Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

When do I need to get my floors refinished?

A.

The hardwood floors in your home are ready to be refinished when they start to show signs of wear and tear. The finish will start to get dull, and you may see normal scratches from pets or moving furniture. You can also do a “water test”. Pour a tablespoon of water on the floor (preferably a high traffic area). If the water disappears into the floor or leaves a dark stain, it’s time to refinish. If the water beads up, your finish is still intact.

Q.

Does Northern Oak Hardwood Flooring offer dustless refinishing?

A.

Yes, we do. We use one of the best dustless refinishing systems in the industry. The Bona Dust Collection System is regarded as the finest system because it uses a hospital grade HEPA filter and a cyclonic intake system. This cuts down on the amount of dust during the refinishing process, and helps keep your home nice and clean.

Q.

How many times can a floor be refinished?

A.

The true answer is: it depends. It can depend on what type of floor you have (solid or engineered), what type of equipment is used, and even the skill of the professional refinishing your floors. The National Wood Floor Association says that if done by a professional, wood floors should only need to be refinished every 10-15 years.

Q.

Why should I install hardwood floors vs. other flooring options?

A.

Wood floors are healthier than most floors. Because of their smooth surface, they don’t collect dust and other particles, which can aggravate allergies. Carpets are made with very harmful chemicals and collect dust, dander and pet urine. The main benefit of a hardwood floor is that they are timeless because they never go out of style. With proper care, a hardwood floor can last for decades, which means it’s also one of the most cost effective flooring options available.
Hardwoods are also very easy to maintain. Simple sweeping and vacuuming is sufficient, with an occasional deep cleaning thrown in. There are also many varieties and styles available today. You can install traditional oak flooring or go with Bamboo or hand scraped pine. You can install a boarder or a medallion to personalize your floor.

Q.

Why do my hardwood floors squeak?

A.

Wood expands and contracts and the amount of humidity in the air can contribute to your wood floor moving. As the floor moves, the nail holes can loosen up. This means the wood planks can rub together, which creates the squeaking sound. Over time, ductwork and sub-flooring may become loose and rub against the hardwood floors. If the basement below is open, we can sometimes make repairs to eliminate these noises.

Q.

What is better – Pre Finished or Unfinished hardwood flooring?

A.

It really depends on the situation. Unfinished flooring works the best when you are trying to match an existing floor, cabinets, or trim. There are more flooring species options with unfinished flooring. Unfinished also may be preferred in a historical home where you are trying to maintain its old world charm. It also leaves a completely smooth floor. Prefinished hardwood flooring finish is applied in a controlled environment and they use aluminum oxide finish that is extremely durable. They can be more economical and once they are installed, you can move your furniture right in. Whereas, with unfinished flooring, it can take several days to install, sand and finish.
Call Northern Oak Hardwood Flooring today, and we’ll be able to talk to you about the various options for you project.