Frequently Asked Questions – Bull Tough Flooring

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How long does it take to install a hardwood floor?

The time it takes to install a hardwood floor depends on the size of the area, the type of wood, and the installation method. As a rule of thumb, prefinished hardwood floor may take longer to arrive but requires very little time to install, whereas unfinished hardwood will arrive quickly, but involves a time-consuming installation process. Most projects less than 500 sq. ft can be completed in less than 2 days, while it typically takes 5-6 days for an average 1000 sq. ft hardwood floor installation. Whether you choose prefinished or unfinished wooden floors, our qualified and licensed flooring professionals complete the hardwood floor installation in a quick, efficient and hassle-free manner. We promise quality materials, advanced installation techniques and minimal disruption to your routine.

Can I install hardwood flooring over concrete?

Yes, you can install hardwood flooring over concrete, but there are several factors to consider. Depending on the home’s location, the soil beneath, and other factors, a concrete slab floor will have unique characteristics which impact how a wooden floor can be installed. Testing for moisture can be done through 4 methods: Rubber Mat Test, Calcium Chloride Test, Phenolphthalein Test, and Polyethylene Film Test. Laying hardwood over a concrete slab brings with it unique challenges which only a skilled and trusted contractor can handle flawlessly.

How do I care for my hardwood floors?

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are important to remove dirt and debris from your floors. Avoid using wet mops or harsh chemicals – these can cause hardwood floors to crack, split, cup, or warp, and it can also damage the finish, which can lead to discoloration. We recommend using a hardwood floor cleaner and following manufacturer instructions for care and maintenance. Also, be sure to regularly shake/clean rugs and ensure they are completely dry before placing them on your floor. Consider using furniture protectors to prevent scratches and avoid wearing sport shoes and high heels indoors when possible. With proper care, your hardwood floors can last for decades to come.

Can I refinish my hardwood floors?

Yes, hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times over their lifetime. Bull Tough Flooring specializes in refinishing faded, scratched, or damaged hardwood floors. Refinishing can restore the appearance of your floors and extend their lifespan. At Bull Tough Flooring, we use a powerful, top-of-the-line dustless wood floor refinishing system that gets the job done right. Whether you’re refinishing a small section of floor or an entire home, a dust extraction system will provide excellent power and coverage. Click here to learn more about refinishing hardwood floors in your Calgary home.

How can I prevent damage to my hardwood floors in the winter?

To prevent damage, it’s important to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and avoid using salt or ice melt products on your floors. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to protect your floors from dirt, debris, and moisture. To learn more about the effects of temperature on hardwood floors, click here.

 

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

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You may have found this blog by searching “hardwood floor installation near me.” Bull Tough Flooring Ltd. are pros at hardwood flooring installation in Calgary – but our job doesn’t end there. We’re committed to ensuring your hardwood floors look as good as the day we installed – or refinished – them. With proper care, your hardwood floors can last for decades to come. That’s why we’re sharing our tips on how to clean your hardwood floors.

Dust Mop or Vacuum

Prevent scratches on your hardwood by first going over your floor with a dust mop or vacuum to collect dust, dirt, debris, or pet hair at least once per week. If using a vacuum, opt for the floor-brush attachment. If you have a beater bar instead, make sure to switch it to the hard floor setting to bypass the brush roll; otherwise, it could negate the purpose of trying to prevent scratches.

Prevent and Mitigate Damage

The easiest way to fix something is to prevent it from getting damaged in the first place! A common misconception is that mopping is must; hardwood floors should never be wet mopped! Standing water can cause hardwood to crack, split, cup, and warp, and it can also damage the finish, which can lead to discolouration. Similarly, never use a steam cleaner as the vapour will penetrate the wood and cause irreparable damage to both the floor and finish. The same goes for spills: while they may be unintentional, they can wreak havoc on your floors. Be sure to clean up any liquid right away. In short, avoid water!

You can further prevent damage by making good use of floor mats inside and outside of exterior doors and in high-traffic areas (wait until you’ve been told it’s safe to do so for newly finished floors); however, area rugs can result in colour differences due to UV exposure, so be strategic with your placement. Also, be sure to regularly shake/clean rugs and ensure they are completely dry before placing on your floor. Consider using furniture protectors to prevent scratches and avoid wearing sport shoes and high heels indoors when possible. If you happen to see a heel mark or scuff on your hard-working sport floor, apply a manufacturer-approved floor cleaner with a dust mop or soft cloth.

Hardwood floors may be an investment, but if given proper care, they’ll do the hard work so you don’t have to. Need some advice? Or perhaps you’re ready to upgrade your flooring? We can help. Contact Bull Tough today!

Things to Consider Before you Refinish Hardwood Floors

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Give Your Hardwood Flooring the TLC it Deserves

They say hardwood floors are like fine wine; as they age, they add more warmth and character to your home. However, without proper care and maintenance it may be difficult to experience that wonderful aging of hardwood floors in your Calgary home. To make better choices for protecting your flooring and unlocking its hidden beauty, a few expert insights might help.

Calgary’s hardwood flooring installation and refinishing experts at Bull Tough Flooring offer some insights on when to deep clean, refresh or refinish your wood floors

Make Informed Choices for Renewing Your Hardwood Floors

Renewing hardwood floors is not always about sanding and staining them. Here are some aspects to consider while deciding how to give your hardwood floors the care and attention they deserve.

  • Deep Cleaning: If there is no damage to the floors and it is only dirt and dust that is making your floors look worn and lacklustre, a good deep cleaning should do the job. This involves:
    • Thorough sweeping of the floors with a soft bristle broom
    • Vacuuming to remove hard-to-reach dirt in the floorboards and corners
    • Mopping with a microfiber cloth and concentrated cleaner made for hardwood floors

 

For deep cleaning high traffic zones, you may want to hire a hardwood flooring professional near you as they use specialized scrubbing machines to remove the embedded dirt.

  • Refinishing: When your wooden floors have severe water damage, excessive sun exposure, aging wood, or a faulty substructure, you may have no option but to completely replace the flooring. For a realistic estimate, learn more about hardwood flooring installation costs in Calgary. However, in certain cases, a full replacement is unnecessary. Consider refinishing your hardwood floors for these reasons:
    • Aesthetic improvements, such as change in the sheen, finish, or stain of the hardwood
    • Routine wear and tear that has led to scratches, blemishes, or stubborn stains on your wooden floors.

 

Cost-Effective Hardwood Flooring Installation in Calgary

How you treat your hardwood floors depends on their current state, as well as your renovation needs, goals and budget. Calgary’s hardwood flooring specialists at Bull Tough Flooring can evaluate your wood floors and help you make the best choices with respect to their maintenance, repairs, refinishing and replacement. Take advantage of our custom staining options, dustless sanding systems, timely project completion and lifetime warranty on new installations. Our quality workmanship, flawless finishes and consistent customer service have earned us extensive recognition, including the award for “Calgary’s Best Hardwood Flooring Company” several times in the past ten years.

Enjoy a complete suite of hardwood flooring services in Calgary by the award-winning team at Bull Tough Flooring. To learn more about our services, call 403-975-2579 or contact us online to request an instant quote.