DENALI HARDWOOD FLOORS FAQ’S
CHOOSING YOUR DENALI FLOOR
1. How do I select the best Denali floor for my home?
Most designers select first by color, then by width, then by grade.
2. What do I need to know about grades?
We have 3 grades to choose from: Prime; very clean, few and small knots and color variation, Nature; some knots and natural color variation, Nature +; more and larger knots and a more natural color variation.
3. Can I install a wide width floor in a smaller room?
Absolutely yes! We offer a variety of widths ranging up to 9-1/2” wide, and if you like the look of a wider width in a smaller room, go for it!
4. Engineered or solid..what’s the difference?
Solid floors are just that…a solid piece of wood, while Engineered floors have a multi later plywood core with a premium hardwood layer on top. Generally speaking, solid floors are 5” wide or less and are more inclined to expand and contract with seasonal changes resulting in gaps between boards. Engineered floors are much more dimensionally stable and are able to perform much better in wider widths.
5. What’s a wear layer?
The wear layer is the top layer of hardwood in an engineered floor. Our wear layers range from 1.8 mm to 6 mm thick, and generally speaking, most refinishing experts are comfortable sanding and refinishing products with 4 mm and thicker wear layers.
6. What type of finish is applied to Denali floors?
All Denali hardwood floors have an Aluminum Oxide enhanced urethane finish for long lasting performance.
7. Are Denali hardwood floors eco-friendly?
Denali floors are responsibly harvested, they are Lacey Act compliant, and they meet strict CARB 2 requirements regarding formaldehyde emissions.
INSTALLATION
1. Where can Denali hardwood floors be installed:
Above grade, on grade, or below grade. Note that for on grade and below grade installations, the concrete subfloor must be dry.
2. How do I know if my subfloor is dry?
For a quick check on the dryness of a concrete slab, you can tape a plastic sheet to the slab and after 24 hours, look for moisture underneath. That’s only an estimate of dryness; a more exact test is using a calcium chloride test kit and readings above 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet are considered too damp for a successful installation.
3. What’s the best temperature and relative humidity range for a hardwood floor installation?
A temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees and a humidity level between 35 to 55% is the best for your floor.
4. What can I do if my home doesn’t remain within those ranges?
Consult with your installer for his/her recommendations on adding a humidifier or dehumidifier to your home.
5. What is “acclimation”?
Proper acclimation means allowing time for the floor the stabilize at the same moisture level as the home before installing the floor.
6. How long should my floor acclimate for before installation?
Until it reaches the same moisture level as other wood products in the home. Your Denali hardwood floor cartons should be loosely stacked in the rooms where they’ll be installed for at least 72 hours before installing. Do not open the cartons or remove the plastic wrap from the cartons.
7. How thick should my plywood subfloor be for a successful installation?
¾” thick, minimum CDX grade, Exposure 1 is recommended.
8. Can I install over my Denali hardwood floor over an existing hardwood floor?
We recommend installing ½” thick plywood over an existing hardwood floor before installing your Denali floor.
9. Can I install over Oriented Strand Board (OSB)?
Yes; ¾” thickness and the OSB must conform to US Voluntary Product Voluntary Standard PS2.
10. What adhesive should I use to install my Denali hardwood floor?
As we’re a hardwood flooring manufacturer and not an adhesive manufacture, we recommend you use a high-quality hardwood adhesive from manufactures such as Bona, Bostik, Sika, Dri- Tac, Franklin, etc. Both urethane and hybrid adhesive/moisture/sound barrier type adhesives are recommended.
11. Can I install my Denali hardwood floor as a floating installation?
Yes, all Denali hardwood floors that are less than ¾” thick. Franklin Titebond or similar floating floor adhesives are recommended.
12. Can my Denali hardwood floor be stapled/nailed down?
Yes. Please refer to our installation instructions (page 8) for recommended fastener size and spacing between fasteners. Glue assist is required when mechanically fastening planks wider than 7-1/2” wide.
13. How much extra material should I order to cover waste?
Depending upon the number of rooms and the complexity of the layout, anywhere from 5% to 10% extra.
14. Can my floor be installed over radiant heat?
We recommend installations only over Hydronic systems; not over electrical systems.
White/Red Oak floors are approved, Hickory floors are not recommended for over radiant heat.
15. Are prefinished moldings available?
Yes, moldings are available for Denali hardwood floors.
Additional molding profiles, stair treads, and color coordinated register vents are available from Artistic Finishes (https://www.artisticfinishes.com/)
MAINTENANCE
1. How should I maintain my floor?
Use protective matts near doors or high traffic areas, chair leg protectors, and sweep/vacuum frequently to remove dirt/grit. Do not damp mop with water, ammonia, vinegar, oil soap, etc. We recommend Bona Premium Spray Mop and Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
2. Does Denali sell touch up kits?
As most of our stains are custom blended at our mill, we’re unable to sell touch up kits. Customers report great success with CalFlor Floor Fix Wood Floor Repair Kit (available at home centers).
3. Can my Denali hardwood floor be refinished?
Depending upon the thickness of the wear layer, refinishing can be accomplished 3 ways:
< Traditional “Sand and Finish” for the most severely damaged/worn floors
< “Screen and Recoat” to minimize scratches/dulled/worn finishes
< “Chemical Refresh” with Basic Coatings TyKote dust free refinishing system.
Any warranty claims should be filed with the retailer who the floor was purchased through.