Frequently Asked Questions

Plan with confidence

Answers that help you make a better flooring decision

A successful floor begins with the right questions. Explore guidance on materials, custom hardwood, installation, maintenance, and what to expect as your project takes shape.

Existing hardwood floors

Is my wood floor refinishable?

A wood floor generally needs sufficient material above the tongue and groove to be sanded safely. For many floors, that means an overall thickness of at least 1/2 inch and approximately a 3/16-inch wear layer. Construction, previous sanding, damage, and remaining wear layer should be evaluated on site before refinishing.

Is there a hard-surface floor that will not scratch?

No hard surface is completely scratch-proof. The better approach is selecting a flooring type, texture, color, and finish suited to your lifestyle. Lower-sheen and textured surfaces typically disguise everyday scratches, dust, pet hair, and water spots better than smooth, glossy floors.

Cleaning & special orders

How do I clean my new flooring?

Use a cleaner specifically compatible with your flooring material and finish. Polyurethane-finished hardwood and luxury vinyl generally need a mild, residue-free cleaner, while naturally oiled hardwood should be maintained with products approved for its finish system.

Vacuum or dust-mop regularly, wipe spills promptly with a damp cloth, and avoid excess water. Carpet should be vacuumed routinely and professionally cleaned according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

How long does a special order take to arrive?

Lead times vary by product, manufacturer, availability, and freight conditions. Many special orders arrive within approximately two to four weeks, but we confirm the current expected timing for the specific material before the order is finalized.

Choosing your floor

How do I choose between hardwood, carpet, and luxury vinyl?

Begin with how the room is used. Traffic, moisture, pets, acoustics, comfort, maintenance expectations, and the architecture all matter. We compare those priorities with physical samples so the material works for the space as well as the design.

What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Solid flooring is milled from one piece of wood. Engineered flooring pairs a real hardwood wear layer with a stable layered core. Site conditions, installation method, plank width, and future refinishing goals help determine which construction is appropriate.

Can Dakota Floors create a custom prefinished hardwood floor?

Yes. You can develop a specification around species, grade, solid or engineered construction, engineered wear layer, plank dimensions, texture, color, finish system, and sheen. Physical samples allow the choices to be reviewed together before production.

Why should I view flooring samples in person?

Screen color, photography, lighting, wood variation, carpet texture, and pattern scale can all change perception. A physical sample viewed alongside cabinetry, paint, stone, and fabrics gives a far more reliable sense of the finished relationship.

Do you offer custom-sized area rugs?

Yes. Selected carpet styles can be considered for custom area rugs with dimensions and edge treatments chosen for the furniture plan and room. Our team can help determine which materials and constructions are suitable.

Planning, installation & care

What should I bring to the showroom?

Bring room photographs, approximate measurements, plans when available, and samples of cabinetry, paint, stone, tile, or fabric. Inspiration images and a clear sense of your performance priorities also make the conversation more productive.

What is evaluated before installation?

Project requirements may include substrate condition, moisture, transitions, floor height, layout, access, furniture, and the surrounding finished surfaces. The exact preparation depends on the product and conditions of the space.

Will hardwood need to acclimate before installation?

Acclimation is product- and site-specific. Wood flooring, the building, and environmental conditions should be evaluated together rather than relying on a universal number of days. We follow the requirements appropriate to the selected material and project.

How should I care for my new floor?

Care depends on the material and finish system. In general, control grit and standing moisture, use compatible cleaning products, protect high-wear points, and follow the maintenance guidance provided for your specific floor.

Can an existing hardwood floor be refinished?

Many hardwood floors can be renewed, but the answer depends on construction, remaining wear layer, previous sanding, damage, and the desired result. An on-site evaluation is the best way to understand realistic options.

Still deciding what fits your project?

Bring us the room, the materials around it, and the questions that matter most.

Ask our team