The short answer to this is "Yes." Yes, you can install hardwood on top of tile (or natural stone) provided that the tile is intact/good condition (i.e. not coming up/breaking apart), the tile is relatively flat and the hardwood is an engineered hardwood, and given that there is enough clearance in height.     There are 3 ways to install hardwood flooring...and one of them will work on top of tile flooring: 1. Nail down. This requires a plywood sub-floor which is 3/4" thick...or some similar wood surface that is equivalent and has enough structure to secure the nails. The method will obviously not work on top of tile.     2. Glue down. This usually will not work on top of tile either as you need a smooth and somewhat porous surface to the adhesive to adhere to.     3. Float the hardwood... 06/28/2013

What are the advantages of Oak Hardwood Floors for your home in Mamaroneck NY? Oak is the most popular species of hardwood flooring here in Mamaroneck NY. If you see hardwood in a home, chances are it's oak. Why is oak hardwood flooring so popular? 1. Oak flooring is very affordable since it's grown in the US and is  abundant. Oak hardwood tends to be less expensive compared to the other species (such as maple, hickory, brazilian cherry, etc). And, in Mamaroneck NY, it's very readily available to get unfinished oak hardwood flooring. Often, unfinished oak flooring (that is refinished and stained on-site) is a bit less expensive than prefinished oak, especially as you go wider in the plank size.     2. Oak flooring is the standard of hardness, and oak tends to hide scratches well. On the... 05/30/2013

Refinishing hardwood floors in Mamaroneck NY - Everything you ever wanted to know about sanding your floors. Refinishing your hardwood floors can have a huge impact on your Mamaroneck home. You will be amazed at how refreshed your home will look...and the floors will look good as new. Many don't realize that when you sand and refinish the floors, you have the option to change the color - you can go from dark to light or light to dark or anywhere in between.     If you have hardwood flooring underneath your carpet, you are in luck. Usually, refinishing and restoring the hardwood will cost LESS than recarpeting. And, most homeowners prefer the look and feel of hardwood. Not only will it improve your home's value, but they are much easier to clean and maintain. How does the hardwood refini... 05/28/2013

If you're looking for a light colored hardwood floor, consider maple  flooring for your home in Mamaroneck NY. Maple flooring is a light blond color with low graining. It’s a light, smooth look that can open up any room and give a modern, contemporary and northern European feel.     Maple flooring is harder than oak. On the Janka hardness scale, Maple is a 1450 vs. red oak which is 1290. Maple is lighter than oak flooring and its grain is smoother.While traditionally a light blond color, the shade of maple flooring can differ depending on its age and the area where it was grown. Maple’s appearance also differs based on how the trees are cultivated. Flame maple, quilted maple and bird’s eye maple are 3 different types grain patterns that will give your room 3 different looks.     Maple f... 05/17/2013

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring is growing in popularity in Mamaroneck NY.  Its brilliant red color and exquisite graining gives is breathtaking.   As the name implies, Brazilian Cherry hardwood grows in Brazil. Due to the climate and growing cycles, Brazilian Cherry is much harder than the typical oak you traditionally see here in the US. On the Janka hardness scale, Red Oak is a 1290 while Brazilian Cherry is 2350 - almost twice as hard.   But, the main reason customers love Brazilian Cherry is its beauty. The redness and depth of color is unparalleled, along with the richness of its smooth graining. Even if you stain oak to be red, you can't get same effect - it's impossible. Take a look.   Brazilian Cherry typically comes in wider planks which is more stylish and makes the space ... 05/16/2013

Everything you ever wanted to know about Carpet runners. In Mamaroneck NY, carpet runners for the steps have become more and more popular. What are carpet runners? A carpet runner goes on top of your hardwood steps. Unlike wall to wall carpet, carpet runners cover most of the step, but still show the hardwood on either side. They are bound on the sides for a finished look. Why are carpet runners so popular in Mamaroneck NY? Carpet runners serve 2 purposes: 1) they make the stairs safer - they help prevent slipping and 2) they add a decorative element. By having a some sort of carpet on the steps, it adds traction and friction so you are less likely to fall, especially if you are wearing socks in your home. Also, it makes it easier on your feet, knees and back when you are walking up and... 04/18/2013

Over the last week or so, we've had a bunch of customers calling with water damage to their flooring.  Ironically, none of them are related to Hurricane Sandy.  One was due to an accident by the town causing water to flood the streets, another by a next door neighbor in an attached condo, and another due to a leaky refrigerator.  Water damage can happen for a number of reasons (too many to list) and sometimes it is covered by insurance.     I'm not an expert on whether or not your insurance covers the damages...you will need to speak to the insurance agent about that.  (Many in our area do not have flood insurance so if the water came inside from an outside flood, it is often not covered...unless there was a power outage and the sump pumps did not work).  If it is covered by insurance, ... 11/17/2012