1. What makes Dubeau Floors different from its competitors?
Dubeau hardwood floors are made in Canada and feature distinctly smaller, four-sided bevels and a 35-year finish wear-through limited warranty. Our finishes are environmentally friendly and are free of VOCs, formaldehyde and solvents.
2. Where are Dubeau Floors made?
Dubeau Floors are made in Canada at our facility in St. Norbert, Quebec (one hour North East of Montreal).
3. What kind of warranty does Dubeau Floors provide?
We provide a finish wear-through limited warranty of 35 years (under normal residential use) and a limited lifetime structural warranty against manufacturing defects for most of our products. Dubeau Floors warranties are valid for as long as the original buyer remains the homeowner. See our Quality and Warranty section for more information.
4. Which species of wood is the hardest?
Based on wood density, Hard Maple is the hardest Canadian species, followed by Red Oak and Yellow Birch. Remember, even the hardest woods may sometimes dent or scratch.
5. Are ¾” thick floors nailed or glued down?
All ¾” (19 mm) solid hardwood floors must be nailed or stapled down. Our recently introduced line of ¾” thick engineered hardwood floors can be glued or stapled down in basements and on or above ground level, and can also be installed over radiant heating systems.
6. Do hardwood floors show variations in colour?
As a natural product, wood has colour variations that give it unique character and beauty. No matter what type of wood is used, no two hardwood floors will ever be the same.
7. Are hardwood floors prone to denting?
Like its name implies, hardwood is strong and durable. However, dents will occur when the natural cell structure of hardwood is subjected to a concentrated pressure.
8. What type of finish are Dubeau Floors products given? How many coats are applied?
Since the quality of a finish is not directly related to the number of coats, Dubeau Floors’ premium quality finish depends more on factors such as thickness of the finish and strict compliance to the highest professional application standards.
9. How should a hardwood floor be cleaned?
It is important to use a hardwood floor cleaner applied with a clean cloth or a mop (note: always apply a liquid cleaner directly to the mop). Water and soap are NOT recommended.
10. Why do hardwood floors sometimes squeak?
In order for floors to squeak, a certain amount of movement must be present. As indicated by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), squeaking results from movement of the wood flooring system, subfloor system or underfloor supports. It can also result from inadequate or improper nailing, from a weak subfloor, or from the floor being subjected to excessive moisture or excessively dry conditions. Since excessive humidity or dryness may also cause squeaking, relative humidity in the home should be maintained within recommended levels of 35%-55% for a solid floor and 30%-80% for an engineered floor.
11. Can pets leave scratch marks on a hardwood floor?
No finish can fully resist the scratching abilities of a “Fluffy” or “Fido” – not even the toughest car paints! Hardwood floors, although durable, are not 100% scratch resistant. However, Dubeau now offers hardwood floors made of Red Oak with a brushed texture. One of the advantages of wire-brushed flooring is that it lessens the appearance of everyday wear and tear.
12. Can a Dubeau hardwood floor be refinished?
Yes. We recommend that our customers contact their Dubeau Floors retailer or use web research engines for information on local hardwood refinishing companies.
13. Can Dubeau solid hardwood flooring be installed in bathrooms and kitchens?
Water and wood don’t mix. Wood is not recommended for bathrooms but can be installed in kitchens providing water spills are wiped immediately to avoid potential damage.
14. What are the correct humidity levels for installing Dubeau hardwood flooring?
Every home with a solid hardwood floor should have a hygrometer (humidity meter) to help maintain ideal humidity levels. Homeowners should use a humidifier when relative humidity falls below 35% and a dehumidifier when levels exceed 55%. A quality air exchange system is also recommended. It is important to maintain the recommended relative humidity levels between 35% and 55% for a solid floor and between 30% and 80% for an engineered floor.
15. Can Dubeau solid hardwood flooring be installed in basements?
Dubeau solid hardwood floors can only be installed at ground level and above. However, our engineered hardwood floors can be installed in basements.
16. Why is my wood floor lighter where my area rug was?
Wood is light sensitive and, therefore, subject to colour change. Over time, it will take on a darker, richer tone that varies according to wood type and level of light exposure. By rotating furniture or repositioning area rugs from time to time, homeowners can avoid sharp contrasts or “tan lines” on their floors. (Note: a breathable, mesh or grid patterned underlay is recommended for area rugs. Avoid rubber underlays.)
