Flooring FAQ

 
 
 
 

Lacquer vs oil (VCC Only)

 
The modern, Lacquered wood flooring is extremely tough and hardwearing while still protecting the “natural” coloring of the wood and preserving its warmth and vibrancy over the years. Unlike waxed/oiled finishes that require regular treatment to keep them maintained, lacquered floors take little more than sweeping or vacuuming with an occasional use of a wood floor cleaner. Lacquered finishes form a protective coating that is scratch and water resistant making it the ideal finish for the modern home.
 

Styles, color variation, & edge detail

 
Whether you prefer a smooth finish, a hand-scraped finish or even a heavily distressed floor, Urbanfloor has what you are looking for. Explore the different styles that enhances from the modern Italy inspired Villa Caprisi to handcrafted, distressed textures of the Mountain Country Collection.

Design elements like colors, styles, and finishes together influences to enhance any room. Wood flooring choices comes from species’ natural colors and even the wood’s tendency to lighten or darken with sun exposure and age. Variances by species in colors range from clean look of the Birch to richness color of the Brazilin Cherry. The rating scale is from 1 (lightest in color) to 5 (darker color).

The edge/end detail is the way the edges and the ends of the wooden boards are cut. Planks with distinctive grooves like the regular bevel edges in the Welcome Home Collection shows the definition of individual boards. Kissed edges/ends create a smoother and seamless appearance in the Villa Caprisi Collection.
 
 
 
 

Questions?

 

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Foot traffic, cleaning & care

 
Generally, the thicker the engineered hardwood layer, the more resistant it will be to damage. We measure each of our collection from medium to high foot traffic. You can assure to choose the right flooring for your high volume areas like kitchens to medium traffic areas like hallways.

Protect your investment
Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment and you have spent a considerable amount of money to beautify and add value to your home.Most important in keeping your investment at peak condition (healthy) is to allow for the right room climate by maintaining a stable environment in the home. To keep your investment healthy, a room temperature of 60° to 80° F and a humidity range of 30-50% is recommended year round. (The use of a humidifier or de-humidifier may be required.)

Preventative maintenance
Todays hardwood floors are quick & easy to maintain, and with a few low cost cleaning tools and a little preventative maintenance can look beautiful for years to come. In addition to maintaining a stable environment, your hardwood floor should be cleaned regularly. Simply sweep, dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt & grit.When necessary clean your floor with a hardwood floor cleaning product. CAUTION: It is important to only use a cleaning product compatible with the type of finish of your flooring. (*See below for the type of cleaning product recommended for your particular flooring style.) Carefully follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Avoid using a wet mop as over time this can damage the finish. Remember: water & wood do not mix.All purpose cleaners are not recommended as they can dull your floor’s finish or leave a hazy residue.
 

Do's & dont's

 
Do's
  • Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop regularly.
  • Immediately wipe up liquid spills with cloth or paper towels. Maintain with the appropriate floor cleaner. *See below.
  • Use felt protectors or furniture coasters under heavy furniture.
  • Close curtains or blinds to limit direct sun exposure. Maintain room temperature (60°­–80° F) year round.
  • Maintain relative humidity in room/building between 30-50% year round.
  • Caster wheeled chairs should have wide casters.
  • A protective mat should be placed under office chairs.
  • In areas with icy or snowy winters, extra protection against salt & grit may be needed.
  • Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
  • Remember that cleats, sport shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
  • Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.

Don't
  1. Use oil based soaps.
  2. Use paste wax based products (NEVER wax a lacquered finished floor).
  3. Drag sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs as it can scratch/dent hardwood floors.
  4. Expose to direct sunlight for extended period of time as it may dry/fade natural wood.
  5. Use steam cleaners. They are not recommended for use on natural wood flooring.
  6. Place porous flower pots or vases on the floor.
  7. Use steel wool or scourers.
  8. Move heavy furniture without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or bottom of items.
  9. Ever wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull a finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue
 
 
 
Flooring FAQ in City of Industry, CA from Kingsly Hardwood
 
 

Color change, seasonal gaps, surface checks

 
Normal exposure to sunlight, heat, air conditioners, etc. will bring about natural changes in the original color as the floor ages. If possible, use blinds or drapes to protect floor from excessive sunlight. When some areas of the floor are covered, as in large furniture pieces and area rugs, the change under these pieces can be lighter than the surrounding floor, as they are not exposed to the same conditions. This is normal and is not a defect. Rotating the position of area rugs and furniture from time to time will allow the covered areas to slowly adjust in color to the surrounding floor.

Seasonal gapping can be expected, especially on wider planks. This is normal and not a defect. Throughout its life, wood will naturally expand and contract in response to the wet & dry seasons and also from the environmental conditions in the home. To keep these dimensional changes to a minimum, maintain the home temperature & relative humidity within the range outlined above.

Seasonal gapping can be expected, especially on wider planks. This is normal and not a defect. Throughout its life, wood will naturally expand and contract in response to the wet & dry seasons and also from the environmental conditions in the home. To keep these dimensional changes to a minimum, maintain the home temperature & relative humidity within the range outlined above.

Special Thanks to our friends at UrbanFloor’s

 
Dog & animal care
Keep nails clipped. Dogs running through the house will scratch any finish. Put down a mat to stand between your pet’s water dish and your wood floor.

Area rug backings
Only rugs with a natural backing (i.e., felt) are safe for a wood floor. Avoid rugs with a rubber or abrasive backing, as these can damage or discolor a floor.

Floor protectors
Non-abrasive, felt-backed products are best. Rubber or plastic backed products can trap moisture & discolor your floor.

Removing scuff marks
If scuff cannot be removed using a damp rag, stubborn scuffs can be removed by the use of a tennis ball or pencil eraser. Gently rub in direction of grain.

Floor cleaning
During the cleaning process, rinse applicator often in a separate pail of clean water. A dirty applicator can spread dirt to other areas, causing streaks & haziness. Remember: use a damp (never wet) applicator —Squeeze out surplus water. PROTECTIVE SURFACE RENEWAL: When necessary, to retain the original surface properties over years you must renew the worn surface areas using OSMO Polyx-Oil products (appropriate to the original finish). Clean floor thoroughly, allow to dry, and then apply a thin coat of Polyx-Oil.