OFF TO SCHOOL I GO…Well, Flooring School That Is

Last week the staff at Peak at Home had the pleasure of meeting with Joe Buckhaults, from Robinson Lumber for Flooring School. Robinson Lumber is a major producer of Exotic Hardwood Flooring in the USA. What I knew going into school was that hardwood and engineered floors are absolutely beautiful and everyone should have at least one room in their home to showcase the many species of wood flooring that is available. However, I had no idea hardwood flooring was this complicated. I’ve always just damp mopped it and dusted it with Pledge©. FYI: Do NOT put anything on your floor that contains a wax, unless you want to play hell completely sanding it down and staring over years later.

The most important things to know about hardwood flooring:

• Length

• Width

• Wear

• It needs to FLOAT- do NOT glue it down

• You need to install a good sub floor and moisture barrier

• Hardwood flooring is NOT recommended on concrete BASEMENT floors

• Moisture is very important to hardwood flooring. It’s vital that your home have a certain amount of moisture in the air to maintain the floors. Please look at the manufacturer’s specification sheets on what is required for your specific floor

• The installer is vital to your project!

 A good hardwood floor should last you at least 20 years with normal wear and tear. Installed properly and with no major damages to the floor, you should be able refinish the floor at the 25 year mark. Most marriages don’t last 25 years these days, so quality hardwood floor is a great investment and it looks fantastic!

 One small note: buy your hardwood flooring by a reputable flooring dealer. Not from some big box chain store that has to scream at you to come into their store to buy something. If they are screaming at you to come into their showroom, imagine what they’ll be like to deal with when a problem comes up and you need help?