How do I care for my floor?

Dust, vacuum, and sweep as often as you would like. When you clean your floor, we suggest using a product called Glitsa Cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the floor and wipe up with a terrycloth mop. Periodically, a fresh coat of finish should be applied to make the floor look new again. See full cleaning Instructions here.

Can a hardwood floor be installed in a kitchen?

Yes. Over 80% of our installations include the kitchen area. Besides their natural beauty, hardwood floors are easy to clean and are warmer than tile.
For more information about which floors will look good in certain rooms in your home, see our Room-by-Room Guide.

Do you refinish floors?

Yes! Ralph's was founded doing mostly refinishing. Today, many consumers are hiring us not only to refinish their existing floors but also to install hardwood flooring in adjoining rooms. Not only are you able to refresh your existing floors, but you will be amazed at the transformation of your home.

What is the difference between solid hardwood floors and engineered floors?

Solid hardwood floors are 100% hardwood. They are 3/4" thick and comes in a variety of widths. Engineered flooring is made up of layers. The top layer is hardwood glued over a backer board. The backer board can be plywood, pine boards, or layers of hardwood. Engineered flooring is between 3/8" - 3/4" thick and ranges between 2 1/4" and 11" wide. Solid floors have been made using the same techniques for centuries. They are great for standard homes on main living areas. Engineered floors are great for over radiant heat, in lower levels of your home, and in vacation homes. There is a wide range of quality in engineered floors. Consult with us before purchasing an engineered floor.

How long will my project take?

Each project varies depending on size. In most cases, we are able to complete a project within a week. Larger projects (over 1000 square feet) make take longer. Smaller refinishing projects can be done in two days.

Do I need to be out of my house?

It is our general recommendation to be out of the house while we apply stains and finishes. You do not need to leave during the installation phase. Each project is different so as our sales representatives meet with you, they will let you know specifically about your project.

Is there going to be dust?

Surprisingly, there is little dust during the sanding process. We have a dust evacuation unit that removes the dust out of your house into a trailer parked near your home. There will be some dust during installation. However, to assist with dust control, we attach hoses from the saws to the trailer.

Are all of the people who do the work your employees?

All of our installation, sanding, and finishing crews are our employees. They are carefully selected to meet our high standards and are trained in our techniques. We do use subcontractors from time to time for stairs and carpet work.

What happens if a problem arises after my floor is installed?

Simply call us if a problem does arise. We have a dedicated service team who will meet with you in a timely manner. We consider you part of the Ralph's family and want you to be happy for as long as you are in your home.

What is my first step in picking out a hardwood floor?

You can come to our showroom to look at the many hardwood floor options, or you can call us to schedule an in-home consultation. By visiting your home, we are able to help you narrow down the choices of what will look the best in your environment. If you are building a new home or doing an extensive remodel, coming to the showroom first may also help you when making other choices for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions