Riveroaks Hardwood abides by stringent local forest management rules, and supports sustainable practices by planting three trees for every one that is harvested. At least 30-percent of the logs harvested by Riveroaks Hardwood West are from trees that have already died due to a variety of natural causes, most commonly old age or storm damage. Most of our harvested trees are over 100-years old, and harvested to keep the forest healthy since aged trees release less oxygen and block sunlight essential for the growth of younger trees.

Laminate flooring consist of a thin film of imitation wood glued over a panel composed of high-density compressed wood particles (fibers). The result is a floor that, despite looking like wood, cannot be sanded, and therefore limits its longevity. Hardwood flooring consists of a hardwood wear layer, whether it is solid or engineered. Making for a natural-looking floor, with a real hardwood surface that can be sanded, stained and, varnished several times.

Generally speaking, strips are laid lengthwise (perpendicular to the floor joists). By changing the direction of the strip layout, various visual effects can be achieved. For example, a strip installed diagonally in a long and narrow room will make the space appear larger.

For Riveroaks Hardwood engineered flooring, we recommend the following adhesives:

• Bostik’s Best

• Bostik’s Moisture-cured BST

  • Over Bostik’s corresponding vapor retarding system

• Franklin Advantage 811

  • Over Franklin’s corresponding vapor retarding system

• For other adhesives, contact a Johnson dealer in your area for a recommendation.

Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly, especially before using cleaning products to remove all traces of dust and abrasive elements.  Use a cleaner specified for wood floor care directly onto the floor or on a terry cloth mop to wipe the surface. We recommend that you wipe the floor lengthwise over the floor strips using a back-and-forth motion. For more information, please visit the Riveroaks Hardwood maintenance section.

Riveroaks Hardwood does not recommend the use of wax on any of our prefinished hardwood floors. Once a prefinished floor has been waxed it must be waxed frequently. If you decide to refinish the floor, the wax may hinder the absorption of the varnish. Wax can also make a floor very slippery and dull the appearance.

For board replacement,Riveroaks Hardwood recommends to buy an extra box of wood planks and store it in a temperature stable place in your home. Start by selecting a replacement plank that most closely matches the floor. Use a wood chisel, remove the tongue of the replacement strip. Next, remove the center section of the damaged strip using a wood chisel and carefully remove the tongues without damaging the surrounding strips. Thoroughly clean the floor and subfloor. Cut the replacement strip to the required length by cutting from the tongue end of the strip. Remove the bottom part of the groove, both on the side and the end of the replacement strip.
Insert the replacement strip, check to be sure it fits and then remove it. The micro-V joint can be reshaped using sandpaper, a touch of stain and finish. Finally, apply glue directly onto the subfloor and glue the replacement strip into place.