Stephens Flooring Santa Cruz » Prefinished Wood Flooring http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com We take pride in our work, we don't hire out. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:21:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Q. Can I install an engineered floor over a concrete subfloor? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-an-engineered-floor-over-a-concrete-subfloor/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-an-engineered-floor-over-a-concrete-subfloor/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:55:24 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=41 IMG_0518The benefit of an engineered floor is that in most cases it can be installed directly over a concrete substrate that is clean, flat, dry and structurally sound. See the installation guidelines for more detailed installation guidelines.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-an-engineered-floor-over-a-concrete-subfloor/feed/ 0 Q. Can I repair my damaged floor? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-repair-my-damaged-floor/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-repair-my-damaged-floor/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:47:35 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=38 A.
Typically yes. For minor scratches or dents the use of a touch up kit can repair damaged boards. If damage cannot be repaired by a touch-up kit, single board replacements can be performed by a certified installer.
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]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-repair-my-damaged-floor/feed/ 0 Q. Can I install a hardwood floor in a full bathroom? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-a-hardwood-floor-in-a-full-bathroom/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-a-hardwood-floor-in-a-full-bathroom/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:37:57 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=34 toxmystery_bathroomInstalling a wood floor in a full bathroom is not recommended due the high moisture associated with these areas which can increase the potential for problems to develop.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-can-i-install-a-hardwood-floor-in-a-full-bathroom/feed/ 0 Q. How do I care for my recently purchased floor? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-do-i-care-for-my-recently-purchased-floor/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-do-i-care-for-my-recently-purchased-floor/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:26:13 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=26 By observing a few precautions and setting up a regular cleaning routine and maintenance program, you can expect years of beauty from your BEST floor. The following are examples of the reasonable and necessary maintenance you are expected to perform. They are not intended to be an exclusive list.IMG_0408

1. Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head must be a brush or felt type. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BAR HEAD.

2. Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products recommended by BEST.

3. NEVER wet-mop, damp-mop, or flood your floor with water or other products. This can severely damage the flooring and will void the warranties. The use of Dry Swiffer® by Proctor & Gamble, or other similar product, is highly recommended. Do not use hardwood floor cleaning machines. See section on Improper Maintenance.

4. The use of BEST-approved maintenance and floor-care products, including but not limited to BonaX Swedish Formula Hardwood Flooring Cleaner and Basic Coating Squeaky Hardwood Floor Cleaner, is highly recommended.

5. IMPORTANT: Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, silicon or ammonia since these warranties do not cover damage caused by non-recommended products. Use of these and other such products will harm the long-term performance of your floor and may also affect its recoat ability.

6. Keep pets’ nails trimmed, and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains.

7. Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and feet to reduce scratches and dents.

8. Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture, or appliances.

9. Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate properly (a minimum 1” width is recommended).

10. Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on floor.

11. Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or to change color. We recommend that you rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly. These warranties do not cover damage from the sun and its UV rays.

12. Use area rugs in high traffic areas and pivot points (e.g., stair landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you have a large family or indoor pets.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-do-i-care-for-my-recently-purchased-floor/feed/ 0 Q. How can I test for moisture content of a concrete slab? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-can-i-test-for-moisture-content-of-a-concrete-slab/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-can-i-test-for-moisture-content-of-a-concrete-slab/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:19:43 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=22 Currently there are several methods to test concrete for moisture.ChitosanMicrospheresComparativeReleaseProfileofFormulationwithVariableCalciumChlorideConcentrations One of most recognized by the floor covering industry is the Calcium Chloride Test Method which requires that three CaCl tests be performed per 1000 square feet of concrete and one additional for each additional 1000 square feet of concrete.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/how-can-i-test-for-moisture-content-of-a-concrete-slab/feed/ 0 Q. What does “Floating” a floor mean? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/what-does-%e2%80%9cfloating%e2%80%9d-a-floor-mean/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/what-does-%e2%80%9cfloating%e2%80%9d-a-floor-mean/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:15:37 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=20 All engineered BEST flooring wider than 3” can be floated. This refers to an installation procedure where the tongue and grooves of the boards are glued together, but the floor is not glued directly onto the sub-floor. The weight of the floor itself holds it in place. This type of installation is ideal for an uneven or otherwise unacceptable sub-floor.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/what-does-%e2%80%9cfloating%e2%80%9d-a-floor-mean/feed/ 0 Q. What is the difference between laminate, engineered and solid wood flooring? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-what-is-the-difference-between-laminate-engineered-and-solid-wood-flooring/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-what-is-the-difference-between-laminate-engineered-and-solid-wood-flooring/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:42:58 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=14 laminate_flooring

A.
Laminate: pressed particle board with a photograph of wood applied to the surface.
Laminate flooring contains NO actual wood. It can be installed almost anywhere, using a click together or glue installation.
Solid: Generally a 3/4” thick solid piece of wood. It can be installed on or above grade by a staple or nail down application.
Engineered: Flooring made up of layers of real wood veneers. The graining of each layer runs in the opposite direction of the layer above and below it, thus acting as a check and balance system, keeping the wood from expanding or shrinking too far in one direction. Engineered floors are ideal for areas of high humidity or dramatic temperature changes. It can be installed above, on or below grade using glue, nail, staple or floating applications.

]]> http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/q-what-is-the-difference-between-laminate-engineered-and-solid-wood-flooring/feed/ 0 Q. Is engineered flooring real wood? http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/is-engineered-flooring-real-wood/ http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/is-engineered-flooring-real-wood/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:30:40 +0000 admin http://www.stephensflooringsantacruz.com/?p=8 A. Yes, engineered flooring is made up of real wood veneers (generally 3, 5 or 7 plys) . The graining of each layer runs in the opposite direction of the layer above and below it, thus acting as a check and balance system, keeping the wood from expanding or shrinking too far in one direction.

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