FAQ PAGE
How many square feet of flooring do I need?
You will need enough square footage to cover the area of your floor plus 6-10% to allow for waste and possible future repairs. If your space is one large rectangular room, 6% waste may be adequate. However, if your total required area is comprised of multiple rooms with corners/angles, doorways, etc. you may need to allow for up to 10% waste. We recommend laying the less visible rooms of your space last, such as closets or pantries. Boards that are less aesthetically pleasing to you may be acceptable in these less visible areas, possibly requiring 1-2% less total square footage for your job. To find the area of your floor, simply multiply the length of your room by the width of your room. To then allow for waste, multiply your area by 1.06 up to 1.1, depending on how much waste you would like to allow for. For example, if your living room is 14’ 3” long and 12’ wide, the area is 171 square feet, which you would then multiple by 1.08 (for example allowing for 8% waste) to yield a total of 184.68 square feet. You would then input 185 square feet in the “required area” box and our system will calculate the number of boxes needed. Note that flooring is either boxed or bundled in a set square footage per box/bundle depending on the item. Our system automatically rounds up, as we are unable to split boxes. Because our system will round up 0.1 boxes to the next whole box, you do have the option of reducing your order by a box if you have allowed for adequate waste in your calculation.
What is the difference between solid & engineered hardwood flooring?
Simply stated, in solid flooring EACH individual piece of flooring is composed of only one continuous piece of wood whereas engineered flooring is composed of a top visible layer glued to a bottom plywood layer.
What is the difference between unfinished & prefinished hardwood flooring?
Unfinished wood flooring is raw wood flooring which is normally installed in your home, THEN sanded and finished. Prefinished flooring is sanded and finished at the factory.
Will my hardwood floors fade or darken over time when exposed to direct sunlight?
Given that hardwood floors are a natural product, they are susceptible to the effects of sunlight which may result in fading or darkening over time. Take note of specific areas in your floor that receive direct and consistent sunlight, and consider using area rugs and/or curtains or blinds to minimize sun exposure during the day.
Owner’s note: in our 25 year history, we have found that the only specie of wood that is significantly effected by sunlight is Brazilian Cherry. Most natural floors (non-stained) darken slightly over extended periods of time.
Are my hardwood floors susceptible to changes in temperature or moisture levels?
Moisture poses the greatest threat to the integrity of your hardwoods. Ensure that you allow your hardwoods to properly acclimate prior to installation to prevent cupping of your flooring post-install. Hardwood floors are not impacted by seasonal temperature changes, as long as the moisture level remains consistent.
How do I care for and clean my hardwood floors?
Less is best. Take care to prevent scratches by regularly vacuuming your floor as well as placing long-bristled mats at home entrances and exits in an effort to catch debris before it enters your home. Additionally, place felt pads or furniture coasters at the base of any furniture that rests on your hardwoods. For extremely heavy objects (such as a piano), a wide, non-staining rubber cup will offer sufficient protection. Remember that moisture poses the greatest threat to the integrity of your hardwoods; wipe up spills immediately and do not use a traditional damp mop on your floors. A microfiber cloth is best for spot cleaning so as not to damage the surface of the hardwood.
How many square feet of flooring do I need?
You will need enough square footage to cover the area of your floor plus 6-10% to allow for waste and possible future repairs. If your space is one large rectangular room, 6% waste may be adequate. However, if your total required area is comprised of multiple rooms with corners/angles, doorways, etc. you may need to allow for up to 10% waste. We recommend laying the less visible rooms of your space last, such as closets or pantries. Boards that are less aesthetically pleasing to you may be acceptable in these less visible areas, possibly requiring 1-2% less total square footage for your job. To find the area of your floor, simply multiply the length of your room by the width of your room. To then allow for waste, multiply your area by 1.06 up to 1.1, depending on how much waste you would like to allow for. For example, if your living room is 14’ 3” long and 12’ wide, the area is 171 square feet, which you would then multiple by 1.08 (for example allowing for 8% waste) to yield a total of 184.68 square feet. You would then input 185 square feet in the “required area” box and our system will calculate the number of boxes needed. Note that flooring is either boxed or bundled in a set square footage per box/bundle depending on the item. Our system automatically rounds up, as we are unable to split boxes. Because our system will round up 0.1 boxes to the next whole box, you do have the option of reducing your order by a box if you have allowed for adequate waste in your calculation.
What exactly is LVP flooring and how is it different than hardwood flooring?
“LVP” flooring is luxury vinyl plank flooring. Whereas hardwood flooring is a natural product derived from a tree, LVP flooring is a manmade vinyl product.
What does the term “wear layer” mean in regards to LVP flooring?
The wear layer is the top-most layer built into the LVP flooring plank designed to resist scratches, scuffs, dents, and other wear as well as shield the plank from UV and water-related damage. The wear layer is typically constructed of vinyl and is available in various thicknesses which are measured in mils, or thousandths of an inch.
Owner’s Note: A typical site-finished or prefinished hardwood floor has approximately 3 mils of finish (wear layer) on top. The wear layer on our LVP starts at 12 mils. A thicker wear layer is not always indicative of a higher quality floor.
How do I know what thickness of wear layer I need for my LVP floors?
Depending on your intended use, you may require a thicker or thinner wear layer. For residential and commercial use with typical wear and tear, a 12 mil wear layer is more than sufficient. For commercial use with consistent heavy wear and tear, either a 12 mil wear layer with a ceramic coating or a 20 mil or greater wear layer is recommended.
Will my LVP floors fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight?
No, fading will not occur thanks to a high density UV coating that is applied to the LVP flooring during production.
Are my LVP floors waterproof?
Yes, the composition of LVP flooring is designed such that the planks are waterproof.
Are my LVP floors susceptible to changes in temperature or moisture levels?
The composition of LVP flooring is designed such that the planks will not be impacted by normal seasonal temperature or moisture changes. LVP flooring only needs to acclimate to room temperature prior to installation.
How do I care for and clean my LVP floors?
The use of chemical or oil based solvents, cleaners, scrubs, etc. is not recommended for the care of LVP flooring, as it can potentially damage the floor’s wear layer. Instead, cleaning with a simple cloth/mop and water is best; mild soap can be used to spot clean if necessary.
Once I place an order, am I able to cancel it?
Once an order is placed, it is only eligible to be cancelled free of charge prior to shipment. If you wish to cancel an order before it has shipped, please get in contact with us as soon as possible. If you choose to cancel an order after it has been shipped, you will incur a flat fee of $200 plus the return freight cost. The remainder of the order’s cost (if any) will be refunded to your method of payment.
Am I able to return items?
Returned items are subject to a minimum of 4 boxes/bundles of flooring. This means that we will not accept a return of any quantity under 4 boxes/bundles. The returned boxes/bundles need to have remained in tact in order to be eligible for a return (i.e. no open boxes or loose bundles). Additionally, returns will incur a 25% restocking fee as well as the cost of the return freight. The balance will be refunded to your method of payment.
What if I ordered too much?
Please refer to our FAQ titled “How many square feet of flooring do I need?” within the “Hardwood” and “LVP” sections of this FAQ page in order to best calculate an accurate square footage of flooring for your job. If a significant amount of flooring remains after your installation, please refer to our above return policy to assess your eligibility for a return. We do recommend that you keep some boards/planks on hand for potential future repairs to your floor. As such, it is not recommended that you discard ALL remaining boards/planks post-install.
How soon will my order ship once it has been placed?
We do our best to ship products within 1-2 business days of the order being placed. With in-stock items, we are typically able to same day ship orders placed before 12:00pm EST. Please note that your method of payment will not be charged until the time of shipment. You will receive an e-mail informing you that your order has been shipped.
Where do we deliver?
We are able to deliver to the all 48 States of the continental US, however for the quickest shipping times, it is best if you are located within the Central and Eastern Standard time zones. States located beyond these areas will take a few business days longer to arrive than those shipped to locations within these areas. Note: if you are located in North Carolina and are interested in purchasing from us, please contact us via phone or e-mail so that we may best serve you.
How long does shipping typically take?
Within the Central and Eastern Standard time zones, shipping typically takes 1-2 business days. Beyond the Central and Eastern Standard time zones, shipping can take anywhere from 3-6 business days to arrive.
How does the receiving process work?
You are responsible for being present to receive your shipped items at their time of arrival. The driver is not responsible for unloading, delivery into your home, or any other service beyond arriving at the scheduled destination and waiting briefly while you unload your products. If you are not present at the time of arrival, the driver has the the right to leave the premises which will result in a rescheduling of your shipment as well as any costs that may incur. Please understand that you are responsible for unloading the flooring from the truck into your vehicle or home in a timely manner.
What do I do if my items arrive damaged?
We do everything we can to ensure that your flooring arrives to you in factory new condition, free of any amount of shipping damage. Typically, shipping damage occurs when flooring is transferred from one truck to another via forklift at the freight companies’ various hubs. A damaged box is rarely indicative of any real damage to the flooring. Some damage to tongues and ends of boards for unfinished flooring is not a basis to refuse the order. The waste factor percentage is in place in part for this reason. Damage to some of the product or visual defects does not constitute a basis for rejection of the order. If the order is rejected, the shipping cost will likely double due to the return shipment necessary to get the products sent back to our warehouse. Instead of refusing the order, make note of the issue on the delivery receipt and photograph the damage, then contact us with the images of the damage as well as the noted delivery receipt. We will replace the damaged flooring as quickly as possible. If the order is sent back without prior consultation and written agreement from HG Flooring & Supply, you then are liable for shipping costs both ways and may also be subject to a restocking fee. HG Flooring & Supply does stand by the products we sell and will do our best to remedy any potential issues quickly and completely.