Flooring FAQ
Can I mop my hardwood floors?
You should never mop a hardwood floor. This will raise the grain and could permanently damage the wood’s surface. Always use an approved wood floor cleaner along with a terry cloth flooring mop.
Do I have to keep the room temperature and humidity controlled year-round?
All hardwood floors can be adversely affected by extreme changes in humidity. During hot, humid weather, a dehumidifier may be required, and a humidifier may be needed in the dry, heated winter months.
Can a laminate floor be installed over my existing floor?
Yes, as long as the current floor is in good condition and is affixed to the subfloor. We will inspect the floor and advise during the measurement phase of laminate floor.
Can I use a ‘steam mop’ on my floor?
Only use a steam mop on porcelain or ceramic tile. See manufacturers website for recommendations as some other surfaces may accept steam mopping.
What is the difference between polished, honed, and tumbled tile?
Polished tile is a shiny, glossy surface that brings out the color and character of the stone to its fullest. Honed finish is a velvety smooth surface with little or no gloss. Tumbled means the tile is tumbled with sand, pebbles, or steel bearings to create imperfections that give tile a worn, old look.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Porcelain is fired longer and can withstand freezing temperatures. Both are made from clay, but the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified.
Why is my tile and/or grout cracking?
The cause could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of the tiled surface. When a house shifts or settles, there is movement, thus the possibility of cracking.
How do I clean my LVP/LVT?
Sweep with a broom, Swiffer or vacuum, then fill a bucket with warm water and add ½-1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Rinse with clean, hot water. You can also use Blue Windex and a micro-fiber mop.
How often should I vacuum my carpet? Steam clean?
Daily carpet vacuuming in high-traffic areas is recommended. You should vacuum an area as many times per week as the number of people that regularly use that area. Steam cleaning should be done by a professional cleaner every 12-18 months to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty and keep records.
Can I use a rented carpet cleaner and do it myself?
You can, but you risk the possibility of voiding the warranty. All carpet companies require professional cleaning.
Do I have to seal grout?
Only certain types of grout need to be sealed. To check, apply water to your grout. Does it absorb the water quickly? Then dry and apply sealer. Epoxy grout does not need to be sealed. Sealer will help keep your grout looking new and easy to clean.
Are there any “allergy-friendly” carpets? Yes, there are a few carpets that are available to people with allergies. Ask when visiting, and we will be glad to show you the selections.
Do you have any products “in-store” for self-installation?
Yes, we have a wide variety of stock carpets, LVP/LVTs/vinyls, wood, and tile. Our selection changes regularly, so stop in and take a look.
You should never mop a hardwood floor. This will raise the grain and could permanently damage the wood’s surface. Always use an approved wood floor cleaner along with a terry cloth flooring mop.
Do I have to keep the room temperature and humidity controlled year-round?
All hardwood floors can be adversely affected by extreme changes in humidity. During hot, humid weather, a dehumidifier may be required, and a humidifier may be needed in the dry, heated winter months.
Can a laminate floor be installed over my existing floor?
Yes, as long as the current floor is in good condition and is affixed to the subfloor. We will inspect the floor and advise during the measurement phase of laminate floor.
Can I use a ‘steam mop’ on my floor?
Only use a steam mop on porcelain or ceramic tile. See manufacturers website for recommendations as some other surfaces may accept steam mopping.
What is the difference between polished, honed, and tumbled tile?
Polished tile is a shiny, glossy surface that brings out the color and character of the stone to its fullest. Honed finish is a velvety smooth surface with little or no gloss. Tumbled means the tile is tumbled with sand, pebbles, or steel bearings to create imperfections that give tile a worn, old look.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Porcelain is fired longer and can withstand freezing temperatures. Both are made from clay, but the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified.
Why is my tile and/or grout cracking?
The cause could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of the tiled surface. When a house shifts or settles, there is movement, thus the possibility of cracking.
How do I clean my LVP/LVT?
Sweep with a broom, Swiffer or vacuum, then fill a bucket with warm water and add ½-1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Rinse with clean, hot water. You can also use Blue Windex and a micro-fiber mop.
How often should I vacuum my carpet? Steam clean?
Daily carpet vacuuming in high-traffic areas is recommended. You should vacuum an area as many times per week as the number of people that regularly use that area. Steam cleaning should be done by a professional cleaner every 12-18 months to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty and keep records.
Can I use a rented carpet cleaner and do it myself?
You can, but you risk the possibility of voiding the warranty. All carpet companies require professional cleaning.
Do I have to seal grout?
Only certain types of grout need to be sealed. To check, apply water to your grout. Does it absorb the water quickly? Then dry and apply sealer. Epoxy grout does not need to be sealed. Sealer will help keep your grout looking new and easy to clean.
Are there any “allergy-friendly” carpets? Yes, there are a few carpets that are available to people with allergies. Ask when visiting, and we will be glad to show you the selections.
Do you have any products “in-store” for self-installation?
Yes, we have a wide variety of stock carpets, LVP/LVTs/vinyls, wood, and tile. Our selection changes regularly, so stop in and take a look.
