Buying Tips for Hardwood Flooring
Factory Finish vs. Custom Sand & Finish on Site
There are definite advantages to either choice, so you should be confident with whichever you choose. Factory finished flooring is inspected before shipping from the mill, meaning you are guaranteed excellent quality flooring every time. If you opt for on-site finishing, it is very important to select a highly qualified installer, because the finish will depend almost entirely on the installer’s skill. Give us a call to learn about our top-notch installation services!
Manufacturers have a great many colors and finishes available direct from the factory – if you are using a readily available choice, it makes sense to go with factory finished flooring, as it can save you time and creates less mess. However, if you need to color match existing cabinetry or woodwork, or are wanting a unique finish, on-site finishing can give you exactly what you are looking for.
Both factory finished and on-site finished flooring are available with either a matte or gloss finish, and are built with exciting space-age technology. No “grandma floors” here – today’s hardwood floors require no waxing to stay beautiful!
Engineered products install where no solid hardwood dares to go
Before engineered hardwood flooring was developed, it was not possible to install hardwood in a basement or on a slab without a special subfloor system. It is now possible to have stunning hardwood in those areas without any additional steps or costs. Solid hardwood can have some issues with expansion and contraction in those environments, but an exciting new cross-ply construction prevents those concerns.
You walk on the finish, which means there is no reason to worry about the thickness of the top layer of wood in an engineered product since there is no actual wear on that part. There will be no reason to have to re-sand and finish an engineered product (just re-coat) – the exception being if you want to change the color or finish.
Special considerations when selecting hardwood flooring
Option 1:
Direct sunlight can affect the color of hardwood stains, therefore closing curtains or shades during peak periods will reduce damage. Area rugs left in place for extended periods of time may expose a shading difference once they are removed from the remainder of the floor.
Large pets with sharp toenails can also damage even the best finishes, so be sure to take this into consideration when selecting hardwood for your home or office space.
Ready for a quote? Give us a call today, or better yet, stop into our convenient Chantilly showroom!