Q: What is the difference between solid
wood floors and engineered wood floors?
A: Solid wood floors are just that, solid lumber that has been milled to a
uniform thickness (generally 3/4 inch thick) and cut at a variety of
widths, from 2 inches up to 7 inches. Tongue-and-groove construction locks
the individual boards to each other. Each board is fastened to the
subfloor by nailing or stapling through the tongue. The fastener is
concealed under the overlap groove of the neighboring board. Solid wood
floors must be nailed down over an approved wooden subfloor. Moisture and
humidity will effect solid hardwood flooring greatly. Individual hardwood
boards will expand and contract as ambient conditions vary. Engineered
hardwood floors are manufactured by gluing multiple, thin layers of wood
together (think plywood) to form an extremely stable product with a
thicker, top layer of finished hardwood. Many manufactures use hardwood
that would not be suitable as a finished floor in the foundation layers.
Engineered floors also employ tongue-and-groove construction. These floors
can be glued down to concrete or wood subfloors; they can be nailed to
wood subfloors, and in some cases can be floated over either substrate.
Engineered floors are much less susceptible to moisture constraints
because of the inherent stability created by cross-laminating the
foundation layers. Just like solid wood floors, engineered floors are easy
to care for, and can be expected to last for many years. In most cases, an
engineered wood floor can be refinished to look like new.
Q: What is the difference between an engineered floor and a laminate
floor?
A: Engineered hardwood floors are manufactured using wood, through and
through. (See above) The overall appearance of an engineered hardwood
floor is the same as an “old-fashioned” wood floor, pleasing and natural.
Professional installation is recommended in most cases. Engineered wood
floors will typically carry a higher square foot cost than laminate
floors.
Laminated floors have a single core layer made of fine particles and glue,
fused together by heat and pressure (think particle board) onto which a
thin finished layer is glued, (hence laminated), much like a ‘Formica”
kitchen counter top. The finished synthetic layer will often have a
simulated wood look. Some laminates replicate other natural products such
as stone, quarry tile, Mexican field tile, etc. All laminate floors are
made to be floated over the subfloor beneath. Cushion and vapor barriers
are required by nearly all laminate makers, and vary in options and costs.
Most laminate floors use an intricate tongue-and-groove system that locks
the pieces together without any glue. Major home improvement stores carry
entry level product lines aimed at the D I Y market as well as budget
conscious projects.
Q: What is a floating floor?
A: As the name implies, a floating floor is one that is NOT adhered to the
substrate beneath it. The individual pieces that make up the floor are
attached to one another either by glue or by an interlocking
tongue-and-groove system creating one continuous floor. This floor is
installed over a vapor barrier and a cushion. The vapor barrier helps to
diminish the effects of moisture coming up from under the floor. The
cushion adds an element of comfort under foot, as well as helping to quiet
the clicking or slapping that occurs between the floor and the substrate
under it. Floating floors have a unique feel and sound that must be
experienced to be described. Originally developed to be more forgiving to
minor irregularities in the subfloor, floating floors may ‘see-saw’ over
high spots, or give excessively over depressions. All laminate floors
float; some engineered wood floors are designed to float.
Q: Which should I choose first, my paint color, or the color of new floor?
A: Much like the “Chicken or the Egg” question, there is no one right
answer. In an ideal situation, you will be choosing both new paint and
flooring, comparing sample swatches against each other. However, many
customers are simply replacing old carpet with new into an existing color
scheme. Some situations dictate that painting cannot happen until the
floor work is complete. In either instance, we have design specialists and
color advice that will take the anxiety out of getting everything just
right.
Q: What do I need to do to get ready for my new floor?
A: We will do our best to educate you about the entire installation
process to prepare you for your new floor. For the most part, common sense
should prevail concerning your valuable possessions - be it furniture,
artwork, collectables, etc. For more specific information, use the links
below.
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