Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between engineered wood and laminate flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is made of real wood. It typically consists of 3 to 7 layers of wood laid cross-grained to each other and glued between each ply. This typically gives the flooring more strength and stability. Laminate flooring is typically made of a high density fiber core material covered with a scratch resistant film that has a “picture” of wood printed on it.

What is a “floating” floor?
A floating floor is a floor that is typically laid over a pad that is neither glued or nailed to a sub-floor. The most typical floating floors are laminate and pre-finished engineered wood. Floating floors are becoming more popular because they eliminate the use of adhesive and they are not effected as much as glue-down floors by concrete slab cracks and structural problems.

What is a sub-floor?
A sub-floor is the actual surface that you install the flooring on, such as a concrete slab or plywood.

Should I put wood flooring or laminate in a kitchen or bathroom?
This is a fairly common question. Wood (or laminate) and water don’t mix well. That being said, it’s really up to you. Most water-related accidents do happen in the kitchen or bathroom. You must be more diligent about maintenance and floor protection in these areas. Using moisture absorbent rugs in key areas can help. Wood installed in family rooms and dining areas are not without risk from water-related accidents either, so find a flooring professional to assist you in making the right choice for your lifestyle and individual needs.

Is there such a thing as “green” carpet?
Yes. Mohawk Carpet has a new product that is made with recycled materials using natural renewable resources that saves the equivalent of a gallon of gasoline for every seven square yards of this carpet that is made. With it’s special DuPont coating and through-fiber coloring technique, SmartStrand is not only one of the most stain resistant carpets on the market, it is one of the softest as well.

Why should I care who installs my floor?
There are quite a few reasons why you should care who installs your floor. There’s more science and skill involved than you might think. We get calls all the time from home owner’s who are having problems with their floors that is directly related to the installation process. Properly cleaning the sub-floor, leveling it to eliminate hollow spots, and using the right bonding materials can make a huge difference in the long term performance of any type of floor. Warranties don’t always get you out of these situations. Using someone who will install your floor right the first time is the smartest way to go.

What if I have cracks in my concrete slab?
If you’re having a glue-down wood or tile floor installed, cracks can be an issue. Hairline cracks (the most common) are typically not an issue. Larger cracks that have a visible gap and/or have one side raised above the other could mean a more serious issue that could get worse or may shrink and swell on an ongoing basis. One way to combat this is to use a “crack suppression” membrane that is installed over the larger cracks. This membrane will allow for some movement without causing problems with the floor (cracked tile or joint gapping with wood). Another option is to install a floating floor.