Buying Tips for Hardwood Flooring
Factory Finish vs. Custom Sand &
Finish on Site
You should feel comfortable with either
choice. However, factory finishing offers many nice advantages. Factory
finished flooring is inspected for defects at the mill so you receive first
choice every time. On-site finishing depends on the quality of the workmanship
that day.
Factory finished flooring usually
installs more quickly and without the dust and odors that are involved
with on-site finishing. However, even though factory finished flooring
comes in a variety of colors, on-site finishing allows for closer color
match with existing woodwork or cabinets.
Both
factory finishes and on-site finishes are available in either high gloss
or matte. Both types have exciting new finishes developed with space age
technology. These finishes are not like grandma’s old wood floors because
they require no waxing.
Engineered products
install where no solid hardwood dares to go
Prior to
the development of engineered hardwood flooring, hardwood products could
not be installed on slab or in your basement without a special subfloor
system. Now you can enjoy real hardwood flooring in those areas without
all that fuss and expense. A special cross-ply construction eliminates
the problem of expansion and contraction usually associated with solid
hardwood.
Don’t become overly concerned with
thinner or thicker top wood layers associated with engineered products
because it’s the finish you are walking on. Generally speaking you won’t
need to re-sand and finish these products; just re-coat them unless you
need to change the color.
Special considerations
when selecting hardwood flooring
Direct sunlight can
affect the color of hardwood stains, therefore closing curtains or shades
during peak periods will reduce damage. Area rugs left in place for extended
periods of time may expose a shading difference once they are removed from
the remainder of the floor.
Large pets with
sharp toenails can also damage even the best finishes.
