There is a lot to think about when choosing your floor! We want to share with you a few steps you can help you to break down the process. Ultimately these steps will help narrow down the selection and give you a better idea of what type of floor will best suit your needs.
It is recommended to go to the collection pages of our available manufactures, as you follow the following steps:
Step 1) Material- Finished on site, Prefinished, Vinyl Laminate or Cork.
Finished on site had the most versatility to species, color and finishing choices. As well as there are two types of finished on-site flooring, Solid and Engineered.
Prefinished, Vinyl, Laminate and Cork are all great hassle-free options, that have a wide variety of selections, although more limited than finished on-site.
(Visit FAQ to see the differences in the material and Services page to see the difference in installation)
Step 2) Species/Pattern- There are many different types of species of hardwood flooring and all have unique characteristics.
Please visit our manufacturers collection pages to visually compare and see the differences in the floors grain/pattern. To make this step easier if you are having an issue deciding,
skip to Step 6 than proceed to Step 3. Most of the different flooring options have varying prices, comparing the cost can help with the decision.
Step 3) Color- This is probably the most personal option, there are many options available. It is recommended to go with one you will love for a long time verses what is popular.
For finished on-site, this doesn’t have to be an exact color. For example, Just knowing you like greys or browns will help the installation technician narrow down the color with you,
our technicians can bring the available “grey or Brown” stains and provide on-site samples for you to see on you floor.
Step 4) Finish- All finished on-site floors will have the option to have a Matt, Satin or a Semi-Gloss finish. Luckily today,
most prefinished manufacturers are also providing a variety of finishing options for their available products.
Step 5) Size- When it comes to picking the size, there is mainly two measurements you need to think about.
The first is width, this is referring to the distance between each row of hardwood.
The second is thickness, this refers to how high the floor is from the subfloor. The width can change the perspective of the space.
(ie. wide vs. small boards will have a different effect on the perspective on how wide or narrow a house is.)
Step 6) Cost- At the end of the day, the most important thing to think about is cost.
This will ensure you are looking at a is floor within your budget, and will help narrow down the selections of various products to your price range.To get the cost per square foot, please call to confirm the current price. For an estimate on material and installation, you can fill the request my call form or call to book an appointment.
Of course you can!
We have a showroom where you can choose and purchase any of the products we well.
We do not need to be the installers.
If you do wish to have us install the wood, ask the sales representative.
We are happy to book a free-of-charge appointment with one of our estimators.
No!
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for acclimation of the wood.
Make sure hardwood flooring is sitting flat in the areas where it will be installed for at least 72 hours.
DISCLAMIER: Check with the manufacturer as this time could vary.
Each finish has their benefits as well as disadvantages. We sell and use 3 types of finish: Polyurethane, Waterbased and Tung Oils.
Polyurethane finished were commonly used years ago and were one of the most common finishes provided on the market. It is amber in color and even though it is a very durable finish, the VOC content is high and becomes very smelly. It also takes longer to dry, which means you’ll have to be off your hardwood for at least 24-48 hours.
Water based finishes are becoming very popular, as they dry quicker and have a low VOC content, meaning the smell is easily managed. Water based finishes are also our go-to for pastel colors, it is clear in color and it does not affect the color of the stain.
Tung Oil finishes are also becoming very popular as it has a European look. There is essentially no sheen and is completely natural. This finish is easily maintained as any scratches can be touched up with oil. It does require regular maintenance however, as the oil will need to be re-coated. The time between coats depends on the amount of traffic you have.
A common misconception is that engineered hardwood is not real wood, both solid and engineered hardwood are in fact 100% real wood. The differences are in the construction and how they are made, as well as where they can be installed.
Solid Hardwood:
This type of wood is described right in the name – a solid piece of hardwood! The benefit of solid wood is the fact that it can be sanded numerous times throughout its lifetime. They usually come about ¾ of an inch thick.
Solid woods can only be installed above grade, and usually don’t exceed 4 ¼ widths.
Engineered Hardwood:
This type of wood is very stable. It is made with multiple layers of plywood – usually going in different directions with an adhered veneer of wood as the top layer. It is available in many different widths wider than 4 ¼ and can be installed above or below grade!
When choosing an engineered product, be sure to look at the wear layer. Anything over 2mm can be refinished in the future.
Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring woods are factory made and ready to install.
They come in many different colors, sheens and width options.
Usually pre-finished hardwood flooring products only come available as is and cannot be altered.
Finished on site hardwood flooring is completely custom.
The unfinished hardwood is installed, stained, and finished in house.
Finished on site hardwood flooring allows clients to choose everything from species, width, thickness, engineered or solid, colors and sheens.
Because the work is custom, it allows clients to create their dream floors!
Keep in mind that finished on site work does take longer to complete as drying times come into play, it also required in some cases for clients to leave their house during the process.
If your floors were freshly coated its recommended to follow these steps below:
1) Wait 48 hours before placing any furniture back in the rooms. This allows the finish to fully dry
2) Wait 30 days before cleaning your floors as the finish is still curing. To clean or maintain your hardwood during this period, avoid any products but you are welcome to clean your floors with a dry mop or a damp cloth. Regular vacuums are encouraged to remove debris.
3) Do not allow painters to tape the perimeter of the room in the first 30 days. During the first 30 days the finish is in its curing stages, tape could remove the finish.
4) Never use any of the following products (or products similar in nature) on your floor: ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, bleach, polishes, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials such as vinegar. Many of these products pit or etch the finish of your flooring or prevent the proper use of recommended maintenance materials.
5) You can purchase cleaner specified for your finish at our store location. With the cleaners, thoroughly clean the floor with Hardwood Spray Cleaner using maintenance kits, which include a mop and cotton replacement pad. Spray the floor cleaner directly onto the mop head and apply. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto your hardwood as this could cause a build up. DO NOT allow excess Hardwood Spray Cleaner to remain on the floor’s surface.
DISCLAIMER: Please read: How do I maintain my floors? and How do I clean my floors? To ensure you follow the correct steps to keep your floors looking new!
Yes.
This is where Engineered Hardwood Flooring is your best option; we have many to choose from.
Alternatively, we sell Vinyl, Laminate & Cork flooring that are suited for basements.
Visit us in our showroom for help and recommendations.
In most cases yes, we recommend giving us a quick call to have someone look at it!
We are happy to send an estimator on site to look at the repair for inspection.
Alternatively you can email us photos at info@antiquehardwoodflooring.ca for a quick answer, although some repairs cant be judged by a photo and need to be in person.
It is only natural that hardwood floors will show signs of wear over time. You can expect years of beauty from your floor by observing a few precautions and maintaining regular cleaning and maintenance routines.
1) Humidity- The dry winter air with running your furnace all season, your humidity levels can get dangerously low for your floors and your own health. Levels between 30%-50% are recommended, but to prevent gapping ensure the levels are stable.
2) Regular Cleaning- We can’t stress enough how regularly maintaining your floors by vacuuming and mopping weekly, you will prolong the health of your floors by protecting the finish. Please read: How do I clean my floors? to ensure you follow the right steps.
3) Protection- It is recommended to get absorbent matts to prevent spreading of debris and especially salt, snow in the winter. Be careful to which matts you choose, if they slide they will cause scratches if debris is under them. High quality matts, slip resistant and regularly cleaning underneath is required to prevent damage from the matt itself. Apply felt pads under all furniture is a must! One of the leading causes to scratching is moving unprotected items or furniture.
4) Buff & Coat- Giving your floors a buff before the winter season can help by rejuvenating the floors finish and increasing the resistance to wear and tear. The best way to guarantee you floors will look beautiful this season, is by getting them touched up with a buff & coat.
DISCLAIMER:
1) High heels and Pet Nails can cause dents and scratches! Ensure Spiked or heeled shoes are removed before walking on your floors and Pets nails are trimmed.
2) UV rays (sunlight) accelerates oxidation and the ageing of materials. This may change the colour of the floor. Periodically rearrange the furniture to allow the floor to age evenly.
Neglecting floors cause warping, dulling, and decolorated wood. Give us a call if you have any questions regarding cleaning, protection or if you are thinking about getting your floors touched up this year!
1) Vacuum regularly and before you mop, to pick up the debris from the floor and prevention of micro scratches.
2) Ensure you are using a cleaner specific to your floors finish. Examples include: Polyurethane, Water-based or Oils.
3) Prepare mop by following the direction on your cleaning product for measurements, mix with warm water for faster evaporation.
4) Clean the floor with a damp mop, and it is good practice to pass after with a dry mop to pick up excess moisture.
DISCLAMER:
1) Ensure to wipe off any spill right away as they can lead to damage! Also clean under protective matts and check the condition of felt pads (Replace if necessary)
2) Please read: How do I maintain my floors? to help with preventative maintenance.
Note: It is best not to mop the floor more than once per week to avoid damaging the finish.
For older wax finish floors, avoiding water is recommended. Instead vacuum regularly and use a dry mop.
The best way to prevent scratches on your new floors is to ensure you are following proper maintenance and cleaning steps.
Please read: How do I maintain my floors? & How do I clean my floors? Maintenance Questions.