Where to start when deciding on wood flooring

There are several things to keep in mind when selecting a wood floor. By considering the questions below, you can ensure that your purchase will meet your needs and provide years of beauty and durability. We are always available to help you make a great selection.

1. Is your Project?
   • Residential
   • Commercial
   • Institutional

The kind of project you have will dictate the choices available to you. Installation methods and warranties will differ for residential versus commercial or institutional. However, many products are available in both classifications.


2. On what grade (elevation) will the flooring be installed?

• On-grade or on the ground floor
• Above-grade, or on an upper floor
• Below-grade, such as a basement

  If you are installing your floor below grade, be sure to use an engineered or laminate product. Solid wood floors normally would not be used below grade because they are not as tolerant of moisture.

3. What subfloor will you be installing on?

• Concrete slab
• Plywood
• Existing floor such as vinyl or wood

  A solid wood floor is not a good choice over a concrete slab since it should be nailed or stapled to the subfloor. Most of time, wood flooring will be installed over a plywood subfloor. Concrete slab is most common in below grade levels, ie basements.What installation method will you use?

4. What installation method will you use?

• Nail or Staple
• Glue
• Floating

For Glued or Floating installations your best choice is an engineered or laminate floor. You'll get the best results from your flooring if you use the recommended installation method. Solid wood flooring will most often be nailed down.

5. What color tones do you prefer?

• Dark
• Medium
• Light
• Reddish
• Golden

6. Do you have a species of wood in mind?

• White oak
• Red oak
• American cherry
• Brazilian cherry
• Santos mahogany
• Other

Sometimes the species of wood will limit the stain options available to you. To have more options available, consider different types of species.

7. What width of boards do you prefer?

• Strips from 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 inches
• Planks from 3 to 5 inches
• Planks from 5 to 8 inches
• Parquet
• Other

Something to consider regarding board widths is the size of the room or space you are installing the wood flooring in. Wide board tend to open up the space more than smaller widths.
You will get the best results from your selection if you make an informed and educated decision and use this outline to help you get there. Applegate Wood Floors is always available to assist you with your decision. Call us today for a Free Estimate!

More about Applegate

If you haven't made your way to our website, we encourage you to do so. In the meantime, here is some information about us, Applegate Wood Floors:

We've worked regionally and nationally and have provided our customers with expertise, service and a definitive sense of style. With forty years of combined experience in the industry, we enjoy a solid reputation for over the top performance and first class service going beyond expectation. Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. supplies exclusive wood flooring and custom installation throughout the continental US.

We at Applegate Wood Floors have only two real passions: wood floors and our clients. Thanks to a carefully selected network of manufacturers and suppliers across the U.S., Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. features over 15 wood species in a wide range of widths, finishes and grades to suit any taste and lifestyle. With a solid industry reputation for over-the-top products, performance and price, Applegate Wood Floors, Inc. specializes in serving discriminating clients throughout the continental U.S.

Premium Products... Performance... & Price.

Please visit us anytime at www.applegatewoodfloors.com. Or call for a Free Estimate so that we can help you get started on the project of your dreams!

Wood Flooring Maintenance Refresher

After all the time, money and effort in making the right choice for your hardwood flooring project, remember that simple maintenance will make your choice a lasting choice for a lifetime.

- Use mats and rugs at all exterior doors. Throws rugs inside entrances are also helpful. Both keep dirt that can scratch your floor from tracking in.

- Protect your floor from direct sunlight because it speeds the oxidization of chemicals in the wood and change its color. To avoid uneven coloring, move area rugs and furniture occasionally. Also, cover any large west-facing windows, particularly when the sun is at its most intense.

- Put fabric glides under the legs of your furniture so it can slide easily without scuffing the floor's finish. Clean or replace the inexpensive pads regularly, as dirt can get embedded in them. For extremely heavy furniture, like pianos, use wide, non-staining rubber cups to keep the weight from denting the floor.

- Vacuum regularly. Vacuum floors at least as often as your vacuum your carpets. The brush attachment works like a charm. Sweep or dust mop regularly. Products like Swiffer work perfectly.

- Wipe up spills right away with a damp white cloth or paper towel. Then pat the area dry.

- Trim pet's claws to keep your best friend from scratching your floor.


- Don't use a damp mop. Water and wood floors don't mix

- Avoid household dust treatments intended for furniture. Products like Pledge can make your floor too slick or dull its finish.

- Don't use oil soaps because many brands can actually damage or dull the finish of your floor.

- Avoid wax-based products if your floor has a polyurethane finish. A paste wax will form a sticky film on your urethane finish that traps dirt and will prove impossible to finish again.
Seasonal Care

- Humidity and ventilation are critical considerations for wood floors, especially in the first year. Keep the relative humidity in your home between 45 and 50 percent to minimize the natural expansion and contraction if the wood.

- Dry air shrinks the wood, making cracks more visible. In solid 2 1/4" wide oak floors, cracks might reach the width of a dime, though wider boards can reveal even wider cracks. If the humidity level is persistent at 35 percent or less, prevent excess drying and possible wood shrinkage by:

* boiling a pan of water,
* turning off the bathroom exhaust fan after a shower,
* opening the dishwasher after the rinse cycle,
* placing a pan of water in the furnace fan compartment,
* hanging wet laundry to dry in the basement,
* or installing a humidifier to maintain a steady moisture level in the house.

In humid summer months, too much moisture can cause the wood to swell to the point it buckles. Your air conditioner can act as a dehumidifier; make sure it's operating within the 45 to 50 percent humidity range. In extreme humidity, periodically turn on the heating to reduce the humidity.

These simple guidelines will help to ensure your beautiful wood floors last a lifetime.

Visit our website for more How-To Guides on Selection and How To Measure.