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Thank you for checking us out! We are a family owned company located in Greenville, N.C. Our goal is "Highest Customer Satisfaction Above and Beyond all Expectations!" We work with all hardwoods and use only the highest grade lumber and finishes available. We guarantee all work done and strive to go the extra mile making sure that your floor will be a centerpiece for years to come!  A wood floor is an investment, whether you are installing a new floor or re-finishing an existing one. Rest assured we will handle your project from start to finish with the utmost professionalism!

Character of Wood and Different Finish Formulations

The Character of Wood Wood is a dynamic medium. Like all organic materials, it has character and changes over time. Because of its “personality,” wood should be treated with understanding and a certain amount of care. For wood flooring professionals, knowing about the properties of wood in general, as well as those of individual wood species, is critical to proper installation. For consumers, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how wood will perform. Most wood used for flooring is essentially a byproduct of more expensive wood-consuming industries (furniture manufacture, for example), so it is usually not the highest grade of lumber. However, it is quite economical in comparison. As a flooring material, wood is superior to vinyl or carpet, both practically and aesthetically. A solid wood floor is more than a covering; it adds strength and stability to the floor system. A one-inch thickness of wood has the same insulating value as 15 inches of concrete. Wood is durable and long-lasting, occasional sanding and refinishing essentially results in a brand-new floor. Wood floors don’t retain mildew or absorb dust, simplifying cleaning. Perhaps the most appealing characteristics of wood flooring, are its attractive appearance and natural warmth. A beautiful wood floor can enliven a drab room, enhance any architectural style, complement furniture and design schemes, and add value to any home or building. A combination of qualities should be considered when selecting a species for flooring: appearance related attributes such as texture, grain, and color as well as mechanical properties like dimensional stability, durability, machinabilty, and ease in finishing; and finally, availability and cost. Properties affecting appearance: Many different factors, from the nature of the living tree to the way the lumber is sawed, affect the way the finished floor will look

Basic Overview of Two Main Finish Formulations

Hardwood floors add beauty and value to any home.
And it is the finish that really brings out that natural beauty of the wood and protects it from the abuse it gets underfoot. When it comes to selecting a finish for your floor there are some important things you should consider.

First there are two basic types of finish - solvent-based and waterborne.
Waterborne finishes are a relatively new development. These finishes have a low VOC (Volatile Organic Component) because they use water instead of solvents to carry the urethane molecules. They dry very quickly, approximately 2 to 3 hours, with a light, clean odor. Solvent-based finishes have a high VOC content, take much longer to dry (often 8 hours or more) with a strong chemical odor that can linger for days. If you are going to be finishing a residential floor you may want to consider one of the waterborne products, they are least disruptive to home life - you'll be able to use those rooms more quickly.

Your second consideration is sheen - the relative glossiness of the finish.
People have different preferences when it comes to sheen. Some people prefer a high gloss finish while others like a soft satin look. Some finishes dry very clear while others add a rich warm glow to the floor. Whatever your preference for color and sheen, There is a finish to fit your needs.

The last consideration is cost.
It is true that the waterborne products are more expensive but finishes represent only a small portion of the overall cost of the job.  Waterbourne finishes are formulated with state-of-the-art technology and are more durable than solvent-based formulas. Quick drying, low odor and environmental friendliness are advantages that weight the decision in favor of waterborne finishes.

Upcoming Environmental Considerations New air quality regulations for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) levels are poised to go into effect around the country, some beginning in January 2005. In many U.S. states, including Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the VOC limit for finishes will drop to 350 VOC g/L. In 2003, California was the first state to enact a 350 VOC limit for finishes. Beginning January 2005 in states where new laws have been adopted contractors can be fined up to per gallon for use of noncompliant products such as oil-modified and moisture-cure polyurethanes with VOC levels above 350 g/L. Distributors can be fined up to ,000 per offense and manufacturers can be fined up to ,000 per offense for administrative requirements.