General
Should we expect color variations in my floor?
I moved my area rug and my wood is lighter where my area rug was. What happened?
When I walk across my hardwood floor, I hear popping sounds. Why?
Should I use unfinished or prefinished hardwood?
Installation
Can I glue down a 3/4" thick floor?
Can I nail down a 3/8" engineered floor?
Where can I install solid or engineered products?
Are there any rooms in the house where I should not install hardwood floors?
What type of adhesive do I need to use with my installation?
Maintenance
Are hardwood floors difficult to maintain?
What should I use under my area rugs?
Can I roll heavy furniture across my hardwood floors?
Can I mop my floors using hot, soapy water?
Q. Can I wax my urethane floor?
A. Yes, however, it is not recommended. Once you wax a floor, it should be maintained as a wax-finished floor. Wax may inhibit the adhesion of future application of top coating materials or make it slippery.
A. Woodstock hardwood floors are part of a tradition in British interiors that goes back many centuries. Resilient, good-looking, warm and hard wearing, Woodstock hardwood floors are made from solid wood selected for durability and strength combined with natural beauty, character and variation of grain.
Q. Should we expect color variations in my floor?
A. Yes - wood is a product of nature; therefore, you will see variations from board to board in all categories. No two boards are ever the same.
Q. I moved my area rug and my wood is lighter where my area rug was. What happened?
A. Wood goes through a natural aging process called patina. Bright sunlight can also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time is recommended.
Q. When I walk across my hardwood floor, I hear popping sounds. Why?
A. There are a number of reasons for this condition. Usually it is caused by uneven sub-floors (see manufacturer's instructions for sub-floor tolerances). Improper trowel or improper adhesive could also cause this.
Q. Should I use unfinished or prefinished hardwood?
A. It is actually personal preference. They both have advantages. For example, if you want to match the existing woodwork, you may wish to go with unfinished so it can be stained to blend woodwork. However, prefinished is already finished with some great benefits: longer finish warranties, uniform stain application, and a cleaner environment.
Q. Can I glue down a 3/4" thick floor?
A. No, this is a nail-down floor only.
Q. Can I nail down a 3/8" engineered floor?
A. Yes. We prefer to call it a staple-down because you use an actual staple to install the floor.
Q. After my floors are installed, should I apply a finish coat to seal them from moisture getting down in the cracks?
A. Most floors expand and contract with temperature fluctuations; expanding in the summer, contracting in the winter, throughout their life. Therefore, sealing of the joints will only last until the first heating or cooling season.
Q. Where can I install solid or engineered products?
A. Solid products can only be installed on or above the outside soil line. Engineered flooring can be installed on, above, and below the soil line.
Q. Are there any rooms in the house where I should not install hardwood floors?
A. We do not recommend hardwood flooring in full bathrooms that have a shower or bathtub. These rooms have a high amount of water associated with them, and there is a potential for failure.
Q. What type of adhesive do I need to use with my installation?
A. Bruce recommends several. Connection PR+, Equalizer and Multi-Grip. Equalizer is the only adhesive recommended for the installation of Natural Reflections.
Q. Are hardwood floors difficult to maintain?
A. No. In many cases they are as easy or easier than carpet, ceramic tile, laminate or vinyl.
Q. What should I use under my area rugs?
A. A breathable rug underlay. Mesh or grid patterns are best.
Q. Can I roll heavy furniture across my hardwood floors?
A. No. When moving or rolling heavy pieces of furniture or appliances, use protection, such as strips of 1/4" hardboard as a runner under the wheels or legs. Always move items with caution.
Q. Can I mop my floors using hot, soapy water?
A. No. Water can prematurely age your hardwood floors and cause them to crack and split.
