpet, which requires replacement multiple times, solid wood floors last the life of the home. They may initially cost more, but their long-term durability and timeless appeal make them a worthwhile investment.

Are Hardwood Floors Allergy-Friendly?

With most of our time spent indoors, it's essential to consider indoor air quality. Unlike other surfaces, wood floors do not trap dust, fumes, dust mites, or mold, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. According to the American Lung Association, wood floors can even improve air quality.