Category Archives: Hardwood

Are your old hardwood floors looking dull and worn out? Refinishing might be the solution you need. It can restore their beauty and extend their lifespan.

Join us as we look at the benefits, costs, and process of refinishing hardwood floors!

Understanding the Condition of Your Old Hardwood Floors

Before deciding to refinish your old hardwood floors, you need to assess their condition. Check for scratches, dents, and discoloration. Look for signs of water damage or warping.

If the floorboards are loose or creaky, you might need more than just refinishing. Small issues like surface scratches and minor stains are often easy to fix with refinishing.

However, deep gouges or significant structural problems might require replacing parts of the floor.

Benefits of Floor Refinishing

Refinishing hardwood floors can restore their original beauty. Over time, floors can become scratched and dull. Refinishing removes these imperfections, making the floors look new again.

This process also helps to protect the wood from future damage. A fresh finish acts as a barrier against wear and tear. Another benefit is the increase in property value.

Well-maintained hardwood floors are a desirable feature for homebuyers. Refinishing is a cost-effective way to enhance the appeal of your home without the need for a complete replacement.

Cost of Refinishing Floors vs. Replacing

When deciding between refinishing and replacing hardwood floors, cost is a major factor. Refinishing is usually cheaper.

The process involves sanding down the existing floor and applying a new finish. This can cost between $3 and $8 per square foot.

Replacing floors is more expensive. It involves removing the old floor and installing a new one, which can cost $12 to $20 per square foot. Refinishing also saves on materials and labor.

DIY Floor Refinishing vs. Professional Services

DIY refinishing can save money, but it requires time, effort, and skill. You need to rent or buy equipment and learn the proper techniques. Mistakes can be costly, both in terms of money and time.

Professional services come with expertise and experience. Professionals can achieve a high-quality finish efficiently.

They also handle any unexpected issues that might arise. While hiring professionals costs more, it often results in a better and longer-lasting finish.

The Refinishing Process: What to Expect

First, the floors are sanded to remove the old finish and smooth out any imperfections. This can be a dusty process, so proper preparation is important.

After sanding, a stain can be applied if you want to change the color of the wood. Finally, a protective finish is applied to seal the wood and add shine.

The entire process can take several days, depending on the size of the area and the drying time needed between each step. Expect some disruption during this time, but the results are usually worth it.

Make Your Old Hardwood Floors Shine!

Refinishing old hardwood floors can restore their beauty, extend their life, and increase your home’s value. Assess your floors, weigh the costs, and decide between DIY or professional help. With the right approach, your floors can look stunning again.

At Peak Floors, we’re a family-owned business that serves customers throughout western Pennsylvania. We’re proud to offer the very best technicians in the business, with a focus on top customer service.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your flooring needs!

You’ve just hosted an epic game night at your cozy home, filled with laughter, snacks, and a little friendly competition. The last guest waves goodbye, and you finally sink into your favorite armchair, reliving the night’s best moments. Suddenly, you notice a horrifying sight – a deep red wine stain glaring at you from your beautiful hardwood floor, as if taunting your pride of homeownership.

Before panic sets in and you consider hiding the evidence under a rug, take a deep breath. Whether it’s wine, chocolate, or those mysterious stains you can’t quite identify, fear not!

Let’s go through our top tips for cleaning stains from hardwood floors.

1. Figure Out the Stain Type

Before you start cleaning, it’s essential to identify the type of stain on your hardwood floor. Different stains require different approaches, and using the wrong method can worsen the stain or damage the wood.

Water stains often appear as white or light-colored rings or spots on the surface of the wood. These marks usually result from moisture getting trapped under a finish layer, often caused by spills or wet items left on the floor.

Oil-based stains, such as those from grease or food spills, typically create dark, oily spots on the hardwood. These stains can be tricky because oil seeps into the wood fibers, making them harder to remove.

2. Water Stains

To remove superficial water stains, you can use a simple home remedy. Apply a little bit of non-gel toothpaste or a paste made from baking soda and water to the stained area.

Rub the stain, moving in circular motions. Be careful not to scrub your floors too hard, as this can damage your hardwood floor finish Once the stain is gone, wipe the floor area clean with a cloth and dry it completely.

3. Oil Stains

Oil stains on beautiful oak hardwood floors are a frequent challenge, often resulting from food spills, cooking oils, or greasy substances. These stains can be particularly stubborn.

Start by blotting any excess oil from the surface using a paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the oil further into the wood. Once you’ve removed the surface oil, sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the stain.

These powders are excellent at absorbing oil and will help draw it out of the wood. Let it sit on the oil stain for several hours, or even overnight, to maximize absorption.

4. Hardwood Floor Maintenance

Maintaining your hardwood floors is super important for preserving their beauty and longevity. Regular upkeep not only helps prevent stains but also ensures your floors remain in excellent condition.

Coatings can help protect your hardwood flooring. You might also want to consider hardwood floor refinishers.

Place rugs or mats in busy areas and near entryways to catch dirt and moisture. Ensure the mats have a backing to prevent accidents.

Cleaning Stains From Hardwood Floors: Start Today

There are so many options when it comes to cleaning stains from hardwood floors. Use this hardwood care guide, and you’ll have squeaky-clean floors in no time.

Are you looking to replace your hardwood floors? Check out Peak Floors. We’re a family-owned business dedicated to ensuring our customers get exactly what they need.

Contact us today.

Discovering gaps in hardwood floor installation can be frustrating. You might have envisioned a flawless, beautiful floor that adds elegance and warmth to your home. Instead, those pesky gaps can be a real eyesore and might even pose a tripping hazard.

The good news is that these gaps aren’t necessarily a sign of poor craftsmanship. Often, they result from natural changes in temperature and humidity or minor installation issues.

Understanding why these gaps occur and how to fix them is crucial for maintaining the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors. In this article, we’ll explore common causes, simple fixes, and effective preventive measures for dealing with gaps in hardwood floor installation. Read on to learn more about how you can tackle this problem and keep your floors looking their best.

Causes of Gaps in Hardwood Floor Installation

Gaps in hardwood floors can appear due to several factors. Seasonal changes are a common cause. Wood expands and contracts with fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

This leads to gaps during dry seasons when the wood contracts. This is especially noticeable in areas with distinct seasonal variations.

Installation issues also play a significant role. If the hardwood installation was rushed or if the wood wasn’t given enough time to acclimate to the home’s environment, gaps can form. Professional hardwood installers emphasize the importance of proper acclimation to avoid such problems.

Additionally, subfloor problems can lead to gaps. An uneven or improperly prepared subfloor won’t support the hardwood properly. This causes spaces to appear over time.

Assessing the Severity of the Gaps

Determining the severity of the gaps is straightforward. A simple visual inspection can help identify minor versus major gaps.

For a more precise assessment, a feeler gauge can measure the width of the gaps. This tool helps in deciding the appropriate repair method. If the gaps are wider than a credit card, they may require more attention.

Solutions for Fixing Gaps

Fixing gaps in hardwood floors involves several methods depending on their size. For small gaps, wood filler is an effective solution. It can be applied directly into the gaps, then sanded and stained to match the surrounding floor.

For slightly larger gaps, flexible caulk can be used. This material accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of the wood to provide a durable fill.

For wide gaps, natural fiber rope stained to match the floor can be used. This technique is particularly useful for older wood flooring where gaps are more pronounced. The rope fills the gap and blends in with the wood to maintain the floor’s aesthetic appeal.

Expert Help for Your Flooring Needs

Gaps in hardwood floor installation can be addressed effectively with the right approach. By understanding the causes and applying appropriate fixes, you can restore the beauty of your wood flooring.

At Peak Floors, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch floor repair and maintenance services. Our team of professional hardwood installers is dedicated to ensuring your floors look their best for years to come. Contact us today for a free estimate and experience the quality and care that set us apart.

As much as you may like your current flooring, it might be time to buy some new ones. Some signs that you need new floors are if there’s visible wear and tear, they make noise, and they start to smell bad.

However, you have another option if you have a tile with only surface damage. Instead of tearing it out, you might put another type of floor on top of it. Hardwood is one that is considered by many to be a more premium flooring than tile.

But can you install hardwood over tile, and what are the challenges of doing so?

Can You Install Hardwood Over Tile?

DIY tile removal isn’t always your best option, as it can create a lot of dust and debris. Installing a new floor on top of it means avoiding that issue.

Whether or not you can install hardwood over a tile floor will depend on the condition of the tile. It needs to be in good condition, not cracked or loose.

If the room has a low ceiling, then putting another layer of flooring on top will cause some height problems.

You’ll also want to purchase engineered hardwood over solid hardwood so it can be more stable over the existing floor.

Benefits of Hardwood Floor Over Tile

The first benefit of hardwood installed over tile is that it can save time and money. You’ll generate less mess, which means you’ll keep your home cleaner.

You may enjoy the overall aesthetic of wood flooring over tile. Wood goes with a lot of different types of furnishings, while patterned tile can clash with certain colors and designs.

Most importantly, hardwood can be refinished to look brand new if it starts to show wear and tear.

Hardwood Installation Process

There are a few steps involved when doing a floor installation on top of tile.

First, you’ll need to clean the tile floor so you have a smooth surface. Next, you’ll need to level the floor. Any uneven parts can damage the hardwood.

Install underlayment on top of your tile to provide a moisture barrier and cushion the space between your flooring. Finally, you’ll install the hardwood either using glue, nails, or the floating method.

Potential Challenges

You may face some challenges with doing a floor installation on top of preexisting flooring.

As previously mentioned, floor height could be an issue. It’s all too easy for a room to feel more cramped when you add another layer to the bottom.

If your flooring isn’t installed properly, then there could be stability problems. This will warp the hardwood floor over time and cause creaking.

Revive Your Home’s Floor

Can you install hardwood over tile flooring? Assuming your tile is in good condition and the room has a high enough ceiling, then yes you can. In fact, it can save you a lot of trouble trying to remove the preexisting tile.

Peak Floors provides hardwood refinishing, installation, and maintenance services in the western Pennsylvania area. We can also handle your epoxy floor installation. Reach out today to get your free estimate and learn more.

Hardwood floors add beauty and warmth to any home. They’re able to be timeless, persistently being in style no matter what the current home trends are. They’re also able to be modern, adding a sleek detail to a room.

However, you might not know there are a variety of hardwood floor installation patterns you can choose for your home. Each different pattern can add unique texture and designs to your room.

These will look beautiful in a living room, entryway, bedroom, or anywhere in your home. If you’re looking to do something unique for your home, consider these unique wood floor patterns.

Herringbone

If you’re looking to bring elegance into your home, herringbone is one of the most beautiful flooring patterns you can choose. This pattern creates an offset V-pattern that looks absolutely beautiful in the home.

Herringbone looks good with a variety of types of wood flooring, from white oak to dark cherry. This pattern can look very luxurious and elevate any interior design.

Versailles

One of the most intricate wood floor layout patterns is the Versailles. The mix of square and rectangular boards in an elegant patchwork is a beautiful option for large spaces like living rooms.

The design is incredibly grand, making any room feel very royal. Versaille floors look great paired with traditional and elegant home decor.

Chevron

Chevron is similar to herringbone in that it creates V-shapes. However, with a chevron pattern, the ends of the boards are cut at a 45-degree angle so they meet at a point.

This pattern can add tons of drama and movement to a room. It feels sleek and modern, but doing it with natural wood floors gives it some timeless appeal.

Diagonal

Standard floor installation has the wood planks running parallel to the walls. This creates a straight look that has a timeless beauty. However, you may want to consider a diagonal installation.

A diagonal installation has the boards installed in a straight line but running from one corner of a room to another. This installation style can open up the room, making it appear larger.

Parquet

One of the most traditional flooring patterns is parquet. This pattern features short planks in sets of six perpendicular to each other, creating a basketweave effect. It’s especially beautiful in small spaces like entryways.

If you have an older home, it may have original parquet flooring, which you can refinish to its original glory. The geometric look can be both timeless and modern.

Unique Hardwood Floor Installation Patterns for Your Home

Hardwood floors make a beautiful detail in your home. You can make them even more of a feature by using unique hardwood floor installation patterns. Herringbone and parquet flooring, among others, are popular options.

Unique flooring patterns paired with the warmth and beauty of wood will set your home apart. You can use any of these patterns with a standard rectangular board.

Peak Flooring is family-owned and strives to provide a personalized experience for all customers. Contact us today to discuss your next flooring project.

Whether you decide to DIY hardwood flooring installation or not, you still have to choose between solid and engineered hardwood floors.

After that, you must decide whether to go for prefinished hardwood flooring or site finish. With the latter, you or a professional can finish the hardwood planks after installation. Meanwhile, prefinished wood means the planks already have a stain and top coat applied.

For DIYers, prefinished flooring takes less time to install. However, you’re unable to customize the stain and sheen. Read on to learn more about prefinished hardwood floor’s pros and cons.

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring: The Pros

As mentioned, prefinished hardwood flooring is easier to install than unfinished hardwood flooring. Especially with DIY floor installations, where so many things can go wrong, you’d want to reduce the potential for error even more.

Since you have to level the subfloor, lay the underlayment, etc., it makes sense to want to cut down on staining, curing, and sanding. With prefinished wood floors, the last three processes (also very time-consuming) can be taken off your to-do list.

Other advantages include:

• Fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released during refinishing
• Offers finishes that meet industry standards (also comes with a manufacturer warranty)
• Cheaper in the long run since finishing costs can end up costing you more and
• Lasts for centuries with maintenance and possibly, multiple refinishing

Prefinished Wood Floors: Some Cons to Consider

Compared to other types of flooring, hardwood floors (prefinished or not) contracts and expands with temperature and humidity changes. That’s why installation is best left to the pros in many cases.

Still, if you’re dead set on installing hardwood flooring yourself, make sure you only do it in areas not prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Since poorly installed wood can warp faster and show gaps easily, you’re better off with other waterproof flooring options for these areas.

Another disadvantage is noticeable seams. Without proper installation and maintenance, the planks’ seams are exposed. This makes them more prone to spills and damage.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Suppose you spent a lot on refinished hardwood flooring. How do you maintain it?

First, don’t use harsh cleaning products. It’s better to make sweeping or vacuuming a daily habit if your goal is to remove grit and dust.

Also, stay away from oil soaps. Not only is the residue left a dirt magnet, but it will also ruin the finish. Consider hardwood floor refinishing if you accidentally damage your floor’s finish with excessive cleaning.

Considering Flooring Upgrades? We Got You!

Prefinished hardwood flooring is worth the investment as long as you take care to maintain it. That, of course, involves refinishing from time to time.

If you have hardwood floors that have lost their former beauty, we can help. As hardwood floor refinishing experts, Peak Floors is always ready to help with flooring upgrades at a very competitive price.

As a family-owned business, we’re all about prioritizing homeowners’ flooring needs. If you need a refinishing contractor in the western Pennsylvania area, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Are you planning on renovating your home flooring?

It’s time to consider the aesthetic and functional benefits of white oak.

This wood is even harder than other hardwood options, making it a highly durable material for home renovations. With a hardness rating of 1360, it can handle more wear, tear, and contact than most hardwood flooring materials. Thus, you can worry less about unsightly floor dents and other imperfections.

Its exceptional durability also makes white oak hardwood flooring resistant to warping; this feature lends to its design versatility, from bathrooms to backyards.

Here’s a closer look at its various applications

Ideal For Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

Kitchen and bathroom renovations remain the top remodeling projects for homeowners. These areas receive a lot of foot traffic throughout the day and are constantly in contact with water and moisture. Thus, you need a strong hardwood option that also works well with these layouts.

White oak is a top choice for homeowners who prefer the look of hardwood in these spaces over tile. Its high-density composition protects it from water damage and rotting. It also accepts stain finishes better than other hardwood floor types.

White oak comes in a signature light shade, making it perfect for bathrooms with cream, eggshell, and white wall treatments. It also helps expand the look of a small bathroom by creating the illusion of more space.

This material comes in a variety of natural shades. Since it responds so well to stain treatments, you have even more options for colors, even mimicking the look of other hardwood materials but with the structural benefits of white oak.

White oak hardwood is especially suited for modern or minimalist-style kitchens and bathrooms. You’ll find it often in open-plan kitchens, making it an excellent choice for living room layouts, as well.

Farmhouse and Shabby Chic

Not only does white oak respond particularly well to stains and refinishing, but it can also be distressed to create a more textured look that’s ideal for farmhouse-style homes. This style is also known as “shabby chic” and works wonderfully in cozy, cottage-style kitchens with glass cabinets with distressed wood frames.

Distressed white oak floors can transform the entire look of your home, inspiring a fresh farmhouse look. Consider installing this material during your next bedroom renovation, complete with a shabby chic day bed, thick rugs, and distressed vintage furniture.

Transform Your Patio With White Oak Hardwood Flooring

Since this flooring works so well in kitchens and bathrooms, it’s ideal for outdoor spaces that withstand moisture like backyard decks, patios, walkways, and gardens.

It’s perfect for that new poolside deck you’ve been meaning to install. Simply add your wood finish to enjoy a deck designed to withstand everything from humid summers to rainstorms. You can also install it around your jacuzzi to create more outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

Include White Oak In Your Next Renovation

If you’re looking for a hardwood material that works in every area of your home, white oak hardwood flooring is the perfect choice. Remember these tips as you brainstorm ideas for your project.

Are you ready to install white oak floors today?

Let Peak Floors handle everything from material selection to installation. Our experts are standing by! Get an estimate or call us today.

When it comes to value-add flooring options, hardwood flooring still takes the lead. Hardwood flooring goes well with any architectural style, adding a touch of timelessness and modernity all at once.

Picking hardwood over other flooring options isn’t the end of your decision-making process. There are tons of different hardwood floor colors to consider, as well.

We’re here to offer this quick but useful guide. Read on for our hardwood floor color selection guide.

Cool Hardwood Floor Colors

Cool tones have a tendency to evoke feelings of calmness. They do a great job of brightening natural light and opening up small spaces. In the world of hardwood flooring, anything with a white or gray undertone is going to provide that coolness.

If you’re making your choice strictly for your own enjoyment, gray hardwood is worth considering. If your goal is to increase resale value, keep in mind that grey as a predominant part of residential color schemes has peaked in popularity.

Warm Hardwood Floor Colors

Warm tones are often described as inviting or cozy. Warm tones pair well with a playful or rustic decor style and can leave you feeling energized and invigorated. Anything with a yellow, orange, or red undertone will add warmth to rooms of any size.

Some homeowners associate red hardwood and other warm hardwood colors with a more traditional style. However, with modern interior design or hardwood floor trends like the ombre wood floor, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds.

Modern Hardwood Floor Colors

What if you’re looking for something that evokes both modernity and luxury? A lot of high-cost, contemporary styles rely on bold colors that you can find in nature. This includes things like white hardwood and black hardwood, both of which can add drama to your home.

On the other end of the modern trend, you’ll start to see hardwoods (both natural and synthetic) in vibrant colors we don’t often find in nature. This includes bright reds, oranges, blues, and greens. Going in a more customized direction is a great way to infuse your home with your unique personality, although it may make it difficult to find the perfect buyer in the future.

Traditional Hardwood Floor Colors

The more timeless your hardwood floor colors are, the more timeless the overall effect will be. Are you less inclined to chase the latest trend and more inclined to reach for something that never goes out of style? If so, you’re looking for rich hardwood colors like walnut, cherry, and oak.

Dark brown hardwood can create an air of prestige and presence, adding stateliness to your home library or office. On the other end of the spectrum, you can go as light as hickory and still find yourself in the traditional style while adding an airiness to your home.

Call Peak Floors for Pittsburgh Hardwood Floor Installation

Without a doubt, hardwood floors are the way to go if you want to pair durability with beauty and value. Not only will you get years of enjoyment out of your hardwood floors, but you’ll also find eager buyers in the future. The question is, which hardwood floor colors are right for your home?

From hardwood floor installations to refinishing, we’re your number one hardwood flooring source in Western Pennsylvania. Contact us to request an estimate on your new hardwood floors.

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular choices for Pittsburgh homeowners year after year. While hardwood may not be the perfect option for every room in the house, it can elevate spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, and more.

What if you bought a home with original hardwood only to discover you’re living on damaged floors? Do you need to invest in all new flooring to improve your home and property value?

The short answer is no. Many homes can benefit from hardwood floor refinishing services at a fraction of the cost.

Read on to learn three major benefits of hardwood floor refinishing in Pittsburgh.

 

1. Restoration of Older Property

In the city of Pittsburgh, the median age of available homes is 78 years old. While we do see some new build construction, most homebuyers are looking at purchasing properties that require some TLC.

Hardwood floor refinishing involves steps like:

• Filling in floor gaps
• Smoothing out rough wood
• Buffing out most (if not all) scratches
• Removing dirt and grime trapped under old finishing coats

Once we’ve gotten your wood flooring in the best shape possible, we’ll add a new coat of finish to preserve the results for years to come.

2. Great Return on Investment

As a homeowner, it’s important to look for upgrades that can increase your home value and save money. Wood floor refinishing costs are far lower than the cost of installing new floors, but do they yield a strong return on investment?

According to the National Association of Realtors, refinishing hardwood floors can have an ROI of 147% compared to the 118% ROI on new wood floors. This is in large part because hardwood floor refinishing can give your floors a like-new look and feel while maintaining your home’s historic and structural integrity. In a competitive real estate market, this is exactly the kind of detail that can catch a buyer’s eye.

3. Eco-Friendly Upgrade

At Peak Floors, we talk to homeowners every day about the need for sustainability. If you’re environmentally conscious, refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to care for your home while making a low environmental impact.

For starters, hardwood floor refinishing requires very few new materials. It takes far less wood to fill in gaps and replace a few boards than it does to build a whole new floor. Plus, we’ve worked hard to develop high-quality water-based finishing coats with lower VOC production than traditional options.

Need Pittsburgh Hardwood Floor Refinishing? Peak Can Help

Whether you bought a new property in need of upgrading or want to restore the flooring in your long-time home, hardwood floor refinishing can help. When you’ve got a great base, there’s no need to start from scratch. Hardwood floor refinishing can add beauty and value at a low cost and low environmental impact.

Are you ready to invest in your Pittsburgh hardwood floors? Peak Floors is a family-owned business in Western Pennsylvania with a commitment to great customer service and great results. Contact us today to request a free estimate for your flooring upgrades.