SVB Wood Floors Blog

Category Archives: Wood floor installation

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

The 3 Most Surprising Places Hardwood is Replacing Tile

March 19, 2020Wood floor installationSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on March 19, 2020

Hardwood Floor replaced tile in their kitchen

Without a doubt, hardwood floors are both beautiful and becoming more and more popular. What most don’t know is that these hardwood floors are replacing tile inside homes all around the nation. As time passes, wood floors are becoming more incorporated into every room of the house. This can be seen in many home decor magazines as well as online websites including Pinterest and Houzz. So what rooms are transitioning into hardwood flooring?

Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen

By far one of the most popular living areas inside your home, the kitchen has seen the most crossover into hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are both warmer and easier on your feet. If you think this won’t matter, just keep in mind who will be standing for hours cooking and washing dishes…Wood floors are universally accepted, which isn’t the case for tile. After years pass, if you are unhappy with the look of it, you can refinish your hardwood floors or just give it a different color. Unfortunately, when dealing with tile, your only option is to replace it. This is a costly option.

A few more reasons why wood floors are better than tile:

Wood floors are easy to clean
No grout needs to get stained
They last longer than any other kind of flooring

Keep in mind, if your hardwood floor ever begins to look worn, they can be refinished many times.

Hardwood Makes an Entrance

One of the most popular places hardwood is replacing tile is the entryway. This hardwood often makes your entryways look larger as well as provide a warmer feel when you enter a home.

Powder Rooms are Beginning to get Hardwood Floors

Powder rooms, also known as bathrooms without showers or bathtubs, are also joining the wood movement. For many homeowners, these powder rooms are beginning to shift to hardwood so they can match the rest of the first floor. If you had to pick between bathrooms to change, we recommend one that doesn’t have a tub because it is more likely to get wet whenever the tub is used. Water and wood can cause some problems if not treated properly and timely.

If you think it’s time to change one of your living areas over to hardwood, give the hardwood floor experts a call at (816)396-6769 or schedule an appointment online!

Give Your Home European Charm with Wire-Brushed Wood Floors

May 20, 2019Wood floor installationSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on May 20, 2019

Ever notice how a house with hardwood floors makes a space feel instantly classy and elegant? There’s a new trend in wood floors that takes that look a step further. It’s wire-brushed wood floors. Wire brushed wood floors are floors that have been brushed with stiff wire to remove the soft wood from the grain revealing the heartwood. The look is more rustic and the process actually produces a stronger piece of wood.

3 Reasons Wire-Brushed Floors Are So Popular:

They Are Durable & Safe
Because the softer wood is brushed away, leaving hardwood only, wire-brushed floors have a rougher, earthier feel and can handle all of life’s wear and tear. This extra texture even makes the surface less slippery.
They Are Animal & Kid Friendly
If your dream of having hardwood floors dissipates when you realize you love your pets more, there’s good news! Unlike other “elegant” items in your home, wire-brushed floors hold up well under daily wear and tear. They are ideal for animal-lovers, party-throwers, or young families.
They Have Timeless Charm
Reclaimed, distressed, and hand-scraped wood floors are just a few of the styles that are popping up in homes everywhere. If you admire the rough, earthier look, but your home’s style isn’t quite that rustic, wire-brushed floors may be the perfect combination of bold yet classy. Wire-brushed floors provide just a touch of rustic appeal, yet exude a timeless elegance that will make your home feel warm and sophisticated.

Whether you’re a long-time homeowner or looking to buy a new abode, nothing says “European charm” more than a wire-brushed hardwood floor. Come into our showroom to see many more wood floors, displayed gallery style, to give you a real idea of how it will look in your home.

For a beautiful hardwood floor, call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 or contact us online to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

Getting Wood Floors Installed – Here’s What Happens in 4 Easy Steps

April 23, 2019Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on April 23, 2019

You may be considering hardwood floors for their beauty, their low maintenance, their allergy-friendliness or the value they add to your home. Whatever the reason, at SVB Wood Floors, we’ve been installing beautiful hardwood floors for decades and we’ve got it down to a science. We have found that when homeowners are familiar with the process, everything goes a little more smoothly, and we end up with happier customers, so here’s what you can expect when we install wood floors in your home.

Step 1: Free Wood Floor Consultation

You’ll notice our entire process starts with the most important thing – a free, in-home consultation. It’s important because we want to make sure we are on the same page with our customers to ensure that we deliver exactly what they want. 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 Create Custom Colors and Designs for Your Wood Floor

We offer many different types of wood floors – different species, plank widths, stain colors, patterns, etc. You can check out flooring samples from our showroom 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. If you’d like to make your floors unique to your home, our expert installers can create any kind of custom wood floor design you can dream up. We can add beautiful inlays, intricate medallions, decorative borders, and more.

Step 2: Room Preparation

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

Step 3: 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. We make sure the wood planks we are installing have been acclimated in our temperature controlled warehouse so they fit perfectly.

Once the planks are in place, they are sanded for smoothness. Our BONA dustless sanding system removes the dust while we sand. With dustless sanding, the dust is whisked away to an outside container before it has a chance to spread all over your home. The great thing about our dustless sanding process is that it is very convenient and leaves virtually no mess in your home.

Step 4: Staining and Finishing Your Hardwood Floors

Our multi-step staining & wood floor 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. You can walk on your new floor (with stocking feet) two to three hours after the finish is applied. No pets for 48 hours or furniture for 7-10 days (until the floor is fully cured).

2 Other Things to Consider before Having Wood Floors Installed

If you’re thinking of enhancing your home with wood floors, some options you may not have even thought about yet:

Solid or 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 some of today’s engineered planks have a deep enough wear layer to allow them to be sanded and refinished like a solid hardwood floor.

Engineered:

The main advantage of engineered hardwood is its strength and stability, especially when exposed to moisture. Solid wood will warp along natural grain lines when exposed to excessive moisture. Engineered wood does not contain natural lines and therefore won’t be be as 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.

Prefinished or Unfinished Wood Floors?

Both have advantages. It depends on what you’re looking for.

Prefinished:

Prefinished has a more durable finish because it is created in a controlled environment in a factory. You will also know exactly what color and finish your floors will have before the installation. With prefinished planks, you have no fumes, less mess, and a shorter wait time to walk on your new floor. Prefinished floors are more tolerant to humidity changes.

Unfinished:

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 because the color isn’t pre-determined. Also, if you are looking for an unusual wood species or width, it may not be available in prefinished. Lastly, you may not like the beveled edges that accompany prefinished planks, so unfinished would be best for you.

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.

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) 944-3150.

Refinishing Wood Floors – Go Dustless and Stay Home!

March 12, 2019Wood floor installationSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on March 12, 2019

If you’ve been putting off refinishing your hardwood floors because you just can’t face the hassle, help is on the way. SVB Wood Floors, Kansas City’s premier flooring company and a National Wood Floor Association winner, has a state-of-the-art dustless floor refinishing system in Kansas City that does the job in just a few days – and you don’t have to move out.

The Dustless Refinishing Process

Until now, the worst part about refinishing floors was the dust – no matter how much you taped ducts, took down window treatments, and tried to seal your cabinets, the dust that the sanders kicked up just took up residence in your house and settled for what seemed like months. No more.

The Atomic Dust Containment System, by BONA (you’ve seen their cleaning products in stores), really does mitigate the sanding dust so much that you and your pets can stay in the house during the process. The BONA system traps dust particles and immediately sucks them out to a containment system in the truck. This technology is a lot healthier for everybody, primarily because there is no stress on the respiratory systems of the technicians and the homeowners. If asthma or other respiratory concerns have stopped you from having your floors redone, the BONA system reduces airborne dust by 99.8% – the only dust left in your home is what’s already there. Plus, since there aren’t any microscopic dust particles floating down from the ceiling vents, the new finish is as smooth as glass – no more tiny granular spots are sealed into the finish.

BONA Dustless System Is Quicker and Easier

Before, when you refinished your floors the old-fashioned way, you almost had to completely move out of the house for a few days – especially if you have a larger home and were doing all the floors. The BONA system is ultimately a more cost-effective way to refinish your floors – no storage, hotels, or pet boarding to factor into the overall cost.

SVB Wood Floors invites you to contact us for a consultation on how the BONA Dustless process can restore your floors to their former sheen and shine. The consultation is free, and you’ll be glad you did.

Yes! We Install Hardwood Floors in the Winter

January 21, 2019Wood floor installationSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on January 21, 2019

During the winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors. Especially in Kansas City where it snows and we face cold, gray days. As we have more days inside our homes, we start to notice aspects of our house that we want to update. One of those projects that you may want to undertake during the winter is installing new wood floors. At SVB Wood Floors, we do plenty of installations during the winter months. There’s no reason to wait till spring.

Moisture Levels Affect Wood Floor Installation

Don’t let just anyone install your wood floor. Moisture and humidity can be one of the biggest challenges that wood floor installers face. When there is moisture in the air, wood planks will swell. As the air in your house gets warmer, it becomes dry. This leads to dry air in the home and changes in the wood boards. The dry air will make the planks shrink and could leave visible gaps between floorboards. During the winter months, we tend to have our heaters running to keep us warm. That’s why our installers check the humidity levels in your home and regulate them. They will be sure to have the correct moisture level inside your home to prevent the boards from shrinking.

Advantages to Installing in the Winter

Since moisture can cause problems for your wood floors, winter and the dry conditions in your home are ideal for wood floor installation. The air in your home will be dry during the winter months, so there is no need to worry about any moisture being trapped under your new wood floors. Plus, winter months are typically slower for us which means that we are able to get your job done quicker than if you waited for warmer weather.

Winter is a great time for new floors! Call SVB Wood Floors at (816) 965-8655 today or contact us online to schedule your free, in-home consultation.

Drop-In vs. Flush-Mount – Let the Venting Begin

December 18, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationfloorSteve Brattin

Posted by Steve Brattin on December 18, 2018

Installing and refinishing wood floors involves a few detail-oriented decisions. One of those decisions is the kind of floor vents you want. Most homeowners haven’t given much thought to their floor vents, but you basically have two choices. To get you started thinking about which you might like, the experts at SVB Wood Floors have some facts about drop-in versus flush-mount wood floor vents.

Consider Floor Vents before Installation Is Done

Deciding which type of vent you’d like is one of those details that you’ll want to consider from the start. That’s because it’s much easier better to install them during the design process rather than trying to fit them in afterward. Fortunately, our free in-home consultation will cover all aspects of your floor design – including vent options.

Drop-In or Self-Rimming Vents

These vents have a slight rim all around the edge. That rim fits neatly over the cut edges of your floorboards. Unlike flush-mount vents, these can be installed with ease and at any time during the installation process, and even afterward.

Pros of Drop-In Vents

These are very easy to install because they literally just ‘drop’ into the floor opening. They’re generally also a less expensive option than flush-mount vents.

If you decide on this familiar style, we can install them for you or you can choose to do it yourself later. In either case, we can stain them to match your beautiful new flooring.

Cons of Drop-In Vents

The raised rim of these vents sometimes gets in the way of furniture placement or floor traffic. As small as that rim is, it can topple toddlers who aren’t steady on their feet yet!

It’s particularly important to keep the area around the rim of these vents free of damaging grit. Grit has a tendency to gravitate towards them – especially when you’re sweeping. It’s a good idea to vacuum around each vent after you’ve swept in order to keep them free of that grit.

Flush-Mount or In-Floor Vents

These vents mount flush with your floor so there is no rim. It’s much easier (and less expensive) to install these along with your new flooring. You can have these installed retroactively, but you’ll need to hire an expert. This is definitely not a project for the average DIYer!

Pros of Flush-Mount Vents

These vents fit smoothly and seamlessly into your new floor. Your new hardwood floor takes more of the spotlight when the vents are inconspicuous.

Since they sit flush, they won’t negatively influence furniture placement or traffic patterns. No more wobbly side tables or tripping toddlers!

Cleaning is easier without that grit-trapping and vacuum or broom-deflecting lip.

Cons of Flush-Mount Vents

These are difficult and expensive to retrofit. That means they’re difficult to change later on, too.

Fitting them in after the fact requires a careful layout and precision cuts. It’s also a bit nerve-wracking watching holes being cut in your beautiful new floors!

Even when installed along with the flooring, these are generally more expensive than drop-in vents.

Can’t Decide? Let Us Be Your Guide!

Our family-owned company is committed to providing you with the quality results you deserve. Whether your job is large or small, we want to give you the kind of high-quality, professional service that helped us win the award for the 2016 Wood Floor of the Year from the National Wood Flooring Association. That includes paying attention to every detail – including the vents!

Base Shoe or Quarter Round – What’s the Difference?

December 10, 2018Tips for Homeowners, Wood floor installationinstallNicole Ventura

Posted by Nicole Ventura on December 10, 2018

When we refinish or install a hardwood floor, we replace the baseboard molding. Baseboard molding installations are finished off with a small piece of molding that covers the gap between the bottom of the baseboards and the floor. There are two types of molding that can be used – base shoe or quarter round. So what’s the difference?

Both Types of Molding Are Very Similar

Base shoe and quarter round are almost identical. In some situations, they can be used interchangeably, but they both have their own specific uses as well.

Quarter round (shown in two sizes in the picture on the left and the right) is exactly as its name implies, one quarter of a round dowel. It has a 90° angle on the backside with a perfect quarter radius on the side that shows. The quarter round comes in a variety of sizes, which makes it versatile enough for a wide range of applications, as well as an ideal solution for eliminating the gap between trim and moldings and to fill corners.

Base shoe also has a 90-degree angle on the backside, but the front of base shoe is slightly more square and does not follow the radius of a circle like the quarter round does.

Does the Base Shoe Need to Be Removed before Refinishing or Installing a Wood Floor?

Yes, it should. There are a couple of reasons why you should remove the base shoe before installing a new floor. It is most likely that the existing base shoe molding has been in place for quite some time, so it may be dented or damaged in places. Plus it probably has several layers of paint on it from over the years. More importantly, however, removing the base shoe will allow you to butt the new flooring up to the wall. If we are refinishing a floor, and the base shoe is left in place, it will prevent us from getting the sander along the edge of the existing floor.

Should the Base Shoe Match the Trim Color or the Floor Color?

This is really a matter of preference. Traditionally speaking, the base shoe color should match the trim color, however, the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner. We suggest matching with your trim color to add contrast and emphasize the beautiful stain color of your hardwood floors.

Do I Really Need Baseboard Molding?

One of the most common questions people ask is if they really need the base shoe, or if it’s just an add on. The answer is a simple yes. Without it, there is typically a gap between the trim and flooring, which is not only unattractive but makes it extremely easy for dirt and debris to build up under the base trim. At SVB, we give you your choice – you can remove the existing shoe base on your own, purchase pre-primed replacements from SVB, stain it, and install it yourself. Or you can leave this tedious task up to us. We will remove the existing shoe base, and stain and install the new base shoe.

If you are considering refinishing, replacing or installing a new wood floor, call us at (816) 965-8655 or contact us online to schedule a free, in-home consultation.

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.

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 hardwood floor 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.

Kansas City’s Custom Hardwood Flooring Specialists