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How to Tell if Your Hardwood Floors Need to be Refinished in Baldwin Park, CA; Moisture Test & More

All homeowners will claim to simply love their wooden floors. It is a worthy investment to their home. However just like any material, wood requires maintenance. Solid hardwood floors will occasionally need to be refinished. When a wood floor need to be refinished it often involves stripping the floor, sanding the wood and resealing the wood to maintain a smooth and protected finish. However, most homeowners will wait way too long before they have their floor refinished. Sequoia Flooring will share a few signs that you need to refinish your wood floor to ensure your investment lasts.

Worn Spots on Hardwood Floors

In areas with high foot traffic such as the kitchen, hallways, and living rooms, the wood floor will have worn spots. Worn spots may appear as faded trails in the wood. They may have scratches and even appear dry. Due to the frequent foot traffic, the wood’s protective sealer often gets worn away the fastest creating worn spots in the floor. To prevent damage to the wood it is important that the wood floor gets refinished when these wear down spots occur.

Wood Floor Moisture Test Fail

To know if your wood floor needs to be refinished you can also perform a water test. This test is simple. Pour a small amount of water on any spot of the floor. What did the water do? If the water splashed into tiny droplets that stayed on the surface of the wood, it passed the water test and your wood floor is fine. However, if the water soaks into the wood, this indicates the sealer is mostly gone and moisture and other contaminants can get inside the wood. After finishing the wood, the sealer will prevent water from soaking inside the wood.

Deep Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Over time it is natural for micro scratches to occur on the floor’s surface. However, when deeper scratches begin to appear on the floor, this can become a problem. Deep scratches can expose the inner layer of the wood which makes it prone to water damage as well as dry damage. Additionally, deep scratches make the wood look old and worn. When deep scratches appear it is a good time to have the wood floor refinished.

Hardwood Floor Discoloration

When the sealer wears down the wood can become lightened after extended periods of time when exposed to the sun. The sun can dry out the wood and even discolor the wood making it appear lighter. When the wood is dry and light, it is never a good sign. Dry wood will lead to major splits and cracks in the wood and often the wood will need to be replaced. When discoloration occurs, have the wood refinished. Additionally, areas exposed to sunlight should be protected with a rug or furniture if possible.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Refinishing, Repair & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

Wood requires some maintenance from time to time. Most wood floors can go between 5 to 10 years in between refinishes. However, wood floors exposed to heavy traffic or are neglected, will require more frequent refinishes. It is important to know how to care for wood floors to ensure their longevity. If you need professional help installing or refinishing your home’s wood floorscontact Sequoia Flooring today.

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Tips from Hardwood Floor Installers in Bell Gardens, CA; Subfloor, Acclimation, Layout & More

When making the investment to install real hardwood floor, most people never know how difficult it can actually be. Natural hardwood floors have a lot of additional steps during the installation process that is essential to ensure caring for the wood to prevent damage and quality installation. Installers wished more homeowners knew the additional steps that goes into installing hardwood floor for these reasons. To better understand, Sequoia Flooringwill share the top three unknown facts about installing natural hardwood floors to ensure longevity of the flooring and what to expect from proper installation.

Subfloor Condition

When installing hardwood floors, the wood will lay on top of a subfloor, which in most homes is made of concrete or plywood. The condition of the subfloor is important to the wood flooring. If the subfloor is made of concrete and is cracked, it can allow moisture to affect the wood. Rotting plywood is a poor foundation for the hardwood floor and can also prematurely decay the wood. Before laying hardwood flooring it is important to assess the condition of the subfloor and replace or repair the subfloor before laying the flooring or you may have squeaky, loose, or warped flooring as a result.

What Happens if You Don’t Acclimate Hardwood Floor

What many homeowner don’t know before installing the flooring is that the flooring materials will need to be acclimated first. Mostly in the case of concrete subfloors as concrete can hold in moisture and can change in temperature throughout the year. When moisture or change of temperature effects natural wood, the wood will expand and contract. So basically the floor will move. To prevent a major installation disaster, installers will acclimate the planks to a moderate temperature and moisture levels before they begin installing the hardwood floor. This step will help ensure the material care and quality of installation.

Hardwood Floor Layout Pattern

When it comes to installing in small rooms, it is recommended to start on the furthest corner from the door and work your way down and out of the room. This prevents the need to walk over the partially installed floor to help prevent poor installation. However, this concept doesn’t always apply especially when it comes to installing in open floor plans or larger areas. When laying out the floor, most installers start at the focal points. Natural wood floor planks are unique and not one plank looks the same. Even the same type of wood will vary in color and pattern since no one tree is the same. Wood floors will come from a number of trees of the same species. Therefore, they are still unique. Often installers will pick the best planks to be installed at the focal point and the less pleasing pieces on the outer edges on in more discreet locations. Additionally, they will use the planks with patterns that vary yet blends together for a unified floor.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

When installing hardwood floors it important to know how to properly install and care for the wood floors to ensure that your investment lasts for decades. Sequoia Flooring can help ensure your hardwood floor gets installed properly and with care. If you want quality flooring and installation, come and see Sequoia Flooring today.

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Types of Hardwood Floors & Installation Methods in Bellflower, CA; Laminate, Solid Wood & More

There are many options to covering your concrete floor, or when you are in the market to replace the flooring you already have. Carpets are one, though they have a tendency to absorb spills and odors; and daily vacuuming can be cumbersome to busy lifestyles. The wear and tear on carpet takes a toll too soon and carpeting isn’t for everyone. Tile is another option as many people like the durability, easy maintenance, and odor resistance. However, when objects fall it can create divots or chips. Another issue with tile is that it provides no comfort or cushion to tired feet and sore backs. Wood flooring is a sound option many people prefer. If offers some cushioning to walk on, it resists odors and stains, along with being easily maintained. When it comes to your wood flooring, there are quite a few options for taste, style, and budget. With that in mind, we at Sequoia Flooring would like to share the basics of wood flooring for your consideration.

Wood Flooring Types

Engineered Laminate Flooring: Engineered laminate is the lower quality wood flooring option. This is a hardboard with Masonite type backing material that features a photo of a reproduced design, which is then covered with a resin or plastic coating. Though the aesthetics is notable it can give the impression of a sub-quality product. Though they can last a while if properly installed and maintained, they cannot be refinished to extend the lifespan or alter the appearance.

Real Wood Floors: With excellent durability and the ability to refinish, this option is high quality hardwood or bamboo. This engineered flooring has a hardwood layer at the top and is manufactured with various laminates either wood or synthetic. It can be easily installed over concrete, subflooring and in any room including bathrooms, recreational rooms and basements. This flooring is dimensionally stable, durable, and cost-effective.

Solid Hardwood Flooring: This option can be installed over the top of a wood subfloor. They are solid and of the highest quality. They, however, can expand under highly humid conditions, leading to buckling and cracking. Because it is usually nailed in place, it is not the most compatible when laying over concrete floors. Because of the chance of spills in the kitchen and the high moisture of bathrooms, solid wood flooring is not recommended for these areas.

Hardwood Floor Installation

When it comes to installing the various wood flooring types, there are a few options for specific applications. The subflooring must be clean and flat. Nailing, adhesive (or glue), and other methods secure the wood floor. In some instances, the solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood can be installed on tip of a “floating” substrate. This material is not attached to the actual floor and it allows the floor to expand or contact according to the humidity conditions. The floating substrate has the wood floor glued to the surface.
With only the borders attached to the subflooring, some engineered products utilize a tongue and groove method of installation. A less expensive product installed over a foam substrate is offered at some big box stores.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

No matter which wood flooring option you prefer, call Sequoia Flooring to let us get it installed safely and efficiently.

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Pros & Cons of Prefinished VS Unfinished Hardwood Flooring Installation in Beverly Hills, CA

Prefinished hardwood flooring is more common and in recent years, becoming more popular in both residential and commercial applications. Before, the unfinished hardwood flooring was the main stream option in the industry. Many homeowners are caught up with what might be the better option, especially since both prefinished and unfinished wood flooring has its pros and cons. With that in mind, we at Sequoia Flooring would like to share those pros and cons so you can better decide which option is better for your home.

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished wood flooring is factory-finished hardwood flooring; meaning that each board is coated with polyurethane before it is stocked on the shelf.

Pros of Prefinished Hardwood Flooring: Installing prefinished hardwood is fairly quick in comparison as the sanding and finishing process is already complete. Since the curing process is done beforehand, after it is installed there is little concern about needing to be overly-cautious. In this case, after it is installed, floors can be immediately walked on. Other benefits are:

– The boards’ coloring and staining is more uniformed and consistent.
– You can invest in resist minor surface damage with specialized pre-treatments such as anti-scratch coating.
– Prefinished is the most convenient and easiest option.
– They have exceptionally high durability.

Cons of Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring: Customer preferences are limited when it comes to grains, colors, widths, and lengths among others. The durability of the finish can make it a challenge to remove from these surface layers in the event you decide down the road you want refinish the flooring.

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished flooring is raw wood, requiring the buyer to be responsible for sanding and finishing the floor on site during the installation process. Most agree that there are more cons than pros with unfinished.

Pros of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: The natural color variations available with unfinished hardwood flooring are plentiful with the vast number of different wood species. The wood floor installation requires on-site finishing, allowing you to customize the wood floor. Personalize the flooring with borders, inlays, and other features. You have more control with customizing the details whether you have a specific goal in mind for your hallway, living room, office, or kitchen. Additional benefits are as follows:

– More flexibility for refinishing and repairing the floor.
– The sealing is fresh after finishing the newly installed floor.
– You have the option to add inlays after you sand for a perfect flush with the rest of the floor.

Cons of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: The installation process from start to finish is considerably longer. After it is installed on the floor, it needs to manually be sanded and finished. Staining is also necessary, and you will need to allow time for it to cure before walking on it.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

When it comes to prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring, one option is not necessarily better than the other, it is all a matter of preference. The individual should consider the basic pros and cons as well before committing. No matter if you desire the perfectly prepared, flawless, ready to install flooring or the gorgeous and natural imperfections of unfinished flooring with the options to custom finish it, Sequoia Flooring is readily available to help you with your installationContact us to learn more today!

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Benefits of White Oak Flooring in Burbank, CA; Low Maintenance, High Durability & More

White oak floors have become more popular over recent years and for many reasons. There are many benefits of using white oak floors and when a homeowner is looking to install a wood floor for the first time or needs to replace old wood floors, consider using white oak. Sequoia Flooring will share why white oak floors are so popular and why so many homes are choosing them.

Modern Aesthetics of White Oak Flooring

One reason why white oak floors get so much attention is mainly that they look very nice. White oak floors fit well with many different types of design schemes including rustic to modern designs. White oak has great features within the wood’s grain. White oak has beautiful tight spiral rings which create a smoother and cleaner looking floor. The natural color of white oak wood is versatile and fits great with any other color in the room or home.

White Oak Floor Durability

Out of all of the oak species, white oak has proven to be very durable. White oak is more scratch resistant and dent resistant and when either occurs, they are not very noticeable. Additionally, white oak can resist impact damages better than other wood and can be more easily repaired. White oak can also withstand the affects of time and with proper maintenance, can be the last floor you will ever need to install in your home.

Water Resistance of White Oak Floors

Water and wood do not mix well together. Water can damage wood causing mold, wood rot, and cupping to occur. Humidity is equally harmful to wood over time. Due to the nature of wood, homes are limited to where wood floors can be used. However, white oak appears to break the common rule and is more resistant to water or humidity than other wood species. Like all wood, white oak is affected by moisture but not nearly as severe. When you want a wood floor in your bathroom, kitchen or mudroom, white oak is a possible contender.

Maintenance & Care of White Oak Flooring

Like all solid hardwood floors, white oak will need to be sanded and refinished periodically to ensure the wood’s longevity. All wood floors, including white oak wood, can be refinished about 4 to 5 times before the floor needs to be replaced. Most wood floors need to be refinished every 5 years or sooner depending on the floor’s exposure. However, white oak floors can go 8 to 10 years, due to its resistance to moisture, scratches, or impact damage. With proper care white oak can go longer periods of time between sanding and refinishing than other wood species. Essentially, white oak can go longer in between maintenance care and as such, provide a durable floor in your home.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

Due to the beauty, durability, and maintenance needs of white oak floors, they are growing in popularity and can be found in many homes. They will be installed in more homes in the future. When shopping around for wood flooring, consider looking at white oak floors. Visit Sequoia Flooring and check out our selection of quality flooring materials and don’t miss our white oak selection. For all of your hardwood flooring needs, contact Sequoia Flooring today.

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How to Protect Hardwood Floors & Avoid Scratches when Moving Heavy Objects in Calabasas, CA

For one reason or another, people move things around several times a year. We have received many repair calls due to damage done to flooring while someone was moving around a fridge or some furniture. Understandable, yet avoidable, scratches done to a hardwood floor can be fixed for the most part. It will prolong the life of the floor and the finish to avoid this process altogether though. Start the new year off right with these helpful tips in protecting your floors against damage during moving!

Always Clean Hardwood Floors Before Moving Furniture

This step seems to get looked over more often that not. Whether you are moving couches around, beds or appliances, one thing remains the same. Tiny pieces of gravel and dust that have built up under and around the furniture can become lodged between the furniture and floor and cause damage to the floor or it’s finish. By doing a thorough vacuuming beforehand, you can ensure you aren’t adding unnecessary scratches to the floor.

Use Caution when Moving Heavy Objects

Dropping a heavy piece of furniture onto a hardwood floor can cause irreversible damage including a dent in the flooring. Always take your time and have a partner work with you to move large or heavy items and take your time moving the items from one place to the next!

Use Appliance Glides for Hardwood Floors

We get it, it’s tempting to get things done on your time, but don’t be tempted to drag that couch across the floor on your own. If it is at all possible, wait for assistance and gently lift then move whichever appliance or piece of furniture to its next destination. This is a common way to scratch and dent hardwood flooring. If for whatever reason you can not lift and move the item, try to place a cushion between the item and hardwood floor before moving it to avoid damaging the floor.

Can I Keep Clothes in Drawers when Moving Over Hardwood Flooring?

When you need to move dressers, bookshelves or other heavy items, start by making them as light as possible. Remove the drawers from the dresser, remove books or other items from the bookshelf, remove food from the fridge etc. before moving the item across your hardwood floor. The lighter an object is the less damage it can cause if it was accidently let down too hard in the moving process.

Flipping Furniture on its Side to Move on Hardwood Floors

When moving couches or other soft sided furniture, consider flipping it onto its side and placing some sort of padding between the furniture and the floor to more evenly distribute the weight of the item across the floor to avoid excess damage to the floor or furniture. Never use cardboard for this step as it can dull the floor’s finish and leave dull spots.

Use Caution with Hardwood Floor Casters

It may be tempting to push a large object across the floor that is equipped with wheels. Wheels seem to give off a false sense of confidence to some. When it comes to hardwood floors, you want to avoid the possibility of the wheels turning sideways and getting stuck. This will cause them to scratch and scrape the flooring. Instead, place a piece of hardboard between the item in question and the floor and gently slide it to its new destination.

Hardwood Floor Repair & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

Sequoia Flooring knows that life happens to hardwood floors. That’s what we’re here for. Hardwood floors add beauty and sophistication to any home, they are a timeless addition and will last you a lifetime if they are properly cared for. Give us a call if you need assistance repairing scratched floors or have further questions, we’d be glad to help!

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How to Deep Clean Heavily Soiled Hardwood Floors to Extend Life of Wood Flooring in Carson, CA

In any home, hardwood floors can be isolated in one room or covered in most of the house. No matter where you install hardwood floors however, they all require maintenance. Having glistening clean floors is always preferable, but with the sensitivity wood floors have to moisture, cleaning can be a challenge. Glossy wood floors frequently look filthy quickly as they can easily smudge. Using the right method according to the type of wood floor type is crucial. The main goal is avoiding dirt from lingering. Dirt is a natural abrasive, and with friction caused by daily foot traffic, a sandpaper-like affect occurs. The primary step in preserving the condition and longevity of the wood floors is removing the debris on a daily basis. To properly keep the wood floors clean, you should establish a daily routine and weekly routine to keep them looking amazing. With that in mind, we at Sequoia Flooring would like to share some cleaning tips for the floors we installed for you today.

Daily Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Daily cleaning focuses on clearing the visible crumbs, dirt, hair, and other debris off the floor. A dust mop or a nimble hard surface floor vacuum can be used to clean the surface; do not forget to get the edges, corners, just as you clean the center. Your ultimate goal is to keep the debris from the surface, and if your schedule doesn’t give you the time for daily surface cleaning, be sure to tackle it a few days throughout the week.

Weekly Cleaning of Wood Floors

Though it is a sensitive action, the floors need a deeper clean and mopping is usually the way to go. You need to understand; wood floors are not moisture friendly. Never saturate the floor with excessive moisture and ensure the debris is thoroughly removed first. Use a wood cleaner, preferably specific to the type of wood floors. While still restoring some luster to the floor, these cleaners effectively clean and remove the residues and spots from off the wood floor. With a microfiber mop pad, dry the floor immediately after cleaning. To treat isolated messes, you can use a damp mop or cloth, just be sure to promptly dry the area.

Additional Hardwood Floor Maintenance

With routine maintenance; sweeping/vacuuming and weekly mopping, your floors can stay in great condition and prolong the more involved maintenance. Avoiding the staining and moisture related damage, be sure always wipe up fresh spills as soon as they occur. To prevent excessive damage, there is additional maintenance that should be done diligently.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Refinishing is another maintenance service that is done as necessary. It involves, sanding down of the surface deterioration and old finish, once the dust is properly cleaned up, the re-staining application. When you want a change, you have the option of using the original color or you can change the color of the finish when you get this service.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Repair, Refinishing & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

For all of your installingrepairing, or refinishing servicescall the specialists of Sequoia Flooring and let our experts help you with your hardwood flooring project.

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Base Shoe Molding VS Quarter Round when Installing Hardwood Flooring in Cerritos, CA

When installing or refinishing hardwood, often we place a baseboard mold that helps hide the edges or gaps along the edges of the floor and wall. There are two types of edge pieces that are used to finish the floor baseboard mold; Base Shoe or Quarter Rounds. They are very similar but do have their differences and times when they are used. Sequoia Flooring will share more about quarter round and base shoe molding to explain why they are used along with hardwood floor installation and refinishing.

Differences Between Molding Styles

Both base shoes and quarter rounds look very similar and cases they are each used. However, there are some situations where one may be better suited then the other. Both are used to provide a smooth transition from the floor to the baseboard. As stated, they help hide the gaps or spaces between the baseboards and the floor.
Quarter Rounds: As the name implies, quarter rounds are a like a circular piece of wood that has been cut in four pieces and makes a quarter round piece of wood. A quarter round is cut at a 90 degree angle and can come in different sizes.
Base Shoe: Base shoes are like a quarter round, but instead of being cut from a circle a Base shoe is cut more from an oval with the top piece cut higher.

Base Shoe & Quarter Round Molding Materials

Both quarter rounds and base shoes come in different materials. Some are made from plastic, fiberglass and wood. When installing one of these molding pieces it is always best to use wood since it can be stained to match the wood floor. The plastic mold can be painted to match the floorboards if they don’t match the floor and are not stained.

When is it Best to Use Base Shoe & Quarter Round Molding when Installing Hardwood Floors?

When installing hardwood floors from the first, often the installer will ask if you want one of these transition moldings to be put around the floor boards. Another common and also essential use for these moldings is for set or sunk-in living rooms. When the edge of the floor comes together, such as for steps, it will leave an obvious seam that looks uneven. Using either a quarter round or base shoe helps create a smoother transition and helps hide the uneven edges. The edge where the mold is being installed can help determine the size and material needed.

Base Shoe & Quarter Round Molding During Refinishing Hardwood Flooring

When refinishing hardwood floors, often the molding and floorboards will need to be removed. The wood floor will need to be completely exposed when it is refinished to make sure that the entire floor can be serviced. At this time the molding, if wood, can be sanded and stained while the floor is being finished if necessary. After the molding has been refinished along with the hard wood floor, the baseboards and molding can be reinstalled. The quarter round or base shoes are as much a part of the floor as the wood planks.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Repair, Refinishing & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

When you need to install hardwood floorsSequoia Flooring can help you decide which molding will work best for your home. When installing a new floor or if you need to have you hard wood floor refinishedcontact Sequoia Flooring and schedule our services today.

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Differences Between Unfinished & Prefinished Hardwood Flooring in Culver City, CA

Unfinished or prefinished hardwood flooring? Which is better and how much do they cost? The answer will probably depend on a few factors. Prefinished hardwood is hardwood that has been finished in the factory and then is installed. Unfinished hardwood is raw wood that needs to be installed, sanded and refinished on site.

Pros of Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Scratch Resistant – Pre-finished hardwood floors are 7-10 times more resistant to scratches than unfinished hardwood. The reason for this is that is 6-7 coats of polyurethane and applied to it and then its oven baked with aluminum oxide which is considered the world’s second hardest substance. Unfinished hardwood will only receive 2-3 coats after it is installed in your home.
Less Messy to Install – It is also less messy. Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors is a messy job. You’ll have sawdust everywhere and it smells bad too. The dust can be reduced with a dustless system, but it will cost more.
Faster Installation – Most projects with prefinished hardwood take about 1-2 days, but unfinished hardwood can take 4-5 plus drying time that you’ll have to stay off it. Prefinished hardwood can be walked on right after it’s installed.

Pros of Site Finished Hardwood Flooring

Smooth Hardwood Flooring Edges – This may come down to preference but with pre-finished hardwood you’ll have a slight bevel at the edges. Some people feel it makes the wood look more real while others like the smoothed out look once the floors are sanded. There will be more dirt buildup in the micro beveled edges of prefinished hardwood.
Suitable for Kitchens – Unfinished hardwood can be a better choice in kitchen because when it’s sealed onsite the edges will also get polyurethane. Prefinished hardwood sometimes lacks the polyurethane and can be prone to issues with water. You may also see the lighter color under darker colored prefinished because the stain doesn’t get all the way into the edges. This doesn’t happen with hardwood that is sanded and refinished on-site.
Best for Color Matching. If you’re looking to match hardwood from other areas of the house it will be much easier with unfinished hardwood because stain colors can be tested for a perfect match. Choosing a specific color is much easier with unfinished hardwood because colors can be mixed. Color options are limited with prefinished hardwood. Most customers will test 3-4 stain colors so they can see it in the light in your home and the space you want to have it installed. You can also test on different boards to get a better idea because some boards are lighter than others.
Cheaper – Unfinished hardwood typically costs less. Prefinished hardwood will have you paying more for the wood and less for the labor. Finished hardwood will have you spend less on the wood and more on the labor.

Hardwood Floor Installation Services in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

Deciding between prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring can be difficult. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. You may feel overwhelmed but take the time to choose the best option for you and your home. Contact Sequoia Flooring for all the help you need!

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What is the Best Way to Install Hardwood Flooring in Cudahy, CA? Floating, Nail or Glue Down?

Hardwood floors can be installed in three major ways. There is the nail down method, glue down and floating method. Each method has its own benefits and times when they need to be used or at least better suited. To understand the installment method and to know how to properly shop for hardwood floors, Sequoia Flooring will explain the different installation methods and when they are best used.

Nail Down Hardwood Floor Installation Method

Nailing down wood floors has been used for centuries. It was the original method until homes were built on concrete foundations. Today hardwood floors are still nailed down but only one wood sub-flooring. You cannot nail down hardwood floors on concrete or metal floors as in the case of some commercial buildings. Hardwood floors are most popular in multi-story homes with the upper levels using a wood subfloor. Some raised homes have a wooden sub floor which allows for the nail down method. Some installers will manually nail the planks down, but most will use a pneumatic nail gun. Only natural hardwood floors can be nailed down. Engineered, and laminate floors are usually glued down or they use an interlocking method.

How to Install Glue Down Hardwood Floors

The glue down method is mostly used for laminate, engineered, or for luxury vinyl flooring. However, occasionally hardwood floors are glued down as well. When a homeowner wishes to install hardwood floors over a concrete subfloor, the wood will need to be glued down. One benefit of gluing down the hardwood floor is that it reduces noise such as echoes, squeaking and the sound of footsteps. Since the planks are glued down with a strong adhesive, the planks don’t move at all. The one down side of the glue down method is if the wood floor will needs to be replaced. Removing glued down hard wood floors can be a difficult task. When choosing the glue down method make sure it is done by a professional contractor. If the wrong adhesive or installation method is used it can void out many warranties.

Floating Hardwood Floor Installation

Engineered, laminates, and hardwood floor can also use a floating installation method, which means the floor isn’t secured down by nails or glue. Most floating hardwood floors use an interlocking method which acts as a joint that holds each plank together. Floating hardwood floors often require an underlayment which helps to reduce noise and cushions the planks. Floating is another popular choice for concrete sub-floors when the homeowner doesn’t want to glue down the planks and cannot nail the plank down either. Floating is becoming a very popular choice for a number of reasons such as it is easier to repair and remove damaged planks. It allows for more installation options and can be installed over any surface. It is also one of the cheaper and faster methods of installation.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Replacement & More in Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, San Pedro, Torrance, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles, California

When shopping for hardwood floors, often we are obsessed with the color, texture and pattern of the floor. However, many people never consider how the wood floor is installed. There are number of factors when considering the installation method. When shopping for hardwood floors remember to keep in mind the method you want to utilize, whether it be nail down, glue down, or floating wood floors. If you have more questions about installation and which method is best for you, contact Sequoia Flooring. We provide hardwood floors, installation and maintenance services. To schedule our servicescontact or visit Sequoia Flooring today.