Q: About 3 months ago I had a #2 common red oak floor sanded, stained with natural (same color that was originally used) and refinished with 3 coats of Swedish finish. Now there are many uneven dark (nearly black) lines that are unattractive. It may be my imagination but it appears to be getting more dark streaks every day.
Wood Grades and Species
Q&A On the differences between wood grades and species.
What type of hardwood to purchase
Q: I am trying to decide on what type of hardwood to purchase. In a previous home I installed dark cherry-stained oak. I have a dog and of course the scratches were very visible and after only a few months looked terrible. I also found it very hard to keep clean.
Red vs. White Oak
Q: What is the characteristic difference in red oak and white oak 3/4 tongue and groove hardwood flooring?
Beech on the hardness table
Q: We are remodeling our kitchen and considering putting a Beech floor down. Is this a good wood for wear and tear? We have two grandchildren and they tend to play in the kitchen. Will the beech show all the dents and scratches easily?
Maple floors and dogs
Q: We’re currently building a house and am having 3in wide maple hardwood put in. Our concern is we have a large German Shepard and Jack Russel. We’d like to plan ahead and try to avoid the fate of some other folks asking questions about maple floors and dogs.
Picking species to compliment oak cabinets
Q: Our casual style home was built ’00 and has light golden colored oak cabinets. We want to install engineered wood flooring, but are confused as to what type of wood to use that would compliment our existing oak cabinetry, rather than match it with another like oak wood.
Painted pine under carpet with no subfloor
Q: My house is approximately 80 years old. I just pulled up the old carpeting in the living and dining rooms and have an unfinished hardwood floor (probably pine) underneath that is coated with a thick layer of white construction paint and no subfloor.
American Cherry in a high traffic kitchen
Q: Would American Cherry hold up in a high traffic kitchen area? Would this be a good choice?