FAQs
eHardwoodFlooring, Inc.
P.O. Box 100854
Arlington, Virginia 22210
Email: Support@eHardwoodFlooring.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
- What's the difference between solid and engineered flooring?
- What kind of hardwoods can I place on concrete subfloors then?
- When should hardwood floors be installed?
- Which type of wood is the hardest?
- Do I have to be a contractor to buy from eHardwoodFlooring.com?
- When ordering hardwood flooring how much extra should I order to allow for waste?
- Is there a difference between square-edge and bevel-edge designs?
- What's the difference between solid and engineered flooring?
- Before we learn how these two floors are manufactured, we want to keep in mind one important aspect: both Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring are made with REAL Hardwood. The first and the most important difference between Solid Floors and Engineered Floors is within their manufacturing process. Solid Hardwood is manufactured from a solid piece of wood, which results in a solid piece of hardwood plank – one solid piece of material all the way through the Hardwood floor, from sawing the wood until installing the floors; it’s all one “Solid” piece.
- On the other hand, Engineered Hardwood contains only one thin layer of real hardwood – which is the visible layer at the top of the plank. Engineered Flooring is made from multiple layers of softwood such as plywood or High Density Fibers (HDF), all glue down together with pressure, which results in a multi-layer plank with a top layer of pure Hardwood. So you would probably think that Solid Hardwood is a better choice because it contains a larger amount of real, pure hardwood... right? This is right in some circumstances, but definitely wrong in others. Engineered Hardwood Flooring was invented in order to overcome certain climate and environment problems Solid hardwood floors are sensitive too, such as moisture and high humidity areas.
- What kind of hardwoods can I place on concrete subfloors then?
- If moisture conditions are acceptable, two of the most widely used applications would be engineered hardwood floors glued direct with the proper adhesives, and floating engineered flooring types. The latter typically glued by tongue and groove and floated over a foam cushioned underlayment. Floating floors are also available in the click together or lock and fold style that require no gluing.
- More traditional 3/4" solid hardwoods on concrete can be accomplished with the addition of a plywood subfloor, used as a nailing base over the concrete. However, this raises problems with door entries and other items. Overall vertical height of the new floor will increase by 1 1/2 inches. Unfinished engineered hardwood floors eliminate vertical height issues and can be stained or finished to any desires.
- When should hardwood floors be installed?
- If you're having a home built or making some renovations it is highly suggested to have the hardwood flooring work scheduled very near the end. Unfortunately too many times, builders rush hardwood flooring projects and don't realize the consequences until it's too late and major repairs become necessary or moisture problems caused by other work rears it's ugly head.
- Which type of wood is the hardest?
- All hardwoods that are used for flooring are very dependable and resilient. They do have their different scales of hardness that you will find by referring to the Janka Hardness and Stability Chart. Some of the more popular species of wood that are used for flooring are Hard Maple, Red Oak, Cherry, Ash, and Birch. Of these species listed, even though they do have different scales of hardness, you will not see a great difference under normal wear and tear.All hardwoods that are used for flooring are very dependable and resilient. They do have their different scales of hardness that you will find by referring to the Janka Hardness and Stability Chart. Some of the more popular species of wood that are used for flooring are Hard Maple, Red Oak, Cherry, Ash, and Birch. Of these species listed, even though they do have different scales of hardness, you will not see a great difference under normal wear and tear.
- Do I have to be a contractor to buy from eHardwoodFlooring.com?
- No. Anyone can buy from eHardwoodFlooring.com. This means that whether you are a distributor, retailer, or a homeowner, you can take advantage of the great pricing that eHardwoodFlooring.com offers.
- When ordering hardwood flooring how much extra should I order to allow for waste?
- As a rule of thumb, add 7% to 10% for waste and cuts depending on your skill level and the layout of the area.
- Is there a difference between square-edge and bevel-edge designs?
- Yes. With a square edge, the sides of each plank or strip are square. A beveled edge, also known as a micro-beveled edge, features a 1mm to 2mm, 45 degree angle bevel on the top edges of the plank or strip. A beveled edge can help mask slight sub-floor imperfections, but can be felt if walking on the floor in bare feet.
My Cart
You have no items in your shopping cart.
