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How long does it take to install 1600 sq ft of engineered hardwood floors?
Including prep time (new construction) and shoe moulding, about 3 days.
How do you decide between engineered hardwood floors and natural hardwood floors?
If we can nail it down we use (prefinished) hardwood. If we have to glue it down (on slab) we use engineered. You can certainly use engineered in any application whether nail down, glue down, or even floating. There really aren't many compelling reasons to use solid anymore beyond prestige and the fact that is has zero chemical emissions. Engineered can be refinished just like solid, as long as the top veneer is think enough. If you plan to be in your house long enough to refinish the floor, use an engineered with a 3mm+ top veneer.
What is the difference between laminate floors and hardwood floors?
Laminate floors are manufactured, a thin layer of wood or Formica is glued to a backer. The surface is only about 1/16th of an inch thick and the whole board is about 3/8 inch thick. Hardwood floors are all wood and 5/8 to 3/4 inch thick. Oak is the most common but there are many different types of wood available. They can be sanded and refinished several times over a long period of time. Laminate can not be sanded and had a hard factory coating that resists staining more than hardwood.
What is the difference between granite counter top and 0.25 inch engineered granite counter top?
The answer is in the question. Natural granite and engineered granite are like steak and beefburger. However, engineered granite is probably more practical and cheaper in the long run. See link.
What is the difference between laminate wood and engineered wood floors?
Laminate Vs VinylLAMINATE: is a relatively new creation, introduced about 30 years ago by Perstorp in Sweden. It is basically a Formica type Melamine surface laminated (Glued) to a very dimensionally stable and harder than hardwood; fiberboard substrate.Usually shipped in + or- 25 sq ft boxes of planks about 8"X49" depending on the vendor.Today the edges are finely micro milled to fit/click together without glue or nails. The floor is pieced together at the jobsite much like Tongue & groove hardwood has been for centuries. But the laminate needs no nails & just lays in place held down by Gravity & the edge trim like quarter round.The surface is actually a photograph of whatever you want the floor to look like. Walnut, tile, oak or butterflies if it would sell.The surface is covered with an extremely hard gel coat, which usually includes minerals such as Aluminum oxide to make it very hard.The term Floating floor is often used to explain the way Laminate is installed..VINYL: is a next generation product that replaced Linoleum back in the 60sthe Vinyl process is very simple by today's tech standards. It starts as a high-density paper and it then goes through a 4 color printing process just like a magazine. any pattern & any number of colors.Most of today's US production is 12' wide rolls by whatever length they want to inventory. In Europe they produce mostly 4 meters wide (13'2 or about). (some very limited production up to 15' is available.After the print process a PVC coating is applied to the printed-paper to protect and make the product tough & easy to care for.Laminate is much harder than vinyl or even real hardwood, easier to install, easier to maintain, tougher to take abuse and easier to repair. Vinyl is seamless up to 12', comes in more patterns and is price competitive with Laminate.o Hardwood: Long considered the "gold standard" in fine homes, a hardwood floor is one of the few floors that really adds to the appraised value of a home as well as the beauty. There are a lot of "species" of wood used and today there are both solid wood floors and great engineered multi-ply wood floors. Not all "hardwood is" truly "hardwood." Pine is a soft wood and Bamboo is technically a "grass." Oak and walnut, cherry and maple are all traditionally used hardwoods. So here's a primmer on the terms used in hardwood.§ Strip vs. Plank: A board wider than 3' is called a plank, and boards under that are called strip. Wide boards give a casual homey look and strip gives a more formal look.§ Solid: Refers to wood that is just that one piece of wood from top to bottom. Usually 5/8" to 1 ¼" with a tongue & groove arrangement to fit the pieces together.§ Engineered: Is basically high tech plywood cut into strips or planks with the top layer of high quality hardwood veneer. Engineered "hardwood" is very moisture tolerant and easier to install. It also will save you a lot of money over solid hardwood. If you are environmentally concerned, engineered flooring uses much less wood and much less of the slow growth trees.§ Pre-Finished: Putting a finish on a hardwood floor was an art in days gone by. Multiple sandings and filling the voids in the wood, then applying the stain and varnish could take weeks. Today the manufacturer applies high tech urethane finishes in a clean room environment worthy of a computer assembly facility. The tint and clear finish are carefully matched to each batch of wood and the finished product is tough as nails, uniform, and ready for installation.§ Grading: Be very careful to check the boxes you get when the wood. Most dealers will price you and deliver "SELECT" flooring others will offer better prices but then delivers a lower grade product.The grading terms may change a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here are the grades in descending order SELECT is the best! Then BETTER, COMMON#1, COMMON #2, CABIN GRADE, and TAVERN GRADE at the low end of the quality scale. The grade is usually stamped right on box so be sure you get what you paid for!§ Don's helpful hint: Pre-finished, engineered is great hardwood and much easier to install and live with than solid flooring. Some consumers think thicker solid hardwood will wear longer but a hardwood floor will likely outlive all of us so I wouldn't be too concerned about how many times it can be sanded & refinished, let the grandkids worry about that. Common & even tavern grade can be great values, if you are a value shopper look into the difference in price, it might be worth a few "knots or a mineral streak" they add to the character of a floor. Just for the record every flooring dealer I know uses common or cabin grade in their own home!o Getting it installed: Carpet is the least expensive product to get professionally installed and ceramic is the most expensive. The cost of installation is money well spent on most flooring unless you are a very handy do it your selfer. The tools for flooring are unique and as every "honey-do project engineer" knows it is all about the right tools for the job. Be sure to look at the whole project when you are comparison shopping. Ask one dealer what the labor rate is and they will give you an all inclusive, ask another and the may quote just the minimum service and nickel and dime you to death with add-ons. Most reputable dealers will provide a written estimate, (YOU WANT A WRITTEN ESTIMATE!!), and an on site measurement at no cost. For small jobs or extra trips expect a minimum or trip charge of about $100.o Here's what you should expect to pay for installation and normal extra charge items:§ Carpet: about $.50-.60 cents per sq foot.· Extras for removal of the old flooring, steps, and furniture moving.§ Vinyl: About $.65-$.80 cents per sq foot.· Extras for removal of the old, sub floor prep, sub floor materials such as luan, and furniture moving.§ Laminate: About $2-$2.50 per sq foot.· Extras include trims, transition molding, and quarter round.§ Ceramic: About$3.50-$4.00 per square foot.· Extras for base molding, floor prep, grout, trip charges for the extra trip to grout, patterns, installing cement board underlay, and furniture moving.§ Hardwood: About $2.00-$3.00 per foot for pre-finished floors.· Extras include floor prep, custom patterns, transitions, glue, trim moldings, and steps.Flooring installers are specialists these days. Don't assume that they will unhook plumbing or do carpentry work, like cutting off doors. Most will move furniture and appliances for a fee, they won't unhook electronics or move pool tables or waterbeds make sure your installer knows what you think was agreed to & get it in writing. No one likes a costly surprise. Most installation contractors will do just that they install floors.
How long does it take to install 1600 sq ft of engineered hardwood floors?
Including prep time (new construction) and shoe moulding, about 3 days.
How do you decide between engineered hardwood floors and natural hardwood floors?
If we can nail it down we use (prefinished) hardwood. If we have to glue it down (on slab) we use engineered. You can certainly use engineered in any application whether nail down, glue down, or even floating. There really aren't many compelling reasons to use solid anymore beyond prestige and the fact that is has zero chemical emissions. Engineered can be refinished just like solid, as long as the top veneer is think enough. If you plan to be in your house long enough to refinish the floor, use an engineered with a 3mm+ top veneer.
Can you lay engineered hardwood over tile flooring?
Yes, you can lay engineered hardwood over tile flooring as long as the tile is in good condition and the proper preparation steps are taken to ensure a flat and stable surface for installation.
What should I know before installing hardwood floors?
Before installing hardwood floors, you should know the size and costs of this project. YOu can find tips at http://www.hometips.com/diy-how-to/installing-hardwood-floors.html The most important thing to know before installing hardwood floors is the amount of flooring you will need. Make sure you pick out a floor that is durable and will last for a long time. Also, low maintenance floors are great!
Are wood floors high maintenance?
Hardwood floors are resilient and long-lasting. With proper maintenance and care, they can last centuries. The greatest advantage of hardwood flooring is that it is easy to clean and maintain. While spills and stains on a light-colored carpet can be a disaster, on a hardwood floor you can simply wipe them away.
What are the advantages to Bamboo Floors ?
Bamboo floors have a number of advantages over both marble floors and traditional hardwood floors. For example, bamboo floors are easier on the feet than marble floors which is important if you are going to be standing on them for long periods. In addition, bamboo floors are easy to clean, good for people who suffer from allergies because they do not harbor dust mites or promote dust, often less expensive than hardwood flooring, aesthetically appealing, long lasting, and environmentally friendly.
What are the pros and cons of engineered flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a popular flooring choice that offers the look of hardwood with added stability and versatility. Here are the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring: Pros: Aesthetic Appeal: Engineered wood flooring provides the warmth and beauty of real wood, with a variety of species and finishes to choose from. It can add a touch of elegance to any room. Stability: Engineered wood is constructed with multiple layers of wood, which makes it more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity compared to solid hardwood. Easy Installation: Many engineered wood floors come with click-and-lock systems that make them suitable for DIY installation, saving on installation costs. Versatility: Engineered wood can be installed in a variety of settings, including basements and over concrete subfloors, thanks to its resistance to moisture and stability. Durability: The top layer of engineered wood is typically a hardwood veneer that is quite durable and can be sanded and refinished a few times, extending the floor's lifespan. Environmental Considerations: Engineered wood uses less hardwood compared to solid hardwood floors, making it a more sustainable option. Additionally, some engineered wood products use reclaimed or recycled wood in their construction. Cost-Effective: It is often more affordable than solid hardwood, making it an attractive option for those who want the look of hardwood without the high cost. Cons: Limited Refinishing: While engineered wood can be sanded and refinished, it has a limited number of times this can be done due to the thinner hardwood veneer. Solid hardwood can typically be refinished more times. Susceptible to Scratches: Like solid hardwood, engineered wood can still be susceptible to scratches and dents, though the durability varies depending on the thickness of the veneer. Price Variability: High-quality engineered wood flooring can be more expensive than low-quality solid hardwood, so it's important to carefully consider the cost and quality. Environmental Impact: While it's more sustainable than solid hardwood, engineered wood still involves the use of adhesives and can contain some level of formaldehyde, which may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moisture Damage: Although engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, it is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture can still lead to damage. Lack of Authenticity: Some purists may prefer the authenticity and feel of solid hardwood and may consider engineered wood to be an imitation. Sound Transmission: Engineered wood can transmit sound, so it may be noisy to walk on, especially if not adequately insulated. Less Resale Value: In some cases, engineered wood may have a lower resale value compared to solid hardwood. However, this can vary depending on the market and location. In summary, engineered wood flooring offers the beauty of real wood with added stability and versatility. However, it has limitations when it comes to refinishing and may not be as durable as solid hardwood in the long run. Your choice between engineered and solid hardwood should depend on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Is this conversation helpful so far?
Types of Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is one of the easiest to maintain types of floors available. It makes any room look great, and with so many choices available there is a hardwood floor for every need. Here are a few types of hardwood flooring available, and what makes them unique. Floating Floors A floating floor is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices in hardwood. Instead of being nailed or adhered directly to the sub-floor, this floor is put together in pieces that interlock with one another, much like a puzzle. Some varieties are glued at the edges, and others snap together without any glue needed. What makes this flooring so popular is the fact that it can be laid over any type of floor you currently have. Floating floors also expand and contract as a whole floor instead of plank by plank, which gives you a quieter floor without as many squeaky boards. Engineered Wood Floors An engineered floor is popular for those who want the look and feel of hardwood without the expense. It’s also a popular choice for those who want to stay eco-friendly. The planks for these floors are made using many layers of different woods and grades of wood. The wood is stacked, glued in place, and treated under heat and pressure. The result is a plank of flooring that looks like traditional hardwood, but was often made of scrap wood, and didn’t require as much wood for a single plank. Engineered floors are available in a variety of colors and styles, so no one needs to know that you spent less on your floor. Solid Hardwood Floors The traditional choice in hardwood flooring is the solid hardwood floor. It’s look great, it’s practical, and with proper care it can last just as long as your home. Hardwood needs to be attached directly to a sub-floor. Since it’s natural wood, it will expand and contract with changes in moisture in your home. A variety of woods can be chosen for solid hardwood, so any color variety you seek will be available.
Do small dogs scratch wooden floors?
the answer is no. Small dogs do not ruin hardwood floors because they are light weight which doesnt get their claws near the hardwood.. Answer: A small dog can damage hardwood floors by peeing on them. Their claws can scratch the finish, but probably won't.
How do you clean laminate wood floors?
Laminate floors are made with recyled hardwood, so you should treat them like hardwood floors. Any regular hardwood cleaning product should work. In particular, Bona is a great product, but there are many others. For both laminate and hardwood, I would avoid products with oil or wax in the name or that promote a shiny finish. These products have wax which will wear down the finish and damage your floors in the long run.
Can you fill gaps in hardwood floors to restore their appearance and functionality?
Yes, gaps in hardwood floors can be filled to restore their appearance and functionality. This can be done using wood filler, epoxy, or by replacing damaged boards. It is important to properly prepare the area and choose the right material for a long-lasting repair.
Which type of kitchen flooring designs are the most durable?
There are many flooring that can give long lasing service. Engineered hardwood flooring is the one for long term investment.Engineered hardwood flooring is rapidly growing in popularity against natural solid wood flooring. This is mainly because the formation of the engineered wood gives it qualities that sold hard wood doesn't have, which not only makes it cheaper but also allows it to be used in areas where a traditional hardwood floor would not be suitable, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
