Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for advice from an expert? We can help you find the right design solution for your flooring project no matter what types of materials you want to use.

Hardwood Flooring

Q. What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood floors?

A. Solid wood flooring is exactly what the name implies: a solid piece of wood from top to bottom. The thickness of solid wood flooring can vary, but generally ranges from 3/4” to 5/16”. Solid wood can be used in any room that is above grade (above ground). One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times.

Q. Which wood species is right for me?

A. Choosing the right species of wood flooring for you is strictly a matter of your style, budget and personal preference. More than 50 domestic and imported species of wood flooring are available to achieve a unique look. Check out the our gallery.

Q. Can I install myself and save on the cost of installation? Why can’t I just do it myself?

A. Installing wood floors is a lot more complicated than painting your walls or replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets. First of all, you will be spending several thousand dollars on material alone, so if you damage it, it’s not as easy as buying another $30 gallon of paint or $200 of hardware and starting over again. Plus, wood flooring requires special tools that you will likely have to rent and will have little experience using.

More importantly, however, you will need to make sure the room you’re working in is flat, that the subfloor material will work for wood flooring, or use a self leveling compound, which also is very expensive and that no moisture issues are present that will damage the wood long-term. Testing for moisture requires special tools. There are many special techniques used to install wood flooring. cutting equipment, special tools, the correct adhesive if it is a glue down installation, expansion and contraction gap allowance to name a few.

Laminate Flooring

Q. Where can laminate flooring be installed in the home?

A. Laminate flooring can be installed almost anywhere in the home as long as you have a structurally sound, clean, dry and flat subfloor. Laminate flooring can be placed over existing floors made of wood, concrete, ceramic, tile.

Q. Can I install laminate flooring myself?

A. Absolutely! Installing laminate floors is a weekend DIY project you can do by yourself or with the help of a few friends. installation technology makes it all snap together with interlocking pieces. No nails or glues are involved.

Q. Can I install laminate flooring myself?

A. Absolutely! Installing laminate floors is a weekend DIY project you can do by yourself or with the help of a few friends. installation technology makes it all snap together with interlocking pieces. No nails or glues are involved.

Q. Are laminate floors pet-friendly floors?

A. Laminate flooring is a great option for households with pets. Pets’ nails won’t scratch or wear down a laminate floor. Our furry loved ones, however, have different habits, and sand and pebbles may stick to their claws. As a precaution, it’s always a good idea to keep pets’ nailed trimmed and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. The beauty of laminate is that if something happens to one of the pieces, it’s easy to replace it.

If I damage my laminate floor, can it be repaired?

A. While laminate flooring is extremely durable, no floor is indestructible. You can easily repair nicks or scratches with the correct color-matched kit. If the area to be repaired is larger, replace the individual planks affected. For major repairs, however, it’s best to consult with a flooring professional.

Tile & Stone

Q. How can I use tile flooring to make a room appear larger?

A. By installing tile on the “diagonal” and by selecting lighter colors that have a more consistent texture will visually increase the space. Also by using a lineal tile such as a 12×24 and installing it lengthwise.

Q. If I drop something on my ceramic tile floor is it going to break the tile?

A. Ceramic tile is a very durable flooring product when installed correctly. What will most likely happen is the item you drop, a plate or glass, will break while the tile may just suffer a chip or crack. We recommend a full body porcelain which if chipped the full body will show through.

Q: Is porcelain tile more expensive than ceramic tile?

A. Yes. Porcelain tile is more expensive because it is a higher quality product. Porcelain is an extremely hard and non porous product. It has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent making it very stain resistant and some porcelains have a full body through out.

Carpet

Q. If shopping for carpet there are many different information about fibers and what type of carpet to buy. What should we look out for when buying a durable carpet? There are many different claims on durability.

A. Regardless of which fiber you choose, the construction of the carpet is what makes carpet durable. For durable, heavy traffic carpet you want to look for a dense construction. Shorter pile heights perform better in heavy traffic areas (like entryways, stairs, halls, playrooms) so choosing a pile height with a ½ of an inch or less will be more durable. If choosing a cut pile carpet, a tighter twist will be more durable than a looser twist. If choosing a Berber carpet, the smaller tighter loops will be more durable than the larger looser loop.

Q. Is carpet is bad for the environment?

A. No, floor manufacturers now provide many eco-friendly options for environmentally-conscious consumers. Shaw carpets made of Anso or EverTouch nylon can be recycled at Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility, where they are broken down and remade into new carpet fiber. The process helps turn carpet into a renewable product and keeps carpet waste out of landfills.

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