SQUARE FOOT FLOORING SOLUTIONS FAQ
Solid Wood Floor
Q. What is Solidwood floor?
Solid wood floor represents a homogenous construction of wood. The product expands and contracts due to weather and therefore it is seasoned well to allow for such expansion and contraction. Solid wood comes with seven coats of formaldehyde-free acrylic lacquer which is UV-cured so that the product does not get dusty or stain and scratch easily.
Q. What is the most durable solidwood floor available?
The usage and maintenance of floor enhances the durability of any flooring. Apart from maintenance the treatment given to solid wood floor plays vital role in increasing durability.
Durability of solid wood floor depends on finish as the lacquer (polish) comes in contact with the dirt, grime and wear and tear. Our solid wood floors are treated with up to 7 coats of an aluminum oxide finish; this will certainly help the durability of the floor.
Durability of solid wood floor depends on finish as the lacquer (polish) comes in contact with the dirt, grime and wear and tear. Our solid wood floors are treated with up to 7 coats of an aluminum oxide finish; this will certainly help the durability of the floor.
Q. What is the difference between your prefinished and unfinished flooring?
The prefinished solid wood floor is end matched with a tight micro-beveled edge, and has up to 7 coats of aluminum oxide finish. These coats add the longevity of solid wood floors.
The unfinished floors come end matched with a square edge and must be finished on site. Today finishing technologies on site may not be as good as machine finished products.
The unfinished floors come end matched with a square edge and must be finished on site. Today finishing technologies on site may not be as good as machine finished products.
Q. Will my prefinished floor have a beveled edge?
Yes. All of our prefinished solid wood floors have a micro-bevel edge to eliminate uneven joints between strips of solid wood. This tight micro-beveled edge also prevents the finish from pooling up at the edges of the boards during the finishing process, resulting in a nicer, cleaner finish.
Q. Can a solid wood floor be floated?
Solid wood flooring installation should be done on ply. As the flooring needs to be nailed down on the ply, floating of solid wood is not advised. Our solid wood flooring is a four-sided tongue-and-groove product that can be nailed directly to a ply-wood subfloor.
If it is floated then, that may create noise while people walking on the floor.
If it is floated then, that may create noise while people walking on the floor.
Q. How to acclimate my solid wood floor?
As mentioned before, solid wood floor expands and contracts in summer and winter season respectively. Therefore, let the flooring acclimate for 5 to7 days, with boxes opened and laid flat in the room where the flooring is to be installed. Our expert installing team will take care of expansion-contraction of solid wood floor and manage the installation accordingly.
If you are in an area with high humidity, you may need to install some humidity controls like a humidifier or dehumidifier.
If you are in an area with high humidity, you may need to install some humidity controls like a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Q. How does moisture affect my solid wood flooring?
Excessive moisture can lead to numerous changes to your floor, such as cupping, buckling or cracking. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you do not use direct water to clean your floors. We suggest you use damp mopping for maintenance.
Q. What is the moisture content of your solid wood floors?
Our solid wood floors are kiln dried to a moisture content of between 8 and 10 percent. Solid wood floors will naturally expand and contract with fluctuations in temperature and humidity. However, solid wood floors perform best when they are within a temperature/humidity range of 8 to 10 percent. At this range, expansion and contraction can be reduced to its minimum.
Q. Can we install solid wood flooring in the basement?
Usually basement area comes in contact with water and at the same time there is no sufficient sunlight. Therefore the atmosphere in the basement is humid and the moisture level is also high.
Thus we do not recommend using solid wood floor in basement, unless the basement is completely water proof.
Thus we do not recommend using solid wood floor in basement, unless the basement is completely water proof.
Q. Do I need a moisture barrier if it is above grade?
Yes. We recommend using a vapor barrier. This vapor barrier should be laid between the solid wood flooring and the wood subfloor to prevent any moisture from getting to the plywood and the floor.
Q. What are some potential moisture problems I should look out for?
Cupping and crowning are caused when water is trapped between the wood floor and the subfloor. When this imbalance in moisture occurs, it is essential that the boards dry evenly; if not, cupping or crowning can appear.
Q. What is the best way to maintain my floors?
Solid wood floor are convenient to maintain. Daily sweeping the dust and cleaning your floor with damp mop is sufficient to maintain lacquer (polish). Regular use of vacuum is advisable for durability of flooring.
While cleaning, the excessive use of water should be avoided. Spill over of any kind of liquid like water, milk, tea; coffee etc should be wiped off immediately.
While cleaning, the excessive use of water should be avoided. Spill over of any kind of liquid like water, milk, tea; coffee etc should be wiped off immediately.
Q. Do I need an external cleaner?
Regular cleaning (as mentioned above) of flooring is sufficient to maintain daily aesthetics of flooring. After heavy wear and tear or after long periods one can use a mild detergent to clean with a damp mop. If the surface of flooring has got more scratches then one can do sanding with the help of company certified cleaners.
Q. How do I handle stubborn stains?
For stubborn stains, apply the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner to a soft cloth and scrub the desired area. Repeat if necessary. Please ask us for specific stains before cleaning or consult company certified cleaners.
Q. Can I apply a wax finish to my prefinished floors?
The prefinished solid wood floor is end matched with a tight micro-beveled edge, and has up to 7 coats of aluminum oxide finish. These coats add to the longevity of solidwood floors.
Therefore, no wax is needed for prefinished floors.
Therefore, no wax is needed for prefinished floors.
Q. The floor beneath my rug is lighter than the exposed floor, what can I do?
It is normal for solid wood floors that are exposed to sunlight to darken over a period of time. To eliminate the obvious tone differences, it is recommended to rotate rugs and furniture so that the flooring gets an equal amount of sun exposure. Any differences in light exposure will eventually fade away.
Q. How can I better protect my floor from early finish wear?
All our products come with high quality lacquers and will not wear out easily in homes. Regular maintenance, as recommended by your flooring expert can ensure the permanence of finishing.
Q. When ordering wood flooring how much extra should I order to allow for waste?
Before ordering for flooring, our installation team comes for inspection of site and they take proper measurement of the area where the flooring has to be installed. Depending on the furniture and layout of room required quantity of flooring is calculated. Our team also gives estimation of wastage of flooring.
As a rule of thumb, add 5% to 6% to the required flooring area for waste, but actual waste can be calculated after measurement only.
As a rule of thumb, add 5% to 6% to the required flooring area for waste, but actual waste can be calculated after measurement only.
Q. What are the different moldings and how are they applied?
These different moldings are known as accessories of flooring. They come in different shape and sizes depending on requirement of room.
• The Quarter Round molding is used to conceal the expansion gap left around walls during installation.
• The T molding is used as a threshold in doorways or as a transition strip where the solid wood flooring meets floor or carpet of similar height.
• The Reducer molding is used as a transition from the height of the sub-floor to the height of the floor.
• The Stairnose molding is used to cover the front edge of a stair tread or step. If used on a stair, flooring is installed behind the Stairnose to cover the horizontal part (the tread) of the stair.
• The Quarter Round molding is used to conceal the expansion gap left around walls during installation.
• The T molding is used as a threshold in doorways or as a transition strip where the solid wood flooring meets floor or carpet of similar height.
• The Reducer molding is used as a transition from the height of the sub-floor to the height of the floor.
• The Stairnose molding is used to cover the front edge of a stair tread or step. If used on a stair, flooring is installed behind the Stairnose to cover the horizontal part (the tread) of the stair.
Q. Can I install solid wood flooring in wet areas like bathroom?
Moisture can cause damage to solid wood flooring. At the same time solid wood floors are not covered by warranty if installed in wet areas. Therefore, we do not recommend solid wood flooring installation in wet area.
Q. How do I maintain my solid wood flooring?
In order to maximize the durability and attractiveness of your solid wood flooring, we recommend the following practices as part of your floor’s normal care and maintenance.
• Place doormats or rugs at entrances to collect moisture, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances from being tracked onto your solid wood floor.
• Dust mop or vacuum with a soft accessory to keep your solid floor clean from dust, dirt or grit. Solid wood flooring cleans easily with a Swiffer or similar type dry mop.
• Protect the floor from furniture legs and do not walk on the floor with high-heeled shoes.
• Do not use harsh detergents, abrasive cleansers, or corrosive chemicals to clean your floor.
• Although solid wood flooring has effective UV inhibitors in its pre-finish, it is recommended that it is not to be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
• Place doormats or rugs at entrances to collect moisture, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances from being tracked onto your solid wood floor.
• Dust mop or vacuum with a soft accessory to keep your solid floor clean from dust, dirt or grit. Solid wood flooring cleans easily with a Swiffer or similar type dry mop.
• Protect the floor from furniture legs and do not walk on the floor with high-heeled shoes.
• Do not use harsh detergents, abrasive cleansers, or corrosive chemicals to clean your floor.
• Although solid wood flooring has effective UV inhibitors in its pre-finish, it is recommended that it is not to be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
Q. Where can I install solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is an extremely durable flooring product. It can be used anywhere except wet areas or outdoor areas. For outdoor areas please use outdoor floors. Please note that certain species of solid wood are softer than others. You should consider using harder species for high traffic areas. Refer to the ‘Brinell Scale’ rating for an indication of the species hardness.
It can be used at residence like living room, bedroom, kids room but not outdoor or in wet areas.
Solid wood flooring can be used in commercial areas like restaurant, showroom or hotels where flooring would not come in the contact with water.
It can be used at residence like living room, bedroom, kids room but not outdoor or in wet areas.
Solid wood flooring can be used in commercial areas like restaurant, showroom or hotels where flooring would not come in the contact with water.
Q. What type of pattern is available in solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is available in various designs and patterns. One can find classic to contemporary designs and patterns in solid wood. Some of the popular patterns are 3 strips, plank, handcrafted and brushed. You can visit our showroom to check the striking color varieties in each pattern.
Q. How do I install solid wood flooring?
Installation of solid wood flooring must be done by experts. Allow your solid wood flooring to acclimate in the room where it will be installed for a minimum of 72 hours. Inspect each strip of solid wood flooring carefully for defects or damage before installing it.
Usually it is installed on plywood by nail down method. Then tongue and grove of solid wood flooring is matched and the installation is completed. Please note that the explanation above is a general guide.
Please refer to your installation instruction for details.
Usually it is installed on plywood by nail down method. Then tongue and grove of solid wood flooring is matched and the installation is completed. Please note that the explanation above is a general guide.
Please refer to your installation instruction for details.
Q. What are the benefits of solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is one of the trendiest types of residential flooring. Here are a few reasons why you should choose a solid wood floor:
• Aesthetics: a variety of grain patterns; natural color variations and off course the beauty of a natural material.
• Easy maintenance: Solid wood floors are easy to clean.Solid wood floors are ideal for allergy sufferers as they do not promote dust or harbor dust mites.
• Durability: Solid wood flooring is longest-lasting. Although there is a 10-year structural warranty on our solid woodfloors, many solid wood floors last for decades longer.
• Aesthetics: a variety of grain patterns; natural color variations and off course the beauty of a natural material.
• Easy maintenance: Solid wood floors are easy to clean.Solid wood floors are ideal for allergy sufferers as they do not promote dust or harbor dust mites.
• Durability: Solid wood flooring is longest-lasting. Although there is a 10-year structural warranty on our solid woodfloors, many solid wood floors last for decades longer.
Q. How do I get my solid wood floor to look like it did when it was new?
Over a period of time due to wear and tear the finishing or lacquer of flooring seems to fade away. There are products that can be applied to prefinished floors that will renew the floor back to its original appearance. Use products recommended by manufacturer only.
Q. Can I expect my floor to have color variations?
Yes. Solid wood flooring is a natural product. Therefore, you should expect there will be natural color variations in the wood. Although lower grades of flooring will have a larger number of character blemishes, you can expect color variations in all grades.
Discover our wide range of custom flooring solutions including engineered wood flooring, laminate wood flooring, hardwood flooring, outdoor flooring tiles, wood tiles design, homogeneous vinyl flooring, vinyl wall paper, heterogeneous vinyl flooring, linoleum flooring, sports flooring, carpet flooring and ecofit flooring.
Contact us at 022 4047 6211 or submit an enquiry at sales@squarefoot.co.in to receive personalized recommendations for your specific needs.
