Frequently Asked Questions

Unfinished hardwood arrives raw and is sanded and finished on-site after installation, allowing for complete color customization and seamless transitions between boards. Prefinished flooring comes factory-finished with micro-beveled edges. While prefinished is faster to install, unfinished provides superior customization, a smoother surface, and a more unified finish that bonds directly to the wood.

White Oak is our most popular choice due to its exceptional durability (1360 Janka hardness), closed-grain structure that accepts stain beautifully, and natural moisture resistance. Red Oak offers excellent value with warm tones, while Hickory (1820 Janka) is ideal for high-traffic areas. Walnut and Cherry are premium choices for sophisticated, warmer aesthetics. The best species depends on your lifestyle, traffic patterns, and design preferences.

Solid hardwood (3/4" thick) is ideal for ground-level or above-grade installations over wood subfloors. It can be sanded and refinished many times over its 100+ year lifespan. Engineered hardwood features a real wood wear layer over a stable plywood core, making it perfect for basements, concrete subfloors, and radiant heat systems where solid wood may not be suitable.

Plain Sawn is the most economical cut with classic cathedral grain patterns. Quarter Sawn is cut perpendicular to growth rings, revealing stunning medullary rays and "tiger stripe" patterns—prized in Arts & Crafts design. Rift Sawn produces ultra-linear grain for modern, minimalist aesthetics. Rift & Quartered combines both for maximum dimensional stability, ideal for radiant heat applications.

Select & Better offers a clean, uniform appearance with minimal knots—ideal for formal spaces. #1 Common is our most popular grade, providing natural warmth with moderate character markings. Character Grade features tight knots, mineral streaking, and dramatic variation for rustic or farmhouse aesthetics. Visit our showroom to see samples and determine which grade matches your vision.

A typical unfinished hardwood installation takes 5-7 days for an average-sized room. This includes acclimation (2-3 days), installation (1-2 days), sanding, staining, and applying 2-3 coats of finish with drying time between coats. Prefinished flooring can be installed in 1-2 days. The timeline ensures proper curing for a durable, beautiful result that will last for generations.

Yes, but with considerations. Engineered hardwood is the preferred choice for radiant heat due to its dimensional stability. Rift & Quartered solid hardwood can also work well. The radiant system should be operational for at least one week before installation, and surface temperature should not exceed 85°F. Our team will assess your specific system and recommend the best options.

Solid hardwood is generally not recommended for basements due to moisture concerns. However, engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for below-grade installations. Its layered construction provides superior dimensional stability and resistance to humidity fluctuations common in basements. We always recommend moisture testing before any basement installation.

Remove all furniture and belongings from the installation area. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. HVAC systems should be operational for at least 5 days prior to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. Our team will conduct a pre-installation inspection to identify any concerns. We recommend planning for dust containment and consider staying elsewhere during the finishing process for unfinished floors.

Solid hardwood is typically nail-down installed over plywood or OSB subfloors. Engineered hardwood offers more flexibility—it can be nailed, glued, or floated over plywood, concrete, or existing flooring. We assess each subfloor for moisture levels, flatness, and structural integrity before recommending the best installation method for your situation.

Absolutely! With unfinished hardwood, you have complete control over the final color. We offer hundreds of stain options and can create custom blends to match your vision perfectly. We always recommend testing stain samples on your actual flooring material in your home's lighting before committing to a color.

We offer oil-based polyurethane (traditional, amber warmth), water-based polyurethane (crystal clear, quick drying), and hardwax oils (natural matte look, easy spot repairs). Each has distinct advantages. Oil-based provides a classic warm glow, water-based stays clear and dries quickly, and hardwax oils offer a natural, low-sheen finish popular in modern designs.

For water-based finishes, you can typically walk on floors with socks after 24 hours. For oil-based finishes, wait 48-72 hours. Full cure time is 7-14 days for water-based and 30 days for oil-based finishes. During the cure period, avoid placing area rugs, moving heavy furniture, or wearing shoes on the floors.

Matte (10-25% sheen) offers a natural, modern look that hides scratches and dust well. Satin (40-50% sheen) is our most popular choice, providing a subtle glow while remaining forgiving. Semi-gloss and gloss (70%+ sheen) create a more formal, reflective appearance but show scratches and dust more readily. The sheen level is purely aesthetic—all provide equal protection.

Daily care involves sweeping or vacuuming with a hardwood-safe attachment. Use a manufacturer-recommended hardwood cleaner weekly—avoid excessive water and harsh chemicals. Place mats at entryways, use felt pads under furniture, and maintain 35-55% humidity. Professional maintenance coats every 3-5 years will keep your floors looking beautiful.

Solid 3/4" hardwood can typically be sanded and refinished 6-10 times over its lifetime, depending on the depth of sanding required. Engineered hardwood with a 4mm wear layer can usually be refinished 2-3 times. Each refinishing removes approximately 1/32" of wood. With proper care, your hardwood floors can last 100+ years—a true investment in your home.

Gaps typically occur due to seasonal humidity changes. During dry winter months, wood contracts and gaps appear. They usually close when humidity increases in spring/summer. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity (35-55%) minimizes this natural movement. Excessive gapping may indicate moisture problems that should be addressed.

Minor surface scratches can often be minimized with touch-up products or a buff and recoat. Deeper scratches may require spot-sanding and refinishing. Small dents can sometimes be "steamed out" of solid wood. For significant damage, individual boards can be replaced. Our team can assess the damage and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Yes! Choose harder species like White Oak or Hickory for better scratch resistance. Keep pet nails trimmed, place mats under food and water bowls, and wipe up accidents immediately. Consider a satin or matte finish that hides minor scratches better than high gloss. Many pet owners successfully enjoy hardwood floors for decades with simple precautions.

LVP is a synthetic flooring that realistically mimics hardwood or stone. It features a photographic image layer protected by a clear wear layer over a waterproof core. LVP is 100% waterproof, highly durable, and more affordable than hardwood. It's ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and high-moisture areas where hardwood isn't suitable.

LVP is waterproof, more affordable, and easier to install than hardwood. However, it cannot be refinished, doesn't add the same value to your home, and typically lasts 15-25 years versus 100+ for hardwood. Hardwood offers authentic natural beauty and can be customized through staining and refinishing. The choice depends on your budget, location, and long-term goals.

Yes! We offer complimentary in-home consultations where we measure your space, assess your subfloor, discuss your design preferences, and provide a detailed written estimate. There's no obligation, and it's the best way to get accurate pricing for your specific project.

We proudly serve Western North Carolina from our two showroom locations. Our Black Mountain location serves Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, and surrounding mountain communities. Our Conover location serves Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, and the Catawba Valley region. Contact us to confirm service in your area.

Absolutely! We encourage you to visit our showrooms in Black Mountain or Conover to see full-size samples of all species, grades, and stain options. We can also create custom stain samples on your chosen species so you can see exactly how the finished floor will look in your home's lighting.

No, we do not currently offer financing, but it is something we are looking into for the future.

Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance to protect you and your home throughout the installation process.