Frequently Asked Questions
About Hardwood Flooring

What factors should I consider when shopping for a floor?

The look, feel - and even the sound - of a floor are important. So are these practical considerations:

--Health effects. Doctors often recommend hardwood floors when their patients have allergies to dust and pet dander.

--Longevity. Can the floor be refinished and - if so - about how many times?

--Durability. Will the floor stand up to the demands of everyday life? Hardwood floors certainly will. It's no coincidence pro basketball courts have maple floors.

--Installation and maintenance. Will laying the floors pose any particular challenges? Is maintenance simple?

--Cost. How much does an inexpensive floor really cost if it only lasts several years? Hardwood floors will last a lifetime. --Sustainability. American hardwoods are sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly. Every year, this country's hardwood forests grow twice as much wood as we harvest from them.

Can I stain a new hardwood floor to match the old wood floors already in my home?

No one can match finishes exactly, but an experienced professional with a good eye can get very close. For best results, consider refinishing the old floor with the same finish and sheen as the new one.

Although wax finishes are easier to match, keep in mind that polyurethane finishes provide more protection than wax in kitchens.

How can I remove carpet laid over hardwood floors?

First determine the type of adhesive that was used. A dark or tan color adhesive usually is tar-based, and mineral spirits can be used. A light or clear adhesive (usually carpet tape) can be removed with an all-purpose adhesive remover. A yellow-looking substance generally is carpet adhesive. This can be lightly scraped or chipped off easily, and an all-purpose adhesive remover will work. Once the adhesive is removed, the floor can be sanded with a coarse paper and then re-sanded with finer paper. In some cases, carpeting over a hardwood floor is installed with wooden tack strips. After the carpet has been removed and the tack strips are pulled up, wood putty then can be used to fill the holes. Extra sanding may be needed before finishing.

Does sunlight lighten or darken a floor's color? Does it depend on the species, the stain or the finish?

The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age our skin will affect any organic material, including wood. That's why the finest art collections are kept in rooms without windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will change the color of virtually any wood floor, regardless of the stain or finish. Some woods lighten when exposed to sunlight. Others, like cherry and oak, tend to darken. The newest water-based urethane finishes seem to slow color changes more effectively than oil-based urethane finishes, which tend to turn the brownish-yellow color of amber. Some finishes feature sunscreens to help block the penetration of ultraviolet rays, extending the time it will take the wood to change.

If you're especially concerned about your floor changing color, consider installing curtains or blinds that will limit exposure to sunlight. Windows also can be fitted with thin films of plastic that block ultraviolet rays. This type of screen - similar to those on used on some car windows - will protect your floor, furniture, drapes, upholstery and artwork from sunlight.

Is a hardwood floor a good choice for someone with allergies or asthma?

You bet. Allergists often recommend bare floors, which reduce the chance for animal dander, dust, pollen or molds to collect. Respiratory experts say as much as one-fifth of the U.S. population suffers breathing difficulties caused by allergies and asthma, often triggered by microscopic dust mites that colonize bedding, curtains and carpets. Bedding and curtains can be laundered, but because frequent vacuuming is ineffective against dust mites in floor coverings, many immunologists and allergists suggest bringing hardwood floors out into the open

If I buy a home with hardwood floors, how can I tell if they have a wax or urethane finish?

Urethane is one of the most popular finishes in use today. An easy way to determine if your floor has this type of finish is to apply a small amount of paint remover to the floor surface. If the finish bubbles up, it is most likely a urethane. You can also try scraping up a bit of the finish with a sharp blade (also in an area hidden from view.) If you can scrape up a clear material, the finish is likely urethane.

The finish is probably wax if you can feel the wood grain when you run your hand over the floor surface. Another test is to select an inconspicuous area and try to smudge the floor surface with a fingertip, or scrape the surface with a fingernail or sharp instrument. If the floor smudges, but no clear material is scraped up, the finish is probably wax.

If you're not certain after trying these tests, contact a reputable floor refinisher. Professionals with years of experience easily can determine a floor's finish.

Are steam cleaners an effective way to keep wood floors clean?

Some models are designed for use on hardwood floors. Others are not. Check with the manufacturer to find out if your cleaner is appropriate for use on your wood floor. Remember that water is wood's No. 1 enemy. If the finish is worn or scratched, steam could seep into your wood floors, eventually causing damage. Keep in mind that experts say the best way to clean a wood floor is to wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Sweep floors regularly with a broom, dust mop or canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments. Do not use a vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dent your floor's finish.

© 2003, Residential Floors. All rights reserved