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Hardwood Flooring Types

The traditional type hardwood flooring is 3/4” solid hardwood. This type of flooring comes in many different species and widths.  There are several advantages to solid 3/4” flooring the first of which is that the floor can be sanded and refinished many times over the life of the product. Another advantage is that when the flooring is installed perpendicular or diagonally to the floor joists it can add rigidity to your floor.  

Other products gaining popularity in recent years would be prefinished engineered. These are constructed in ply fashion similar to that of common plywood with an actual hardwood veneer on the surface, commonly called the wear layer.

Wear layers can vary from one prefinished manufacturer to the next. One key to look for in choosing an engineered product would be the thickness of the veneer or wear layer. Nearly all manufacturers produce thin and thicker wear layers, the latter having the ability to be refinished. Often price can dictate the wear layer thickness. Some cannot be completely refinished.

How many times an engineered hardwood can be refinished should be a concern for those that plan on living with their new hardwood floor more than 10-20 years, but will depend on what you perceive as needing refinishing. Minor scratches, dings and dents add to the character of hardwood flooring. Some are fine by the added character that comes along with age and use, others may not be.

If you're seeking near perfection and desire a flawless appearance, your floors may need refinishing every five years. Choosing a product with the thickest wear layer should be considered. Most of the better engineered hardwoods have veneer thicknesses of 1/8" and more. With the Anderqual Handyman and a flat sub floor these can be successfully refinished at least two or three times. Color changes may reduce this number. Finally, engineered products are more stable (minimal if any expansion and contraction) than solid hardwood due to the way they are constructed. They are recommended for in floor radiant heating systems as well.

Random Length or One Size Lengths?

All manufacturers are different. Some may offer random length or one set length hardwood. Random length is defined as each piece being different in size between the shortest and longest. For example, one may say 12" - 60" random length. This means the shortest pieces will be 12" and the longest 60" with the others being different sized in between. Random lengths offer a more traditional look. Some products may be manufactured in one length only, but to an untrained eye will look similar to a random length hardwood floor if installed properly.

Some confuse one length hardwoods as being too uniform in appearance. One length products should be installed randomly. Creating the random look begins with using different sized boards at the starting area. They should be cut randomly with no particular measurement used. Once starter boards are cut and full length pieces are installed adjacent to them.

Maintaining Your Floor

Place walk off mats or area rugs at each entryway to collect dirt and grit that might be tracked in. These tiny particles act like sandpaper and will scratch your floor. Be sure to avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can damage your floor. Instead use mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors and remember to shake them out regularly. In addition to entryways, remember to place mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink.  

Buy a good quality broom and sweep your new floor regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust and other particles. A vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar, can be helpful in between planks and other hard to reach areas. Once dirt and grease are gone, buffing can help restore the luster of your hardwood floor.

All hardwood floors will fade, darken or change shades over time. Exposure to sunlight will greatly increase this process. Window treatments are recommended, as well as rotating area rugs and furniture regularly to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure. Cover furniture and table legs with protectors to guard your floor against damage. Take care when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scuffing. Stiletto heels can cause dents and scratches that are not covered by your warranty. Love your pet but regularly trim their nails or claws to avoid scratches on the hardwood floor. The point here is to be cautious of sharp objects that may scratch or damage the floor. Tread carefully!

Time to Refinish Your Floor

No matter how well you take care of your hardwood floor it will need to be refinished at one point. Depending on the level of wear this can be as simple as cleaning and screening the surface to scuff it up and then applying a new polyurethane finish or doing a complete sand and finish. Either way Anderqual Handyman is here to help you install your new Hardwood floor or refinish it depending on your needs. Give us a call (847)756-3808 or E-mail us today for your free in home estimate.