Peter Innes Hardwood FloorsFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What's the difference between and engineered floor and a solid hardwood floor?
An engineered floor is hardwood laminated over a substrate. The hardwood lamination is often only 1/8" thick and therefore the ability to refinish the floor is limited to perhape 1 refinish. Solid wood floors are solid wood throughout and have several refinish lives. Engineered floors should be used over concrete and in lower level applications where solid hardwood floors are not appropriate due to the liklihood of movement in the wood due to dampness or moist conditions.
How many times can hardwood be refinished and how often does it have to be done?
Hardwood floors can be refinished several times. If they are only slightly damaged or worn they may only need to be screened and refinished. More severe damage requires that the wood be sanded back to bare wood and refinished. Frequency depends on how you treat your floors and is a matter of aesthetics. Some people don't mind a floor with a bit of wear where others are very particular.
What's involved in refinishing?
Hardwood floors can be refinished several times. If they are only slightly damaged or worn they may only need to be screened and refinished. More severe damage requires that the wood be sanded back to bare wood and refinished. Most refinish jobs can be completed in 2-3 days. A complete installation may take up to a week.
What do you use to finish and protect my floors?
In almost all instances we use polyurethane to finish the hardwood floors we install. We have found that polyurethane holds up better than any other finish we've used. It will amber some over time, so this should be taken into consideration when choosing a stain.How do I clean my floor?
To clean your hardwood floor, use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water (1/2 c vinegar to 1 gal of warm water). Sweep or vacuum (without a beater) your floor thoroughly. Wash the floor with a damp mop or towel. Follow immediately with a dry towel to remove any excess water which could cause cupping or warping. Particular care should be taken to get a top-nailed floor dry as exposed nailheads on an older floor can discolor from the water.