When the hardwood floor is safely installed and the work is completed, your hardwood floor company is required to give you a written invoice. This must include:

·      The name and physical address of the wood floor company

·      A list of all work performed, including the warranty

·      An itemized list of all merchandise purchased or included

·      The total wood floor cost, including the amount charged for labor, if any

Before leaving the hardwood floor company, confirm any warranties offered by the hardwood floor shop in San Francisco, including the larger neighborhoods Excelsior, Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, North Beach, and Bayview District. The written warranty document must detail the following:

·      The hardwood floor company’s name and physical address

·      What the warranty covers. This should include whether the shop will replace or repair failed parts or give you a refund. Any exclusions must be explicitly stated.

• Your responsibility in case of a hardwood floor problem and what you need to do in order to redeem the warranty.
• How long the warranty is valid, and whether it expires on a specific day or if it is prorated.
• If the hardwood floor warranty coverage is transferable to the new owner in the event that you sell the home or building in which the wood floors have been installed.

Hardwood floor companies in San Francisco, including the larger neighborhoods of Sunset District, Richmond District, Mission District, Tenderloin, and Bernal Heights ,  provide all types of floorings. Following is a list of the most popular floors.

·      Bamboo flooring

o   Bamboo flooring is a popular option because it is environmentally friendly. It is durable and has the look of a wood floor.

·      Cork flooring

o   Cork flooring is a popular option because it is environmentally friendly. Cork is harvested without killing the tree and it is inexpensive. However, it is also susceptible to wear and moisture.

·      Laminate flooring

o   Laminate flooring can mimic the look of hardwood flooring for much less money. Laminate floors are durable, resistant to dents, UV light, scratches, and stains. However, they are also susceptible to damage from moisture. This makes them a poor choice for kitchen or bathroom areas.

·      Plank flooring

o   Plank flooring comes in two thicknesses only—1/2 inch or ¾ inch–, but the widths can vary from three to eight inches.

·      Strip flooring

o   Strip flooring is known by the thickness and width of the wood planks. The width is set at 1 ½ inches, 2 inches, and 2 ¼ inches. The thickness ranges from 5/16 of an inch to ¾ of an inch wide.

·      Engineered wood flooring

o   Due to its low cost, engineered wood flooring has become very popular. However, engineered wood flooring contains no actual wood. It is produced by adhering layers of plastic laminate veneer with real wood.

·      Birch flooring

o   Birch flooring has the benefits of a hardwood floor such as hardness and durability, color variation, natural highlights in the wood, and comparable pricing to hardwoods. Birch flooring comes in paper birch, yellow birch, and sweet birch.

·      Pine flooring

o   Pine flooring is a popular option because it is environmentally friendly. It is made of pine resins, sawdust, cork dust, and limestone which make it highly durable. However, it does require frequent finishing.

·      Parquet floors

o   Parquet floors have an original look from regular hardwood floors. They are made up of geometrical patterns composed of individual wood slats held in place by either mechanical fastening or adhesive.

·      Cherry hardwood flooring

o   Cherry hardwood floors have rich, lustrous hues that deepen as the floor ages. Because it is a soft wood, it isn’t usually used for a whole floor. It does make an excellent accent or decorative wood.

bamboo flooring
Bamboo hardwood flooring is environmentally friendly, durable, and has the look of a wood floor.

Also known as: bamboo hardwood floors, hardwood flooring, solid hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring installation

Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring
Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring is an exotic hardwood flooring that has a natural reddish brown color and superior hardness.

Also known as: Brazilian cherry hardwood floors reviews, Brazilian cherry wood, cherry hardwood flooring, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, hardwood flooring Brazilian cherry, Brazilian cherry engineered flooring

birch flooring
Birch flooring has the benefits of a hardwood floor such as hardness and durability, color variation, natural highlights in the wood, and comparable pricing to hardwoods. Birch flooring comes in paper birch, yellow birch, and sweet birch.

Also known as: birch floors, yellow birch flooring, birch wood floors, birch wood flooring, birch hardwood floors

cherry hardwood flooring
Cherry hardwood floors have rich, lustrous hues that deepen as the floor ages. Because it is a soft wood, it isn’t usually used for a whole floor. It does make an excellent accent or decorative wood.

Also known as: Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring

distressed wood flooring
Distressed wood flooring is a recent trend in wood flooring that is rooted in history. The wood floor is scraped on site to make the floors flat, add texture, richness, and uniqueness. Though distressing a hardwood floor can and should be done by hand in order to maintain the natural look of the wood with wormholes, splits and other character markings, it is often done by machine which causes repetition of the pattern.

Also known as: wood floor, hand scraped wood floors, hard wood floors, wood flooring types, wood flooring installation, discount wood flooring, cheap wood flooring

engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood floors are built with 3-12 multiple ply layers that are cross layered, glued and pressed together. The inner layers are generally built up with either a hardwood or a soft plywood type of material. The top veneer wear layer is glued and pressed on the top surface. Engineered wood flooring is available in most all wood species. It is more resistant to higher moisture levels than solid wood flooring and it can be directly glued down over concrete slabs.

Also known as: engineered wood flooring reviews, engineered wood floor, what is engineered wood flooring, engineered wood flooring installation, discount engineered wood flooring, engineered wood floors

exotic hardwood flooring
Exotic hardwood flooring is composed of exotic hardwoods from Brazil, Asia, and Africa. The woods come from managed forests and beautifully transform any room. Exotic hardwood flooring never needs to be stained as the color will always remain true to the original.

floating wood floors
Floating wood floors are a form of an engineered wood floor that is installed using a floating method. The wood floor is not secured to any subfloor but is suspended above the floor while resting on a cushioned underlayment.

Also known as: floating wood flooring, hard wood flooring, wood flooring types, wood flooring, floating wood floor installation, install floating wood floors

hand scraped wood floors
Hand scraped wood floors are a recent trend in wood flooring that is rooted in history. The wood floor is scraped on site to make the floors flat, add texture, richness, and uniqueness. Though scraping the wood can and should be done by hand in order to maintain the natural look of the wood with wormholes, splits and other character markings, it is often done by machine which causes repetition of the pattern.

Also known as: hand scraped hardwood flooring, distressed wood flooring, hand scraped bamboo flooring, handscraped wood floors, handscraped wood flooring, wood flooring hand scraped

hardwood floor installation
Hardwood floor installation refers to installing a woodfloor in your home or business.

Also known as: hardwood flooring installation, installing hardwood flooring, install hardwood floor, hardwood floor installer, wood flooring installation, hardwood floor install

hardwood floor refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing refers to the process of refinishing a wood floor in order to bring back its original shine and preserve the quality of the wood.

Also known as: how to refinish hardwood floors, refinishing hardwood floors, refinish hardwood floors, wood floor refinishing

hickory wood flooring
Hickory wood flooring is made out of hickory wood and has a reputation for durability. It is  one of the hardest wood floorings available.

Also known as: hickory hardwood flooring, cheap wood flooring, hickory hardwood floors, wood flooring types, wood flooring prices

home hardwood flooring
Home hardwood flooring is a reference to purchasing and installing a hardwood floor for the home. Hardwood floors increase the value of your home and if properly maintained, should last the lifetime of your home.

Also known as: hardwood flooring, wood flooring, wood floors

laminate wood flooring
Laminate wood flooring mimics the look of hardwood flooring for much less money. Laminate floors are durable, resistant to dents, UV light, scratches, and stains. However, they are also susceptible to damage from moisture. This makes them a poor choice for kitchen or bathroom areas.

Also known as: laminated wood floor, cheap laminate wood flooring, laminated wood flooring

natural wood flooring
Natural wood flooring refers to a hardwood floor that preserves the natural beauty, color and characteristics of wood, including wormholes, splits and other character markings.

Also known as: wood flooring, wood floor, natural wood floors, types of wood flooring

oak hardwood flooring
Oak hardwood flooring comes in red oak, which is the most popular flooring option, and white oak. Red oak is reddish in color and is a stiff, dense wood that resists wear. White oak is brown in color with a grayish cast and has more burls and swirls. It is harder and more resists wear better than red oak.

Also known as: oak hardwood floor, hardwood floors, red oak hardwood floors, cheap hardwood flooring, prefinished hardwood floors

parquet wood flooring
Parquet wood flooring is made of a geometric mosaic of hardwood floor pieces and used for decorative effect. Parquet flooring is common in foyers and entryways of homes as it lends a rich effect.

Also known as: parquet wood floor, parquet wood floor tiles, wood parquet floor, parquet wood flooring tiles, engineered wood flooring, parquetry

pine flooring
Pine flooring is made from pine which is a yellowish brown color and contains a lot of swirls and knots. It is almost as hard as red oak and has a natural resistance to insects.

Also known as: heart pine flooring, pine floors, pine plank flooring, pine wood floors, red pine flooring, heart pine floors, antique pine flooring, pine floor, pine laminate flooring, authentic pine floors, yellow pine flooring, heart of pine flooring

plank hardwood flooring
Plank hardwood flooring comes in two thicknesses only—1/2 inch or ¾ inch–, but the widths can vary from three to eight inches. Plank flooring has the appearance of very wide planks of wood.

Also known as: wide plank hardwood floor, hardwood flooring wide plank, hardwood floor planks, hardwood plank floors, prefinished hardwood flooring

prefinished hardwood flooring
Prefinished hardwood flooring is a faster, less labor intensive alternative to unfinished flooring. The finish already applied before installation so that the hardwood floor simply needs to be installed.

reclaimed wood flooring
Reclaimed wood flooring is created from wood that is taken for re-use. This reclaimed wood usually comes from timbers and decking that is stripped from old barns, factories and warehouses.

Also known as: reclaimed wood, hard wood floors, recycled wood flooring, reclaimed wood floors, engineered wood flooring, reclaimed wood floor

rustic hardwood flooring
Rustic hardwood flooring is a wood flooring created from wood that is taken for re-use. This reclaimed wood usually comes from timbers and decking that is stripped from old barns, factories and warehouses.

Also known as: rustic hardwood floors, prefinished hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring, hardwood floors

solid hardwood flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is a solid hardwood floor that has been installed using solid wood rather than an engineered hardwood floor which has the look and appearance of solid wood but is not.

Also known as: solid hardwood floors, hardwood floors, cheap hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring types

teak flooring
Teak flooring is made out of the teak tree and is a highly durable, though very expensive, wood. The teak tree does not grow in rainforests and can withstand a lot of abuse which makes it the perfect choice for an active family.

Also known as: teak hardwood flooring, teak wood floors, golden teak flooring, Brazilian teak flooring, teak hardwood floors, teak and holly flooring, Brazilian teak hardwood flooring, teak wood floor, Brazilian teak hardwood flooring, Brazilian teak floor, teak wood flooring, teak floor, flooring options

unfinished wood floor
An unfinished wood floor is a floor that needs to be finished—sanded and then a finish applied—after installation. The beauty of a sanded and finished hardwood floor is unsurpassed when compared to prefinished flooring.

Also known as: engineered wood floors, hard wood floors, cheap wood flooring, wood floor installation, discount wood flooring, wholesale wood flooring, wide plank flooring, tiger wood flooring, bamboo wood flooring

walnut hardwood flooring
Walnut hardwood flooring is made up of two groups: heartwood and sapwood. The walnut heartwood group varies in color from a deep, rich brown to a purplish black color. Walnut sapwood ranges from nearly white to a tan color. Sapwood is the outer part of the tree so it is less durable and more permeable. It is also the smoother of the two options which means that it warps more easily. The heartwood is the older, stronger part of the wood so it is a great choice for flooring.

Also known as: Brazilian walnut hardwood floors, Brazilian walnut hardwood flooring, asian walnut hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring, prefinished hardwood flooring

wide plank hardwood flooring
Wide plank flooring comes in two thicknesses only—1/2 inch or ¾ inch–, but the widths can vary from three to eight inches. It has the appearance of very wide planks of wood.

Also known as: wide plank flooring, wide plank wood flooring, wide plank floors, wide plank hardwood, wide plank hardwood floors

wooden floors
Wooden floors are floors made out of wood or materials that have the appearance of wood.

Also known as: reclaimed wooden flooring, painting wooden floors, wooden flooring cost, cleaning wooden floors

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified hardwood floor installation company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a hardwood floor company with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only wood floor companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified wood floor company.

Q: Can I install a solid wood floor over a concrete slab?
A: There have been successful installations of solid wood flooring installed over dry concrete slabs, but as a general rule, this is not recommended. This may also void your warranty so be sure to check with the manufacturer regarding their recommendations before you do install a solid wood floor over a concrete slab.

Q: What wood floor can be installed over a concrete slab?

A: Most engineered and longstrip plank floors can be installed over a concrete slab. They can be glued directly to a clean, dry concrete slab. Some engineered wood floors can also be glued at the tongue and grooves and then allowed to be floated over a special padding laid over the concrete slab. Furthermore, there are some new “hybrid” engineered floors that can be floated over a concrete slab. As a side note, new concrete slabs must be fully cured for at least sixty days. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation procedures.

Q: Can I install a hardwood floor over an existing vinyl floor?
A: Yes, under certain conditions. If the vinyl floor is thin and secured well to the subfloor, you may be able to float a wood floor over it. In certain situations you may be able to nail or staple a wood floor over it. Be sure to get the manufacturer’s installation procedures for going over a vinyl floor and also make sure to check if this type of installation is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Q: How do I remove scratches from my wood floor?
A: This depends on the type of wood floor that you have, the finish that you have, and how deep the scratches are in the top layer. For small, minor scratches in a urethane finish, you can order a touch-up kit from the store you purchased the flooring from. You will want to first test the finish products by applying a small amount in an out of the way area. For deep scratches, you may need to have a professional do a screen and recoat. The professional uses a special sanding screen to lightly abrade the floor’s finish which helps the new urethane bond better to the existing finish. Sometimes you may even be able to just replace the damaged boards.

Q: Can I install hardwood flooring if I have pets?
A: Hardwood floors are not designed for the abuse a dog or can cause on a hardwood flooring surface. Urine can permanently discolor the finish of the wood floor, and dogs’ claws can leave scratch marks in the finish. The type of wood you buy, the color, and the finish will all factor into how well the floor’s finish will withstand scratches and excessive wear from your pet.

Q: Can an engineered wood floor be refinished?
A: Engineered wood floors with a 1/8” thick finish layer can be sanded and refinished one or two times. The sanding and refinishing of an engineered wooden floor is best completed by an experienced hardwood flooring contractor. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if they recommend sanding and refinishing the engineered flooring.

Q: Can I use throw rugs on my hardwood flooring?
A: Before you use any throw rugs on your hardwood floor, you should know the type of finish you have on the floor. Make sure that your rugs are non-staining which means that the colored dyes will not bleed. In the presence of moisture, some dyes used in rugs may bleed through and discolors the surface of the wood floor. Also, if the rug has a rough backing material, it may scratch the surface of the floor. Be sure to clean dirt and debris from underneath the rug on a regular basis. Also, you will want to move the rug occasionally to prevent possible shading of the wood underneath the rug.

Q: How do I stop a solid hardwood floor from gapping?
A: Unfortunately, gapping in solid wood floors cannot be stopped completely. Wood expands and contracts as the humidity changes. Using a humidifier during the warmer months may help reduce the amount of gapping in solid wood floors. Also, some types of wood may expand and contract less than others. One advantage of engineered wood floors is that they are more dimensionally stable and show little or no gaps between planks.

Q: What should I use under furniture legs?
A: Most flooring companies carry the recommended felt pads for you to use under chair legs and other furniture. These felt pads come in various sizes. Some just stick onto the bottom of the legs while others need to be nailed on. Follow the directions provided with the pads. Be sure to check and clean the pads regularly to prevent debris, dirt, and small particles from being trapped in the pad. This could cause scratches in the wood floor’s finish.