 | Questions to
Ask | What Do I Want to Know? / Key Points About Hardwood Flooring |
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What are the benefits of
hardwood flooring vs. other flooring? |
If you are unsure that hardwood floors are for you, this will help you decide. |
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What different types of hardwood do you carry and how do they differ? |
You should be shown the following to get an idea of the brands or types you like:
- Construction (solid, engineered)
- Prefinished/Unfinished Edges
- Species
- Brands
- Grains or cuts
- Widths
- Textures
- Price Ranges
- Installation Methods
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What would you personally recommend for my situation? |
Consider:
- The look you are trying to achieve
- Home décor and furnishings
- Climate extremes and traffic level
- Any pets, kids or disabilities you have
- The type of room (including stairs)
- Type of subfloor (wood, concrete)
- Need for sound insulation
- Lighting
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| Once You Have an Idea of What Product You are Leaning Toward... |
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What grade is this product and what is the expected lifetime? |
Clear or First: No visible defects or knots; Little color variation
Select or
Second: Tight knots; Some color variation
Common or Third: Dark graining; Variations in
color; Knots
Rustic/Tavern: Darker graining; Knots; Strong visual imperfections
Exotic: Often have different rating systems than domestic
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What type of finish is used? |
Penetrating: Includes sealers, resins and oil finishes which work by soaking into the wood and giving
it a permanent color.
Surface: Includes urethane, varnish, lacquer, epoxy, acrylic, shellac and wax
which are layered over your hardwood floor like paint.
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Can the flooring be sanded and refinished? If so, how many times? |
Solid hardwood can usually be refinished more times than an engineered. Will you really be refinishing that many
times? |
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Is the hardwood sealed on all four sides? |
This prevents moisture damage. Ask your salesperson to show you this. |
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What is the level of VOC's released? |
Purchase flooring that meets E1 Safety & Emission Standards. |
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Is this preferred for a DIY installation? |
Ask for DIY instructions. These can also be found in our installation instructions. |
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What does the Manufacturer's Warranty cover and how long does it last? |
Look for a warranty accompanied by a large US company backing the product. If you find a cheap warranty from a private
labeled product without a big US presence,
be cautious. Read the fine print! |
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What can you tell me about the manufacturer and your experience with their products? |
- How long and how much have you sold?
- Customer Testimonials?
- Large or small/private label?
- # of years in business?
- Do they provide support?
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| Other factors to consider |
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Is the product in stock or does it have to be ordered? Is there a minimum order? |
Rare products may take longer to ship. Ask your salesperson to check stock with the distributor. Normally you can order
1 box at a time. |
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What is your return policy? |
Find out penalties, fees and stipulations for returning. Can you return extra hardwood? |
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What is the lead time before I can have this completely installed? |
Consider factors such as ordering the product, waiting for arrival, acclimatization and installation. |
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What other accessories or products might I need and do you carry them? |
Examples: Moisture barrier or underlayment, adhesives, trims and moldings, tools for installation,
rugs or mats |
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Can you provide care instructions? |
Follow all the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your warranty is not voided. |
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Do you sell cleaning kits and repair kits? |
Look for products recommended by the manufacturer. |
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May I see a sample of the actual flooring? |
If it is in stock, ask to remove a piece from actual box to inspect it (not all retailers will allow this). If
undecided, ask to take a floor sample home. Evaluate how it looks with the other colors and the lighting in the room? |
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What financing options are available? |
Consider financing if you decide on a product that is more than your budget. |
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Do you deliver? |
If so, curbside or stacked in the installation area? Is there a fee? How many days do I have to schedule in
advance? Do I need to move furniture? Are there any other preparations that I need to take? |
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Do you offer installation? If not, do you have a list of licensed installers &/or contractors you recommend? |
If not, use FindAnyFloor.com's directory search tool; "Find
it Locally", to find a local flooring professional, installer (contractor), or cleaner. |
