Clayton Valley Hardwood Floor, Co. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you use oil- or water-based stains?
A: "We use both, but it depends on what the customer wants. Water-based stains are a bit more environmentally friendly, but can have a different look. It used to be that oil-based finishes were superior products, but now, they’re both good. Water-based finishes are harder and stand up to scratches better. If you have a dog that’ll be running across the floor, we especially recommend a water-based finish. Water-based finishes are more expensive, but in terms of total cost of the job, they don’t add all that much."
Q: Do you stain all your floors? What color stains do you use?
A: "It depends on the material. Oak takes stain very nicely, but maple doesn’t and looks better unstained. As for colors, we use all types, from white to black and ebony. It’s all about what makes the wood look best."
Q: Are the finishes harmful? Do they smell bad?
A: "The finishes aren’t harmful, but some of them, especially the oil-based finishes, do have an odor that bothers certain people. If you’re living in the house during installation and are particularly sensitive to odors from paints and finishes, we can use water-based finishes to reduce the odor."
Q: Do you do wood inlay floors?
A: "Yes, but we’re not asked to that often. Wood inlay takes longer and is a lot more expensive. In our opinion, it also doesn’t improve the appearance of the floor that much. A well-installed and finished wood floor looks great; you don’t need to add to it to improve its appearance."
Q: Is pre-finished flooring as good as sanding in place?
A: "Usually, sanding in place is the better option. It may sound obvious, but the most important thing about floor installation is that the floor is flat. Normally, minor imperfections are sanded flat after installation, but pre-finished flooring has beveled edges so your feet don’t catch on the plank edges as you walk, eliminating the need for sanding. But beveled edges can be unsightly.Furthermore, the warranties on pre-finished flooring generally don’t cover the most common types of damage to the finish—fine scratches, dings and dents. And those problems are hard to fix on pre-finished products. The aluminum oxide finish used in pre-finished floors lasts a long time, but it’s difficult to sand off, and refinishing takes longer and is more expensive. On the other hand, the primary drawback with sanding in place is the dust it creates. But with proper dust control measures in place, it’s not so bad, and the end result is superior."
Q: Is it better to do multiple rooms at once?
A: "By combining multiple rooms, you can save a lot of money on the finishing portion of the job. Once we’re on site and have our equipment, it doesn’t take much longer to finish more square footage. On the other hand, if we’re doing a number of rooms, you may have to move out while we do the work. So there’s a question of convenience, as well."
Q: What’s acclimation?
A: "When we do a sand-in-place floor, we let the wood sit for about 10 days before sanding to let it “acclimate.” The wood comes in a bit dryer than most homes, so we let it draw in some humidity and moisture before sanding. This ensures you don’t get cupping or shrinkage down the road."
Q: Can I see what the stain will look like on my floor before making a decision?
A: "Yes. We can sand a small section after installation—maybe two by six feet—and apply various colors of stain. Then, during the acclimation period, you can look at it and decide which color you like best."
Q: What’s your workmanship guarantee?
A: "If there’s a problem with our workmanship, we fix it right away. We don’t have many problems, but when we do, we make it right."