What species and color should I choose?
There are several species, colors and grain variations to consider. Other than the walls, the floor represents the largest expanse of color or pattern in a room. Your floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the room as a whole.

The in-demand and highly reputable species we carry are Walnut, Cherry, Santos Mahogany, Brazilian Cherry and Maple. Our unique and varied stains and semi-glossy finishes for each species are in direct accordance with what the customer has proven to respond to with enthusiasm and positivity.

Engineered floor OR solid hardwood product?
Engineered products available in Planks, Strips are manufactured of hardwood using a cross-directional laminated construction (5 to 7 layers) with a top layer of premium hardwood.

This construction counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, making engineered products inherently and dimensionally stable. Solid products available in Planks, Strips or Parquet are manufactured from a solid piece of wood.

Can wood floors be installed in basements?
Urban Floor engineered wood floors can be installed on above, at or below grade and only requires sensible precautions. Moisture can be problem below grade even when no moisture exists at the time of installation. A vapor barrier, sleeper system or both should be used for nailing down and a two part urethane adhesive should be used for gluing down.

How many finish coats are applied to Urban Floor products?
The Urban Floor PLATINUM SHIELD TM UV finish features six coats applied with extreme accuracy and toughened by the zillions of Aluminum Oxide Crystals: thus ensuring a smooth, uniform finish with unparalleled abrasion resistance and beauty.

What is the moisture content of Urbanfloor wood flooring?
The moisture content is maintained at 8-10%

What is the difference between laminate and wood flooring?
Laminate flooring, also called a floating floor, consists of a thin film of wood imitation glued over a panel composed of high-density compressed wood particles (fibers). The result is a floor that, despite looking like wood, cannot be sanded, and therefore limits its
longevity.

Hardwood flooring consists of a hardwood wear layer, whether it is solid or engineered. This result in a natural-looking floor, with a real hardwood surface that can be sanded, stained and varnished several times and that may change along with your taste or decor Its longevity is virtually unlimited if it is properly maintained.

Why should I buy Prefinished Flooring versus Unfinished Flooring?
Unfinished flooring installed by a professional gives the most options regarding sheen and custom colors. Prefinished flooring is convenient. There is less time involved in installation and less mess. Changes in humidity will not crack the finish between two individual planks as they can move independently.

Can I wax my wood floor?
It is strongly recommended that you not wax your Urbanfloor product. Waxing may damage the finish and leave a greasy film on the surface, making upkeep much more difficult. Also, never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly. The only remedy in this situation is to sand and re-finish the floor.

Can I install an Urbanfloor product in my home, even though I have pets?
Yes, your pets and hardwood floor can coexist peacefully. However, make sure you trim and file your pet’s claws regularly. Also, choosing a satin finish can help hide small scratches your pets may leave.

How often should I clean my wood floor?
Clean your door as often as necessary. Abrasives such as sand, glass and more harm your floor. Vacuum or sweep regularly to eliminate abrasives that could damage your floor's finish.

Does wood flooring conform to most design styles?
Yes. Wood flooring has become very popular in Interior world. It works well with many decorating styles. It is the most versatile floor covering to be used by most interior designers. Wood goes with contemporary and traditional and everything in between. Furthermore, wood increases the value of homes. Interior designers rated natural materials as superior to man-made materials in beauty, prestige, style, maintenance, and durability.

A variety of woods and finishes are available to complement the decor and style of any room. Oak and Maple are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry and Walnut.

What about installing wood in high traffic areas like kitchens?
Urbanfloor PLATINUM SHIELD™ Urethane finish is able to resist water and traffic, bringing wood flooring into restrooms, kitchens, and other higher-stress areas. High traffic areas include exterior doorways, hallways and the areas in front of the sink, stove and refrigerator. To protect the floor on the inside of exterior doorways, use floor mats to catch tracked-in dirt and grime. Watch for grit or pebbles that might be brought in from shoe soles. Always try to vacuum on a regular basis.

Which types of hardwood floors are best for in-floor radiant heating systems?
Radiant heating is a growing source of heating in North America, both in residential and commercial installations.

Engineered hardwood doors are the best doors to use with radiant heating systems. These floors are manufactured of hardwood using a three-ply laminated construction, making them inherently dimensionally stable. This means they are less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Of the engineered flooring options, with a floating installation as the best choice, because it can be 'floated' over the subfloor, without the use of nails or adhesives for a permanent installation.

It is important lo note that when installing any hardwood floor over a radiant healing system, the maximum temperature of the subfloor should never exceed 80° (F).

- DO Consult with an installer, the finisher or the manufacturer if there is any doubt of the kind of floor finish.
- DO Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the
tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
- DO Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
- DO Remember that cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
- DO Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
- DON'T Move heavy furniture, without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg.
- DON'T ever wet-mop a wood floor Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.