Common Questions about Hardwood Flooring
Is it hard to take care of hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors are among the easiest of all floors to maintain. Vacuum or sweep floor regularly, giving a general cleaning once a week. Hardwood floors finished with a hard surface finish, such as polyurethane, can be cleaned with a neutral no-rinse cleaner. Waxed hardwood floors should be maintained by buffing with liquid wax once or twice a year. Hardwood floors can be maintained to stay beautiful and new looking for many years, even for the life of the building.
Which is better, red or white oak?
Typically, white oak is slightly denser and harder, and may stain better. However, the differences are slight and may vary from floor to floor.
How do I choose a flooring contractor?
Ask a local wood flooring distributor or manufacturer for names of reputable hardwood flooring installers. When contacting installers, ask questions about experience, ask for references, and go look at the floors the contractor has installed.
Are hardwood floors more expensive than other floor coverings?
The cost of oak flooring with installation and finish is comparable to or less than quality non-wood surfaces. On a cost per year basis, hardwood floors put virtually all other floor coverings to shame. Whereas carpet will need replacing after an average of seven and a half years, and composition tile 18 years, hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last a century or more! In fact, there are hardwood floors in use today in Europe that have already had their 500th birthday.

