A Natural Beauty

Hardwood comes in a variety of species, colors, and look wonderful in any home. Buy is it worth the cost?

Easy to maintain

Hardwood floors are easily maintained with nothing more than a broom and a Swiffer. You never have to have them deep cleaned with harsh chemicals, or a steam cleaner. That wine that you just spilled…no problem, it was on hardwood and not carpet. and your messy kids that like to make big messes, Thank God that you have hardwoods that you can just wipe the chocolate right off of. I’m sure you get the point.

Pets

Do you know anyone who has pets that have ripped holes in the carpet floors? That doesn’t happen with Hardwood. Hardwood is a much more durable material and can stand up to much more traffic than carpet can.

Resale value

The most common thing on homebuyers “must have” list is hardwood floors. Yes that is correct. the reason is because they don’t want to replace the carpet after they move in. In addition, Hardwood floors will make your home worth more money when it comes time to sell the house.

Hardwood Flooring Installation

The best way to ensure your new flooring looks the way you want and wears as you expect it to, is to have it professionally installed. An experienced installer understands the differences between various types of hardwood and has the specialized skills needed for a successful installation. If you plan to install your own hardwood flooring, you should always check the manufacturer’s approved installation guidelines and warranties before starting your project. A professionally installed hardwood floor will more likely be covered by the Shaw warranty if the need should arise.

The best method for installation may vary depending on the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where the floor is installed. Methods for fastening solid hardwood flooring include stapling, nailing, or gluing to a subfloor layer. Because it tends to react to changes in temperature and humidity, solid wood is not recommended for use below the grade line of your property. Engineered hardwood is a better choice because it can be installed almost anywhere. It has no issues with seasonal changes in climate, which makes it a great choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

The best way to ensure your new flooring looks the way you want and wears as you expect it to, is to have it professionally installed. An experienced installer understands the differences between various types of hardwood and has the specialized skills needed for a successful installation. If you plan to install your own hardwood flooring, you should always check the manufacturer’s approved installation guidelines and warranties before starting your project. A professionally installed hardwood floor will more likely be covered by the Shaw warranty if the need should arise.

The best method for installation may vary depending on the width, thickness and construction of the flooring you’ve chosen and where the floor is installed. Methods for fastening solid hardwood flooring include stapling, nailing, or gluing to a subfloor layer. Because it tends to react to changes in temperature and humidity, solid wood is not recommended for use below the grade line of your property. Engineered hardwood is a better choice because it can be installed almost anywhere. It has no issues with seasonal changes in climate, which makes it a great choice for use in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Getting Ready for Your Hardwood Installation

To ensure a successful hardwood flooring installation some preparation is required. You should consult with a specialist from MFC for full instructions, but here are some steps you should expect to take to help the process go smoothly.

To make a suitable installation surface for your new hardwood you may have to remove your existing flooring. This process will be different for different types of existing flooring, extra care may be required if your previous flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. It’s important to provide a smooth, level surface. A professional flooring specialist can be a huge help with this process, with the necessary tools and knowledge to judge when the flooring surface is ready. A pro may also be able to assist with the disposal of your old flooring.
All the furniture will have to be removed from the rooms where your new hardwood is to be installed. You should consider hiring a professional moving and storage company, especially for large or heavy items. A professional moving team can empty a room or empty a whole house quickly. This will minimize the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a single day at each end of the job. You should also take down photos or other wall hangings which can be damaged accidentally during the installation of your hardwood flooring.

During & After Your Hardwood Installation

An adult member of your household (age 18 or older) should greet your installer and show them to the work area.
Be sure to get a walkthrough of the job from the lead installer to give you a clear idea of the work involved and ask them any questions you have about the job.
To ensure everyone’s safety and to help the job go smoothly, keep children and pets away from the work area for the duration of the job.
Do not walk on your new floors for the required amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take.
Do not walk on your new floors for the required amount of time after the job is done. The stain and varnish that has been used on the surface will need time to cure properly. The lead installer will be able to advise you on how long this will take.

Hardwood Care & Maintenance

The classic beauty of hardwood flooring is incomparable. At MFC, we know from experience that both natural and engineered hardwood are popular flooring choices and will last for years to come when properly maintained.

Protective Care and Maintenance:

Following a protective care and maintenance protocol will go a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors. Use entry and doormats to avoid tracking dirt and debris that could scratch or scuff the hardwood, remove all outdoor shoes before walking across the floor, and use floor protectors under heavy furniture to avoid indentations or scratches.

Other preventative measures include keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, avoiding walking on the floor in high heels, and using a humidifier during the dry heating season and a dehumidifier during inclement weather. An area rug is also a great way to protect sections of your hardwood that are exposed to heavier foot traffic.

Here are cleaning and maintenance tips that our team at MFC wants to share with you. When in doubt, check in with your manufacturer.

Spills and messes happen so it’s important to know how to clean these inevitabilities without damaging your floor. While most spills can easily be wiped away, it is important to wipe them up quickly as hardwood is not water resistant. For other more challenging stains such as wax residue or nail polish, consult with the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting to clean it.
Every day care and maintenance could include sweeping, vacuuming or dry mopping your hardwood flooring. Make sure to check with your manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide, in addition to their list of approved vacuum cleaners, before using it on your floor.
For deeper cleaning, use a manufacturer approved cleaning solution and follow their guidelines.
For an even deeper clean, say for a spring cleaning, you may opt to hire a local professional floor cleaning company. For recommendations, speak with any of our store representatives!