Can I install Mohawk Hardwood Floors over a concrete slab?
Mohawk Engineered & Longstrip (glueless) Hardwood Floors can be installed over most concrete slabs (except solid hardwood). The concrete slab must be fully cured for at least 60 days, free of structural defects, clean and visually dry with no history of moisture problems. When testing for moisture, Mohawk suggests utilizing the industry-standard calcium chloride test or the Tramex Moisture Encounter (5 max). Note: Light-weight concrete that has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot is not suitable for Mohawk hardwood floors.
Do I have to keep the room temperature and humidity controlled all year round?
All hardwood floors can be adversely affected by extreme changes in humidity. During the hot, humid weather a dehumidifier may be required. Although engineered wood floors are less affected than solid wood floors, in the dry, heated winter months humidification may be necessary to prevent surface checking.
Can I wet mop my Mohawk Hardwood Floor?
You should never wet mop a hardwood floor, this will raise the grain and may permanently damage the wood’s surface. Use Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hard Surface Products to clean and protect your hardwood floor. Always apply the Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hard Surface Cleaner directly to the terry cloth flooring mop, not the floor.
What is twist?
Twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rule, the more twist or turns on a fiber, the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are tightly twisted have a different feel than those that are less tightly twisted.
Can I save money by buying a less expensive carpet and putting the best cushion under it?
There is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet.
What carpet is best for families with pets?
Carpets that have the Mohawk Forever Fresh label can resist all types of odors and stains that your kids or pets can dish out. These carpets combine the power of Odor-Eaters™ with Mohawk’s Stainguard carpet protection which neutralizes pet accidents, spills and more. The protection lasts for years, even after cleaning.
If I know the weight or other technical specifications, can I compare products?
Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, but there are many other factors that can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.
Can pets damage my new laminate floor?
Yes, it is possible for dogs and cats to damage any type of flooring, including laminate flooring. Although Mohawk Laminate Floors are extremely durable they can be scratched by untrimmed pet claws. Keeping dogs and cats claws trimmed will help your floor look beautiful for many years.
How can I remove scratch marks from my laminate floors?
For minor scratches in your laminate floor there are special, color-coordinating pencils that may be used to fill in scratches. See your Mohawk Laminate Flooring dealer for more information. By using some common sense precautions you can help keep your floor looking like new. Use walk-off mats in front off all doorways and felt pads under all furniture legs. Never drag heavy objects over the floor, instead place 1/4″ underlayment or plywood down first and then slide the heavy object across the underlayment panels. For more information see our Laminate Floor Care.
Can a Mohawk Laminate Floor be installed over my existing flooring?
Mohawk Laminate Floors can be installed of many types of existing floors, such as ceramic tile, vinyl, and hardwood. Have your local Mohawk Flooring dealer make an inspection to
determine if the existing flooring is suitable for this purpose. Never try to install a floating floor over another floating floor.
Can a chip in my laminate floor be repaired?
For chips, deep scratches and gouges there are colored burn-in, filler sticks available which are used with special electric knives to repair these areas. If the damage to the plank is too severe you can have the damaged plank replaced without destroying the rest of the floor. For plank replacements there are special tools, router bits, and wood splines available to make the job easier. We suggest you leave plank replacement up to a professional installer.
What could be causing cracks to appear in ceramic floor tiles?
There is always a remote possibility of an individual fractured tile, usually caused by not being bonded properly and then being impacted by an object dropping on it. That type of fracture is repaired by replacing the damaged tile. A sure rule of thumb to determining the problem: if the crack goes from one tile to another on a continuous line through the grout joint, the problem, without any doubt, is in the substrate — usually a crack in the slab. The damaged tile would have to be removed, a crack isolation membrane put down and the tile reinstalled, which should solve the problem.
Where would unglazed be preferable over glazed ceramic tile and why?
Unglazed ceramic tile is strongly recommended for most exterior horizontal (floor) applications, interior applications subject to standing water such as shower floors, for very high traffic floors such as airports, train stations, etc. Impervious porcelain tiles are recommended in all ”freeze/thaw” horizontal exterior applications, and even in vertical ”freeze/thaw” applications subject to standing (or in) water.
What type of tile is recommended for kitchen counter tops and why?
Although a great variety of glazed tiles are used for counter tops, manufacturers specifically recommend only specific tiles. These are usually double glazed or glazes fired at higher temperatures, such as glazes on vitreous and porcelain bodies. High-gloss glazes are not recommended because they will scratch under normal kitchen counter top use. Many owners will select high-gloss tiles for counter tops even though they are told “they will scratch,” because they like the look and do not intend to use their kitchen on a regular basis. Mohawk includes specific references in our catalog for each product. Refer to Mohawk Product Catalog. Vanity Tops: Most tiles are all right to use, except the softest glazes, because of less abuse.
Isn’t porcelain delicate and easy to break?
No. There are different types of porcelain, including dishes and dolls that can be very fragile. Porcelain Stone by Crossville, on the other hand, is tough and long lasting because it is fired at extremely high temperatures (2000° F and above) until it becomes vitrified (glass-like). This process makes porcelain stone 30 percent harder than natural stones such as granite and marble. Prove it to yourself by trying to scratch a piece of porcelain stone with your house keys. Or, put a pencil under a porcelain stone, step on both sides of the top, and rock back and forth. Ordinary tile or stone would break — not Crossville!
My porcelain sink chipped. Won’t porcelain stone chip, too? Or, what if I drop a big can of tomatoes on the kitchen floor?
Not to worry. Your sink is merely glazed with porcelain, so the color doesn’t go all the way through like it does with porcelain stone. With porcelain stone, there’s never a problem with wearing through the color layer. If porcelain stone were to somehow chip, you probably wouldn’t even notice — it’s the same color inside.
How does porcelain stone compare in cost to other countertop materials, like granite, laminates or solid surfacings?
Porcelain stone may cost more than manmade laminates, but you have to compare value — not price. On the other hand, porcelain stone costs less than most solid surfacing products and some natural stones, like granite. Porcelain stone delivers great looks, an incredible range of color options, easy installation and wipe-clean maintenance.
I’d like to buy porcelain stone for my great room, but won’t it be cold?
Not necessarily. Porcelain stone is no different in temperature than anything else in the room; it’s just that we tend to equate smooth with cold. (Of course, cool is good in warm weather climates!) Still, it’s easy to warm things up with an area rug or two. Or, if you’re installing a brand new floor, ask your contractor about under-floor radiant heating. Low-voltage electrical floor warming systems are available, affordable and easy on your heating budget.
Suppose I put porcelain stone on my kitchen counter. Will it absorb stains or form mildew along the grout lines?
Porcelain stone is almost totally non-absorbent, which means it is virtually impervious to stains and mildew. It’s the grout between the stones that you need to be savvy about. Many countertops are now installed with 100 percent epoxy grouts that are easy to use, clean up quickly following installation and refuse to stain or mildew. Otherwise, an application of high performance grout sealer is recommended to retard the staining of joints when using conventional sanded grout.
I want a real bright white tile. The porcelain stone colors look creamy. Will they work with the white background in my wallpaper?
Porcelain stone is made from raw materials found in the earth that simply don’t come in bright white. Ordinary tile can be made from any kind of clay since the body color is hidden under the glaze, whereas white porcelain stone shows its true color throughout. What’s more, Crossville’s colors have been carefully designed by top colorist Barbara Schirmeister, ASID, and are meant to blend easily with the whites in other home interior decorating products.
Why does porcelain stone cost more than ordinary ceramic tile?
Because you are getting a superior product. Porcelain stone requires the finest natural ingredients and a rigidly controlled manufacturing process that utilizes the most advanced processes and technology.
Why are certain colors of porcelain stone more expensive than others?
Simply because some colors cost more to manufacture than others. The coloring agents are more expensive and more difficult to control, requiring more technology, time and skill.
Many ceramic tiles are made in other countries. Is there any advantage to buying porcelain stone that’s produced in the U.S.?
At Crossville, we think there are three important reasons for purchasing American-made porcelain stone:
1. A first-rate producer: Crossville is recognized as a world class manufacturer, employing the latest technology and technical expertise.
2. Immediate availability: Crossville maintains a 97 percent service level which means you get your tile when you expect it.
3. Domestic investment and environmental responsibility: Located in the heartland of the U.S.A., Crossville has exerted a positive impact on the economy of our community, our employees and their families. We are also keenly aware of our responsibility to the environment and proud of the fact that we have received a number of awards for our eco-conscious manufacturing processes.
How do you install porcelain stone tile? Does it need a special adhesive or grout? Do you have to seal it?
Porcelain stone is installed as easily as ordinary ceramic tile, using the same installation materials. In most cases, your installer will know which setting material is best, but if you’re planning a do-it-yourself project, it’s a good idea to discuss your particular installation with your tile dealer. Either way, you do not have to worry about applying sealer to any porcelain stone made by Crossville, except our polished finishes. The grinding involved in the polishing process produces microscopic pores that should be sealed with a penetrating sealer (a once-only process that seldom needs reapplication). Otherwise, top sealers and waxes are completely unnecessary. All Crossville products are protected by our unique Cross-Sheen™ finish, which is sprayed on before the stones are fired. Cross-Sheen™ closes the stone’s pores, producing a permanent finish that makes stains and scuff marks easy to wipe off.
What size grout joint should I use?
The size of your grout joint is a personal decision that you need to make. Keep in mind, however, that larger grout joints tend to crack and attract more dirt. Crossville suggests a thinner grout joint. As thin as 1/8” to 3/16” is best. If your design includes stones of multiple sizes, consider using a 1/4” grout joint throughout, which adds consistency to the overall appearance.
How do I keep the polished porcelain stone shining? It looks like a lot of work.
The trick to keeping porcelain stone shining is to thoroughly rinse off the dirty wash water when cleaning it. Detergent residue can form a coating that’s difficult to remove, even from porcelain stone. Once you’ve cleaned your polished porcelain stone, dry the floor thoroughly with a soft cloth or a buffing pad to enhance the shine and prevent water spots.