What region does Nantucket Custom Flooring service?
We provide custom hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, and eco-friendly flooring to all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Nantucket Island as well as parts of New York and Massachusetts.
Why are oak floors so popular?
Oak makes for a very good flooring choice because it’s competitively priced, durable, and one of the few woods that takes stains well. They are also many pre-milled oak trim pieces available that can be incorporated into your project to blend with the floor. Oak is offered in various millings and grades.
Why are most floors boards 2 1/4” wide?
2 1/4″ is the standard, traditional milling for oak (and most other species) of flooring. Departing from this size leads to limited availability and higher prices. The wider the board, the wider shrinkage cracks are between the boards. Narrower boards, such as 1 1/2”, are usually recommended for certain applications to minimize shrinkage.
Can I install wood flooring over a concrete floor?
We do not recommend installing solid wood flooring over a concrete slab on or below grade, as there is no completely foolproof way to install a vapor barrier and subfloor system over concrete to permit the use of solid wood flooring. Instead, engineered flooring is recommended for such applications.
Can I install wood flooring over an in-floor radiant heat system?
Yes, as long as the subsystem is properly designed and constructed, and you are aware that you will have an increased likelihood of shrinkage cracks between boards due to the surface heat.
Should I consider pre-finished floors for my project?
Pre-finished flooring is typically geared towards the homeowner or do-it-yourselfer who wants to install floors on their own by taking the most difficult part of the job out of the picture. Pre-finished floors eliminate the needs for special equipment or expertise.
Advantages:
- No sanding dust
- No drying times for stains and finishes
- Longer finish durability
Disadvantages:
- Uneven appearance since boards are not sanded once laid down next to each other
- Greater visibility of cracks between boards
- Limited repair options for damaged areas
- Harder to clean with their bevel edge
What about laminate floors?
While laminate floors may look like hardwood at first glance, they actually compete more with the vinyl floor market. Because laminate floors are not made of true wood, Pryor Floor has chosen not to install or service this product.
Should I expect shrinkage cracks in my wood floors?
To quote the National Oak Floor Manufacturer’s Association, “Properly made and properly installed oak floors should be expected to have ‘hairline cracks’ between boards in dry months in most areas of North America.”
Shrinkage cracks in wood flooring are a big concern for those living in the arid climate of the Rocky Mountain Front Range, and can be minimized, but not totally eliminated, by the following:
- Using material that’s acclimated to dry air
- Avoid wide plank flooring
- Avoid wood species more prone to shrinkage
- Keep home at a constant temperature and humidity levels
- Use proper subfloor materials and installation techniques
Covering all of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Nantucket Island as well as parts of New York and Massachusetts.
