Month: March 2022

Among the most typical queries from homeowners looking for new flooring is if it’s durable. Engineered hardwood is exceptionally long-lasting; hence, for those seeking the invariability of wood flooring while wanting versatility, engineered hardwood is an ideal flooring option.

To find out if engineered hardwoods are the right flooring choice for you, we will go through all the benefits of engineered hardwood flooring, its costs, and the difference between this material to other types of floorings.

What is Engineered Hardwood Floor?

Engineered wood floor is a hardwood veneer affixed to the top surface which retains the natural features of the selected wood type, unlike solid hardwood flooring which is solid hardwood with no layers.

What type of wood is used for engineered wood floors?

When talking about the hard surface floor, there are several hardwood species from real red oak hardwood to a hardened vinyl that appear like real hardwood up to the grain patterns. Species diversity isn’t an issue because engineered floors have both domestic and exotic hardwoods.

Domestic hardwood flooring species such as maple, white oak, red oak, and more, are consistently used for hardwood flooring in homes. These domestic selections are great for conventional ambiances or for complementing current furniture or cabinets.

Usually, if there are numerous selections to opt for, it may appear overwhelming, which brings us to our next point.

Differentiating Engineered & Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors are constructed from one piece of wood like walnut, maple, or oak. Their main benefit is that they can be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout their life expectancy. On the other hand, engineered wood is made with solid wood along with a highly-durable plywood core.

Engineered hardwood has the edge in below-grade spaces and rough climates. It has either a multi-ply or three-ply construction. Multi-ply floors highlight a core composed of numerous layers of plywood for a floor with exceptional resilience and durability, so this engineered hardwood construction sees its way onto top-quality flooring.

Engineered flooring is relatively more affordable than solid hardwood, though most varieties can be sanded down and refinished just once because the surface hardwood layer is somewhat thin. Solid hardwood comes in both pre-finished and unfinished boards.

Why Is Engineered Hardwood Floor More Durable Than Solid Hardwood?

All flooring options will exhibit some wear eventually; however, wood flooring is the only floor variety that can restore that wear to make it appear new again.

If the requirements aren’t precise, solid wood floors can arch, twist, swell or break in half. The multiple-ply plank structure of engineered hardwood prevents warping and remains levelled and intact. This makes engineered hardwood flooring a better choice for installation over heat sources or concrete. And, if you use a high-quality engineered floors brand, you can refinish this layer as much as solid hardwood.

How Durable Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Long-Lasting

Engineered wood floors are typically very durable, and if well-maintained, will last for decades. There have been researches conducted that discovered that an engineered floor can last 20-40 years. Different manufacturers will give different life expectancy information for the flooring that they offer and sell to the public.

Withstands Movement

For the whole year, the humidity levels and temperature shift. This indicates that flooring can contract and expand while these shifts happen. Luckily, most engineered products are durable enough to resist temperature transitions since this wood doesn’t contract and expand as much as solid hardwood.

Made of Real Wood

Since it’s made of real wood for the top layer, this flooring won’t flake as laminate or vinyl can. This also implies you’ll acquire luxury hardwood flooring without much concern for the coming years.

Moisture-Proof

Many expresses that engineered hardwood can deal with moisture levels observed on most basement concrete floors, which often doesn’t exceed 4%
Provided that the engineered hardwood is installed correctly and has a moisture barrier beneath, it’s created to have flex and movement. This permits the boards to absorb a reasonable amount of moisture. You still don’t wish to pour your drink on it and leave, though it is constructed to be long-lasting in humid conditions.

Engineered Hardwood Vs. Laminate

Some people may mistake engineered hardwoods with laminate hardwood. They are two ideal options when you want new floors that seem like solid hardwood. But their commonalities stop there.

Laminate Flooring

Laminates are constructed from unvarying materials, like fibreboard, that’s been combined in a lamination process. A photographic layer rests at the top and the woods receive a final coat of resin for additional durability. Since the top layer is simply a print, laminate flooring isn’t a workable option for repairing or refinishing.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is a lot more compelling imitation of solid hardwood because, as we’ve mentioned, it’s genuine wood and uses layers of wood fused for water and heat resistance.
Considering it is a floor covering, it’s suggested to be installed on top of radiant heating and a concrete subfloor. It can go directly over concrete slabs. Like solid hardwood, engineered hardwood has panels that connect side-to-side with tongue and groove joinery.

And, if scratch resistance is vital to you, seek engineered hardwood floors with a scratch-resistant overcoat. Tiny scratches on engineered hardwood can be restored with a cotton cloth and some rubbing alcohol.

What Is The Best Thickness For Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood floor ranges in thickness depending on the quality of the flooring, but is generally between 3-7mm, although thicknesses of up to 15mm are available.
You will wish the top layer of solid wood to be at least ¼ inch (6.5mm) thick for it to wear in the same way to a solid hardwood floor and allow you to resurface the floor at least once.

How Much Is Engineered Wood Floor?

This is the wood type to opt for if you want affordable flooring. The least pricey engineered wood flooring costs about $2.50 per square foot, with $10 per square foot as the most expensive type. Most products cost $4-$7 per square foot.

Definitely A Durable Choice!

Engineered hardwood flooring is similarly as durable, and in certain circumstances, more durable than solid hardwood flooring. Available in a vast array of wood species, stains, and finishes, you can have engineered hardwood that matches your efficiency conditions wherever you plan to install it and what your framework’s requirements are.

Looking For A Mississauga Flooring Service For Your Engineered Hardwood?

At Supreme Flooring, we provide hardwood flooring services that are guaranteed to help you achieve your flooring dreams effortlessly. If you have concerns with your installation, just dial 647-893-1771 and our staff will gladly help you.Among the most typical queries from homeowners looking for new flooring is if it’s durable. Engineered hardwood is exceptionally long-lasting; hence, for those seeking the invariability of wood flooring while wanting versatility, engineered hardwood is an ideal flooring option.

Laminate floors are a great addition to any home, but before they’re installed, homeowners naturally have a lot of questions about this popular material. What is it made out of? Is it durable? Is it easy to look after? Does it need to be refinished?

There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to your new laminate flooring and we’re going to go over them below so you can ensure they remain in mint condition for many years to come. This material is becoming increasingly popular for a reason and we guarantee you’ll love having them in your home too.

What Are Laminate Floors Made From?

Despite popular belief, no, laminate floors are not made from plastic. They’re made from four layers of synthetic materials (typically resin and fibre materials) that are fused together with heat and pressure to mimic the look of real wood or even stone or marble. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are made from various wood species or layers of plywood. While the texture and grains of the wood are more natural, they can easily dent or scratch. Laminate wood floors are nearly an imitation, but they can actually be much more durable especially if there is heavier foot traffic or you have pets.

More About Laminate Floor Durability

Thanks to the multi-layer construction of laminate flooring, they are actually extremely durable. They’re also virtually fade and scratch-resistant. Therefore, if you have kids and pets running around or have heavy furniture, laminate flooring will become your best friend.

Not only that, but they can absorb moisture very well. With real wood floors, you have to be careful with things like a damp mop or steam mop, but with laminate floors, you can use water to clean them without worry. You especially won’t need to fret if you don’t get to clean the spills immediately. You won’t be left with an unsightly stain on your beautiful floors.

However, if your laminate floors are scratched or dented, the damage will clearly show and repair won’t be as easy as with wood floors. And when it comes to longevity, will they last as long as natural wood? No. But with the proper care and finishing, they can last upwards of 20+ years before needing to be replaced.

How To Clean Laminate Wood Floors

Most flooring companies (or floor installation contractors) will provide instructions on how to clean laminate floors, so remember to always check those first. But as a general rule of thumb, you should consider the following:

• Don’t leave spills even though laminate floors are stain-resistant. It’s best to wipe up spills as they occur so you limit the chance of any liquids seeping through the cracks and damaging the layers beneath.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and tools on tough stains such as steel wool or a rotating brush on a vacuum. It’s best to use a microfiber cloth, a dust mop, or a gentle vacuum attachment.
• Avoid mopping and completely soaking the floors. Use a microfiber mop that is damp. You can also purchase a laminate floor cleaner from your nearby hardware store and use a microfiber mop to evenly spread it out. Don’t use any cleaners or floor protectors that aren’t labelled for laminate floors. They can leave streaks and damage the protective coating. Therefore, don’t use a hardwood floor cleaner for cleaning laminate floors – they’ll only get damaged.
• To further protect your laminate flooring from scuff marks or dents, place furniture pads under the legs of your tables and chairs. Area rugs with slip-proof mats underneath also work wonders!

Do Laminate Floors Need To Be Refinished?

A laminate floor is a little different than a real wood floor, so no, they do not need to be refinished. Because of the blend of materials, it’d also be quite difficult to refinish and sand it. In fact, it’d just end up damaging it.

Many people choose to add a protective coat, also referred to as “top coat”, that protects their laminate floors from water and moisture damage called polyurethane. However, this isn’t absolutely necessary and it can be difficult to adhere to the material. But, if you wish to still add it, spread a thin layer evenly with a dry mop and allow it to try for one to two hours. You’ll need to apply at least several coats.

They Don’t Need Special Treatment After Installation

One of the best things (and most appealing traits) about laminate wood floors is the fact that they really don’t need anything added to them after they’ve been installed because of the material. This makes them a lot easier to look after and maintain than real wood flooring. But, while they don’t need additional treatment, they will need to be cleaned properly in order to preserve the shiny finish and stain and scratch-resistant appearance. They can be cleaned with a labelled laminate floor cleaner, or even with a soft, damp cloth and a touch of unscented dish soap or baby soap.

Need Help From Flooring Experts?

Whether you’re looking to have laminate floors installed or have questions about them, don’t hesitate to contact our flooring experts that are based in Mississauga, Ontario. We have over 25 years of valuable experience in the flooring industry and can assist you with whatever you may need. We also offer hardwood flooring installation, staircase installation, doors and trim, and more. Contact us today!

Hardwood is a timeless flooring material, but it can start to look tired after years of wear and tear. You can give your hardwood floor new life again by refinishing it.

Refinishing hardwood floors can be a difficult but worthwhile job for any do-it-yourselfer. A new coat can transform the look of most hardwood floors, bringing out their natural beauty. Learn how to refinish hardwood floors in this blog post.

What You Will Need:

• Plastic sheeting
• Wood stain
• Wood finish (choose between an oil-based, water-based or wax finish)
• Masking tape
• Pry bar
• Sandpaper
• Tack or microfiber cloth
• Drum sander and sanding pad
• Dust mask
• Safety goggles
• Hammer
• Wool applicator

The Step-By-Step Guide to Refinishing Hardwood Floors

1. Prepare the room

The first step to refinishing your floors is to get the area ready. Move any furniture, rugs, and objects off of the entire floor. Tape electrical outlets or remove them altogether. If there are any protruding nails, hammer them down firmly.

Next, clean the floor to remove any of the dust or dirt. It could be beneficial for you to mop the floor or vacuum it with a vacuum cleaner. After this is completed, cover the air vents and close any open windows to ensure that no dust from sanding escapes into your home.

2. Remove the baseboard

Before you start floor sanding, you will need to remove the baseboard. The baseboard or shoe base moulding covers the entire perimeter of the floor, so it should be removed for a consistent finish.

Use a pry bar to pull up the baseboard. Be careful not to scratch the baseboard or damage it.

3. Sand hardwood floors

It’s time to sand the floor!

General sanding

General sanding is when you sand the interior area of the floor, leaving the perimeter for more precise work. Use a drum sander or belt sander for general sanding, moving it back and forth along the grain of the wood in 3 to 4 feet strips to remove the existing finish. Start with 36 to 40 grit, increasing the fineness as you sand. This will help you get a nice, smooth surface finish.

Tip: Overlap the strokes of your sander to ensure that it does not leave marks to create deep scratches in the hardwood.

Sand the edges and corners

Once you have completed general sanding, it is time to move on to the edges and corners. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the wood on the perimeter of the room. This will involve you having to get down on your hands and knees, but it will be worthwhile to get stunning wood floors.

4. Vacuum up the sanding dust

After sanding, there is likely a thin layer of dust on the floor. It will need to be removed before you can start applying the floor finish to the bare wood. Use a vacuum to remove the dust. Then follow up with a microfiber or tack cloth to catch any dust that you may have missed.

5. Start staining the hardwood floor

Apply an even coat of the stain to the solid hardwood with a high-quality brush made out of foam. Move the brush back and forth along the wood grain, not against it. Work in sections from the far wall of the room and work towards the door, covering one square foot at a time.

Some stains will need excess stain to be removed as you go. Use paper towels or a cloth to remove the top layer.

6. Apply finish to the wood floor

To protect your floor, add a protective coat of wood finish. There are a variety of floor finishes to choose from, including water-based polyurethane and linseed oil.

Apply the finish with a steel wool brush. Let it dry thoroughly, then sand the floors lightly with sandpaper. Apply at least two coats of finish to seal and protect the newly finished floor.

Tip: Remember that oil-based products are slow drying, taking about 8 hours for penetrating oils to dry. If you are finishing high traffic areas, try to do them later in the evening.

7. Project wrap up

After the final coat has dried, you are done! If you need to do spot repairs, this is the time to use your wood putty and patch any spots. If you are happy with the results, put your room back together and enjoy your new flooring.

While some nice carpeting can help your home feel cozy, hardwood floors add a modern and sleek look to any room in your home. If you’ve recently made the transition to hardwood floors, you may be wondering how to properly care for them. If this is the case, here are some things you’ll need to know!

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

When you get new hardwood flooring in your home, you will likely fall in love with the shine. Clean hardwood floors can make any home look amazing and put together. Unfortunately, with kids, pets, and guests in your home, the shine of fresh hardwood flooring won’t last forever. This is why it’s important to find a regular cleaning routine for your hardwood floor, especially the high traffic areas.

Get Into A Regular Habit

Hardwood floors are going to get dirty. It’s a matter of when, not if. To manage the mess, routine cleaning is recommended. A regular cleaning schedule can help you keep your hardwood floors looking their best for as long as possible. Depending on the type and the location of the floors, your cleaning routine could involve some dusting and mopping or more deep cleaning measures.

Dust Daily & Vacuum Weekly

Dusting your hardwood floors is also a good practice to get into. A sweep daily can keep your floors from looking dull and covered in pet hair. After you dust daily with a dust mop head, you should also consider taking out the vacuum cleaner to help with dirt and other debris on the floor surface.

While vacuuming is often associated with carpeted floors, it’s actually very beneficial to vacuum hardwood flooring. To prevent scratches, it’s important to use a floor brush attachment when vacuuming hardwood floors.

Clean Dirt & Spills Immediately

With a busy house comes dust and dirt. In order to keep your floors clean, it’s recommended that you broom up dirt and dust every day with a dusting agent. When doing so, use a brush roll in order to prevent any damage to your wood floor.

A tough stain can stand out on your wood floors, so it’s best to deal with spills and stains immediately. There are plenty of cleaning hacks that can help remove tough stains and some key household ingredients to have on hand are dish detergent and baking soda. These two items can be the hero when it comes to fighting and removing stubborn stains on your beautiful hardwood floors.

Deep Clean Every Few Months

While dusting and vacuuming regularly can help your hardwood floors stay fresh, you’ll likely need to deep clean your floors every couple of months. Sticky spills if not caught in time can leave stains and residue on the floor that doesn’t come up in the vacuum. Deep cleaning wood floors can help maintain the quality of the hardwood and keep it looking great!

How To Deep Clean Hardwood Floors

Every type of flooring needs a deep clean every once in a while, including hardwood floors. Even with floor protectors, floor mats, and furniture covering the wood, a deeper clean is necessary to remove more permanent stains and keep them fresh.

To deep clean the floors, use a wood floor mop and a hardwood floor cleaner diluted with water according to the instructions on the label. Saturate a dry mop or rag and then wring it out before you damp mop the floor. It’s important here that you don’t let any moisture or standing water remain on the floor as this can affect wood later on. Open a window or use a ceiling fan to help the floors dry and the air to circulate.

If the floor’s finish isn’t looking shiny after using a deep cleaning product, you might consider refinishing the floors.

Dealing With Scratches On Your Hardwood Floor

Even the cleanest of wood floors are not immune to scratches and dents from furniture, doors, pets, and other mishaps. If you’re looking to remove a scratch or two, you’ll need to know what your wood’s finish is. There are a few different types of hardwood floor finishes and knowing which kind you have will be beneficial in repairing any deep scratches in your clean hardwood floors.

Fill Them In

One of the easiest ways to repair your floor is to fill in the scratches and dents. After cleaning the area with some wood floor cleaner, fill the scratch with some floor wax or putty. Then, buff the area with a soft material that won’t cause more light scratches.

Consider Refinishing The Floor

If the scratches are too deep or your floor is just covered in dents and scratches, you might consider refinishing one area, or the entire hardwood floor altogether. A fresh finish on the wood floor can bring new life back into your home and make the place shine again.

Supreme Flooring

If you’re ready to make the transition to hardwood flooring, Supreme Flooring is here to help. Our team of professionals is experienced in quality hardwood floor installations all around the Mississauga and Greater Toronto Area. With over 25 years in the industry, you can trust us to offer superior quality and customer service for all your installation needs.