Frequently Asked Questions

Solid wood flooring is a solid piece of wood from top to bottom with the thickness vary, from the range of 1/2” to 3/4”. Solid wood generally is recommended to use in any room that is above ground. Some people use it on living room and dining room too. One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times.

Engineered wood floors are made from multiple layers, which consisting of top layer of solid hardwood, an inner core of high density material and a hardwood backing. Engineered wood floors are durable, but not comparable to solid wood flooring because the surface is thin. It can become chipped or de-laminated if stressed beyond normal conditions. Yet its ability to hold up to limited moisture helps bring up its durability rating.

Laminated Flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulated wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. The inner core layer is usually composed of melamine resin and fiber board materials. So, it is not recommended in any area that will be consistently subjected to high levels of moisture. Exposure to moisture for extended periods can cause boards to swell and warp.

Vinyl Flooring is a product made by layering different materials, including a felt, fiberglass or vinyl backing; a core layer; a decorative layer with flooring pattern and a final “wear layer” on top that protects the flooring from scratches and scuffs. Vinyl flooring has to be installed on subfloor that is smooth and level. If the subfloor has imperfections, they may show through the vinyl.

Choosing the right species of wood flooring for you is strictly a matter of your style, budget and personal preference. More than 50 domestic and imported species of wood flooring are available to achieve a unique look. Check out the species gallery.

Choosing species with light tone such as Karai Batu generally make a room appear more open and airy.

Choosing species with tropical colour like Teak and Merbau generally make a room appear more warm and cozy.

Choosing species with dark colour tone like Sierra Wood or Burmese Walnut generally make a room appear more stately and refined.

Once you decide on a look, you should consider how your floors will be used. Are you a retired couple living alone, or a busy family with young children and pets? Each wood species is rated for its hardness and durability.

Yes. As a general rule, you should plan to order 10% more flooring than is needed for the installation. Much of the material will be cut to fit the exact space, and once the boards are cut, they likely cannot be used elsewhere in the room, so there is some waste involved.

It depends on personal preference. You can choose any sheen that you like. Gloss finishes offer the most shine, and will reflect the most light. Semi-gloss finishes offer some shine, and will reflect some light. Satin or matte finishes offer the least shine, and will reflect the least light.

Generally speaking, the less sheen, the less you will notice small scratches and other wear that is normal with wood floors. In Asian, matte finishes is more popular.

Satin Gloss

Semi Gloss

Matte

All hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly. To accomplish that, simply sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floors with the beater bar turned off to remove dirt and grit from between the floor boards.

Avoid using a wet mop or steam mop on hardwood floors as water and steam can dull the finish, or even damage the wood over long periods of time.

Place throw rugs at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor wood floors.

Scratches also can be prevented by placing floor protector pads on the bottoms of the legs of any furniture that comes into direct contact with the floors.

When spills occur, be sure to clean them immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Allowing spills to remain on the wood floors overnight could damage the finish, and possibly the wood. Avoid walking on the floors with sports cleats or high heel shoes that are in disrepair. These can scratch the finish, or even dent the floor.

Finally, when the floor begins to look dull after some years, you may just contact a wood flooring subcontractor to re-sanding and re-varnished the floor and it will back to new again.

Two factors influence color changes in wood floors: sun exposure and the finish that is applied to the floor. Over time, prolonged sun exposure will cause wood floors to change color. Think about how skin reacts when exposed to sunlight. Wood reacts in much the same way, and you can minimize this effect by putting on curtain or roller blind on area where wood floor is exposed to sunlight.

The second factor that can cause wood floors to change color over time is the finish used. Oil-modified finishes will amber over time, giving the floor a slightly yellow appearance. In contrast, water-based finishes generally will remain clear over time, minimizing long-term color changes.

There are several things you can do to minimize scratches from pets on your wood floors. The first is to trim your pet’s nails regularly. Place scatter rugs at all doors to minimize the amount of dirt and grit being tracked in, especially if your pet likes to dig. If scratches occur, consult with a professional wood flooring contractor for specific recommendations about how to repair the scratches.