FAQ : Installation & Maintenance

Is the installation on an OSB (oriented strand board; shavings, Aspenite) subfloor guaranteed?

IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE STABILITY OF OUR HARDWOOD FLOORING PRODUCTS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THEIR INSTALLATION TO BE MADE ON A PLYWOOD SUBFLOOR, AND FOR THE NAILING OR STAPLING OF THE BOARDS TO BE MADE ACCORDING TO THE STANDARD OF THE N.W.F.A., WHICH APPLIES TO EACH BOARD WIDTH.

A 3/4 in. thick floor (19 mm) installed on an OSB subfloor that would not have been glued in addition to being nailed or stapled automatically loses any form of guarantee. Before proceeding to the installation of any hardwood floor covering, the installer must make sure that the humidity rate of the subfloor does not exceed the percentage determined by Parquets Alexandra.

Is it possible to install a 3/4 in. solid hardwood floor on a radiant floor?

Yes, it is now possible to install our pre-oiled floor on a radiant floor, and even on a concrete floor. However, we guarantee this type of installation only with a hot water, hot air or glycol heating system. The warranty is not valid with an electric radiant system.

Why? Because the floor breathes more!

How do I get rid of a white mark on my pre-oiled floor?

A white mark left on the floor by the moving of a furniture is easily fixable by using some regenerating oil. See explanatory documents to proceed with the repair.

Instructions with pictures: Download PDF

Detailed instructions: Downlaod PDF

How to get a drop of paint off of my pre-oiled floor?

Even if it is dry or if it has been wiped, it is possible for you to remove a drop of paint from your floor with the help of some finishing oil by following the instructions.

Instructions with pictures: Download PDF

Detailed instructions: Download PDF

Can I repair a floor damaged by animal urine?

Animal urine being very acid, it burns the fiber of the wood. Fortunately, with pre-oiled wood, this can be 100% repairable. You must return the wood to its rough origin by sanding it and then proceed to reoiling it with impregnating and finishing oil.

My floor is turning greyish and it always has an unclean look, even after I have washed it...

A pre-oiled floor becoming greyish is the result of an inadequate maintenance (use of the wrong products) or a lack of protection (new construction or renovation).

You can return your floor to its original state by using regenerating oil. The application of this oil will clean your floor in depth and will remove any traces of contamination.

What is the ideal water temperature to wash my floor?

One thing's for sure: you should never use hot water to wash your floor. Hot water will open the wood fibers as it opens your skin pores. It lets dirt penetrate into your floor instead of removing it all. Use lukewarm water instead.

May I use vinegar to clean my floor?

Vinegar is to be avoided for the maintenance of your floor; it will damage it. It will damage the finish of your prefinished floor (the floor finish shine will be burned), and for a pre-oiled floor, since the finish is an integral part of the wood, you will damage the wood fiber itself. In both cases, you will cause a big long-term problem to your floor.

What type of mop should I use?

First of all, whatever the type of finish, you must at any time avoid putting your mop in the washing machine. Detergents and softeners will leave a greasy residue on the mop, which will then remain on your floor. On a prefinished floor, footstep marks will show, whereas, on an oiled floor, a whitish film will always remain on the surface.

Type of mop: Downlaod PDF

May I use a steam (H2O) mop?

For an oiled floor, it is strongly recommended not to use a steam mop since humidity opens the wood fibers; that literally lets the dirt penetrate into your floor.