Frequently Asked Questions
All of the products made by D&M Flooring are Engineered Hardwood Floors. One of the many technical benefits of Engineered Hardwood Floors is its stability in different environments, especially when humidity and temperatures fluctuate. The plywood/lumber core features a cross grain construction which resists shrinkage, expansion and warping from seasonal changes.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a type of flooring that is made from real wood but is constructed in a different way compared to traditional solid hardwood flooring. It consists of multiple layers of wood or plywood that are bonded together under high pressure and heat. The top layer, known as the wear layer or veneer, is made of a thin slice of real hardwood, while the core layers are made of high-quality plywood or fiberboard.
The construction of engineered hardwood flooring gives it enhanced stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood floors. The layers are stacked in a cross-grain configuration, which helps to counteract the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with changes in humidity. This makes engineered hardwood less prone to warping, shrinking, or swelling.
The top veneer layer of engineered hardwood can be made from various hardwood species, providing a wide range of aesthetic options. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, although the number of times will depend on the thickness of the wear layer. Thicker wear layers allow for more refinishing cycles.
Engineered hardwood flooring is available in various styles, finishes, and sizes, mimicking the appearance of solid hardwood floors. It offers the beauty and warmth of real wood while providing greater versatility and stability in different environments. It is often installed as a floating floor or can be glued or nailed down depending on the specific product and installation method.
UV Cured Urethane finish. UV-cured urethane finish is a type of protective coating commonly used on hardwood floors. It is a durable and high-performance finish that is applied to the surface of the wood and then cured or hardened using ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV curing process involves exposing the finish to UV radiation, which triggers a chemical reaction that rapidly dries and hardens the coating. This results in a strong, resilient, and scratch-resistant finish that provides excellent protection for the wood.
UV-cured urethane finishes offer several advantages. First, they provide exceptional durability, making them highly resistant to wear, scratches, stains, and chemicals. This makes them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with children or pets. Second, they have a fast curing time, allowing for quicker installation and reduced downtime. Additionally, UV-cured urethane finishes are generally low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Another notable feature of UV-cured urethane finishes is their ability to retain the natural color and beauty of the wood. They are available in different sheen levels, such as satin, semi-gloss, or gloss, allowing for customization to achieve the desired aesthetic. The UV-cured process also helps prevent yellowing or darkening of the finish over time, maintaining the clarity and vibrancy of the wood’s appearance.
Overall, UV-cured urethane finishes provide long-lasting protection and a beautiful, low-maintenance finish for hardwood floors, enhancing their lifespan and preserving their natural beauty.
Character grade and select grade are terms used to describe different levels of wood quality or appearance when it comes to hardwood flooring. Character grade, also known as rustic grade, emphasizes the natural characteristics and imperfections of the wood. It features more color variations, knots, mineral streaks, and other natural markings, giving the floor a distinct and unique character. This grade is often chosen for those seeking a more rustic or traditional look. On the other hand,Select Grade focuses on a cleaner and more uniform appearance. It has minimal color variations, fewer knots, and fewer natural markings, resulting in a smoother and more refined look. Select grade is often preferred for a more modern or contemporary aesthetic. The choice between character grade and select grade depends on personal preferences and the desired style of the space.
Our character grade floors showcase the natural beauty of wood, featuring knots, cracks, mineral streaks, splits, and other unique characteristics. To seamlessly integrate these elements, we utilize stained fill that harmonizes with the flooring, creating a cohesive appearance. This approach enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, allowing the natural features of the wood to shine while maintaining a visually balanced and cohesive floor surface.
Yes, it is common to expect color variations in wood floors, including engineered hardwood floors. Wood is a natural material, and variations in color, grain patterns, and texture are inherent characteristics of the material. These variations can occur within a single species of wood and are influenced by factors such as the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and the part of the tree from which the wood is sourced.
The color variations in wood flooring can range from subtle differences to more pronounced contrasts. Some planks may have lighter or darker shades, variations in tone, or unique patterns in the grain. These variations contribute to the natural beauty and charm of wood floors, providing a sense of character and uniqueness.
Manufacturers often strive to minimize extreme color variations in the production of engineered hardwood floors. They may sort and categorize the wood based on its color and appearance, creating different grades or selecting specific pieces for different purposes. However, it is important to note that even with sorting and grading, some color variations will still be present.
Additionally, the staining or finishing process applied to the wood can also affect its color. Different finishes can enhance or alter the natural color of the wood, resulting in further variations among individual planks or between different batches of flooring.
Before installing engineered hardwood floors, it is recommended to view samples or consult with the manufacturer or retailer to get an idea of the potential color variations that may be present in the specific product you are considering. This can help you choose a flooring option that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and expectations.
For your floors with a 4mm wear layer, you can refinish your floors up to 3 times depending on how far you sand down each time. For 2mm wear layer floors, please consult a professional to check the condition of your floor before altering the surface.
Wood flooring is very popular for the kitchen because it is not as hard as tile and stone to be standing on for an extended period of time. Wood floors can be used, but be sure to have rugs in high traffic areas and areas prone to spills. If any liquid spills on the wood floor, it should be wiped up immediately to avoid staining or other damages.
Environmental impact is lessened by using Engineered Hardwood Floors. For the same thickness of a solid Oak plank, engineered floor planks use only about a quarter of the Oak. By using plywood/lumber core made from fast growing woods like Eucalyptus and Pine, we can conserve more popular hardwoods such as Oak, Maple, Hickory etc. that can take decades or centuries to grow fully.
D&M Flooring takes pride in holding various certifications that reflect our commitment to exceptional product quality and environmental responsibility. Our certificates include CARB II Compliant, indicating our compliance with air quality emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board. We are also certified by the USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Floorscore, and the U.S. Green Building Council, highlighting our dedication to meeting stringent environmental criteria. With these certificates, we assure our customers that our flooring products adhere to high standards in terms of air quality and environmental impact.
All of our engineered products are using CARB Phase II compliant plywood, meeting the California Air Resources Board standards for formaldehyde emission in composite wood products. Finished products get tested in the US for low VOC and indoor air quality using the CDPH Standard Method Emission Testing 01350 or ASTM D6007. All products are Lacey Act compliant, ensuring customers the best quality flooring with environmentally friendly measures
“The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the state of California’s clean air regulatory board. Because California established CARB before the federal government adopted its current regulatory policies, it is the only state permitted to oversee a state-run air resources board. CARB created and implemented the Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.” – Benchmark International
“Formaldehyde is a colorless gas and is released to the environment from a variety of sources including the combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and propane, tobacco smoke, fireplaces, and wood burning stoves. It is also found at low levels in natural wood. It is commonly used to make a variety of products including resins that are used as adhesives in composite wood products.” – California Air Resources Board
Formaldehyde is produced not only from human activity, but also from natural sources including plants, animals, and humans in small amounts. – Center for Disease Control
Aluminum Oxide is a substance used to harden Urethane finish. It helps resist scratches from everyday use and oxidation.
“Simply put, VOCs are chemicals you can breathe. They are organic chemical compounds with high enough vapor pressure to enter the atmosphere… The term “VOC” and its technical definition may sound unnerving, but many VOCs are appreciated: the fresh minty smell from your mouthwash, the forest’s pine scent, and that new car smell are all examples of common VOCs. VOCs are not inherently dangerous themselves, but some can contribute to unhealthy indoor air conditions if left unregulated.” – VOC Green.
There can be several reasons why the material you receive may look different from the sample you saw in the showroom. First, variations in lighting conditions between the showroom and your space can significantly impact the appearance of the material. Showrooms often have controlled lighting setups that can make the samples appear more vibrant or different in color compared to the natural lighting in your home. Second, the size of the sample versus the full-scale installation can also influence the perception of the material. A small sample may not fully capture the nuances or patterns present in a larger area. Additionally, natural materials such as wood or stone can have inherent variations in color, grain, or texture, which may result in differences between individual samples and the actual material received. Finally, manufacturing processes or batch variations can contribute to differences in appearance. It’s essential to communicate with the retailer or supplier about any concerns and, if possible, request to see a larger sample or view the material in the actual space before making a final decision.
There are several reasons why the material you receive may look different from the pictures online. Lighting conditions and camera settings during photography can affect the colors and appearance of the product. Additionally, computer monitors and screens can vary in color accuracy, leading to discrepancies between the online images and the actual material. Furthermore, variations in natural materials and manufacturing processes can result in slight differences in color, texture, or pattern. It’s important to consider these factors and consult with the retailer or supplier for more accurate information and, if possible, request a physical sample before making a final decision.
You can order samples by clicking on the “Sample Bag” icon at the top menu bar. You can also visit any product detail page and click on the sample bag icon. Samples are completely free but there is a $10 shipping fee. After filling out and submitting the form, our team will contact you with further instructions.
You can visit our store locator page and search for the nearest retailer near you. If you need additional help, please send us a request on our “contact us” page, and we will help you locate a dealer near you.
