Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wood Flooring

Installation of Wood Flooring
You've chosen the type of floor you want. You've even chosen the type of finish you want. Now, it's time to install your new floor. But, first, you have to make one last decision. There are four solid wood floor installation methods from which to choose：
Nail Down - Nails are used to fasten the wood to the subfloor. This method is often used with thin wood flooring.
Staple Down - Staples are used instead of nails to attach the floor to the subfloor. This method is simpler than the nail down method.
Glue Down - Engineered wood floors and parquets can be glued down. The wood is adhered to the subfloor with a strong adhesive.
Floating - This is the fastest and easiest method of installation. Floating floors are not attached to any subfloor, they simply float above it. Either adhesive is applied to the boards to keep them together, or the boards are made to simply snap together. Usually a pad is placed between the wood floor and the subfloor to protect against moisture and reduce noise. Floating floors can be installed over almost any surface.


Engineered Wood Flooring Has a Range of Installation Options
Unlike solid wood, which must be nailed to a wood sub-floor, engineered wood can be installed in a different number of ways. Depending on the type you buy, it can be either:

A nail-down floor. This is for the 3/8" thick floor - its thinness requires nailing to enhance stability;
A glue-down floor. The 1/2" thick floor can be nailed down;
A floating floor. The 5/8" planks are thick enough to act as a floating floor.

Engineered wood boards come pre-finished and are laid as a floating floor. They don't need to be glued or nailed to a base. They usually come with tongue-and-grove edges that are fitted together like puzzle pieces as you lay them. 

You glue along the edge of the board that's already down, then ease the other board into place along side it. Some of today's engineered boards also have edges that "click" together, much like laminate flooring, and they don't require glue. 


The main threats to hardwood floors are dirt, sand, and grit.
These abrasive materials act like sandpaper on your floor's finish, which results in dents and scratches, as well as a general dulling over time.

So, how do you protect your hardwoods? Here's a care and cleaning list that can help you keep those floors looking shiny and new, like they've just been installed:

• Use floor mats or area rugs by your home's entrances. These will help trap dirt and prevent damage.
 
• Wipe away spills promptly.

• It's okay to vacuum hardwood floors, but make sure you use a vacuum with a brush attachment instead of a beater bar.
 
• In addition to vacuuming and sweeping, you may want to damp mop your floor, but be sure to use a neutral pH floor cleaner. (As long as your floor is properly sealed, this won't damage the wood.)

• Don't stress too much over dents and dings that will occur naturally over time (especially if you have pets or children!); consider it a part of the natural aging process of wood, which helps to build character.

• However, if the floors become too scratched up for your tastes, you can always have them sanded and refinished.
 
• By following these simple rules, you and your hardwood floors should have many happy years together. Unlike laminates and vinyl floors, a well-maintained hardwood floor can last a lifetime.