Duffy Floors.com - Frank H. Duffy, Inc. - Wood Flooring Specialists, Since 1927

The Difference Between Pre-finished Floors

Laminate Flooring

Engineered Flooring

Pre-Finished Solid Wood Flooring

Traditional Hard Wood Flooring

Laminate vs. Wood Flooring

Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance

The Difference Between Pre-finished Floors
Laminate Flooring Engineered Flooring Pre-finished Solid Hard Wood Flooring Traditional Solid Hardwood Flooring

Laminate Flooring
Some laminate floors are similar to countertop products and are somewhat durable, but cannot be refinished or recoated once they are scratched or worn. Replacement will be the only answer in the case of damage. Laminate floors cannot be refinished because the surface of laminate flooring is a photographed image of a finished hardwood floor.
Pergo is one common brand of laminate flooring.

Engineered Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed in a factory with layers of hardwood veneer glued and heat pressed together. Thickness can range from 5/16 inch up to 9/16 inch, having 3-9 layers. The top layer veneer thickness can range depending on the manufacturer. The product is pre-finished with either stain color or clear finish. Depending on the thickness, you may get one sanding out of an engineered hard wood floor.

Pre-Finished Solid Wood Flooring
Pre-finished hard wood floors have the color and finish already applied in the factory. Pre-finished floors simply need to be installed however; the installation of a pre-finished product is more time consuming due to the additional care in the installation. One drawback to pre-finished wood flooring is that the flooring is usually produced with beveled edging. Since the floor is not smooth from board to board it can be a hindrance during sweeping.
Installing a solid pre-finished floor is a way to forgo the sanding, staining, and finishing process. This is a good alternative for those with allergies or other health related issues.
A properly manufactured solid pre-finished wood floor can be sanded up to 7 –8 times depending on wear.
Some common brands of solid Wood Flooring are Mercier, Bruce, and Owens to name a few.

Traditional Hard Wood Flooring
Traditionally hardwood floors are installed sanded and finished onsite. This process can take up to 3-7 days depending on the size of the room, any borders or inlays to install or any other intricate patterns.
When installing using the traditional process, the customer has a better selection of wood to choose from as well as patterns and colors. There are no beveled edges as with pre-finished flooring and the sanding and refinishing process produces a smooth transition from board to board. This process produces a more pristine appearance than any pre-finished flooring.
You can get 10 sanding out of a properly installed and maintained hardwood floor.

Laminate vs. Wood Flooring

DURABILITY AND "FIX ABILITY":
Wood flooring, which is usually 3/4” thick when installed and finished properly; will give years of satisfactory service. Wood floors can be refinished many times if needed through the lifetime of the floor. If damaged, portions may be replaced and the floor refinished.

Some laminate floors are similar to countertop products and are somewhat durable, but cannot be refinished or recoated once they are scratched or worn. Replacement will be the only answer in the case of damage.

Laminate and solid woods are comparable in pricing. However, hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished many times but laminate floors cannot.

With heavy use (children, pets) there will be more wear and tear than a household of only adults. Wood floors can be refinished or just refreshed with a buffing and recoating. This is not an option with laminate floors.

Wood floors, if sanded properly, can last 100 years!

A solid wood flooring product is a considered a capital improvement.

Nothing compares to a solid wood floor as far as durability. A solid 3/4” tongue and groove floor can be refinished 7 or 8 times throughout it’s life and if done properly one should get 10-15 years between sandings. Buffing and coating can be done more frequently to refresh a floors appearance.

These are some of the reasons that we do not install or service laminate flooring products.

HARDWOOD FLOOR MAINTENANCE

The key to enjoying beautiful hardwood flooring is proper maintenance. Proper maintenance is necessary for all hardwood flooring regardless if the product was prefinished at the factory or finished at the installation site. The no-maintenance hardwood floor does not exist. The maintenance procedures may vary with the type of finish or wax used on the hardwood floors.

Preventive maintenance is the most important requirement to the long-term performance and natural beauty of your hardwood floor.

The following outlines the key preventative maintenance points:

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Use protective walk off mats at the exterior doors to help prevent sand and grit from walking onto the floor. Gritty sand is flooring’s worst enemy.

Install proper floor protectors on furniture (felt pads) used on hardwood floors. Protectors will allow chairs to move easily over the floor without scuffing. Clean the protectors on a regular basis to remove any grit that may have become imbedded in the protector.

Vacuum regularly. When the household carpets are vacuumed, vacuum the hardwood floor with a brush attachment. Sweep on a daily basis or as necessary.

Never wet mop a hardwood floor. Excessive water causes wood to expand possibly damaging the flooring. The proper procedure is to use a well wrung out cloth or a Wood Floor Cleaning Kit. Food and liquid spills should be cleaned up in a timely manner.

We recommend a Wood Floor Cleaning Kit for the maintenance of your wood floors. Wood floor cleaning Kits, which include a mop, extra washable terry cloth cover and bottle of Bona Wood Floor Cleaning Solution, is available to you for $35.00 at Frank H. Duffy Inc., a gallon of concentrate $30,00. Available at most hardware stores or call to order at Frank H Duffy Inc.

Keep high heel shoes in good repair. Heels that have lost their protective cap thus exposing the fastening nail will exert over 8,000 pounds per square inch of pressure in a floor! That’s high enough to damage hardened concrete.

Never use any cleaning products containing wax or silicone, i.e. Murphy’s oil soap, Endust, Mop and Glow, etc., these products can dull the finish and prevent the polyurethane from adhering with future coatings.

Enjoy those floors! Please don’t hesitate to call us again for additional professional floor services!

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