Here's how the process works
The consultation
At Sage & Sons we carry a large variety of hardwood products – both traditional hardwoods and engineered wood. We'll bring the samples to you so you can get a better sense of wood grain and color before making a decision. We know that choosing a wood can sometimes be overwhelming, so we'll guide you through the process to get the look you want.
Getting an estimate
We offer free in-home estimates and work within your budget so you know exactly what your total expense will be.
Scheduling the installation
We'll work with you to find the best time to install your new flooring. Installations typically last 2-3 days depending on the size of the job and whether you choose factory finished or site finished wood options. Site-finished wood options will need considerably more time before they will be able to be walked on. We will give you a full schedule of the work, so that you will be prepared to have that room off-limits during that time. All wood flooring will need to be delivered to the job site and allowed to acclimate for a period of time before the installation can begin. This can take several days depending on the material being used.
The installation
On the installation day, make sure you've got your furniture and personal belongings removed from the rooms. For your convenience, Sage & Sons can remove your existing flooring and dispose of it.
Tim's tips for choosing hardwood
Hardwoods add a more upscale/modern look to your home
Hardwoods are preferred by many due to their resilience. They tend to last twice the lifespan of carpeting.
Hardwoods are easy to maintain and clean.
Clients with allergies prefer hardwood to carpet due the minimal amount of dirt and dust accumulated on it.
- If you have existing wood floors that are adjacent to your room we can help to match up the woods so that you have a coordinated look and feel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood?
The thickness of solid wood can vary but typically ranges from 3/4” to 5/16”. Solid wood can be used in any room that is above ground. One of the benefits of this option is that it can be sanded and refinished many times.
Engineered wood floors are manufactured using multiple layers of wood veneers. The layers could be all the same species or different species below the surface. The grains of each layer run perpendicular which makes it very dimensionally stable. This is important because it will expand and contract less than solid wood flooring during humidity and temperature fluctuations. Engineered wood can be laid on a wood subfloor or glued down to a wood or concrete subfloor. This makes it an ideal product for slab and basement installations. While this type of wood can be refinished, it cannot be done as often as solid wood flooring.
How do I go about choosing a wood species?
This is strictly a matter of your style, budget and personal preference. There are more than 50 different domestic and imported species of wood flooring available to achieve any look you are interested in created. Species range from light woods like maple or ash to dark woods like walnut or mahogany with many variations in between.
How can I get an estimate?
We offer in-home estimates. Just leave your information through this form and we'll get back to you.
I'm worried about my floor scratching. Are certain woods scratch-resistant?
Different species of wood will be more or less resistant to scratching. You should consider the amount of wear and tear your floor will be exposed to, weather or not you will have a pet on the floor, and any other special circumstances you might have. Each wood species is rated for its hardness and durability using a scale system. This should be considered when deciding on wood for a high traffic areas or for a busy family with young children or pets.
Is there anything I can do to prevent scratches from my pet?
Of course! There are several things you can do to minimize scratches from pets on your wood floors. Area carpets at all doors help to minimize the amount of dirt and grit being tracked in. Your best defense however, is to trim your pet’s nails regularly. If scratches do occur, they will be on the finish only and can be repaired by Sage & Sons.
Is a factory finished floor or a site-finished floor better for me?
First let us tell you about the difference between a factory finished floor and site-finished floor 😀.
A job-site finish is one that is applied on the job site. The advantage of going with this option is that there are really unlimited possibilities for customizing the final appearance of your floor. The kind of finish you choose will impact maintenance, as well as the stain and sheen of the final product. We can help guide you through that decision. The disadvantage of a site-finish is that it can be a bit noisy & dusty, so think about how much disruption you can tolerate in your home.
Factory-finished wood floors have the finish applied in the factory long before it ships to your home. The advantage of factory-finished floors is that they are much less disruptive to install and you will be able to walk on your floor immediately after installation. The disadvantage is that you will never be able to achieve the same level of customization.
Once my floors are installed, how do I keep them looking new?
All hardwood floors should be cleaned regularly. Regular sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming the floors with the beater bar turned off will help to remove dirt and grit between the floorboards. Avoid using water on hardwood floors as it can dull the finish or even damage the wood over long periods of time.
Area rugs at all entrances can help minimize the amount of dirt and grit being tracked in. Keep in mind, however, avoid rugs with rubber backs because they can discolor wood floors over time.
When spills occur be sure to clean them immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Allowing spills to remain on the wood floors could damage the finish and possible the wood.
Avoid walking on the floors with sports cleats or high heels. These can scratch the finish or even dent the floor.
Finally, when the floor begins to look a little dull, use a recommended wood flooring cleaner to renew the luster. If you're unsure of which cleaner to pick, we can recommend the best cleaner for your particular wood floor. Using the wrong cleaner could damage the finish and possibly the wood as well.
I'm worried about my floors fading over time. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent your wood from changing appearance over time. Luckily, wood floors are one of the few flooring options that become more beautiful with age!
Like all natural things that change over time, wood floors will experience subtle color changes as they age. This is a natural process called patina that will add to the beauty and character of the floor. Different species of wood will experience color changes at different rates. For example, oak and hickory will experience minimal color change over time, while cherry will change a bit more over time.
Two factors influence color changes in wood floors: sun exposure and the finish that is applied to the floor. Over time, prolonged sun exposure will cause wood floors to change color. Periodically moving rugs and furniture to limit sun exposure can help prevent fading.
The second factor is the wood finish. Oil modified finishes will amber over time, giving the floor a slightly yellow appearance. In contrast, water based finishes generally will remain clear over time, minimizing long term color changes.
Installation seems expensive! Could I do it myself?
Installing wood floors is bit more complicated than painting your walls or replacing your hardware on your kitchen cabinets. The material alone costs several thousand dollars, and any damage done to the wood can be costly. Additionally, professional installations require special tools that require experience to operate. Most importantly, however is the work needed to insure that your subfloor is flat and will work for wood flooring with no moisture issues that will damage the wood long-term. Testing for moisture requires special tools as well. Sage & Sons will test both the subfloor and the flooring to ensure a successful installation. We will also identify how to center the room, how much space to leave for expansion gaps, how to work around obstructions like closets, fireplaces, bay windows, staircases, and cabinets. It is important to not make many cutting mistakes as you will run short on product and not have enough material to finish the job. If this happens you many not be able to exactly match the lot and this could result in color differences.