Here are the facts about subfloors.
No subfloors are perfectly level. You may also hear hollow sounds where your subfloor’s
surface dips and ridges.
This does not affect the integrity or installation of the hardwood. Hollow sounds
are normal and are not considered a product or installation defect.
All hardwood floors will fade, darken or change shades over time. Exposure to sunlight
will greatly increase this process.
Window treatments are recommended as well as rotating area rugs and furniture regularly
to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure.
Pre-finished hardwood pre-buying notes.
A work of natural art, the elegance of a pre-finished hardwood floor adds beauty
and value to any home, easy care and durability to any lifestyle.
Each species of wood has its own unique characteristics and the conditions of nature
that the wood matured in make each floor exceptional and individual.
Pre-finished hardwood floors are sanded, screened and stained in highly efficient
manufacturing plants.
Several coats of urethane are sprayed on the boards and then they are UV dried for
a very durable finish.
Pre-finished floors may be screened and recoated to rejuvenate the finish and revitalize
the floor’s natural beauty.
Pre-finished hardwood information on color, grain pattern, expansion and contraction,
subfloor leveling and floor protection is the same as the information under Finish
in Place hardwood, above.
Get on top of the bottom line. Know the entire cost of ownership.
The “cost per square foot” of your hardwood floor is just one component
of the entire project cost. To ensure there are no surprises, and the hardwood you
select fits within your overall project budget, be sure to ask us to calculate the
total cost of your floor covering project.
Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:
- Furniture removal/replacement.
- Demolition/disposal of old floor covering. Depending on the existing floor covering,
this can be an expensive item; also, be sure to include the cost to dispose of the
old floor covering.
- Subfloor preparation. Depending on the condition of the subfloor, it may require
additional work.
- Product delivery.
- Hardwood installation. Determine the cost per square foot to install it.
- Materials required to complete the installation. Your new hardwood floor may require
additional materials to install it properly.
We can help you answer questions regarding the manufacturer’s warranty and
care guide for directions on how frequently the floor should be cleaned and the
cost to clean it.
There’s a lot to know and keep in mind before buying a hardwood floor, but
it’s well worth the effort. If you’re a smart and knowledgeable shopper
it will pay off in many ways, the best of which will be hardwood flooring you’re
proud to come home to.