No. Some of our customers have gotten very acceptable results by going to the local hardware store, and getting a stain that most closely matches the wood. They then apply this, as carefully as possible, on the scratch. Because the scratch is opened, raw wood, the stain will adhere. If they get stain on the areas surrounding the scratch, normally the stain comes off during the SandFree™ process in the areas where it was put on top of urethane, as opposed to the raw wood.

No. You should never wet mop your wood floor. Standing water left after wet mopping can dull your finish, damage the wood, and leave unsightly discoloring. If you happen to spill water on your floor, clean it up as quickly as possible. If massive amounts of water leak out onto the floor, such as a dishwasher that has leaked, it might damage the floor to the point where it would need to be replaced. Most homeowners insurance companies would cover the repairs needed if this were to happen. See similar questions...

Superficial nicks and scratches that have cut into the finish film, or even cut all the way into the wood underneath, can be camouflaged with color treatment and waxing. Wax sticks in a variety of colors are available from the hardware store. Paste shoe polish applied with a cotton swab can be used to color the exposed wood. If the scratch is just on the top of the finish film and not very deep, a simple buffing with a furniture wax will restore the luster to the finish. See similar questions...

If you have extremely deep marks in your floor, the best option for the overall floor is to replace the damaged boards. If you would rather us sand a little deeper we can do this but you must remember that the more we sand off the less floor you will have. Most hardwood floors can only be sanded 3 - 5 times. See similar questions...

It is very easy to clean a Pre-finished hardwood floor. Simply dust mop, sweep, or vacuum (vacuum should have rubber wheels so not to scratch the floor). Most flooring dealers also sell cleaning kits, which come with a mop as well as an approved cleaner. If you are not sure which cleaner is appropriate for your floor, contact your local dealer for assistance. See similar questions...

You can revive your Brillante with Simichrome, a wonderful non-abrasive polish available through your Brillante dealer, but if it has been deeply scratched, there is no way to thoroughly buff out these marks. We recommend storing your Brillante in its flannel pouch for optimal care. See similar questions...

Over time the cooking surface will become "worn" and get tiny scratches from regular use. Many people like that and refer to it as "patina". Should it get to much for your taste, just have the surface "buffed up" by a professional. See similar questions...

The answer is yes, but if a room has under floor heating, it is doubly important that it be properly installed to allow for expansion and contraction. We are able to supply manufacturers' technical specifications regarding underfloor heating. See similar questions...

Dents are depressions in the wood where the grain is not broken. Scratches and gouges are areas where the grain has been damaged. After the finish is removed, most dents can be steamed out. Fold a piece of paper towel, wet it with cold water, and hold it on the dent. Place a hot iron on the dent for a few seconds until steam is forced into the wood. The dent should rise after a few applications. Sometimes a small amount of sanding is required. Always experiment in an inconspicuous area first. See similar questions...

First, make sure you use a good stainless steel cleaner. Once you're done cleaning, follow up with good stainless steel polish. Cleaning will only blend in light scratches; deep scratches may require more work or sink replacement. Use Bar Keepers Friend cleanser and a green Scotch-Brite pad. Wet the sink and pad, and sprinkle a little cleanser in the sink. Gently move the pad front to back on the bottom to blend the scratches in. On the sides, scrub in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly. See similar questions...

The natural characteristics of wood include the grain pattern, dark gray or black marks and knots of various sizes. They are a result of the growth process of a particular species and are influenced by sunlight, soil and climate. Minerals can appear in several forms such as a light gray streak across a board to black lines in the grain. The same holds true for grain patterns and knots. See similar questions...

Cupping, or "washboard". Across the width of one piece of the flooring material, the edges are high, the center is lower. Generally develops gradually. Moisture imbalance through the thickness is the only cause. The material was manufactured flat and was flat when installed. Job site or occupant provided moisture is greater on the bottom of the piece than on the top. Find the source of moisture and eliminate it. See similar questions...

Depending on the type of flooring, it is usually graded from clear being the best - to #2 common, know as a rustic grade. CLICK HERE for an example. See similar questions...

Yes, Bruce offers several suggestions. If you have a minor chip or slightdamage, we offer a color-blended filler. Our touch-up kits take care of several different issues, such as scratches and chips. If the damage is severe enough, you can have individual boards replaced. See similar questions...

Correctly fitted and maintained a solid wood floor will last a lifetime, but correct fitting is crucial. See similar questions...

Three grades relate to the floors visual appearance only and not to quality. Select is the highest grade. It is knot-free, giving floors with uniform colour and texture. These floors command the highest prices, but some people find them monotonous. The cheapest grade is Rustic, where there may be small knots and colour variations in the wood. This can make for a lively, interesting floor full of character and in no ways impairs the quality. It depends what effect you want. See similar questions...

With all wood floors it's just a simple question of running a damp mop over them as part of your normal house cleaning routine. See similar questions...

Answer: In most cases if a person has basic carpentry skills they can install a hardwood floor themselves. The only equipment needed is a hammer, nail set, and a table-saw. Some installation methods require use of other equipment, check with your retailer. See similar questions...

Protect wood floors from grit, dirt and sand by placing mats and throw rugs at doorways. Install felt pads under furniture legs and vacuum/dust your wood floor regularly. Check out Design Options for suggestions on how to protect your wood floor. [Back to top] See similar questions...

Deep surface defects may be improved or camouflaged with our custom touch-up service, but do not expect perfection. Consider FreshStart. See similar questions...