Board Size

We supply custom widths and lengths in domestic species faster than most anybody, depending on availability of the lumber. 5" and wider flooring can look pretty "blocky" in 1 1/2' to 2' lengths. Our most commonly asked for custom lengths are 3' and longer and 5' or 6' and longer, which can reach up to 12' with end-matching (ready to lay). Longer lengths may be supplied without end-matching, which requires trimming and squaring each board before it is laid. Top

Installation Installation of a wood floor is not complicated in most circumstances, just hard work. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, we can furnish you with an instructional brochure. If you're not inclined to tackle the job, we would be happy to recommend a professional, independent installer who does quality work. Before the flooring is delivered to your home, humidity in the home must be stabilized and the wood delivered a few days before installation so it may acclimate to that stabilized humidity level (see "Care of Your Wood Floor" to the left). Storing the wood in a home environment where the humidity levels will change significantly from water leaks, drying paint or drywall mud, fireplace, mortar, etc., only serves to defeat the purpose of kiln-drying the wood at the factory in the first place and ensures poor flooring performance. Top

Care of Your Wood Floor You should be aware that wood is a dried, fibrous product that acts like a sponge, which changes with humidity. Before the wood is installed, it should acclimate to the conditions in your home for a few days. Before and after delivery, you should control the humidity swings in your home with an air-conditioner in the humid summer months and a humidifier in the dry winter months. This will keep the wood movement in your home to a minimum and your comfort to a maximum. Storing the wood in a home environment where the humidity levels will change significantly from water leaks, drying paint or drywall mud, fireplace mortar, etc., only serves to defeat the purpose of kiln-drying the wood at the factory in the first place and ensures poor flooring performance. The wider your board, the more attention you need to pay to humidity control because wider boards have more fibers per unit (board) to react to moisture changes.

Clean your floor with a dust mop or, when necessary, a slightly damp mop. Do not clean with vinegar, as the acetic acid in it will "etch" or dull the polyurethane over time. Urethane was developed to be a low-maintenance finish and does not require waxing. Waxing your floors or using a cleaner which contains a wax or oil ingredient will require you to maintain the wax on top of the urethane, turning a low-maintenance product into a high-maintenance one. In addition, wax, oil, and other chemicals will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to easily apply another coat of urethane, should you want to renew the appearance of your floor a few years down the road. Polycare is an excellent urethane cleaner which will not interfere with recoating your floor. Top