FAQ - Premier Wood Floors LLC

Does it really matter if my contractor is licensed?

When you enter into an agreement with a non-licensed contractor you do it at your own risk. Ask your potential contractor if they are licensed and ask for their number. You can then check their history by entering the number at the following website. license check. Our state license number is 2102197083. You also want to make sure the contractor is insured. The websites for the Michigan Association of Home Builders and Angies List have some good information in regards to this question. ANY contractor who offers a fixed priced contract over $600 for a project in a residential setting is required to have a license in the state of Michigan.

What is the best wood floor to install in my house?

There are many factors when considering the wood floor to install in your home. Besides the look, you will need to consider the environment. The following are some general guidelines regarding different wood species available for wood flooring. All the different species are compared to Northern Red Oak. We have probably all seen some red oak floors and they tend to exhibit some slight cracks between boards in the winter (stability) and some dents (hardness) during normal wear and tear.

Ash, White	2% harder	26% more stable
Beech	1% harder	17% less stable
Birch	2% softer	9% more stable
Cherry, American	26% softer	31% more stable
Cherry, Brazilian	119% harder	21% more stable
Cypress, Australian	7% harder	56% more stable
Douglas Fir	49% softer	27% more stable
Hickory	41% harder	11% less stable
Maple, Hard	12% harder	4% less stable
Oak, White	6% softer	1% less stable
Padauk	34% harder	51% more stable
Pine, Eastern White	71% softer	43% more stable
Pine, Southern Yellow	47% softer	27% more stable
Santos Mahogany	71% harder	36% more stable
Teak (Burmese)	22% softer	52% more stable
Walnut, Black	22% softer	26% more stable
Wenge	26% harder	46% more stable

For all flooring options it is best to keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent in your home. Relative humidity between 35-55% and temperatures between 60-75 degrees. Wood flooring likes the same comfortable environment as we do.

How should I clean and maintain my floor?

If you properly maintain and care for your floor it can last you many decades. Clean up spills quickly. For cleaning we recommend Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Any cleaner that does not include wax or leave a residue is best. Many times just using a dry mop or vacuum (do not use one with a beater bar) will do the trick. If you use a cleaner, make sure you don’t make puddles. If you would like to read more, I wrote an article on the subject on the company facebook page.

Which polyurethane is the best for my house?

Not all houses would do well with the same polyurethane/finish. A home that has a retired couple with minimal traffic would not have the same requirements as one with a St. Bernard and 5 kids. There is also a difference in the brands of finish. I have seen drastic differences in the ability to withstand abuse between different brands of the same type of finish. So how do you know what you are getting? When we meet to discuss your flooring needs I would be happy to talk with you about the advantages and disadvantages of each product, give you the product names so you can do a little research for yourself if you like, and then offer you the option that would work best for you. Do not be satisfied with ANY finish for your floor. Make an educated decision for your home.