New York Floorman, LLC owner Rich Kessner is a flooring expert who handles all types of hardwood floor repairs and installations for clients throughout the greater New York City area. His company has been family owned and operated since its creation in 1973. In these articles, Kessner tells us how he advises clients looking to have new hardwood floors installed in their residential homes and apartments.
How Should I Decide On a Type of Wood to Use?
An experienced hardwood floor installer can provide useful insight into the pros and cons of many types of hardwood floor materials. For example, although certain materials like bamboo might seem popular among condo dwellers, installation professionals know that this flooring type tends to be much harder to take care of than some of the more traditional woods.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is a type of flooring where strips of solid wood are placed on top of a thin layer of wood. Unlike solid hardwood, which must be set on top of a plywood subfloor, engineered wood can be placed directly on top of a concrete floor or floated on top of foam.
The Benefits of Using Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
Prefinished hardwood floors are generally easier to install than unfinished varieties, which is a real benefit to homeowners. Although the wood itself is slightly more expensive, the overall cost evens out once reduced labor fees are factored into the equation.
How to Choose Between an Oil-Base or Water-Base Finish Coat
Among condo owners in Manhattan, water-based polyurethane is by far the preferred finish coat for new hardwood floors. The main reason is because water-based finishes dry much faster and produce less of an odor than most oil-based products currently on the market.
Can I Lay a Wood Floor Over Concrete?
Hardwood floors can definitely be set directly on top of a concrete base, just as long as the homeowner has gone with an engineered hardwood and not a solid hardwood. Solid wood must be placed over a 3/4″ thick plywood subfloor, which makes it a less than ideal solution for people who live in apartments with low ceilings.
