Frequently asked questions (faq)
Here are some of the more frequent questions we get asked more often. We've added some interesting ones as well:
Q. Are your products biodegradable?
A. Yes, all of our glues, primers, finishers, and other solutions used in the process of installing, repairing, and maintaining are 100% biodegradable. If you wish to see if the product you selected for your home or office is environment friendly, please visit the manufacturer's website. Most wood products are natural and biodegradable. - Tony
Q. What is a great tip to help me save money on a hardwood floor?
A. One of the greatest tips is timing, same like in many other industries. Ask your contractor or sales rep when it will be the best time in the year to purchase and install the hardwood floor. Each type of wood and brand of product is slightly different, but most will tell you that the summer-fall time period is the best time from a cost perspective. You want to purchase the wood when the mills are in full swing and the warehouses are trying to get rid of the product (to make way for next year's inventory). We at Alpine Flooring carry a little inventory, but not enough for bigger projects. Give us a call for a free consult. - Tony
Q. Do you see a lot of heating systems being implemented with a tile floor?
A. We did not see them that often in the past, but recently we are seeing more and more heating systems being installed. I suspect it is due to more competition in that arena (we work with three manufacturers right now). Also, the more installs - the more feedback to the manufacturer; which results in a better product, and usually cheaper with time. So quality and manufacturing costs (due to volume) has been improving which enables a product to gain in popularity. We see quite a bit of tile floors implement heating systems. Bathrooms are the most popular places for them. - Tony
Q. I want a warm but also a comfortable home, with a touch of class and elegance. What floor covering do you suggest?
A. Hardwood floors are the greatest at bringing warmth and elegance to a home. A lot of my customers ask me to install carpet in the bedrooms, and tile or hardwood anywhere else in the home. I am partial to this setup because it is what I have in my home. But with the right heating system, any floor type (including concrete) can be made to radiate warmth, it just takes more expertise to make it work. - Tony
Q. If I want to put hardwood only in the entry-way and corridors, can you do it?
A. Yes. - Tony
Q. Do you see a lot of hardwood floors implement plugs?
A. I have done a few jobs last year that implemented plugs (resembles 3/4 inch rivets in the planks, usually of a completely different color). I have done more last year than in previous years (except 2005). So are plugs becoming more popular or trendy? I would need a little more time to make a call on that, but they do add an air of sophistication to the place. - Tony
Q. Do you work alone?
A. No, I have teams when the project is bigger or the schedule/time requirements mandate hiring a team. I have a few contractors that I work with/supervise occasionally in whom I have complete trust. I did have employees in previous years, but the market slowed down so drastically that I had to, sadly, let them go. I hope to be in a position to hire again this year. - Tony
Q. Why did the floor pop up after vacation?
A. The wood needs to acclimate. Hardwood floors are sensitive to both temperature and environmental moisture. The floor can not experience drastic changes in either of the two (moisture or temperature). My suggestions is that the hardwood floor be given 5 degrees per 2 days to acclimate. So a few days may be required to acclimate the floor, depending on the outside weather (snow, rain, dryness, etc.). Floor needs to acclimate both down and up. Therefore, before you go on vacation, the floor may need to acclimate down, and when you get back, the floor needs to acclimate up. Again, all is dependent on external environmental factors. Give us a call and we can be more detailed, depends on your individual situation. Have a great vacation! - Tony
Q. Can I have a Cypress hardwood floor?
A. Yes. Cypress is a softwood, meaning coniferous, not necessarily soft, as Cypress is a slow growing tree whose wood is quite hard, harder even than red oak. The Cypress hardwood floor has a rustic, knotty pine look. The wood's natural darkening and aging of the floor over time adds an amber or honey-colored tone, favored in many lodges and country homes. This wood is an excellent choice in high-traffic areas of the house. Most Cypress hardwood flooring comes from Australian Cypress farms. Since the tree grows so slowly, it is a protected species. Special care must be taken by installers, as this wood does tend to crack during installation, and sap after it has been installed. Contact us with questions about Cypress floors, and any other type of hardwood flooring. - Tony
To contact us:
Office Phone: 916-212-0100
Email: alpineflooring1@hotmail.com