You’ve just made the decision to purchase hardwood floors for your home – a decision that you may have lost sleep over (we certainly hope not!). Simply put, hardwood floors add value to your home so with that alone we are inclined to say you made a great choice!
The issue now is that there are still plenty of answers that you seek in regards to your new found flooring choice. To help save you time on finding the right questions to ask, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions many newcomers have for their hardwood floor salesperson.
Should I get solid or engineered hardwood floors?
There’s a fair amount of differences between solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood floors. Having a salesperson compare and contrast their positives and negatives will give you a better insight into selecting a floor that best suits your needs.
Does wood species matter? If so, what’s best for me?
Yes, wood species does indeed matter. Your salesperson will suggest an appropriate species of wood depending on what colors you are seeking, the style you want, and of course, your budget. A great salesperson will be able to explain the subtle design differences between dark, medium, light, and exotic woods.
What do I do about my pets? Are they bad for hardwood floors?
If this is a concern, then your hardwood floor salesperson will help you select a wood species that is known for it’s durability and hardness. These aspects are measured using a method known as the janka hardness test.
How much gloss or shine do I want in my floors?
Your floor salesman should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood floors that shine more than others. Hardwood floors come in 4 types: Glossy, Semi-Gloss, Satin, and Matte. They are all referred to as the floor’s “sheen”.
Do my floors come with a warranty?
Have your salesperson explain to you the warranty that your floors come with. Quality floors are typically backed by solid warranties. Be sure to read the terms and conditions as well to make sure you understand everything, if you don’t then you’ll have a chance to ask your salesperson.
Don’t be alarmed about ordering slightly more square feet than what’s required.
Your salesperson will most likely be ordering more square feet than what your area actually offers. For instance, if you’re looking to cover 1,000 square feet and your salesperson suggests ordering 1,100 square feet then don’t be alarmed. It’s a general rule in hardwood floor installation to order 10% more than what’s necessary.
How long will it take to install my hardwood floors?
After selecting a hardwood floor, be sure to ask your salesperson this question as it will give them a chance to explain everything you will be getting in your floor such as factory-finish or site-finished floors, wood species, and what you should do in preparation for a job that could take several days for a quality installation.
Why can’t I just install the hardwood floors myself?
Of course your salesperson is going to want to push for having his or her company install the hardwood floors for you, but it goes beyond just making coin. Simply put, hardwood floors are not as easy to install as it may seem. Unless you have previous experience working with hardwood floor installation, it’s best to leave a professional to handle the job – especially since they have access to the right tools.
The switch to hardwood floors should be a fun experience for you! It’s similar to revamping your wardrobe with new clothes for a completely different look, feel, and experience. Get as many answers as you can to make the process as seamless as possible.
Happy Flooring from Urban Floor!
