SVB Wood Floors Blog

Category Archives: Wood floor installation

Wood floor installation tips and suggestions for the Kansas City area.

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!

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.

What to Expect During Your Wood Floor Installation

June 26, 2017Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on June 26, 2017

So you’re thinking about getting hardwood floors installed. What should you expect? At SVB Wood Floors, we put together a little information to help you know what to expect with a hardwood floor installation. We have found that when our customers are familiar with the process, everything goes a little more smoothly, and we end up with happier customers.

Five FAQs When Installing a Hardwood Floor

At SVB Wood Floors, we get lots of great questions from customers who are considering installing a hardwood floor in their home or business. If you’re thinking of enhancing your home with wood floors, these answers will help you decide which kind and learn about some of the other options you may not have even thought about yet. Here are the top five Frequently Asked Questions we hear:

1. What Are the Main Advantages of Hardwood Floors?

· Value – Hardwood floors may be a little more expensive to install initially, when compared with other flooring options, but no other floor covering lasts as long. Hardwood floors last for decades and can be refinished several times in their lifetime.

· Low Maintenance – Hardwood floors are easy to take care of. Today’s stains and finishes simply require regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional cleaning with a professional wood floor cleaning product.

· Sustainability – Hardwood floors are renewable and recyclable. Recent trends include “new” wood floors that are actually made from recycled wood from old ships, barns, and other structures. Wood can carry a history with it that adds character and value.

· Allergy Friendly – Because hardwood floors don’t collect dust or other small particles, they are much better for allergy sufferers.

2. What’s the Difference between Solid and Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Solid hardwood floors are made from a solid piece of wood from top to bottom and end to end. Engineered hardwood floors are created by stacking multiple layers of wood together in various directions and binding them into a solid form with heat and pressure. A thinner hardwood veneer is glued on top. Both wear evenly (since both are solid hardwood on top) and today’s engineered planks have a deep enough wear layer to allow them to be sanded and refinished many times like a solid hardwood floor.

The main advantage to engineered hardwood is its strength and stability especially when exposed to moisture. Solid wood will warp along natural grain lines when exposed to moisture. Engineered wood does not contain natural lines and therefore won’t be prone to warping or bending. Engineered hardwood floors (both unfinished and prefinished) are best used in lower levels and areas where moisture or humidity might be present.

3. Which Is Better to Install – Prefinished or Unfinished Wood Floors?

Both have advantages. It depends on what you’re looking for. Prefinished has a more durable finish because it is created in a controlled environment in a factory. You can also avoid fumes, mess, and a longer installation time with prefinished wood floors. It will also save you a little on installation costs because it will take less time. Pre-finished floors will also be more tolerant to humidity changes.

Unfinished may work best if you are repairing or expanding an existing wood floor and want to “lace-in” or seamlessly match the existing floor or if you want to match cabinets or trim. Also, if you are looking for an unusual wood species or width, it may not come pre-finished. You may not like the look of the beveled edges that accompany pre-finished planks, so unfinished would be best for you.

4. How Long Will my Wood Floor Last?

The NWFA (National Wood Floor Association) says – “Simple care and maintenance keeps wood floors looking beautiful for a lifetime. Instead of laying an entirely new floor when the original is worn, wood floors can be rejuvenated with sanding and refinishing. When done by a wood flooring professional, wood floors need only to be refinished every 10-15 years or 10-12 times during a floor’s life.”

5. Is a Wood Floor Durable Enough for a Kitchen or Bathroom?

Yes. The finishes on most new wood floors stand up to heavy traffic, making wood flooring fine for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. These finishes resist wear and stains better than other finishes and require no stripping, no buffing, and no waxing. Of course, if water is allowed to sit for long periods of time, it could cause damage. But, with proper care, there should be no problems.

The SVB 5-Step Wood Floor Installation Process

Step 1: Free Wood Floor Consultation

Every wood floor installation starts with a free in-home design consultation. This is important because we want to make sure your hardwood floor is exactly what you want. We offer many different types of wood floors – different species, plank widths, stain colors, patterns, etc. Because there are so many choices when it comes to hardwood floors, we want to make sure you know all of your options so you can make an informed decision down to the smallest detail. We can bring in samples so you can see them in your home with your cabinets, other flooring, etc. to make sure that it will blend with your home. We can even custom mix stain to give you exactly the shade you want.

We Create Custom Designs for Your Wood Floor

Once we know what you want, the real fun begins. Our expert installers can create any kind of custom wood floor design you can dream up. You can make your floors unique to your home. We can add beautiful inlays, intricate medallions, decorative borders, and more.

Step 2: Wood Floor Preparation

The only thing you need to do before the installation is remove as much from the room(s) getting new floors as possible. This requires removal of the furniture, drapery, and anything hanging on the walls. This minimizes the risk of any of your furnishings getting bumped or broken during the installation process. We will let you know when to expect us so you’ll have time to get ready.

Step 3: Sanding

Before sanding, we repair any cracks, holes, or gouges that we find.

If your floors are being sanded, be prepared for some noise, but not a lot of dust. Our dust containment system eliminates the dust and cleanup of regular sanding. With dustless sanding, the dust is whisked away to an outside container before it has a chance to spread all over your home. This makes for a faster, dust-free installation.

Step 4: Hardwood Floor Installation

This is the most disruptive part of the process. Expect some noise and traffic in your home as our crew installs the planks. Once the planks are in place, they are sanded for smoothness. There is no need to vacate the home because we use a dustless sanding method that contains the dust and whisks it outdoors to our truck-mounted container.

This dustless sanding process is great if you are refinishing your floors as well because it requires no chemicals to strip the old finish. It’s environmentally friendly, and very convenient because you won’t have to seal off the room or leave the home. We make sure the wood planks we are installing have had time to acclimate to the temperature and moisture levels in your home so they fit perfectly.

Step 5: Staining and Finishing Your Hardwood Floors

Our multi-step staining & refinishing process ensures a fabulous final product. We carefully apply the stain which really brings out your floor’s personality. When the stain is dry, we finish the floor with several coats of an environmentally safe, durable, and quick-drying topcoat. You can choose from low luster to high gloss or anywhere in between. We screen, buff, and vacuum between refinishing coats for the absolute best results possible. Two to three hours after the finish is applied you are able to walk on the floor with stocking feet. No pets for 48 hours or furniture for 7-10 days (until the floor is fully cured).

Our wood floor installers are experts in the industry. In fact, we’ve won many local and even a national award for our wood floor designs and installations. For our installers, it’s not just a job, it’s an art form.

How to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Beautiful

Because hardwood floors will last for decades, you’ll want to know what to do and what not to do once you have them in your home to keep them looking their best. Here are a few dos and don’ts for hardwood floor care:

· After the floor is ready, you can move your furniture back in. We recommend putting felt pads under your furniture legs and feet to reduce any scratching.
· Sweep or vacuum your floor often to get rid of dirt and grit that scratches the floor.
· Place mats at entrances to catch dirt and grit. Don’t use rubber-backed mats as these may discolor your floor.
· Remove spills promptly with a soft damp or dry cloth. Sweep or vacuum for dry spills.
· Always avoid walking on hard wood floors with cleats or high heels.
· Trim your pets’ nails to avoid scratching.
· Never slide furniture when moving or rearranging it. Lift and carry it instead.
· Never use cleaning products not recommended for wood floors.
· If your floor starts to look dull after a few years, call us for hardwood floor cleaning. It’s non-abrasive and removes the toughest dirt and grime from your hardwood floors without hurting the finish.

If you’re thinking of installing hardwood floors in your Kansas City area home, call us for a free in-home consultation. We’ll help you choose the wood floor with the perfect color, style, and price range for you. Don’t wait. A beautiful new hardwood floor can be yours usually within a couple of weeks. Call us today at (816) 965-8655.

How Sawing Methods Create 3 Different Looks in Wood Floor Planks

March 27, 2017Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on March 27, 2017

All wood floors start with a tree. The pattern of your hardwood floor depends on the species of tree the wood comes from. You may think that’s all there is to it, but there’s another factor that affects the look of the wood grain as well – the way it’s sawn. The way the logs are sawn will have a striking impact on the look of the boards that are harvested.

Cutting Methods for Creating Wood Planks

There are basically three common methods of sawing boards from a log:

Plain Sawn

This is the most common sawing method. The pith is the center or core of the log. Plain sawn boards are cut parallel to the pith on four sides.

Every board sawn this way will have a unique appearance with various color and pattern designs than boards sawn using other methods. The wood grain is the star of plain sawn boards.

Quarter Sawn

Quarter sawn boards start by sawing the log into equal quarters (picture an X in the center of the end of the log.) Then each quarter is sawn along the flat sides, cutting through the growth rings at about a 90 degree angle. This method produces fairly uniform boards with similar grain patterns.

Rift Sawn

Rift sawn boards are created when the last part of the quarter sawn boards are cut. Rift sawn boards are differentiated by the fact that the growth rings on the outer edge of the log are different from those nearer the pith. The grain on the top of the board will be linear, but if you look at it from the end, the grain will be more slanted.

Cutting Methods for Creating Veneers for Engineered Wood Floors

Engineered wood floors are popular as well. There are basically two types of hardwood floors – solid and engineered. Solid hardwood planks are one solid piece of wood from top to bottom and end to end. Engineered hardwood planks are made by stacking multiple layers of wood together in various directions and binding them into a solid form with heat and pressure.

A thinner hardwood veneer is glued on top and that is the part of the floor that is seen. Engineered hardwood floors are very popular in lower levels and areas where moisture or humidity might be a factor as they don’t warp like solid wood will.

Dry Sawn vs. Rotary Peeled

Two different sawing methods are used to create the veneer on top of engineered wood planks – dry sawn and rotary peeled.

Dry Sawn Veneers

Dry sawn veneers are hardwood planks sawn in the desired thickness of the veneer. They retain the natural grain look of solid hardwood flooring. Each board is unique with no repeating patterns. Depending on the thickness, it can be resanded three to five times.

Rotary Peeled Veneers

With rotary peeled veneers, the log is boiled and then peeled in ultra thin layers using a rotary cut. This is the same method used to make plywood and it creates a repetitive pattern similar to plywood. Because it is so thin, usually only one sanding, if any, can be performed over its lifetime.

If you’re planning on adding wood floors to your home or business, give the experts at SVB Wood Floors a call and we can help walk you through every decision to give you the wood floors of your dreams. Call us at (816) 965-8655.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Wood Floors in 2017

January 25, 2017Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on January 25, 2017

There’s no argument that wood floors make an upscale statement in the home. They not only add value, but they offer tons of options in style and functionality. While the benefits are plenty, there are a few specifics we favor here at SVB Wood Floors. Take a look at our top five reasons to choose wood floors in 2017.

Want to know what’s up next? Check out our favorite wood flooring trends for 2017!

1. Healthy Living

Over 50 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some type of allergy, and the most common allergens live right in the home. Floors, especially carpeted ones, are typically a haven for all sorts of allergens and germs ranging from dropped food, tracked-in dirt, pet dander, and even chemicals. Hardwood flooring is one of the healthiest options because it’s virtually allergen-free.

2. Cleaning Made Easy

Wood floors are not hard to take care of, as long as you know what you’re doing. They have no fibers to trap dirt so you can either sweep or vacuum them. Use a soft broom to sweep, and once a year give your floors a buffing with a quality wood floor cleaner. This eliminates germs, dust mites, pet dander and house dust.

3. A Variety of Choices

Each variety of hardwood is going to have its own grain, color and physical characteristics. There are also different grades of wood and each of those looks unique. Wide and narrow planks are available, according to your preference and decor. If the choices are confusing, the experts at SVB Wood Floors can give you valuable insights into the right floor for your needs.

4. The Longevity Factor

One of the main reasons wood floors are an attractive investment is that they last for decades. If you’ve taken care of them, your wood floors will be good as new when you sell your home and for many more years down the road. In comparison, carpeting will need replacement in about five years and vinyl floors show wear within two to three years.

5. ROI Makes Wood Floors Worth the Cost

Hardwood floors are going to cost you more initially, but they’ll also provide a strong ROI (return on investment). Your home is immediately worth more and therefore, a better resale value. Realtors confirm that a home with wood flooring not only sells faster, but that many home buyers won’t even look at homes that don’t have them.

To get the most value from your wood floors, proper installation is important. Let the expert team at SVB get the job done right. Click the button below and gain inspiration from some of our previous projects:

12 Critical Questions to Ask before You Hire a Hardwood Flooring Contractor

December 27, 2016Tips for Homeowners, Uncategorized, Wood floor installation, Wood Floor Maintenance, Wood floor repairNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on December 27, 2016

At SVB Wood Floors, we know that hiring the right contractor is critical in getting the home of your dreams. So what exactly should you look for in a hardwood floor contractor? The experts at SVB Wood Floors have created this checklist to help you make the most informed decision. Make sure to ask these 15 questions before you hire any hardwood flooring company:

1. Does the Contractor Have a Proper Business Liability Policy in Place?

Any legitimate wood flooring contractor should have a liability policy in place. SVB Wood Floor Service, Inc. carries a 2 million dollar general liability policy. We do not have any claims in our company history and a copy of this policy is also available upon request. We also maintain an active workers’ compensation policy and have had no claims in our company history. This policy is also available upon request.

2. Does the Contractor Use Subcontractors? If So, Do They Have Proper Insurance Policies?

Hiring a company that uses subcontractors means you may be unsure of their qualifications. At SVB Wood Floors, we don’t subcontract our work. All of our trusted technicians are in-house, uniformed personnel. Each crew has an assigned crew leader, who has been through multiple years of training, before being placed into this lead position.

3. Is the Contractor a Member of the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association)?

The SVB team currently holds multiple certifications with the NWFA for installation, sanding and finishing, sales advising, environmental awareness, and craftsman degrees. Additionally, SVB’s owner, Steve Brattin, is a NWFA board member and holds positions on NWFA committees.

4. What Industry Technical Training and Accreditation Have They Received?

In an industry that is constantly making advancements, it’s important to choose a contractor who values keeping up with the latest certifications and accreditations. SVB and its employees are certified with the Bona Certified Craftsman Program. Installation, sanding/finishing techniques, and skills are updated at annual Surfaces, Bona BCCP and NWFA conventions, along with other training classes offered throughout the year by these organizations.

5. What Kind of Warranty Does the Contractor Offer?

Hardwood flooring is a big investment, so make sure you choose a contractor who’s got your back. We offer a warranty for the period of one year for the materials and workmanship we supply. A copy of this warranty is available upon request.

6. Does the Contractor Offer Customer Care for the Life of Your Floor?

Sure, a contractor can get the job done, but are they qualified to maintain your floors beyond installation? SVB offers the following methods of care for the life of your floor.

7. Where Does the Contractor Obtain the Flooring Materials? What Steps Are Followed to Ensure the Flooring Is Acclimated Properly to Our Region?

Get to the source of your wood floors. It’s important that contractors know where materials come from and know how to properly acclimate them to our region. SVB obtains all of its materials from reputable mills and wholesalers who kiln dry and warehouse the product to meet the demands of the MO & KS climates. All wood flooring received by SVB is dated upon arrival and checked for proper moisture readings. The material is then stored in our warehouse to ensure it has been acclimated to the Midwest region and is ready for installation.

8. What Process Is Used for Dust Mitigation?

Nobody wants the stress of a dusty mess once your wood floors have been installed, which is why SVB uses a state-of-the-art dust extraction system which evacuates the dust from your home to our trailer-mounted Bona containment system.

These units are very powerful and generate 99.8% less dust than traditional methods, which makes the process much more convenient. Plus, with this state-of-the-art system, there is no need for sealing off doorways and you won’t be left cleaning dust particles for months to come.

9. Is the Exact Type of Stain and Finish Specified on the Estimate?

It’s important to have options, but even more important to have the highest quality options. SVB specifies the exact type of finishes available on all projects. All finishes are not created equal, and SVB only uses the best on the market, which is included in our price.

10. Is the Moisture Content of the Materials and Relative Humidity of the Environment Logged and Monitored as Set Forth by the NWFA Guidelines?

SVB logs and monitors the moisture content of the wood when it is delivered and verifies that the materials are acclimated properly for your job site before installation begins. SVB also logs and monitors the relative humidity of your job site.

11. Is the Contractor Willing to Compromise Acclimation to Accommodate Your Schedule?

Acclimation is a critical step in the process of installing hardwood floors. It lessens the chances of gapping and other problems down the road. While we do everything possible to meet our clients’ demands and deadlines, we will never compromise the acclimation process as it is a necessary step in the process and should not be skipped.

12. Does the Contractor Provide You with Cleaning Products and Cleaning Care Instructions?

SVB will provide you with a complete Bona Floor cleaning kit and care instructions at the end of your project. Also, we sell a variety of Bona cleaning and maintenance products and services to keep your floors looking their best for years to come. Each floor completed by SVB is registered and certified with the Bona Certified Craftsman Program.

Make sure you do your homework before hiring a hardwood floor company to repair, refinish, or install your hardwood floors. Give us a call at (816) 965-8655 or schedule an appointment online today!

The Best Time to Add Hardwood Floors during Your Remodeling Project

December 19, 2016Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installation, Wood floor repairNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on December 19, 2016

A big remodeling project requires multiple steps and varying degrees of dust and debris, so how do you decide the order in which each element of the project should be completed? To help handle the chaos, the experts at SVB Wood Floors have a few tips on how to tackle your remodeling timeline.

First Things First

Where to start is often the easiest piece of the puzzle to solve. For example, if the project involves demolition, it’s pretty obvious that this should be the first thing to accomplish. Tearing down a wall, or removing cabinets in a kitchen are jobs that are going to be messy. After that, the sequence of events gets a little more confusing. In order to answer questions about the timeline of a project, let’s create a sample scenario:

Click here to learn why now is the perfect time for a wood floor facelift!

Kitchen/Dining Room Remodeling Timeline

You’ve decided to remodel the kitchen and adjoining dining room, a project that will require tearing out the kitchen floor, cabinets and countertops along with removing the existing dining room carpeting, adding new hardwood flooring in both rooms and repainting the rooms. Here’s the ideal remodeling project timeline for this scenario:

1. Remove kitchen countertops and cabinetry – This is probably one of the messiest parts of the project, and it’s necessary to get them out of the room first if the existing floor runs underneath them.

2. Remove the existing kitchen floor, revealing the sub-flooring.

3. Remove dining room carpeting.

4. Paint both rooms – It’s best to paint before installing new cabinets and countertops to avoid the need to cover them for painting.

5. Install new cabinets and countertops.

6. Last, but not least, have hardwood flooring installed and finished.

Why Wait to Install Your Hardwood Floors?

In almost any case, it’s wise to wait until the end of the project to install and finish your hardwood floors. The most important reasons for waiting are:

1. Installing your new hardwood floors at the end of the project prevents damage from dust and debris or carpenters and other workers.

2. Once a new hardwood floor is finished, you’ll have to wait at least 30 days before laying anything like a protective painter’s tarp on top of them or you’ll risk “suffocating” the finish. It’s also very difficult and expensive to repair damage to a new finish, and there’s no saying if the repair will end up looking different from the rest of the floor!

With that being said, the need for small touch-ups is common after any remodeling project, however, you can avoid any major snafus by leaving the hardwood flooring part of the project for last. Not only will your project timeline be shorter, but this can also save you money!

Looking to add hardwood floors during your remodel? Call us at (816) 965-8655 or click the button below to schedule your free quote:

3 Eye-Popping Hardwood Floor Design Trends for Your Home

November 28, 2016Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on November 28, 2016

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. Dare to be a little different? SVB has some bold hardwood flooring options for those looking to make your new hardwood floors pop!

Chevron Wood Floor Designs

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 Floor Designs

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 zig-zag 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.

Diagonal Wood Floor Designs

Both chevron and herringbone are definitely strong patterns that will make a statement, but for those seeking a more clean look, you may prefer a diagonal look with hardwood floors installed at a 45º angle. This classic pattern deserves far more credit than it receives.

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.

At SVB Wood Floors, we love the challenge of working with interesting patterns and making your dream floors come to life. Contact us online or give us a call at (816) 965-8655 for more information, or visit our gallery for more great design ideas.

Wood Floor Grades Explained: How to Choose & Why They Matter

November 23, 2016Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installation, Wood Floor MaintenanceNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on November 23, 2016

There are many choices to be made when choosing wood flooring, like what species of wood to use, what stain color, and what size boards. However, many homeowners don’t realize that it’s not only the type of wood that matters, but it’s the also the wood’s quality, or grade, that ultimately determines the finished look of your flooring. To help explain the difference, SVB is breaking down the different types of wood grades and what they mean for your wood flooring.

Does Higher Grade Mean Higher Quality?

Your first thought might be that a higher graded wood is better than a lower graded wood, or that it’s somehow stronger or more durable. However, this is a common misconception. The major differences between a #2 Common Hardwood, #1 Common Hardwood, and a Select Grade Hardwood mostly have to do with the wood’s appearance rather than its durability.

Higher graded wood is typically more expensive due to its more uniform appearance, free of knot holes and other unique markings. It’s also important to remember that each variety of wood is different, and so a #1 Common Hardwood rated Hickory floor will not have the same appearance as a #1 Common Hardwood rated Red Oak floor, for example.

#2 Common Hardwood

A #2 Common Hardwood floor is the cheapest by cost and has the most character to them. This isn’t a bad thing, it is simply aesthetic preference. This tends to be less expensive because it is easier to find wood featuring more small knots and striations. Major defects are, of course, not permitted in wood graded at this level, so any “imperfections” are mostly at the cost of a uniform appearance.

Coloring can also vary somewhat at this level, giving floors built with this wood a variety of similar shades. For many new homes, builders use #2 Common graded wood because it is an attractive but cost-effective flooring solution. This is also a common option for homeowners putting down flooring on an entire level of their home.

#1 Common Hardwood

The mid-tier option in terms of both cost and aesthetic appearance, #1 Common Hardwood floors strike a happy medium between uniformity and added character. The wood used within this grade still has striations and small knots, but the coloring is much more uniform, and the striations and knots that do appear are smaller and less frequent. For many people undergoing home remodeling, this is the option they choose, as it does give a more uniform look, and when redoing only part of the home is still cost-effective.

Select Grade Hardwood

Select Grade Hardwood flooring is top-of-the-line in terms of both appearance and in terms of cost and comes from the heart of a tree. Because of this, the wood’s sap content is very low, which results in very uniform color, very few knots, and the smoothest finish of any grade wood. Because of its uniform look, it is the most expensive option for home remodeling, but when it’s used it achieves an extremely polished look.

Design Trend Spotlight: Beautiful Wire Brushed Wood Flooring

October 10, 2016Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on October 10, 2016

Some degree of distressing adds character to hardwood flooring; however, not everyone wants their floors to have a very rough appearance. For those who enjoy a degree of smoothness, and a distressed touch, wire brushed hardwood flooring might be the flooring option for you. What is wire brushed flooring and what does it add to your home? That’s something we cover below in our design trend spotlight.

What are Wire Brushed Floors?

Wire brushed floors are planks that have been roughed up slightly with a stiff-bristled steel or wire brush. Similar to etching, this allows for a subtle texture to the wood without eliminating its smooth appearance. Scraping the flooring with a wire brush removes the soft grain of the wood from the growth ring, allowing the heartwood to be exposed. This method emphasizes the grain of the wood more clearly, without looking too rough.

Wire brushing can be performed on any type of flooring, but is typically done on closed grain species such as maple. Solid, engineered, and reclaimed hardwood can all be subject to wire brushing. After being brushed, each board is sanded lightly by hand so that it is smooth to the touch, yet the woodgrain pattern remains clearly visible.

More Durable

Many people are surprised to learn that wire brushing not only changes the look of hardwood floors, but that it also makes it more durable. That’s because the softer wood on the surface is removed, leaving the more rugged heartwood to withstand everyday wear and tear. This makes wire brushing ideal for any room that receives a great deal of foot traffic, or in spaces where heavy furniture and objects are regularly dragged across the floor.

Find Your Groove (And Fall Less)

The wire brushing process results in tiny grooves in the surface of the floor. Even when coated with polyurethane, these grooves provide a higher degree of traction, making it less likely that people will slip and fall on them. As such, they are perfect for households with children or senior citizens.

Cost-Effective

For many people, the decision to go with wire-brushed planks stems from the fact that they are more affordable than distressed ones. Since wire-brushed planks tend to be more durable than traditional, otherwise treated hardwood floors, they also provide an excellent value for the money.

Since wire brushing never goes out of style, there is no need to worry about having to update your floors in only a few years. Your floors will also continue to look like new for as long as you own them.

Wire brushed wood flooring looks charming in any home, yet is practical enough to stand up to extended wear. If you would like to know more about wire brushed hardwood, contact us online today!

Kansas City’s Custom Hardwood Specialists