FAQs

You Have Questions. We have Answers.

In more than 15 years of installing, refinishing and working in the hardwood flooring industry we’ve learned a lot. And we know that investing in replacing, repairing, or installing hardwood floors leads to a lot of questions. Kimminau is here for all your flooring needs and questions.

Don’t see what you need? Contact us today and get every question answered!

General Hardwood Flooring Info

The duration of wood floor installation can vary depending on several factors. Generally, for a professional team to install hardwood on a complete floor, it could take anywhere from two to three days. Factors that could extend this timeline include the size of the space, whether the subfloor also needs preparation, or whether there are any complex patterns or designs installed. For a precise quote, you can get a free quote from Kimminau that’s tailored to your hardwood floor project.

Cleaning engineered wood floors is crucial to maintaining their appearance and longevity, but it needs to be done carefully. Begin by removing loose dirt and dust with a soft broom or vacuum
cleaner. For a deeper clean, use a damp but not soaking wet mop along with a cleaner
specifically designed for engineered wood floors. Avoid using steam cleaners or wet mops, which can damage the wood surfaces. If you need recommendations on the cleaners, give our team a call for specific cleaners for your flooring. Remember, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your floors to prevent any potential damage. 

       

While Fabuloso is a multi-purpose cleaner, it’s not the best product to use on hardwood flooring. Wood is a sensitive material that can get damaged by harsh chemicals. Fabuloso is a relatively strong cleaner and it might strip away the finish on your wood floor, causing discoloration or
damage. Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for wood floors, formulated to clean effectively while preserving the wood’s natural finish.

If you find paint spills or drips on your wood floors, you have options to get the paint up without damaging the wood. If the paint is still wet, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or wet paper towel. For dried paint, start by scraping off as much as you can with a plastic putty knife, ensuring you
don’t scratch the floor. Once the excess paint is removed, dampen a soft cloth with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, then rub the stained area gently until the paint is removed. If the
stain is stubborn, you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Before you do this, test any cleaning solution on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage your floor’s finish. After the paint is removed, rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. For large spills or
stubborn stains, you might need to consider professional cleaning or refinishing. Because we finish our hardwood flooring process by making touch ups, including paint touch ups, we’ll take
care of any paint that drops.

Using a steam cleaner on hardwood floors is generally not recommended. Steam cleaning involves the use of hot water vapor, which can cause damage to hardwood floors. The intense heat and moisture can cause the wood to warp, discolor, or develop gaps between boards. Additionally, if your hardwood floors are sealed, the steam can potentially damage the finish,
making your floors look dull and lifeless. Instead, for cleaning hardwood floors, consider using a slightly damp mop with a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors.

Scuff marks on wood floors can be unsightly but are often easy to remove. For light scuffs, try using a microfiber cloth to gently rub the marks until they disappear. For more stubborn scuffs, a solution of equal parts vinegar and water applied to a cloth can be effective. Be sure to wipe the
area with a separate damp cloth afterward to remove any vinegar residue.

If the scuff marks persist, you may need to use a commercial wood floor cleaner designed for
your specific type of flooring. Always test any product on a small, hidden area of the floor first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage. If the scuff marks still don’t come off, it might be time to consider professional maintenance coat or refinishing. Kimminau trains its professionals so they can restore the hardwood to its perfect condition, so don’t hesitate to call us today! 

Dark spots on hardwood floors can be caused by various factors, including water damage, mold, pet urine, or spills. Water and other liquids can seep into the wood’s pores, causing staining and discoloration if not cleaned promptly. Sometimes, dark spots may be a sign of mold or mildew growth beneath the surface of the wood, which can occur if the floor is frequently exposed to high humidity or moisture.

Pet urine can also cause dark stains on hardwood floors due to its acidic nature. Spills from
substances such as wine or food can also lead to dark spots, especially if they are not cleaned up immediately. It’s worth noting that certain types of wood are more susceptible to dark staining
than others due to their porosity and the type of finish applied. If dark spots are appearing on your hardwood floors, it’s important to identify the cause and treat it accordingly. Professional
advice may be necessary in some instances, especially for severe or persistent staining. 

Kimminau restores hardwood stains to pristine condition. So, if you have pets, spilled drinks, or food, get these issues resolved in no time! A few preventative steps can reduce the intensity of dark stains, so we’ve created a few ways to care for your hardwood flooring.

For water stains, begin by cleaning and drying the area thoroughly. Next, Kimminau’s
professionals will use fine steel wool to lightly buff the area. We prevent further damage by gently buffing the stain, applying a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to a soft cloth, and cleaning the area clean.

For dark stains caused by pet urine or other acidic substances, we utilize a completely different approach. First, we try to clean the stain with a hardwood floor cleaner. If the stain persists, it may be necessary to sand the stained area and then apply a layer of bleach. Let the bleach sit
for an hour, then wipe it off and allow the area to dry. Professionals must complete this step of bleaching, otherwise, homeowners may damage their hardwood floors further, causing multiple
issues.

It’s always best to hire a professional to assess the stains and damage. We will be able to provide you with the most effective options for restoring your floor, just give us a call and we’ll be
there shortly!

The cost of moving furniture as part of a flooring installation depends on several factors,

including the amount and size of the furniture. At Kimminau, we include the cost of moving a few
items in our services, so there’s no need to get multiple companies involved in the process of restoring your hardwood floors. Our two-hour minimum service charge for moving contents
starts at $350 per visit.

Matching wall color with your wood floor involves considering the undertones in the wood finish, the lightness or darkness of the wood, and the overall style and mood you want to create in the room. If your wood floor has a warm undertone such as red or orange, cool neutrals like grays or blues on the walls can provide a pleasing contrast. Conversely, if your wood floor has a cool undertone like gray or ash, warm neutral wall colors, such as creams or beiges, can create balance. Light-colored walls generally work well with darker floors, helping to brighten the room and prevent it from feeling too closed in.

If you have questions about floor stains or wall paint colors, don’t hesitate to ask the Kimminau
Team. We’re happy to assist in more ways than just completing your hardwood floor project.

Transitioning between two different wood floors can be effectively achieved using a transition strip, which is designed to bridge the gap between different types of flooring. Transition strips are available in various styles and finishes that can match or complement your hardwood floors. For a seamless transition, you might consider a ‘T’ bar or ‘reducer’ strip. A ‘T’ bar is used when there is a level match between the two floors, while a ‘reducer’ is used when one floor is lower. If you wish to add a more dramatic effect, you could use a ‘threshold’ strip which creates a defined break between the two floors.

The goal is to seamlessly connect the two floors while accommodating any height difference, and Kimminau has years of experience with this. For best results, tell us what you want and we’ll help choose the transition strip that best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences!

Yes, you can install wood flooring over tile, provided the existing tile floor is well-bonded, flat, clean, and in good condition. Before the installation, we will inspect the tile floor for any loose, cracked, or damaged tiles, otherwise, we will repair or replace them before laying the new floor. It’s also important for us to check for any height issues that this new layer may cause, especially
at doors or transitions to other rooms.

Keeping a couch and other furniture from sliding on a wood floor can be achieved with a few simple solutions. Using furniture pads or rubber grippers are effective as they are placed under the feet of your couch. These provide friction that helps keep the couch stationary. Another option is to use non-slip mats or rugs under the couch, chairs, and beds. They not only keep furniture from moving but also add aesthetic value to your living space. For a more permanent solution, you could consider installing furniture anchors. These secure the couch to the floor, preventing any movement. Always ensure that the method you choose does not damage your
wood flooring.

Hardwood Flooring Installation FAQs

After you’ve chosen your desired product, we will promptly order it and ensure delivery 7-10 days prior to the scheduled installation date. This crucial step allows your new floors to properly acclimate to your home’s environment. Once the wood has acclimated, we begin by removing your existing floor covering and preparing the subfloor for the new hardwood. These initial stages are the most critical but often overlooked or undervalued by others in the industry. Next, our certified employees expertly install your new floor, including any required trim moldings. At Kimminau Floors, we offer a comprehensive turnkey experience, which includes moving all furniture, performing painting touch-ups, and providing post-construction cleaning, ensuring your space is left as clean or even cleaner than before the installation process began.

Our prices vary depending on the type of wood, required demo and subfloor prep, and whether or not you want a custom hardwood flooring pattern. Unsure what the price can be? Get an estimate by contacting us!

The installation time varies based on factors like the amount of flooring needed and the condition of the subfloor. However, our skilled team typically completes most installations within 2-5 days. This efficient turnaround allows you to resume your daily routine quickly, while enjoying the beauty of your impressive wood flooring.

No, you don’t need to leave your house. We may make a bit of noise due to our wood flooring tools, but you are able to stay in your own home and even walk on the flooring between most days/evenings.

Installing hardwood planks on your staircase is indeed possible, but we highly recommend enlisting the expertise of professionals like Kimminau Floors. Our team ensures that the staircase meets code requirements and maintains the necessary stability to support the planks securely. Staircase installations are significantly more intricate than standard hardwood floor installations, and the precision provided by professionals can make a tremendous difference in the final outcome. For a personalized consultation and expert guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Pros:

  • Enjoy the classic elegance of hardwood floors in your home.
  • Hardwood floors provide a lifetime of durability with occasional refinishing.
  • Cleaning and maintaining hardwood floors is easy and efficient.
  • Create new decorating looks with the simple versatility of hardwood floors.
  • Reduce allergens in your home with easy-to-clean hardwood floors.
  • Increase your return on investment with an average return of 106%.

Cons:

  • Overtime you might notice scratches or gouges. No worries, refinishing floors is something most people doing every 8-10 years which is still more cost effective than other flooring solutions.
  • Increase your home’s resale value with minimal upfront cost.
  • Get hassle-free installation by professional contractors.
  • Choose from a variety of stylish designs to complement any decor.
  • Protect your floors from scratches and gouges for a long-lasting investment

Hardwood flooring is a worthwhile investment of both time and money, offering a timeless and natural appeal that complements any home decor. Its versatility makes it a perfect fit for any design style. Moreover, hardwood floors can significantly increase your home’s return on investment, with an average ROI of 106%. Few other floor coverings can boast a lifespan of 100+ years, making hardwood floors a durable and long-lasting choice for your home.

With proper maintenance, wood flooring can maintain its beauty and functionality for an impressive 20 to 30 years without needing refinishing. And even after this time, it can be easily refinished up to six or seven times during its lifespan, ensuring its enduring durability and longevity. Trust in the lasting appeal and resilience of a well-cared-for wood floor.

Hardwood flooring increases a home’s value and salability. Its warm aesthetic makes it attractive for buyers and a wise investment for homeowners.

To maintain the beauty and longevity of newly refinished hardwood floors, it is important to establish a regular maintenance routine which includes placing protective mats, keeping pet claws trimmed, avoiding wearing high heels/sports cleats, and regularly sweeping/vacuuming. Equally helpful is to place walk-off mats in entryways, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and use a humidifier throughout the winter months.  

Applying the wrong cleaning products to your floor will void our warranty, reduce its life, and prevent us from being able to successfully apply a maintenance coat in the future, so please contact us when you run out of solutions.

Hardwood Flooring Refinishing FAQs

The answer will vary depending on how well the hardwood floors have been maintained.   With heavy traffic (dogs, kids, activity) and no maintenance, you may need to have the floors refinished in as little as 3-5 years.   The general rule of thumb for regular traffic is 7-12 years.   If you follow Kimminau Floors maintenance procedures and have your floors cleaned and coated every 3-5 years you can dramatically increase the life of your floor and go 20+ years before they need to be refinished.

There are clear signs that your floors may need refinishing. These signs include a dull finish, deep scratches, and dents. Fading color due to sunlight exposure, water damage, warping, cupping, pet stains, or discoloration can also indicate the need for refinishing. If you’re looking to update the appearance of your hardwood floors or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for a hardwood floor refinishing quote. Visit our website to get started.

Installing hardwood flooring increases the price of your home, but does refinishing the wood improve your home’s value? Yes, in most cases having floors that look like new adds to the atmosphere of your home and gives you 70%-100% of your investment back if you chose to sell your home. If you aren’t planning to sell, when your hardwood floors are refinished, you save time and money as opposed to a complete replacement of your hardwood floors. When the floors are maintained, minor problems can be handled earlier, before they become big and expensive issues. Refinishing what is already installed means you get great value from what you already have in your house. Not to mention your floors will look like new! 

With our team of expert hardwood refinishers, we act fast. We can complete most projects anywhere from 3 days to a week. Our team doesn’t just refinish floors, we go above and beyond to handle the furniture moving and paint touch-ups with care. In some cases, our team can even refinish hardwood floors in 3 days.  Click here for more information about project timelines.

Perhaps the hardwood floor refinishing process made you realize how desperate your floors needed attention. If you’re questioning how to care for newly refinished hardwood floors, we’ve created a fantastic article on this, directly from the refinishers who helped get your floors in shape.

This will depend on the quality of the engineered floor that was installed.  There’s a huge variance in the quality of engineered products.  The cheap engineered products often found at big box retailers will usually have an extremely thin wear layer that cannot be refinished.   The higher quality engineered products will have thicker wear layer that will allow a professional to refinish them 2-3 times.   Kimminau Floors will only purchase and resell engineered products that are provided by manufacturers that meet the requirements of the NWFA Certified Refinishable program. Click here for more information about engineered floors.

The cost to refinish your hardwood floor typically averages around $5 per square foot. However, pricing may vary based on factors such as the floor layout, condition, and the specific finishing system you’re interested in. For an accurate quote tailored to your project, please contact us to discuss the details.  Check out this blog for more information on how our refinishing service is priced out.

Maintenance Service FAQs

Absolutely, you can dramatically extend the life of your floors with proper maintenance.  By investing in regular day to day preventative measures and our clean and coating process every 5 years, you can prevent having to refinish floors for 20+ years.  The clean and coat process will not only keep your floor looking new but will also save you more than 80% compared to a complete floor refinishing.

At Kimminau Floors, we offer several types of hardwood maintenance services to keep your floors in top condition. For day-to-day care, we provide maintenance kits with recommended preventative measures to follow. Additionally, we suggest having your floors cleaned and recoated every 3 to 5 years, depending on the level of foot traffic in your home. Our most comprehensive maintenance service is our refinishing service, which may be required every 10 to 20 years, depending on how well you follow our recommended cleaning instructions.

Absolutely! Our finishes have extremely low VOC’s and the entire process is safe for both pets and kids!

Our professional team can complete most hardwood floor maintenance projects in just one day.

Refinishing is a comprehensive process that involves stripping your floors down to the bare wood. On the other hand, a maintenance coat involves cleaning, buffing to remove surface scratches, and applying a fresh coat of finish to revitalize your floors. This regular maintenance not only enhances the appearance but also extends the life of your hardwood floors.

Determining whether your floors require a maintenance update or a full refinish can be complex and depends on various factors. For an accurate assessment, we recommend scheduling a quick consultation with our expert team. Contact us today, and our professionals will carefully inspect your floors to provide you with the most suitable recommendation. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you make the best decision for your hardwood floors.

We have multiple effective methods to handle stubborn pet stains. We’ll try sanding to remove them or use a darker stain to conceal them if suitable. If needed, we can replace the affected wood for a flawless finish. Count on our expertise to restore the beauty of your hardwood floors.

Caring for your refinished or newly installed hardwood floors is hassle-free with the right products. At Kimminau Floors, we offer all our clients the precise cleaning solutions they need to maintain the beauty of their floors. If you require more of our proprietary cleaning solution, don’t hesitate to contact our office today.

While vinegar can be used for cleaning hardwood floors, there are potential risks associated with its regular use. The acidity in vinegar may compromise the protective bond coat of the hardwood, leading to color fading and possible water absorption, which can cause several issues. To ensure the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors, it’s best to avoid using vinegar too frequently. Instead, feel free to reach out to our office for more of our specialized cleaner when you run out. We’ll be happy to provide you with the right products for safe and effective floor maintenance.

Staircase Service FAQs

Installing hardwood on your stairs is a smart choice that brings multiple benefits. Hardwood treads not only add elegance and natural beauty to your home but also increase its overall value. With their timeless appeal, they remain stylish for years to come. Moreover, hardwood stairs are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent long-term investment. They provide lasting enjoyment and can serve you well for a lifetime.

Oak, walnut, hickory, and maple are favored options for stair treads because of their widespread availability and exceptional durability. When choosing the wood for your stairs, you can either match it with your existing hardwood floors for a seamless look or opt for something entirely different to achieve a unique and personalized style. The decision ultimately depends on your preferences and the specific look you wish to create.

Costs vary significantly based on the type of wood selected, layout, and the number of stairs, so contact us to get a quote!

Absolutely, we provide a complete staircase installation service, including handrails, newel posts, balusters, rosettes, and other necessary trim moldings. Our expertise extends to professional painting services, ensuring that your project is flawlessly finished. With our comprehensive approach, you won’t need to involve other trades once we’re done, making the entire process smooth and stress-free for you.

Wood stains are the same for stairs as the flooring. This means your flooring and stairs can be the same color of stain.

Selecting the ideal style for your staircase can be a daunting decision, influenced by factors such as budget and personal taste. Numerous styles are available, including Straight, Curved, Floating, Boxed, Open, and more. To assist you in making a well-informed choice, consider engaging a designer or finding inspiration from various social platforms.