Tips & Tricks of the Trade with Balazs Keppel of Traditional Hardwood Flooring Ltd.
When it comes to hardwood flooring companies, Traditional Hardwood Flooring Ltd. is one of our go-to trusted sources! Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with owner and president, Balazs Keppel, for a chat about all things flooring!
Here’s what we learned…
What is the best choice of wood for high-traffic areas?
Although Balazs’ company specializes in hardwood flooring, he admits that it is a more sensitive material that is susceptible to moisture and humidity. Balazs would still urge customers to consider vinyl, tile or a combination for extreme, high-traffic areas or entryways to ensure durability. That said, it is entirely dependent on use and lifestyle. In our UB office, even though it’s a commercial space, we knew we could get away with engineered hardwood that is designed for more commercial use. We love the light Moncer herringbone floors that Balazs installed for us!
What is the most important thing to know when selecting flooring?
Although the look and feel are of consequence when selecting flooring for your home, Balazs cautions clients that it’s also incredibly important to ask all the right questions pertaining to the structural integrity of the flooring. Engineered hardwoods have become incredibly popular and for good reason – they are a lot less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity and therefore show a lot less wear and tear. That said, not all engineered floors are made equal. Balazs recommends that clients further educate themselves and investigate before purchasing. Questions you should ask include; where the floors were made, what kind of glue was used in the manufacturing process, what is the gluing process and also inquire about warranties.
What are some important things to remember when installing hardwood floors?
The most important steps in hardwood flooring installation are those that we typically don’t see, as they lie under the surface. Preparation of the subfloor is key! It’s important to make sure that the subfloor is properly prepped and carefully levelled. This means screwing down every joist so that the subfloor lies flat. Once installation begins, it’s important to maintain appropriate humidity levels to avoid gaps and warping down the road.
The method by which the floors are installed is also important. Flooring companies in the past would nail down the boards. This evolved into a combination of glue and nails for more stability. Today though, Balazs says that a full-glue application is the best method for proper installation and longevity.
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