No two floor boards will be identical. Variations in appearance are completely normal. As your floor ages, some color change will occur, especially with exotic woods. This photosensitivity is normal, but can be minimized by limiting exposure to direct sunlight and periodically moving furniture and rugs. Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means when wood is exposed to air it will dry out or pick up moisture until it is in equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. Cracks are normal as well, and will appear and disappear between floor boards during seasons of high and low humidity. Flooring inspectors recommend inspecting the floor from a standing position in normal lighting to identify irregularities.

The appearance of the wood determines its "grade." All grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each affords you a different look.

• Clear – free of defects, though it may have minor imperfections.
• Select – almost clear, but contains some natural characteristics such as knots and color variations.
• Common (No. 1 and No. 2) – has more natural characteristics such as knots and color variations than either clear or select grades, and often is chosen because of these natural features and the character they bring to a room. No. 1 Common has a variegated appearance, light and dark colors, knots, flags and wormholes. No 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasizes all wood characteristics of the species.

The angle at which a board is cut determines how the finished product looks. Wood flooring is either plain sawn, quarter sawn or rift sawn.

• Plain sawn – the most common cut. The board contains more variation than the other two cuts because grain patterns resulting from the growth rings are more obvious.
• Quarter sawn – produces less board feet per log than plain sawing and is therefore more expensive. Quarter sawn wood twists and cups less and wears more evenly.
• Rift sawn - similar to quarter sawing, but the cut is made at a slightly different angle.

There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration for the installation of your floors to be successful. Additionally, you should understand what we do while working on your floors.

1. The building should be completely closed in with outside windows and doors in place.
2. All wet trades (drywall, paint – all surfaces at least primed, ceramic tile, etc.) should have completed their work.
3. Concrete and drainage work should be completed.
4. Air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems should be operating. The temperature and relative humidity should be at “normal living conditions”, that is, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The wood flooring should then acclimate to conditions at the jobsite. Acclimation is the process of wood achieving equilibrium with the humidity and temperature of the air. The time for this to happen varies according to conditions on the job.
5. Furniture, appliances and old floor coverings should be removed from rooms where wood flooring is to be installed.

1. We will use plastic sheets to seal off the work areas.
2. There will be sawing, hammering and other noises during installation.
3. Allow approximately five days after installation is complete before sanding and finishing begin. You may walk on the floors during this time.

1. There will be noise, dust and some fumes during the sanding and finishing process. Dust containment systems can minimize debris, but no system is 100% effective.
2. We will seal off the work area and protect finished surfaces as needed.
3. Please keep pets away from the work area.
4. A typical sanding job (approximately 1000 square feet) takes two days of sanding, with stain (if any) applied on the second or third day. Finish is applied on the fourth and fifth days. When the finish is applied, stay off your floors until it has dried. The time required will vary depending on the type of finish used.
5. When the work is completed, you may need to touch up paint on the baseboards.
6. After the finish has dried, put felt pads on the bottoms of any furniture to minimize scratches and dents. Place scatter rugs at all entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor your floor.

With today’s advances in wood flooring stains and finishes, cleaning your wood floors has never been easier. Regular maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristle broom, and vacuuming with a soft floor attachment if your wood floor includes a beveled edge that could collect debris. You also should clean your floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product, like Bona’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

There are other steps you can take to minimize maintenance and maintain the beauty of your wood floors as well.

1. Do not use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
2. Use throw rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt and other debris from being tracked onto your wood floors. This will prevent scratching.
3. Do not wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
4. Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
5. Put fabric-faced felts under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
6. Avoid walking on your wood floors with cleats, sports shoes and high heels. A 125-pound woman walking in high heels has an impact of 2,000 pounds per square inch. An exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.
7. When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture completely to protect the wood flooring.
8. For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink, dishwasher and stove.
9. Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to keep wood movement and shrinkage to a minimum.