Frequently Asked Questions for Hardwood-Bamboo-Cork Flooring

About the Author: Linda Lockwood

My floor is buckling and lifting off the floor. What happened and who’s responsible?

Buckling may be caused by improper installation techniques or environmental concerns, such as prolonged exposure to water, or a relative humidity level that is simply too high to allow the floor to function properly. A qualified Wood Flooring Inspector can determine the cause of buckling, who is responsible, and whether or not the problem is repairable. Buckling is not related to a material defect.

When hardwood, bamboo or cork flooring doesn't match between cartons:

Wood, bamboo and cork flooring may not color match from carton to carton, and because the products are natural there are no dye lots. No two pieces of wood, bamboo or cork will match in color, grain or texture, so you should expect them to vary from piece to piece.

Some cartons of flooring may appear to have more light or dark material in comparison to others; this is normal and can be expected. To minimize the predominance of all dark or light sections, flooring installers “rack” the flooring, which is the practice of pulling from multiple (3-5) cartons of flooring at one time to scatter the unique pieces throughout installation.

Higher “grade” materials which are chosen for exhibiting less of the natural characteristics such as mineral streaking, knots, and color variance will have a better matched appearance and are available at a premium price.

My floor is changing color is this a defect?

Color change in wood, bamboo and cork flooring is not a defect. Different species of wood flooring will experience color changes at different rates. In general, more-common species such as oak and hickory will experience minimal color change over time, while less-common species, like American cherry and Brazilian cherry will show more color change. These changes are natural, but can be minimized with a little prevention.

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. Think about how skin reacts when exposed to sunlight. Wood reacts in much the same way, and homeowners can minimize this effect by periodically moving rugs and furniture to limit that exposure.

The second factor that can cause wood floors to change color over time is the finish used. 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.

Certain species of hardwood floors are notorious for being more light sensitive than others. American Cherry and Walnut are very sensitive to light and will change color quickly. Also, most South American exotic species as well as some African species are very prone to drastic changes.

If you move an area rug or a piece of furniture and the hardwood floor underneath is a different color, don’t panic; after removing the rug or furniture the color change will eventually catch up, just be patient.

Cupping is caused by a moisture imbalance through the thickness of the wood: The wood is wetter on the bottom of the board than on the top. The moisture imbalance can be proven by taking moisture meter readings at different pin depths.

Cupping is caused by a moisture imbalance through the thickness of the wood: The wood is wetter on the bottom of the board than on the top. The moisture imbalance can be proven by taking moisture meter readings at different pin depths.

Crowning is the opposite of cupping: The center of a board is higher than the edges. Moisture imbalance is sometimes the cause of crowning if excessive moisture is introduced on the top of the floor, perhaps from water used in maintenance or plumbing leaks from an overhead sprinkler system. However, a common cause is that the floor was previously cupped, but was sanded at the wrong time-before the moisture content returned to normal and the board flattened on its own.

It should be noted that some slight cupping and crowning may occur naturally, and should be tolerated: largely seasonal in occurrence, it's common in wider planks.

I just bought a “Hardwood” floor and it immediately starting denting, is the wood defective?

The term “hardwood” has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.

Hardwood is mostly deciduous trees, but in tropics and subtropics it’s mostly evergreen. Hardwood contrasts with softwood, which comes from conifer trees.

Hardwood, bamboo or cork floorings are strong and resilient but when subject to enough force (high heels, or heavy dropped objects) it will show the effects. The denser the floor- the more difficult it is to dent.

My floor has gaps, cracks or separations between the boards, is that a defect?

Hardwood, bamboo and cork products naturally expand with moisture and heat, and contract with cold and loss of moisture. During the winter months you may find gapped “seams” or “joints” between the boards, if they are seasonal they should close during the summer months when the humidity is higher.

However, gaps that don’t close during the summer months may require further investigation because they can be related to improper acclimation, installation or a manufacturing defect. A qualified Wood Flooring Inspector can determine the cause of gaps, who is responsible for the gaps, and whether or not they are permanent or seasonal.

Why does my glued down hardwood, cork or bamboo floor sound hollow when I walk on it?

Hollow sounds indicate that the flooring is not adhered or attached to the substrate. Hollow sounds are typically caused by an uneven sub floor, wrong adhesive, improper trowel spread or a moisture condition causing the floor to release from the sub floor.

My brand new wood, bamboo or cork floor has scratches in it already, is that a defect?

No. Scratches in hardwood flooring are expected. Scratches can build up over time to decrease the luster and initial beauty of the floor. What can you do to stop the inevitable? Perform regular maintenance using manufacturer approved products. Prevent damage by clipping pet toe nails or not allowing them onto the new floor area. Remove shoes when entering the house. Install heavy felt pads on your chairs, and furniture legs. Use area rugs to help protect your new floor, and accent its beauty.

Ultimately scratches will occur, but the good news is that hardwood, bamboo and cork floors can be screened and recoated (also called buff & coat). The screen & recoat procedure for hardwood, bamboo or cork floor floors is a cost effective method of fixing or revitalizing worn or dull floors. Instead of paying for a complete refinishing, floors can be brought back to life.

Deep scratches, indentations and gouges may require sanding and refinishing, so long as the “wear layer” is thick enough (usually 1/8th of an inch or more).

Why does my Hardwood, bamboo or cork floor make “squeaking” or “popping” noises when we walk on it? Sometimes we hear loud pops-almost as loud as a gun, even when no one is walking on the floor.

Some common causes of noisy floors includes, but is not limited to; installation inadequacies, poorly nailed or glued flooring, lack of expansion space, improper end joint stagger, floor joint spacing, sub-floor materials, or moisture conditions. Squeaks can also be related to the flooring’s tongue and groove configuration. Due to the many reasons a floor makes noise it is best to hire a professional Wood Flooring Inspector who is equipped to follow a logical inspection procedure and determine the cause.

If you are a consumer of natural products experiencing difficulties, please feel free to ask questions of the team of experts at www.FloorTekTalk.com, contact a hardwood flooring inspector or review the list of experts listed at www.FloorReports.com. We’re here to help.