SVB Wood Floors Blog

Category Archives: Wood Floor Maintenance

Wood floor maintenance, cleaning and proper care. SVB Wood Floors provides the information you need for proper care.

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

Tips for Homeowners, Uncategorized, Wood floor installation, Wood Floor Maintenance, Wood floor repair
Posted by Nicole Ventura on June 4, 2020

choosing-a-wood-floor-contractor-SVB-wood-floors-kc

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.

Related Read: SVB Wood Floors Wins 2016 Wood Floor of the Year Award from NWFA

 

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.

Related Read: Don’t Settle for Just Any Stain Color: All About SVB’s Process

 

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.

Related Read: Top Tips to Prevent Moisture from Damaging Your Hardwood Floors

 

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.

Related Read: 8 Tips for Moving Heavy Objects without Scratching your Hardwood Floors

 

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!

 

How to Protect your Hardwood Floors this Winter

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance
Posted by Nicole Ventura on January 8, 2020

ice melt hurts your wood floors

Hardwood floors have the ability to add much needed warmth and beauty into your home. In order to maintain this beauty, they must be taken care of properly. This is especially true during the winter months when the air is dry, and snow and ice begin to make their way inside the home.

Here at SVB, our experts put together a few tips on how to protect your hardwood floors from old man winter this year:

 

Gapping Between Boards

Sometimes you may notice small gaps between your hardwood floor boards during these cold winter months. The reason for this is because the colder the weather gets, the lower the humidity will get. Once the humidity reaches a certain level, the moisture in the boards will decrease, causing them to shrink.

The best way to prevent your floor boards from shrinking is by running a humidifier in your home. Depending on the ventilation in your home, the humidifier may need anywhere from 3 to 5 pints of water per hour to make up for the lost moisture.

Related Read: Top Tips to Prevent Moisture from Damaging Your Wood Floors

 

Ice Melt and Salt on Your Wood Floors

cleaning the ice melt off your wood floorsRock salt, or sodium chloride can be extremely tough on your wood floors if tracked inside from the outdoors. This causes scratches and damage to the finish on your wood floors. On the other hand, calcium chloride leaves a slick film that will damage your wood floor, causing it to lose its shine. One way this problem could be avoided is by providing floor mats at every door for guests to wipe their feet on as they enter. This will keep most of the ice melt and salt away and keep your floors shining.

 

Water and Debris

Your floors act as magnets for dirt and other debris that makes its way into your home over the course of the year. Unfortunately, in the winter, you also have to worry about water from melting snow and ice. If this water isn’t taken care of properly, it can cause your wood floor to warp and inflict damage to the surrounding boards. Additionally, the dirt and other small debris in your home can cause scratching on the surface of your floor. While this may not seem too damaging at first, it will soon allow moisture to enter. The best way to eliminate the potential of water and debris is by sweeping and mopping often.

 

Pets and Children

It’s no secret that your kids and pets love to play outside in the snow. Sadly, all that snow will eventually end up melting on your lovely wood floors when they come back inside. Do your best to let your dog back inside through your garage or laundry room. If neither of those is an option, be ready to wipe off their paws with a towel when they return.

For the kids, make sure they understand the importance of shaking off excess snow. If possible, they should remove their coats, snow pants, scarves, mittens and boots outside, or in a designated area like a mudroom with a protected floor. If any puddles are created, wipe them up to avoid damage.

 

Holiday Decorations

Most families love the look, feel, and, of course, the smell of a living Christmas tree during the holidays. However, watering them can turn into a pretty big problem for your hardwood floor. Do your best to avoid spilling and if you happen to spill, make sure to clean it up immediately so it doesn’t turn into a stain or cause any other type of damage. 

We recommend using tree skirts but make sure you avoid the skirts that have rubber backings because they sometimes have chemicals that can discolor your floor’s finish. Finally, make sure to clean up the fallen pine needles before they are tracked into every room of your house. This will produce small scratches everywhere and your hardwood floor may lose its shine. If this does happen, we are happy to help with our Kansas City hardwood floor refinishing services, but preventative maintenance is usually best.


Is the finish on your hardwood floor fading? Now the holidays are over, SVB can give your wood floors a face-lift in just two days! Contact us and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation consultation.

 

10 Moving Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Scratch Free

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance,
Posted by Steve Brattin on November 25, 2019

Keep Floors Scratch Free

Moving heavy furniture, like refrigerators, is never fun but it must be done. Unfortunately, if not executed properly, the floor is sometimes scratched when moving these heavy objects. Here at SVB Wood Floors, we get hardwood floor repair calls all of the time. A majority of these calls come from homeowners after they move furniture. Next time you plan on moving something in your house, follow these tips: 

1.) Clean It Up

Most of the time, homeowners completely forget to clean the floors before moving furniture. Yes we know, no one enjoys cleaning the floors but it will save you some grief and most likely some money in the long run. Small rocks or even dust can cause large amounts of damage to your floors if they are caught between heavy furniture and the floor. Make sure to sweep your floors and remove this grit.

2.) Move Furniture Slowly

No matter how heavy the piece of furniture is, take your time when moving it. Sliding off the padding remains a threat if you are moving it too quickly. If you are pushing the furniture, keep a close eye on the padding. If something feels or sounds off, stop what you are doing and check for damages. If you notice any damage, immediately stop what you are doing so you can reduce the scratching.

3.) Don’t Drag Furniture

Do your best to avoid dragging furniture. If the object can be lifted and moved across the room, it is best to do so. Moving furniture is usually a team lift and by that, we mean to ask for help from a friend, neighbor, or relative. Be very careful if you do decide to drag or slide it. There should always be some sort of cushion between the furniture and the floor.

4.) Lighten the Load

Take some weight off! If the object is extremely heavy, see what attachments you can remove to make it as light as possible. For example, if you are moving a dresser, remove the drawers and/or contents inside them. 

Additionally, if a mirror is attached, take the time to unscrew a few screws to set the mirror aside. Removing these items will not only make the load lighter but will also prevent any part of the furniture from sliding and creating a problem.

5.) Soften the Surface When Sliding

As mentioned earlier, always put something soft between the floor and the object. Folded towels, thick moving blankets, or even small area rugs are perfect for moving purposes. Just make sure the fuzzy side is always faced towards the wood floor.

Always remember, if you use the area rug or even old carpet, to shake them out before using. This will remove all the grit and debris which could cause a problem later on. Never use cardboard to move furniture.

6.) Try It on Its Side

If it’s not too big or heavy, maybe try laying the piece of furniture on its back or side. If the fabric allows, you can just slide it. By distributing the weight over a larger area, the chances of scratching the surface area decrease. Now all you need to worry about is watching corners or legs to make sure they don’t hit anything or so you can lift it back up to its upright position. This option usually requires some help.

7.) Get Some Gliders

Everyone who uses gliders instantly loves them. Gliders are special pads that fit under your furniture and make moving heavy objects a breeze. You can find a variety of different sizes and they are all very affordable. The best part is that gliders are reusable and super convenient to use every time you decide to move something around.

8.) Refrigerator Trick

Refrigerators are best known for their ability to easily scratch hardwood floors. When installing a refrigerator, we suggest laying two pieces of hardboard just in front of where the back wheels will be when it is in its final position, slide it back into place on the boards, and then carefully lean it backward to remove the boards.

9.) Don’t Trust the Wheels

Be cautious when using wheels. They are great for boosting confidence. Just because a piece is on wheels, doesn’t mean those wheels won’t scratch or dent your wood floors. These wheels can get stuck sideways and not turn easily. If you still insist on using the wheels, you can place a piece of ¼” thick hardboard on the floor and roll the wheels over it.

10.) Don’t Use Dollies with Hard Rubber Wheels

Dollies are a lifesaver and are great for moving heavy furniture. But before you load anything up onto the dolly, make sure the wheels are inflatable rubber wheels. Hard rubber wheels can actually cause a good amount of damage to your floors when you take into account the weight of the object you are moving. 

 

We hope by following these 10 tips you will help keep your hardwood floors looking great! By chance, if you accidentally damage your wood floor, give us a call (816) 965-8655 or schedule a free consultation online. You can also download our free guide to taking care of your hardwood floors below:

 


Can Water Damaged Wood Floors Be Repaired?

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance, Wood floor repair
Posted by Nicole Ventura on February 26, 2019

water damage on wood floors

Water and wood don’t mix. When disaster strikes and your dishwasher leaks, your washing machine hose bursts, or your ice maker has a meltdown, your wood floors can pay the price. But how do you know if they are salvageable? At SVB Wood Floors, we’ve seen the worst. The good news is that no matter what happened, we can repair or replace them. The question is…which one will it be?

 

Fast Action May Save Your Wood Floor

Wood is a porous organic material that can only resist the effects of water for a short time. That’s why you must act fast to prevent 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 to Look For

Here are some signs of damage to look for:

-Staining and/or discoloration

-Cupping – the edges of the individual planks are raised higher than the middle

-Crowning – the middle of the individual planks swells and rises

-Buckling from absorbed moisture

-Popping nails

-Lifting of floorboards (especially at the ends)

-Mold growth (can occur within 48 hours of flooding)

 

Depending on how long the floor was wet, damage can vary. 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.

 

4 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:

-The length of time the floor has been exposed to water

-Whether your floor is solid hardwood or engineered hardwood

-The severity of the damage (Has the water penetrated into the subfloor?)

-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.)

 

Solid wood flooring gives you the broadest range of options for repair. Because it is solid wood throughout the entire plank, we can sand away up to 1/4 of an inch of the wood to remove cupping or surface mold. Once the planks are dry, we can restain. Also, solid flooring can be replaced and new planks can be retrofitted more easily into the existing flooring. With engineered wood flooring, because only the top layer is real wood, there is less material to sand, which limits the repair options.

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.

 

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors from Winter Weather

Wood Floor Maintenance
Posted by Steve Brattin on January 22, 2019

Hardwood floors in Kansas City see their fair share of snow and ice during the winter. Add salt and ice melt to that, and you have a recipe for damaged floors. What do you clean your floors with when winter hits? How do you protect them? Continue reading below for a few helpful tips from the hardwood floor professionals at SVB Wood Floors.

Will Ice Melt Damage Wood Floors?

Most ice melt products contain either one component or a blend of the following: calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and urea. Since ice melt has a chemical foundation of calcium chloride (salt), it effectively melts ice and is cost effective. However, salt has a high pH level, just like products used in stripping floors. Over time, if not cleaned up quickly, ice melt residue removes the protective finish, ultimately exposing the wood to damage.

Tips to Combat Ice Melt and Salt

You know your floor has come into contact with ice melt when you see a white residue left behind. To remove the white film, you must neutralize the alkalinity in the salt with an acidic chemical. If a soft cloth and water do not initially work, you will want to try a professional floor cleaning product. For a more natural approach, add one cup of white vinegar to a gallon of warm water to clean the area. Next, in a circular motion buff and dry immediately. Test this method in a small spot first before cleaning the whole area. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to ice melt such as sand and kitty litter. They won’t necessarily melt the ice, but they will provide traction.

Watch for Grit That Can Scratch Wood Floors

Besides the chemicals that get tracked in, you have to worry about the grit from sand, kitty litter, and regular road dirt that may stick to snowy shoes and boots and end up in your foyer. If you can, have visitors deposit their footwear in a plastic boot tray when entering the home. The next best solution is a thick towel or mat to place shoes on. Be aware, however, that once wet, that towel or mat can do damage if left sitting upon the wood floor for too long. Remove it and replace it with a dry version as soon as you can.

Quick Cleanup and Preventative Tips

Reducing damage to hardwood floors is best done with a quick cleanup when coming in from outside. Although indoor rugs may seem like a good idea, they unfortunately will trap moisture and cause more damage. Try a heavy duty outdoor rug/mat to reduce dry material like salt pellets from coming inside. Another helpful tip is keeping a broom or small vacuum handy to get rid of any granules. It’s also a good idea to have some soft, absorbent towels on hand near the door so cleanup can be done easily and quickly. For footwear, set up a drying area with plastic shelving so that shoes are not sitting directly on the hardwood.

 

From installation and refinishing to restorations and deep cleaning, if you need help with your hardwood floors, call us at (913) 396-6769 or (816) 965-8655 or contact us for a free, in-home consultation.

 

Not All Dustless Refinishing Is the Same

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance,
Posted by Steve Brattin on October 3, 2018

Bona Dustless RefinishingWhen 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!

How to Refinish Hardwood Floors in 6 Simple Steps

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance,
Posted by Nicole Ventura on January 28, 2018

Refinish Hardwood FloorsOne 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.

Related Article: How to Choose a Stain Color for Your Hardwood Floors

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.

Related Read: FAQ – Do I Have To Move Out Of My Home When Refinishing My Floors?

  • 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.

Related Read: Pet Peeves – Preventing and Repairing Pet Damage to Hardwood Floors

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

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance,
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.

Wood Floor Recoating For HolidaysRecoating 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 floor sanding and refinishing. Give SVB Wood Floors a call at (816) 965-8655.

 

Best Hardwood Floors for Dogs

Tips for Homeowners, Wood Floor Maintenance,
Posted by Nicole Ventura on August 6, 2017

hardwood floors for dogsYou 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:

    • 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. 

Refinish Your Hardwood Floors in 3 Easy Steps

Wood Floor Maintenance
Posted by Nicole Ventura on July 31, 2017

hardwood floor refinishingIf you like your hardwood floors, but they’ve seen better days or the color doesn’t fit your updated fixtures, refinishing is the answer. At SVB Wood Floors, we can refinish your wood floors quickly and painlessly.

With our dustless sanding technology, we can be in and out of your home in just a couple of days! Our unique staining and refinishing process will give you the exact color and finish you desire and make your floors look brand spanking new.

Here is our hardwood floor refinishing process laid out in three easy steps. And we promise, it really is that simple!

Step 1: Free Consultation

To start off, we always sit down for a free consultation with you. We review our hardwood floor checklist with you. Before we start the physical process of refinishing, you need to decide on a stain color that you like and that will mesh with the style of your home. 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: Dustless Sanding

From there, we schedule for the dustless sanding process. For this state-of-the-art process, we use our exclusive Bona atomic Dust Containment System, or DCS. This process sucks up all dust and transports it to our truck outside your home leaving your home perfectly clean when we are finished. Dustless sanding also means no more chemicals to strip the old finish and no strong odors. It’s environmentally friendly, as well as convenient for your family since you won’t have to seal off the room or leave the home.

Step 3: Staining Your Hardwood Floors

Next, we stain your newly sanded floor. We start with a water-based stain of your choosing. When the stain is dry, we finish the floor with several applications of an environmentally safe, durable, and quick-drying topcoat. After that, your floor is once again usable in just 2-3 hours.

Related Article: How to Choose a Stain Color for Your Hardwood Floors

4 Prep Steps Before 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

Related Read: FAQ – Do I Have To Move Out Of My Home When Refinishing My Floors?

3. 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.

4. Crate Your Pet

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

Related Read: Pet Peeves – Preventing and Repairing Pet Damage to Hardwood Floors

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 consultation. 

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