What do you need from hardwood flooring?

Traditionally, hardwood flooring was installed and then finished on site. This practice is still available and done in many applications, however, most new installations feature factory finished flooring. Pre-finished flooring is inspected for defects at the mill so you receive first choice every time. 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. So if you’re looking to match existing wood in your home, on-site finishing may be a better option.

Both factory finishes and on-site finishes are available in either high gloss or matte. Both types have finishes developed with new technology that require no waxing.

Unsure which option is best for you? Call us and we’ll be happy to evaluate and provide recommendations.

Prior to the development of engineered hardwood flooring, hardwood products could not be installed on slab or in your basement because of natural moisture in concrete. Now you can enjoy real hardwood flooring in those areas and still get the look of solid hardwood flooring. A special cross-ply construction eliminates the problem of expansion and contraction usually associated with solid hardwood flooring, especially in high moisture areas. 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.

Refinishing hardwood floors: what to expect

JK Carpets offers expert refinishing services and can quote you the price for one room up to a whole house or business location. Hardwood refinishing does create a fair amount of dust and smell with the polyurethane finish and many of our customers time their refinishing project with a vacation so that we can perform the service and have your home ready when you return from your holiday. We feature belt sanders for the main areas and use smaller hand sanders and scrapers for the edges and hard to reach areas and proudly use Minwax stains and finishes. We also offer cleaning kits that can help you keep your hardwood floor looking new for longer periods of time.

Benefits of hardwood floorst

No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty, and value of hardwood. Wood flooring enhances the decor of any room, and provides timeless beauty that will increase in value throughout the years. In fact, in a national survey of real estate agents, 90 percent said that houses with hardwood flooring sell faster and for higher prices than houses without wood floors. Ecological: Hardwood floors are ecologically friendly. Since it is a natural resource, wood is both renewable and recyclable. Many of yesteryear’s old wood ships , warehouses, barns, and other structures often find a second life in wood flooring. And, because wood does not collect dust and other allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home. Wood floors are one of the wisest environmental choices you can make. Not only will they very likely outlast you, they are made from nature’s most remarkable renewable resource. Despite the millions and millions of trees that have been harvested to make countless wood products, we have more wood growing today than we had in 1920. Wood floors make great insulators-inch for inch wood flooring is about 16 times as efficient as concrete and 415 times more efficient than steel. And they require far less energy to make, as well. Affordable: Today’s wood floors are affordable. Over time, wood floors maintain their value. When other flooring options are looking tired and worn out, hardwood floors will still look beautiful and timeless. Variety: Hardwood floors have come a long way in the past few years. Today, there are more styles, colors and species of wood flooring available than ever before. Whether you’re looking for traditional oak, rustic hickory, exotic tigerwood or trendy bamboo, you’re sure to find a color and style to fit your decor.

Special considerations when selecting hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is a natural product, so please keep that in mind and carefully review the maintenance information. You will want to use a cleaning product recommended by your flooring manufacturer; this will ensure that you use the proper cleaner for your type of flooring and finish. Direct sunlight can affect the color of hardwood stains, therefore consider this in rooms with large windows. 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.