SVB Wood Floors Blog

Category Archives: Tips for Homeowners

Wood floor tips for homeowners. SVB Wood Floors helps Kansas City area homeowners properly care for their wood floors.

SVB Introduces a Better Way to Shop for Wood Floors

October 25, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationhardwoodSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on October 25, 2018

If you haven’t visited our new gallery-style showroom in Grandview, Missouri, you’re in for a treat. It’s not like other wood floor showrooms. It features large samples of wood floors hung gallery-style in an open and spacious setting that allows you to get a better feel for the look of a particular type of floor.

Customer-Centric Design

One of the best things about hardwood floors is that they are timeless both in style and endurance. With proper care, they can last for centuries. That’s why choosing a wood floor is not a decision you want to rush. You want to be able to see what the floor will look like in your home. You want to see more than a five-inch square of it to decide. That’s the inspiration behind the new showroom design.

We wanted to create a space that allows customers to really get a feel for different wood varieties, stains, styles, and finishes. We took a very customer-centric focus. We didn’t want it to look like the typical wood floor showroom with small spaces crammed with tiny samples. We wanted a relaxing, spacious environment where people could take their time making a decision on a wood floor they will be thrilled with for years to come.

Relax and Enjoy Choosing Your New Wood Floor

The showroom is over 5,000 square feet. The large gallery room is surrounded by offices, a large conference room, and a full kitchen. The sample sizes are much larger and much more representative of the way it will look in your home. You’ll really like how we organized our sample room too…by price point so it’s easy to stay within your budget. Our customers really appreciate how easy and convenient we’ve made it to shop for wood floors.

Come to visit our new showroom located at 4200 Main Street in Grandview, MO. If you need a new wood floor installed or an existing wood floor refinished, call us at (816) 965-8655 to schedule a free, in-home estimate or contact us online.

Not All Dustless Refinishing Is the Same

October 3, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancedustless refinishing, refinishingSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on October 3, 2018

When you hear dustless refinishing from a wood floor company, be aware that not all dustless refinishing systems are the same. At SVB Wood Floors, we use the BONA dustless refinishing system. Why BONA? Where other “dustless” sanding systems empty the dust into a container inside your home where it can escape, our dust containment system pulls all the dust out of your home and straight into the containment unit in our truck outside, keeping the inside of your home clean and 99.8% dust-free. Thanks to this incredible system, refinishing your floors is easy, painless, mess-free, and most importantly very quick! With less mess and hassle, your family and pets don’t even need to leave the house.

How Does It Work?

It’s simple, the handy machine sucks up any and all dust that occurs from refinishing your floors. Immediately the dust containment system accumulates all of the dust that’s in the air and sucks it directly out into a containment unit that’s sitting outside in our truck. Instead of all of the dust getting kicked up into the air to spread all over your belongings and floors, the BONA dustless system, eliminates 99.8% of the dust. There’s no need to cover furniture, take the day off work, board your animals, send the kids to grandmas, or even close off any rooms! Everything can continue on in your home as usual.

Incredible Benefits

– State-of-the-art floor finishing is right at your fingertips. You won’t find an easier process anywhere else.

– You can stay inside your home during the entire process – start to finish

– Leave your pets safely at home – there’s no need to spend extra money to board Fido

– Leave rooms just as they are – no sealing or fuss

– There will be no risk of dust getting into your ductwork

– No lingering dust will ruin your perfectly new refinished floors

– No strong odors from stripping agents

– Environmentally friendly

– Absolutely no dangerous respiratory effects (using other methods microscopic dust particles can linger for months afterward)

– Faster job completion – there is no time-consuming hanging of plastic or cleanup involved

Since the dust is never loose in your home, the entire process of refinishing your floors is faster, safer, and cleaner than ever before. You have to experience it for yourself as the end result is truly flawless. Having your hardwood floors refinished doesn’t have to be stressful or chaotic. With our incredible dustless refinishing system you will have shiny, new, breathtaking hardwood floors in no time at all.

If you would like more information about having your hardwood floors refinished, give us a call at 816-965-8655 or schedule a free in-home consultation online today. We’re ready to help!

3 Hardwood Floor Refinishing Tips for Pet Owners

September 24, 2018Tips for Homeownersdustless refinishing, refinishingSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on September 24, 2018

Hardwood floors are a beautiful feature in any home. When you have pets, however, they make keeping your hardwood floor looking their best a challenge. At SVB Wood Floors, we install and refinish hardwood floors for lots of people with pets, from Dachshunds to Dalmatians. The good news is that you can make some choices that will help you keep your floor looking good. Here are a few wood floor refinishing tips you can follow to keep your floors looking their best:

Choose a Lighter Stain

Choosing a lighter stain will help to hide any minor damage your pet can cause. It also hides the dust and dirt they tend to bring in from their outings more effectively. You could also consider getting a shade that is relatively close to your dog’s fur to help conceal that as well!

Avoid Glossy Finishes

While a glossy finish can be tempting, pet owners should steer clear. Satin or matte will hide scratches or dings much better and they still look great. While we all tend to think the scratches in the floor are all from our pets, you might be surprised to learn we do just as much damage ourselves. High heels, pebbles stuck in the treads of tennis shoes, and moving furniture can cause a lot of the scratches and dents in the floors. Picking satin or matte will keep your floors looking their best for much longer.

Trim Those Toenails

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will go a long way toward protecting your floors. Dogs should have their nails trimmed once every one or two months. Use this simple rule of thumb – if they click when they walk, it’s time to get it done. Also, putting mats in front of doors will also help. The mats can collect dirt and small rocks that would otherwise scratch your wood floors.

Dustless Sanding Makes Wood Floor Refinishing Fast and Easy

Getting your floors refinished is easier than you think! With our new BONA dustless system, There’s no dust in your home. It sucks it up as we sand and sends it to a containment unit outside your home. You and your pets don’t have to leave. The dustless system also means no plastic sheeting to section off rooms is needed, and there will be no dust settling in your ventilation system to be recirculated later!

If you are thinking about getting your wood floors refinished, call SVB Wood FLoors at (816) 965-8655 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation in-home consultation!

The One Secret to Installing a Wood Floor in a Finished Basement

March 19, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationfloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 19, 2018

Finishing a basement is one of the most popular home renovation projects among homeowners in the U.S. It’s no wonder because basements house a large amount of unused space that can be turned into a wide variety of options to fit your lifestyle. With a basement renovation, it’s possible to add a family room, an extra bedroom, a bathroom, recreation room, home gym, home office, toy room, craft room, or just about anything you desire.

A key part of your basement renovation is choosing a great flooring option – something that will look great, be comfortable, and work on a concrete base, where moisture can sometimes be an issue.

If you thought hardwood floors weren’t an option, because of excess moisture, we have great news for you! For homeowners who love solid hardwood floors, we have a solution – engineered wood floors.

What Are Engineered Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors are designed for use in places where moisture cannot be controlled, such as on a concrete slab. As opposed to a solid piece of wood, which will warp when exposed to moisture, engineered wood planks are composed of multiple layers of wood that are glued, pressed, heated, and then covered with a thin veneer of wood on top. This process makes the flooring less susceptible to warping. An engineered hardwood floor looks every bit as beautiful as a solid hardwood floor and is typically pre-finished and ready to use right after installation is completed.

Engineered Wood Floors Cost Less Than Solid Wood Floors

Another benefit is that engineered wood is less expensive than solid wood because less expensive woods are used for the lower layers. Some engineered floors with a thin veneer typically cannot be refinished, however, many modern engineered wood floors are made with a thicker veneer that makes refinishing possible. If you’re looking to add the warmth of wood floors to your basement, without risking moisture damage, engineered wood floors are a great option.

Why Install a Moisture Barrier to Wood Floors?

Engineered wood floors should be installed over a moisture barrier and underlayment. Humidity levels below ground are too inconsistent to risk skipping the extra protection afforded by a moisture barrier. There are glue-down options that are designed to protect the finished floor from fluctuating moisture levels below the finished floor. An even better option is to have them professionally installed.

With all of the beautifully engineered hardwood flooring choices on the market today and professional installation methods that include a moisture barrier and underlayment, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the beauty of a hardwood floor in your new basement living space!

SVB Wood Floor is Kansas City’s premier custom hardwood specialists and we’d love to add you to our list of satisfied customers! For more information give us a call at (816) 965-8655 or get a free quote now!

4 Design Tricks to Make Your Wood Floor Unique

March 10, 2018Tips for Homeownersfloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 10, 2018

Choosing new hardwood flooring for your home is an exciting step in the home renovation process. Perhaps you’ve already made those crucial decisions regarding species, size and finish, but now it’s time to talk design. If you’re looking for a simple way to dial up the wow in your wood floor, consider the angles. Check out these four examples of floors that refuse to follow the straight and narrow and by doing so, create some unexpected drama.

Take a Different Angle with Diagonal Wood Floors

It’s amazing how much energy is added to a wood floor simply by shifting the angle it is laid out in. Instead of following the natural line of the wall, these planks are installed at a 45º angle to it. Sleek and simple, this design element adds breadth to your room by drawing your attention out to the corners. It creates interest without being busy or overpowering, which means it can be the perfect choice for those who want to focus the attention on other design aspects of a room. This classic pattern deserves far more credit than it receives.

Chevron Wood Floors Refuse to Be Ignored

The chevron design uses a series of angle cuts to form a consistent “V” pattern. This “V” pattern is then repeated, which creates a stunning 3D effect. In addition, it has the ability to make a smaller room appear larger, plus you’ll appreciate the longevity obtained from its high structural integrity. A beautiful, yet simple pattern, a chevron wood flooring design is an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a statement.

Herringbone Wood Floors Zig While Others Zag

Often confused with chevron, herringbone is similar in that a “V” pattern is also achieved, though no angled cuts are present. The square edges simply butt together creating a timeless, symmetrical zigzag design which has made a name for itself all over the world. Though better suited to larger rooms, with its many small boards tightly woven together, the herringbone pattern also has superior structural stability due to its precise dimensions and alignment.

Mixing Wood and Tile Really Packs a Punch

The design is simple, but the effect is breathtaking. Mixing square tiles with long planks of wood at an unexpected angle creates a dynamic design that will have eyes turning and tongues wagging. With so many tile and wood options, the design possibilities are endless!

At SVB Wood Floors, we love the challenge of working with interesting patterns and making your dream floors come to life. If you have an idea you’d like to try to make your floors really unique, we’re all ears!

Contact us online or give us a call at (816) 965-8655 for more information, or visit our gallery for more great design ideas.

Top 4 Reasons to Replace Carpet with Hardwood Floors

March 1, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationhardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 1, 2018

Have you been considering switching from carpet to hardwood floors? You are not alone! While carpet has been a favorite for many decades and is lower in cost to install, there are many pitfalls that homeowners have to consider before officially committing to a carpet.

Don’t stick with carpet! Here are our four reasons to replace carpet with hardwood floors from SVB:

Reason #1: Carpets Collect Dirt and Stains

Did you spill on your carpet? Great… now you have to soak up the mess, pat it dry and go through the bothersome process of scrubbing your carpet or shampooing it clean. You may even have to call in a professional for particularly bad stains like wine, Koolaid, or grease/tar. And don’t forget the expense of having your carpets cleaned annually (or more often with lighter colors). But, if you don’t, your carpet will look nasty.

In contrast, hardwood floors are easy to take care of. All you need to do is weekly vacuuming and dust mopping. You will consistently have beautiful (and clean!) looking floors always. No disgusting stains and smells from carpet!

Tip: We recommend vacuums with a floor-brush attachment or an electric broom to avoid damaging the wood. For a deeper clean, use a slightly dampened rag mop or good old-fashioned sponge with diluted wood cleaner to remove pesky allergens, dirt, and other irritants in a flash.

Reason #2: Carpets Get Worn

We’ve all seen it; those paths in the carpet where people walk the most and have matted it down just a bit more than the surrounding areas. They’re called traffic patterns, and once they’re there, there is not much that can be done to fix them. They are the result of years of foot traffic that has worn down the carpet fibers as well as the pad below. When this happens, there’s no other solution than replacing the carpet. Carpets can also develop large wrinkles near these patterns that require hiring a professional to restretch the carpet.

Wood floors, however, hold up to foot traffic much better. The average wood floor lasts ten years before it needs any maintenance like professional cleaning or refinishing. When refinished, it will last another ten years or so. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished many times, the color and finish can be changed as well to keep your home up to date.

Reason #3: You Can’t Escape Your Allergies

Your carpet can easily become a magnet for allergens like dust mites, pet dander – and even mold spores – which can irritate your immune system. These pesky allergens can get trapped within carpet fibers and even down in the pad and are difficult to get rid of completely. If you are tired of the constant yuck feeling of allergies, installing hardwood floors in your home reduces allergens that are lurking beneath your feet.

Reason #4: Update Your Home

Do you watch HGTV and admire the beautiful hardwood floors? Or are you preparing to put your home on the market? Hardwood floors are popular due to their beauty, durability, longevity, and versatility. While initially a little pricier than carpet, hardwood flooring is a worthwhile investment in the long run because it lasts so much longer than carpet. Toss out your pesky, dated carpet and transform your living space with hardwood floors that make a statement.

Ready for a change? Read what to expect during a wood floor installation. To swap out your carpet for hardwood floors, contact us online or give us a call at (816) 965-8655 to schedule your free consultation.

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors in 6 Simple Steps

January 28, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancefloor, refinishingNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on January 28, 2018

One of the most wonderful things about hardwood floors is that they last forever. That’s because when the surface gets too marred by scratches, dents, and scrapes, you can fix it with a quick sand and refinish. At SVB Wood Floors, we have refinished hundreds of wood floors in the Kansas City area and made them look like new. Whether your floors are badly worn or you just want to change the color of the stain, we make it easy with our dustless refinishing process. With just a few quick steps, we will be in and out of your home in just a couple of days! Here is our hardwood floor refinishing process laid out in six easy steps. And we promise, it really is that simple!

Step 1: In-Home Refinishing Consultation

We start any installation or refinishing job with an in-home consultation with you. We review our hardwood floor checklist with you and help you decide on a stain color that you like and that will mesh with the style of your home. We can mix custom stain colors to get the exact shade you want. We also need to determine the species of wood your floors consist of so we can care for them correctly during the refinishing process.

Step 2. Sub-Floor Preparation

We walk the floor to find squeaks, low spots, and uneven seams. Then we fix them by tightening from below and sanding planks to an even plane.

Step 3: Dustless Sanding

We use the Bona Atomic Dust Containment System® which sucks the dust into a sealed tube that is then carried to our trailer outside. This dust-free system has many advantages:

- No need to vacate your home
- No need to board your pets
- No need to seal off rooms
- No dust in your ductwork
- No dust to ruin a perfect finish
- No strong odors from stripping agents
- Environmentally friendly

Step 4. Repair Gouges and Holes

Once the floors are sanded, we examine them closely to find and fix any final problems. We fill any cracks, gouges or nail holes that we find left over.

Step 5: Staining Your Hardwood Floors

Next, we stain your newly sanded floor. We start with a water-based stain of your choosing. We test it on your floor so you can see it. Once you are happy with the color, we apply the stain to the floor and replacement base shoe.

Step 6: Three-Coat Finish

After the stain is dry, we finish the floor with three coats of an environmentally safe, durable and fast-drying top coat to protect your hardwood floor from normal wear and tear. The first coat seals. The second and third coats build thickness for years of durability. Choose finishes from low luster to a high gloss. Additionally, we screen, buff, and vacuum between refinishing coats for the absolute best results possible.

How to Prepare for Refinishing

Before you have your floors installed, there is a bit of prep work that you can do to ensure that your experience is fast and flawless.

Move Furniture off Flooring

First things first, move furniture off of the area where the floors will be refinished. So when the installers arrive, they will be able to get going right away.

Schedule Activities Out of the Home

With today’s dustless refinishing, there is no need for you to leave your home. However, if our team is working in a common area of your home, it may be more convenient for you to schedule activities out of the home. This will make the experience feel less intrusive.

Retrieve Any Belongings from Rooms Beforehand

Before we get started on refinishing your home’s hardwood floors, be sure to retrieve any belongings that you may need in the next 24 hours. For example, if you are installing hardwood flooring in the hallway and you use items daily from the bathroom, which is accessed from the hallway, you won’t have access once the work begins.

Crate Your Pet

We recommend creating or containing your pet for their safety. Oftentimes, homeowners will even gate off a section of the home for Fido to continue to roam.

These are just a few tips to help make the experience even better. If you’re considering refinishing your hardwood floors, contact us online or give us a call at 816-965-8655 to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

Also download our FREE Guide to Keep Your Wood Floors Looking Like New by clicking the image below!

Cleaning Your Carpets before the Holidays? Don’t Forget Your Wood Floors

November 10, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancehardwood, refinishingNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on November 10, 2017

Yes, now you can have your wood floors professionally refreshed as easily as you have your carpets cleaned. It’s called hardwood floor recoating and it renews your hardwood floor’s shine and luster without the cost and inconvenience of refinishing.

Recoating Only Takes a Few Hours

We can make your hardwood floor look new in just a few hours. Our recoat system removes the dirt and grime that build up over several years of everyday use dulling your once beautiful wood floors. We use Bona’s professional strength, non-toxic, hardwood floor cleaner concentrate which is formulated to be safe and effective on all hardwood floors that are coated with a clear, unwaxed finish. The process is minimally invasive and the results are phenomenal.

Remove Dirt, Grime and Surface Scratches without Refinishing

Often, the scuffs on your hardwood flooring are actually caused by a layer of dirt and grime that naturally gathers on your flooring over time. There’s a good chance a simple recoat treatment is all you need: A few hours of work, two days to rest, and you can move your furniture right back over hardwood that looks brand new. If you have damage like deep gouges or scrapes, refinishing may be a better choice as recoating will only clean grime and remove light scratches from the surface.

Give Your Wood Floor A Facelift

If you thought refinishing was your only option, think again. Recoating may be exactly what you need to renew your floor for several years. We recommend recoating about every three to five years depending on foot traffic conditions. If you’re not sure which process is right for your floors, give us a call and we can take a look and recommend the best treatment.

Make your hardwood floors look like new this holiday without the hassle of sanding and refinishing. Give SVB Wood Floors a call at (816) 965-8655 or click the button below to get your free quote:

Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs

August 6, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenancefloor, hardwoodNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on August 6, 2017

You should never have to choose between your family “fur baby” and beautiful hardwood floors. We offer a variety of hardwood flooring that complement the hectic lifestyle of having a dog.

When looking for hardwood flooring that is a fit for an increased amount of wear and tear, it is important to factor in the following characteristics: hardness, glossiness, and color.

What You Need to Know About the Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs

A quick word:

A hardwood floor’s degree of hardness is determined by the Janka Hardness Scale
Choose floors with a lighter shade to better hide any light damage caused by your dog
It is best not to apply a gloss finish to your floors because scratches will easily show
Make sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed

If you are worried about scratches and stains, here are some of the best hardwood floors for dogs from hardest to softest:

Why Hickory Is Great for Homes with Dogs

Hickory, which has a Janka score of 1,820, is an ideal choice because of its strong graining and distinct variants in hues. This flooring option is great for pet owners because the floor boards already vary from one another, therefore any imperfections as a result of your dog’s nails won’t take away from its beautiful appearance.

Not a Fan of Hickory? Try Hard Maple Flooring

If you are looking for something that is more consistent in appearance than Hickory, we recommend maple wood flooring. Maple has a Janka rating of 1,450 or higher and provides beautiful and stable flooring for your home, giving you the perfect combination of envy-worthy floors and dependable strength.

Related Read: How to Protect Hardwood Floors from Dogs

Consider White Oak for Your Next Flooring Project

White Oak has a Janka Hardness Score of 1,360, meaning that the floor is in the middle — not too soft, but also not the hardest wood available on the market. White Oak is one of our top choices for homeowners with dogs because of its strong grain, or texture, which is ideal for pet owners.

Rustic-Inspired Wired Brush Distressed Floors

Wired brush distressed hardwood flooring looks similar to wood floors that have been reclaimed and updated, while still keeping its original appearance. This type of wood is an excellent option, because the inevitable scratches from your dog will not take away from the beauty of the wood. To maintain this look, we brush away the soft portion of the wood to expose the grain, enhancing the definition and character of each plank. By doing this, the wood is more durable since the harder portion of the planks become exposed.

Learn more about Wired Brush Distressed in 3 Must-Have Wood Flooring Trends

Call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 and one of our hardwood flooring experts will help you choose the perfect wood floor that you and Fido will both love.

Water Damage to Your Wood Floors: Repair or Replace?

July 19, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance, Wood floor repairNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on July 19, 2017

Water is the natural enemy of every wood floor. You do everything you can to stay on top of spills, but you can’t control everything, and now the worst has happened! Your once gleaming hardwood floor has been damaged by water!

What Does Water Do to a Wooden Floor?

Wood is an organic material that can only resist the effects of water for a short time. That’s why expediency is key to preventing damage from occurring. But sometimes, things happen that you can’t plan for. For example, you’re away on vacation and while you’re lying on a beach soaking up the sun, a pipe breaks and floods your kitchen which then remains that way for several days. Now what?

Signs of Water Damage on Wood Floors

Depending on how long the floor was wet, damage can vary. Here are some signs of damage to look for:

1. Staining and/or discoloration

2. Cupping and buckling from absorbed moisture

3. Popping nails

4. Lifting of floorboards (especially at the ends)

5. Mold growth (can occur within 48 hours of flooding)

Considering that the normal moisture content in a typical hardwood floor is somewhere between 6 and 12 percent and a flooded hardwood floor can have a moisture content of up to 40 percent, damage can be severe. Much of it has to do with the amount of time that the floor is exposed to the water. More moisture will be retained if the floor is left to dry on its own.

Deciding Factors for Replacement or Repair

Determining whether a water-damaged wood floor can be repaired or must be torn up and replaced will depend on a number of factors such as:

1. the length of time the floor has been exposed to water

2. whether your floor is solid hardwood or engineered hardwood

3. the severity of the damage (Has the water penetrated into to the subfloor?)

4. the floor’s finish (It can be difficult to match certain stain colors when replacing isolated floorboards, especially if the stain has “mellowed” with time.)

If the damage is minor, the floor can sometimes be saved by replacing affected boards and then sanding and refinishing the whole floor. If the damage is severe or extensive causing significant expansion, the entire floor may need replacing — and sometimes even the subfloor will have to be replaced.

If you suspect water damage, the first step is to have the floor’s condition assessed by a hardwood flooring professional. Call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 and one of our hardwood water damage repair experts can help assess the situation and give you an estimate on repairing or replacing your wood floors.

Kansas City’s Custom Hardwood Flooring Specialists