Question 1

What Is the Difference Between Solid Hardwood and Engineered Hardwood?

Accepted Answer

A solid hardwood board is milled from one piece of wood and is typically 3/4" thick (although some come in 5/16" thickness). These products can only be installed on or above ground. Solid hardwood should not be installed below ground level, such as in a basement or walk-out basement, because it can react strongly to moisture or high humidity. A major benefit of solid hardwood is that it can typically be sanded or refinished more than one time. It must be installed with nails, staples or glue.

An engineered hardwood floor is made up of layers (plies) of real wood that are adhered together to make the board more structurally stable than solid hardwood. Whether (and how many times) engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished depends on the thickness of the top layer of wood. Refer to the warranty for your floor to determine the feasibility of being refinished. A benefit of engineered hardwood is that it can be installed on any level, even in basements, and typically has multiple choices for installation, such as floating, gluing or nailing/stapling down.

Question 2

What Is the Difference Between Unfinished and Prefinished Hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Unfinished hardwood is installed in your home, and then the finish is applied, which can be matched to existing or surrounding hardwood floors. Prefinished hardwood is stained and finished at the factory under carefully controlled conditions, which provides a more consistent appearance and superior durability. Prefinished floors allow you to enjoy your new floor much sooner, without the dust, noise, and time spent waiting for finishes to be applied and cured.

Question 3

What Is an Acceptable Humidity Level for Hardwood Floors?

Accepted Answer

Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 35-55% range. During dry seasons, a humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage in hardwood floors due to low humidity levels. During wet seasons, proper humidity levels can be maintained by the use of an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Avoid excessive exposure to water, which can happen when tracking water indoors during periods of inclement weather.

Question 4

What Are the Different Hardwood Board Widths Offered?

Accepted Answer

Our hardwood is available in these widths: 
Strip Flooring (2.25" wide x varying length).
Plank Flooring (3" wide or more x varying length).
Wide Plank (5" and wider).

Question 5

Should I Expect Colour Variation in My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a natural variation in hardwood. Some species show more variation than others. Select a hardwood flooring product and click through to the item detail page to view the plank-to-plank colour variation for your flooring choice.

Question 6

When Ordering Hardwood, How Much Extra Should I Order to Allow for Cutting During Installation?

Accepted Answer

Add 5% on top of your estimate for standard layouts, and 10% for diagonal layouts. What you don’t use, keep for future repairs.

Question 7

Can I Install Hardwood Floors in Any Room in My House?

Accepted Answer

Solid and engineered hardwood floors are a great choice for most rooms in your house, but are not recommended for rooms that are moisture-prone, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and mudrooms. Solid hardwood should also not be installed in a basement. In basements, engineered hardwood is a better option.

Question 8

Can I Install Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring Products on Any Level of My Home?

Accepted Answer

Solid flooring should only be installed on or above grade (the outdoor soil line). Engineered flooring can be installed on, above and below grade — including basements.

Question 9

Why Do I Hear Popping Sounds When I Walk Across My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

Reasons include:

Uneven subfloors (refer to subfloor tolerances in installation instructions).
Incorrect use of the trowel and/or adhesive.
Use of improper underlayment.

This problem can be corrected by your installer. Always follow the installation instructions for Hardwood Flooring and use the specified adhesives.

Question 10

Can Damaged Hardwood Flooring Be Repaired?

Accepted Answer

Yes, repair options include: 
Colour-blend filler for minor chips. 
Touch-up kit for scratches.
Board replacement.
Sanding and refinishing for worn, deeply scratched floors (not all hardwood floors should be sanded).

Question 11

Can I Refinish My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

We suggest that you contact Atlanta Flooring Centre for more information.

Question 12

Why Is My Hardwood Floor Denting?

Accepted Answer

With sufficient impact or pressure, any hardwood can dent. We recommend using floor protectors on the feet of heavy furniture and area rugs in high-traffic zones of the home to prevent dents and dings.

Question 13

I Moved My Area Rug, and the Colour of the Wood Is a Different Shade than Where My Area Rug Was. What Happened?

Accepted Answer

The most probable cause is sunlight exposure, which can darken or lighten the exposed area. Wood reacts to ambient light and ages over time. Some degree of colour change will naturally occur. We recommend occasionally shifting furniture and area rugs to prevent noticeable shading in the floor.

Question 14

What Can I Use to Clean and Maintain My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

We recommend cleaning your hardwood floor with a specially formulated hardwood flooring cleaner widely available at most stores.

Question 15

Can I Mop My Floors Using Hot, Soapy Water?

Accepted Answer

No. Water can prematurely age your hardwood floors, causing them to crack and split. We recommend using a specially formulated hardwood flooring cleaner with a microfibre mop.

Question 16

Can I Use a Steam Mop on My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

We recommend not introducing heat and moisture, as this may damage your floor. If damage occurs as a result of using a steam mop, it will not be covered under the warranty.

Question 17

How Can I Protect My Hardwood Floor from Scratches?

Accepted Answer

We suggest using floor protectors on the feet of furniture and chairs, area rugs in high traffic zones and door mats by any exterior doorways to help prevent scratches on your hardwood flooring. Frequently sweeping up loose soil or debris will also reduce scratches and wear.

Question 18

How Can I Protect My Floors If I Need to Move Furniture?

Accepted Answer

To avoid denting or scratching your hardwood floor, we recommend using strips of 1/4" hardboard or plywood as a runner under the wheels (if rolling) or furniture legs (if sliding).

Question 19

Do I Need to Use Padding Beneath the Area Rugs on My Hardwood Flooring?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using a non-staining rug or mat that is made of a breathable material. Do not use rugs with solid backing or those with a rubber or latex backing. A grid-patterned, non-staining polypropylene backing is acceptable as long as it is breathable. The rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. All questions about the rug or mat should be referred to the rug or mat manufacturer. Jute-backed rugs are not recommended because jute is very abrasive and will scratch the surface of hardwood floors.

Question 20

How Do I Fix a Small Scratch on My Hardwood Floor?

Accepted Answer

Colour-coordinated touch-up kits for scratch repair are available from your local flooring retailer.

Question 21

Where Can I Find Cleaning and Maintenance Products?

Accepted Answer

Contact the store where you purchased your flooring. They have access to the full line of hardwood maintenance products.

High-quality Hardwood Flooring Solutions in Abbotsford and Fraser Valley

Inspiration Centre

Have a Look at Our Hardwood Options In Stock

The Brands We Work With

Hardwood Flooring Installation Service

Types of Hardwood

Finish Options

Hardwood Flooring Tips

Consider Vancouver’s Humidity Levels

Making Installation Easier with Prefinished Planks

Opt for Longer and Wider Planks

Consider Eco-friendly Options

Have a Look at Samples Before Purchasing

Durable Hardwood Flooring Solutions for Kitchens

Warm & Elegant Living Room Floors

Frequently Asked Questions