Existing Floor Removal
When it's time to install wood floors into your home you do not need to worry about what to do with your existing carpet, vinyl, laminant or wood floors. Select Hardwood Floor's staff will expertly remove your existing floors, quickly and then dispose or recycle them.Installation
Once you have selected the type of wood floor to install it's time for the installation process. Select Hardwood Floors has perfected this process for maximum speed and perfect results. We want you to experience a smooth transition from one floor to the next, with as little downtime as possible. There are several methods for installing floors that depends on the floor type.Nail down installation
Typically used when installing solid wood floors. Two inch or shorter nailing cleats are generally used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to attach the flooring to the sub-floor.Staple down installation
Staples are used instead of nailing cleats to secure the hardwood flooring to the wood sub-floor. A pneumatic staple gun is used to drive the staples into the tongue of the wood plank and into the wood sub-floor underneath. The staple-down installation procedure is easier to do than the nail down for do-it-yourself installations. Beware, not all hardwood flooring manufacturers approve of staple down installation. Be sure to check with the manufacturer´s installation manual to make sure you are using the right staple gun and right size staples as well.Glue down installation
As part of a glue down installation, the boards are glued directly onto the sub-floor, whether the sub-floor is concrete or wood. The recommended mastic or adhesive is spread onto the sub-floor using the proper-sized notched trowel and than the planks are set into the adhesive. Glue-down installation of engineered wood floors can be done over wood sub-floors and dry, fully cured concrete slabs. Be sure to sure to use manufacturer´s recommended adhesive with the proper notched trowel when gluing down a wood floor. Not using the manufacturer´s recommended adhesive and trowel size will void any warranties.Floating
Recently hardwood flooring manufacturers have introduced wood floors with a special glueless locking system, also called "clic" floors. These floors can be installed over a variety of sub-floors such as wood, concrete slabs and even some types of existing floors. Floating floors can also be installed using wood glue applied to the tongue and groove of each plank to hold the planks together. In either case, padding is placed under the floor which acts to protect against moisture and noise. Some engineered floors and long-strip floors can be floated. This is a very fast, easy, and clean method of installation. Please consult manufacturer´s instructions to see if your floor can be floated.The Installation Process
(condensed)- First existing flooring is removed or preped.
- Then we clean and prepare your sub-floor.
- A moisture barrier (physical layer of material) is added to the floor.
- Then flooring is installed using a 'blind-nailer', staples or glue ... or a combination of methods.
- Then we sand using a drum sander and a edger.
- Next we buff the floor to give the floor a smooth finish.
- Custom stains are then mixed and hand rubbed into the floor for perfect blending.
- Floors are then covered multiple times with polyurethane using a lambs wool applicator.
- In between coats floors are buffed to the desired finish.
- Finally, 'quarter round' is installed on the edges.
Sanding
Having your hardwood floors professionally sanded (and refinished) can add beauty, value and longevity to your home.
At Select Hardwood Floors we specialize in sanding and finishing of hardwood floors. We take extra care to make sure your floors are well cared for, perfectly finished and that there is minimal disruption to your lifestyle.
Our sanding dust-containment system along with other dust containment options will help insure the least amount of airborne and residual dust as possible.
Please see our Sanding FAQ to answer common questions.
Staining
All stains are custom-mixed to match the floor's specific environment. Stains are then hand-rubbed into the floors for an even application. We can custom mix to match any other wood type in your home such as wood on cabinates or furniture. After staining floors are finished with a water or oil based finish and then buffed to the desired sheen, either satin or high-gloss.Finish
Select Hardwood Floors provides the right type of finish for your home, lifestyle, and wood surface. Based on the ever-changing weather of the Inland Pacafic Northwest we highly recommend the Swedish, Glista finish, a water based finish that is durable and easy to maintain, while emphasizing the very best qualities of your wood floors. Glista enhances the wood grain, adds incredible depths and warmth, as well as years of reliable service from your floors. (learn more)
We can also provide rich, durable oil-based finishes and a variety of finish textures such as Gloss, Semi Gloss, Satin and Matt finishes.
Buffing and Coating
This is a fast, low investment way to add like-new life to your existing hardwood floors. Buffing and Coating will add a brand new sheen to your floors and will add life to them as well, ensuring your floors value is maintained.
The Buffing and Coating Process
The process involves a light sanding of the existing floor finish. After sanding with very fine paper the floors will be cleaned/vacuumed, damp cloth tacked and puttied where necessary using custom colored putties that match the floor perfectly, then finished with an oil base polyurethane or water base finish. Floors will be buffed to maximize the finish at this point. There is a small amount of drying time required for this process.
NOTE: If the floor has ever been waxed and/or cleaned with any cleaners containing wax the buffing and coating process will not work. The new finish will not adhere to the existing finish, possibly causing peeling and/or separation in the finish.
Custom Borders, Medallions and Stairs
Select Hardwood Floors is about the special detail we put into each and every floor. Borders and medallions are a way to add an elegant, custom design to your floors, making them unique to your home. These take a little more time to install but are well worth it when you see how incredible they make your home look and feel, further adding to its value. Select Hardwood Floors is also an expert at solid wood stair design and installation.Design Coordination
If you need design ideas or are working with an interiror designer, please let us know. We have installed hundreds of wood floors and have many ideas that may fit your home, or we are happy to work directly with your designer.We have an experienced staff available by appointment to give a free home estimate or meet with you in our showroom to make your hardwood selections. Please call us at (208) 659-5246 or send an email to selecthardwood@roadrunner.com
