There are 8 entries in the FAQ.
Pages: 1
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| What is the difference between an engineered floor and a solid hardwood product? |
 | Engineered products, available in Planks, Strips or Longstrip, are manufactured of hardwood using a three- or five-ply cross-directional laminated construction, with a top layer of premium hardwood. This construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, making engineered products inherently dimensionally stable. Solid products, available in Planks, Strips or Parquet, are manufactured from a solid piece of wood. |
| Is there an advantage engineered products over solid products? |
| Yes. In general, engineered products can be installed in any room in the home, whether on-grade, below-grade or above-grade. Engineered products can be nailed down, glued-down or stapled down, depending upon the situation. One engineered product, Longstrip, can be glued down, stapled down or “floated” over most subfloors without the use of nails or adhesives, making it ideal for remodeling. Solid products are not recommended for below grade installations and must be nailed down or glued down. |
| What about prefinished versus unfinished? |
| Most hardwood flooring sold today is prefinished. That is, several coats of UV-cured polyurethane are applied at the factory. These factory finishes are tough and durable. Installing a prefinished floor eliminates the time, the dust and the odors associated with the on-site sanding and finishing of an unfinished product. A prefinished floor can be installed in a day. An unfinished flooring installation may require up to four days, depending upon the space. |
| What about installing wood in high traffic areas? |
| High traffic areas include exterior doorways, hallways and the areas in front of the sink, stove and refrigerator. To protect the floor just inside exterior doorways, use walk-off mats or small rugs to catch tracked-in dirt and grime. Place small rugs or mats at other high traffic locations. Vacuum or shake these regularly. Watch for grit or pebbles that might be brought in on waffle soles of athletic shoes and collect these with a hand-held cordless vac. |
| Is there a difference between square-edge and eased-edge designs? |
| Yes. With a square edge, the sides of each plank or strip are square. An eased edge, more commonly known as a beveled or micro-beveled edge, features a slight angle on the top edge of the plank or strip. An eased edge can help mask slight subfloor imperfections. |
| Which installation method is best? |
| The method used for your hardwood installation will depend upon the type of product you have chosen, where the flooring will be installed and the type of subfloor. For example, if you are remodeling your kitchen, a Longstrip floor can be “floated” over most subfloors, including vinyl or ceramic tile, eliminating the mess and cost of tearing up the existing floor and installing a subfloor. Engineered products, which are dimensionally stable, are ideal for basements and can be nailed, glued or stapled down. Your flooring retailer or contractor will work with you to determine the best method for your situation. |
| Are hardwood floors expensive? |
| Hardwood floors are very competitively price and represent an excellent value when compared to other flooring options. Hardwood floors never have to be replaced and will enhance the value of your home should you decide to sell. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting value. |
| Can I refinish an engineered or Longstrip floor? |
| Yes. Most engineered floors, whether plank, strip or the Longstrip-type, can be refinished at least once and some can be refinished up to three times, depending upon the thickness of the top layer of hardwood. In fact, Harris Tarkett offers a refinishing warranty on all but one of its engineered floors. This means the floor can be sanded and refinished up to three times, depending on the product, when the job is performed correctly by a professional floor refinisher. In addition, we offer a three-times refinishing warranty for our solid strip and plank floors. |
