Q: I hired a 20+ year veteran flooring pro to install red oak hardwood floors. After the install, I was told by a friend about expansion gaps needed around the perimeter to prevent buckling, etc. as humidity changes and the house settles, in New England. When I asked, the contractor said this was unnecessary because he had stored the wood for several weeks where it could … [Read more...] about Should I Acclimate Hardwood Flooring & Leave Expansion Gap?
Wood Flooring
Cure For Squeaky Floors
Q: Hi. We recently moved into an older home with hardwood floors that are very squeaky in some spots. Some areas are hardwood and some are carpeted over hardwood . Any tips or products you can recommend minimize the squeaks without tearing out the ceiling below. In some places we can access from below. - MH A: Floor squeaks in hardwood floors are generally caused by spaces … [Read more...] about Cure For Squeaky Floors
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring vs. Unfinished?
Q: Is prefinished hardwood flooring as good as traditional hardwood? We are remodeling and wish to install hardwood strip flooring. We are considering unfinished hardwood flooring, prefinished solid hardwood, and laminated hardwood that is about 3/8-inch thick. We are leaning toward unfinished but have read that some of the prefinished products have better finishes. What’s … [Read more...] about Prefinished Hardwood Flooring vs. Unfinished?