Frequently Asked Questions: Wood Floors

Here are answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about hardwood. If you don’t find your answer here, please contact us to find out more!

  • What is the hardest wood to get for the most durable floors?

    According to the Janka hardness scale for wood flooring species, Brazillian walnut is the hardest wood in the marketplace. The "Janka scale" below shows the industry standard for gauging the ability of various species to tolerate denting and normal wear. This is just a partial list containing some of the most popular choices in wood flooring.

  • Is hardwood always the most expensive type of flooring to get?

    Not always. Actually there are many price points available in hardwood floors. Depending on your budget we can help you find a hardwood or other flooring solution that will work for you

  • How do I clean my new hardwood floors?

    Cleaning techniques will vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor. For "Finish in Place" hardwood floors, it is recommended to use an 8"x14" terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards easy. Spray a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by your retailer to safely remove tough stains and spills without dulling your floor's finish. Manufacturers of "Pre-finished" hardwood floors recommend their own specific products designed for their floors routine maintenance.

    Read more about the care of your new hardwood floors in our Hardwood Care and Maintenance section of this website.

  • Can hardwood floors get easily scratched or damaged?

    Hardwood may be durable but it is not free of potential damage. Numerous things can dent or damage your floors. Fallen objects, stiletto heels, pet scratches or furniture moved across the floor are some of the common things that may cause dents and scratches that are not covered by your warranty. Take precautions to protect against these things.

    Read more in the Hardwood Care and Maintenance section of the website.

We were very pleased with the service offered by Universal Carpet. They were very reliable and patient as we made our decision. We appreciated the honesty and trustworthiness. We were very pleased with the installation and the attention to detail. We would highly recommend Universal Carpet to our friends and neighbors. The service was excellent!

-Laura and Dave J. , West Chicago, IL 60185

Service Area

Our showroom is in Elgin, Illinois so we are able to provide in-home consultation in many neighboring counties in the Chicagoland area, including Kane, Cook, DuPage, McHenry, and Lake.