Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Install a Hardwood Floor Over an Existing Vinyl Floor?

This is a tricky one. The answer depends on the type of vinyl floor you're dealing with and how it is secured to the subfloor. A thick, cushioned vinyl flooring material can't handle having a hardwood floor installed over it. If the vinyl floor is thin and secured tightly to the subfloor, you may be able to float hardwood flooring over it. In some cases you may even be able to nail/staple the wood floor down, as long as the wood subfloor is solid.

Of course, you should always consult a hardwood flooring professional before attempting any sort of installation. Make sure to check the manufacturer's installation procedures for going over an existing vinyl floor to see if there are any special considerations. You should also check if this type of installation is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Questions about installing hardwood flooring over a vinyl floor? Call the professionals at Fantastic Floor today at 888-448-9663.

Make sure to call a hardwood flooring professional before attempting any installation project.

Frequently Asked Questions: How Do We Stop A Wood Floor From Gapping?

Unfortunately, gapping in solid floors can't be completely stopped or prevented. Wood expands and contracts naturally with changes in temperature and humidity, so slight floor gapping is an inevitability. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the gapping. Try using a humidifier during the cold months. This will help keep the wood dry and the temperature regulated while you're using your heater.

Some wood species expand and contract more than others. If you're concerned about floor gapping, talk to a professional at Fantastic Floor about which species is right for you. You can also choose engineered hardwood flooring, which shows little to no gaps between planks.

For more information about avoiding gapping in your solid wood floors, visit www.Fantastic-Floor.com or call us today at 888-448-9663.

Choosing the right hardwood flooring material can mean the difference between tight boards and gaps like these.

Fantastic Floor Presents: Bamboo Flooring

Welcome back to another exciting installment of Fantastic Floor Presents! This week we're taking a look at a material that has gained popularity over the years: Bamboo hardwood flooring.

Bamboo hardwood flooring is a versatile flooring material that features distinctive grain patterns and bright, crisp tones. The vertical grain bamboo flooring offered at Fantastic Floor is oriented on-edge, which reduces the appearance of grain "knuckles" and gives an overall cleaner, brighter look. Mosaic bamboo flooring, however, is oriented to display its end-grain, creating a much more intricate patchwork appearance. Both varieties are visually striking and nicely complement many different home decors.

Not only is bamboo an affordable and attractive flooring option, it is also a very environmentally-friendly product. Bamboo is a very fast-growing plant, meaning it can easily be harvested and regrown in a short amount of time. It is also relatively light-weight, making it easier to transport.

Visit Fantastic-Floor.com to learn more about bamboo hardwood flooring, or call one of our knowledgeable sales representatives at 888-448-9663.

Fantastic Floor Presents: Brazilian Cherry

Welcome to the first installment of what we hope will be a very helpful and informative blog series, "Fantastic Floor Presents:" ! Each week we'll provide you with all the information you could ever need on one of our beautiful hardwood flooring products. Have a question? Call one of our knowledgeable customer service reps and ask away!

This week's installment is one of our favorites: Brazilian Cherry. Enjoy!

Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring, otherwise know as Jatoba, is the most popular exotic hardwood flooring in the United States, mainly due to its strength, durability, and beauty. This species features reddish-brown heartwood and a striking black grain pattern, creating amazing contrast and depth. It is one of the most versatile hardwood flooring materials, complementing many different design schemes, from bright and modern to dark and rustic.

Our Brazilian Cherry is sourced from Central America, the West Indies, Northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Southern Mexico. We make sure to deal with manufacturers that follow sustainable-harvesting practices.

Our Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring is available in many popular formats, including unfinished, engineered, and prefinished. It is available in four different grades: Clear, Select, No. 1 Common, or Mountain. It has an impressive Janka hardness rating of 2,350 pounds and a density of 800 KG/m3.

Don't worry if the color of your new Brazilian Cherry floor changes over time. Brazilian Cherry tends to darken to a deeper shade of red when exposed to light. This usually happens for the first three months, after which the color will remain constant.

Visit our Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring page for more information on this beautiful hardwood species, or call us direct at 888-448-9663.