Frequently Asked Questions

Hardwood Flooring FAQs for the Washington Metro Area

Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions.

Choosing new flooring for your home in the Washington Metro Area doesn’t have to be stressful. At Elegant Floor Services, we aim to educate our customers about the wealth of available options. Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring, or reach out to us with specific inquiries.

Wood Floor Selection and Installation

1- What types of hardwood floors can I choose from?

You have dozens of options for hardwood flooring. Some factors to consider include construction (solid / engineered), prefinished vs. site finished, color, species, hardness, and price range. Once you know the basics of what you want, you can further research these popular choices (these are not mutually exclusive):

• Solid wood
• Engineered wood
• Plank flooring
• Parquet flooring
• Strip (traditional) flooring

2- How long does it take to install a wood floor?

This of course depends on the size of the crew and the area size (square footage).  A two-man crew will install up to 400 square feet per day—less if furniture is involved, more if not.  Remember that prefinished material does not require site sanding and finishing – just shoe moulding at the perimeter, perhaps other trim pieces.

3- How do you maintain newly installed wood floors?

Hardwood floors require thoughtful maintenance to keep them in top shape. Sweep or vacuum regularly, and only use specialized wood floor cleaners. Do not apply ‘coatings’ – polish rejuvenator, etc.   When your floor begins to look ‘tired’ or worn in traffic paths, our ‘screen and recoat’ regimen can rejuvenate it and forestall the next sand and refinish.  But don’t wait until the floor’s color is compromised!

4- What are the different types of wood floor finishes available?

Nearly all wood floors these days are finished with polyurethane. Recent advent water-based polyurethanes are low VOC (safe), dry quickly w/ low odor.   The two-component, catalyzed water-based polyurethanes in particular are the hardest, most durable finishes available.

Wood Floor Sanding and Finishing

1- How long does it typically take to sand and refinish a wood floor?

Plan for the sanding and refinishing processes to take 1 day for every 300-400 sq.ft..  A compelling advantage of water-based finishes (poly’s) is that the entire finishing system can be completed in a day for up to 400 Sq.Ft.

2- What are the benefits of refinishing a wood floor?

Refinishing wood flooring will essentially restore the floor to ‘new’, while also affording you the opportunity to change color and sheen.

3- How often should wood floors be sanded and refinished?

Generally, we recommend these services for wooden flooring every seven to ten years, but it depends on wear and traffic patterns. If you’re a ‘shoes off’ customer without pets and maintain your floors in accordance with our care instructions, you may never NEED to refinish.  If you want to change color, your floor(s) will need to be sanded and refinished.  Regular maintenance and cleaning can prolong the time between refinishing, but eventually, nearly all hardwood will need to be sanded and refinished to maintain its appearance and durability.

4- I spilled water on my hardwood floors. What should I do?

Clean up the spill right away and remove any wet items from the area. A random spill that’s promptly wiped up will not be injurious to your floor.

LVP Selection and Installation

1- How does LVP installation compare to traditional wood floor installation?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is typically easier to install than hardwood and offers better moisture resistance and cost-effectiveness. Because LVP is waterproof, it’s a good choice for below grade (e.g., basement) and slab installation.  We still believe hardwood, whether solid or engineered, to be the Gold Standard on the ‘main’ level of homes in the DMV (DC, MD, VA).

2- What maintenance is required for LVP flooring?

Maintenance for LVP flooring involves regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, occasional mopping with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, and promptly wiping up spills. We also suggest using furniture pads, mats, and area rugs to prevent scratches.

3- Can LVP be installed over existing flooring?

Yes! LVP can be installed over most types of flooring as long as the surface is flat, smooth, and in good condition.

Stone Floor Restoration and Maintenance

1- What are the benefits of polishing and sealing stone floors?

Polishing and sealing stone floors enhance the natural beauty of the stone by bringing out its color and texture. They also provide protection against stains, improve the floor’s durability and longevity, and increase the overall value and aesthetic appeal of the property.

2- How often should stone floors be maintained?

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your stone floors remain in excellent condition. See our Stone Floor Care Instructions. We recommend cleaning them weekly using a pH-neutral cleaner. Polished stone should be dried after a wet clean. It’s also a good idea to request professional stone floor restoration every—our team can deep clean, polish, and reseal the stone.

3- How does diamond resurfacing and honing improve the appearance of smooth stone floors?

These processes restore the natural beauty of smooth stone or terrazzo and enhance their clarity, color, and overall aesthetic appeal. By eliminating blemishes, scratches, etching and surface imperfections, diamond resurfacing and polishing or honing can transform dull and worn stone floors into stunning, like-new surfaces.

Terrazzo Floor Restoration and Maintenance

1- What sets terrazzo floors apart from other flooring options?

Terrazzo floors stand out from other flooring options due to their unique composition, durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. These floors offer limitless design possibilities with customizable color combinations and patterns, making them a versatile choice for both traditional and modern spaces.  Terrazzo is comprised of a cementitious or epoxy ‘binder’, sometimes colored, that’s mixed w/ marble/stone chips to yield the familiar ‘speckled’ appearance.   Whereas Elegant Floor Services does not install terrazzo, we are experts in terrazzo maintenance and restoration.

2- How is terrazzo floor restoration different from other floor types?

Terrazzo floor restoration differs from other floor types because of its unique composition and characteristics. This restoration process is very similar to smooth stone restoration.  It involves the same grinding/honing/polishing steps as marble or travertine to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.   Penetrating sealer is used to protect the terrazzo surface.

3- How can terrazzo floors be effectively sealed and maintained?

Terrazzo floor maintenance involves several steps. We suggest sweeping your floors regularly and avoiding harsh chemicals. At regular interval, invest in professional polish/sealing services to keep your floors in top shape.

General Floor Refinishing and Staining

1- Do I need to be home while work is in progress?

No, we do not expect you to be home while work is ongoing. We do, however, need you to meet us at the beginning of the job so we can gain access to your property.   And if color (stain) is involved, you’ll need to choose color from stain samples applied to your floor early in the process.

2- Will I be able to sleep in my home during the project?

Customers don’t typically vacate their property.   Water-based finishing products have low odor and are low in VOC’s.  Our Dust Containment Systems virtually eliminate dust as a concern, but it is up to your individual tolerance level.

3- What is shoe moulding?

Shoe moulding is the small, typically oak trim installed at the 90-degree intersect where the base moulding meets your floor. It covers any horizontal or vertical gaps occurring where the flooring is not installed under the base moulding or the base moulding is higher than the finished wood floor.

Get in Touch with Us for more Information

Whether you’re preparing to install wood vinyl flooring or want to learn more about terrazzo floor restoration and maintenance, Elegant Floor Service is here for you. We proudly serve customers in Washington, DC and Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s Counties. Contact us today to get your specific questions answered.