Can I install a solid wood floor over a concrete slab?
It is not recommended to install solid wood flooring over a concrete slab. Although this is the general rule, there have been successful installations of solid wood flooring over dry, concrete slabs. However, this entails several additional steps. A plastic barrier is set over the slab and taped at all seams. Then some sort of moisture-resistant wood subfloor (marine plywood) is built on top of the plastic film. The flooring is then nailed to the wood subfloor. If you decide to take the chance be sure to consult with the manufacturer as to their recommendations. Be aware, you may be voiding your warranty.

There is a new synthetic underlayment product on the market (called Sika AcouBond) that may allow for installing solid wood flooring over a dry slab. Check with the manufacturer of the wood floor to see if they will warranty this type of installation and what their recommended procedures are for this type of installation.

What wood floor can I install over a concrete slab?
With the improvements in hardwood floors most engineered and longstrip engineered plank floors can be used over a concrete slab. Manufacturers do not recommend using solid wood floors over a slab. Engineered planks and strip wood floors can be glued directly to a clean, dry, well-cured concrete slab. Some engineered wood floors can be glued at the tongue and grooves and then floated over a special padding that is laid over the concrete slab. Longstrip engineered planks can be floated over the slab with padding underneath. There are some new hybrid engineered floors that can be floated over a concrete slab and come with a click-in (glue-less) tongue and groove locking system. Note: New concrete slabs need to be fully cured for at least 60 days. All wood planks should be acclimated for 24 - 48 hours prior to installation. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's recommended installation procedures

Can we install a hardwood floor over an existing vinyl floor?
Yes and no. Is the vinyl flooring is tightly secured to the subfloor? Does the vinyl flooring have a thick cushion attached? If the vinyl floor is thin and well secured to the subfloor you may be able to float a wood floor over it. In some situations you may be able nail/staple a wood floor over it also. If the wood subfloor is sound you may be able to nail a solid wood floor over the top. Be sure to get the manufacturer's installation procedures for going over an existing vinyl floor and be sure to check if this type installation is warranted by the manufacturer.

What to I do to remove scratches in my wood floor?
This really depends on the type of wood floor you have, the finish you have and how deep the scratches are in the top layer. For small minor scratches in a urethane finish you should be able to order a touch-up kit from the store you purchased the flooring from. Be sure to use the manufacturer's recommended finish products and test first by applying a small amount in an out of the way area.

For deep scratches you will probably have to have a professional do a screen and recoat. This procedure uses special sanding screens to lightly abrade the floor's finish to help the new urethane bond better to the existing finish. With some wood floors you may be able to just replace the damaged boards. It is best to leave the sand and recoat, or board replacement to a professional flooring installer, or refinisher.

Can I install a hardwood floor if I have pets?
Although many homeowners have pets, hardwood flooring is not designed for the abuse a dog or cat can cause on a floor. Urine may permanently discolor the finish of the wood floor and large dogs claws will probably leave scratches in the finish. Depending on the type of wood floor you buy, the color and the finish will also be factor in how much punishment the floor's finish can withstand before showing scratches and excessive wear.

Can an engineered wood floor be refinished?
Some of the better quality engineered wood floors have a 1/8" thick finish layer and can be sanded and refinished once or maybe twice. The sanding and refinishing of an engineered wood floor is best done by an experienced hardwood flooring refinisher. If you have heat vents in your floor you can remove a heat cover to get a side view of your wood floor. This will help you check to see how thick you finish layer is. Always consult with the manufacturer to see if the recommend sanding and refinishing of the engineered wood floors.

Can I use throw rugs on my hardwood floor?
Before using any throw rugs on your wood floor you should know the type of finish you have on the floor. All rugs should be non-staining, meaning the colored dyes will not bleed. Generally in the presence of moisture, some dyes used in rugs may bleed through onto your floor and discolour the wood floor surface. Also, be sure the rug does not have a rough backing material which may scratch the surface of the floor. Clean dirt and debris from under the rug regularly. To prevent possible shading of the wood underneath the rug, move the rug occasionally.

How do I stop a wood floor from gapping?
Gapping in solid wood floors cannot be stopped completely. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Using a humidifier during the heating months may help reduce the amount of gapping in solid wood floors. Also, depending on the wood species; some gaps may expand and contract less than others. Engineered wood floors are much more dimensionally stable than solid wood floors and will show little or no gaps between planks.

What should I use under furniture legs?
Most flooring stores carry the recommended felt pads for using under chair legs and other furniture. The felt pads come in various sizes. Some pads just stick on the bottom of the legs and others need to be nailed on. Never hit the pads directly with a hammer. Follow the directions provided. Check and clean the pads often to prevent debris, dirt and small particles from being trapped in the pad as this may cause scratches in the wood finish.

Uses/Benefits of Laminate Flooring

How does laminate flooring compare to other flooring surfaces?
Laminate flooring is typically more durable, less prone to indent, has better stain resistance, resists shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal changes, and is easier to install than many other flooring surfaces.

How does laminate flooring perform in such environments and is there anything I can do to muffle the noise?
Laminate flooring is recommended for an environment where children and pets frequent and it is significantly less noisy than other hard flooring surfaces. The choice of underlayment will have the greatest effect in reducing noise from foot traffic. Your laminate retailer or flooring specialist will be able to guide you to the underlayment which is right for your installation specifications.

Can laminate flooring be installed on walls?
Laminate flooring is currently recommended only for flooring applications. For all other uses, consult appropriate building codes and refer back to the manufacturer of the specific product, or its website. Can I install laminate flooring in an unheated space (e.g. garage, cabin, porch)?  Laminates need to be installed in areas with a stable climate avoiding extreme temperature swings and excessive humidity.

Can laminate floor be installed in a basement?
Generally, laminate flooring may be installed in a basement in accordance with the manufacturer’s product specific installation recommendations. For more details on your specific space ask the manufacturer or laminate retailer.

How long will a laminate floor last?
How long a laminate product will last depends upon the product selected, how it is used, and how well it is cared for. For product specific warranties, refer back to the manufacturer's information or website.

Can laminate flooring be installed over a radiant heated floor?
Yes. However, there are special installation procedures required for radiant heated sub-floors. The laminate manufacturer's installation recommendations must be followed to ensure a successful installation.

Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?
Most manufacturers offer laminate products for use in bathrooms. However, since bathrooms are high moisture areas, special installation procedures may be required. Please refer back to the manufacturer of the specific product for specific instructions.

What are the standard performance tests utilized by NALFA for laminate floors?
NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) performance requirements include, but are not limited to: static load, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance, clean-ability/stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances, and castor chair resistance.

Will laminate flooring fade?
Normally not. It is possible that over the years you may discover little change. For product specific warranty information, you should refer back to manufacturer.

Should I be concerned about heavy furniture or appliances being placed on laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring offers better indentation and scratch resistance than most other types of flooring particularly as related to heavy loads. However, care and common sense should be exercised when moving heavy objects placed upon this flooring.

Why do I need an underlayment?
Underlayments are used to: (1) improve acoustical properties, (2) smooth out minor sub-floor imperfections, (3) improve insulation properties, (4) reduce walking fatigue, and (5) help protect the laminate flooring material from sub-floor moisture.

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