Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the hardwood flooring inside is delightful.  What do you need to know to keep your hardwood floors safe and cozy this winter?

Colder temperatures bring on various joys like snow, fireside cocoas, and the holiday season.  They can also affect your hardwood floors.  

Dry Air

Cooler temperatures generally mean drier conditions.  In some areas, winter brings about moderate moisture conditions that are perfect for hardwood floors.  In those locales, winter can actually be one of the best times to install hardwood flooring, as the flooring should easily acclimate to the new space.

In other areas, winter means very dry air.  Just as too much moisture can cause hardwood flooring to expand in unsightly ways, too little moisture can cause hardwood flooring to contract beyond normal limits, leaving gaps and sometimes even cracks in the wood.

What can you do to keep hardwood flooring at the right humidity level?  In very dry areas, you might consider purchasing a humidifier to bring the ambient moisture into the normal range for hardwood flooring.  Be careful though—don’t over-humidify the flooring, or you’ll start to have problems related to high moisture.  Remember that hardwood is happiest between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 35% to 55% relative humidity.

Salt, Slush, and Snowy Paws

Perhaps you, your children, or your pets have been bounding out in the snow all day before returning home.  It is very likely that, on entry, your clothes or shoes are dripping with cold water, packed with snow, or coated with road salt and grime. 

To minimize the amount of moisture and grit that reaches your floors, place mats at each entrance.  Don’t let water pool onto the floor or seep through a porous rug, as it can damage the flooring.  Clean up any slushy residue or grime immediately, and place any wet items in a place where they cannot drip onto the hardwood floor.

If your pet returns from the yard with wet paws or little balls of snow in their fur, have a warm towel ready to wipe them down, melt any snow, and clean them off before they track water throughout the house.

Ask guests and family members to remove their shoes at the door and place them in an area where dirt and water won’t transfer from the shoes to your hardwood floors.


With these tips and tricks, enjoy the coziness of the winter months with family and friends on your beautiful, warm hardwood floors. 

While your hardwood flooring construction and installation options may be limited by the physical structure of your space, Mullican Flooring provides a wide variety of styles to fit your tastes and preferences.  We can assure you that you will find a timeless and beautiful product that will meet or exceed your expectations for long-lasting wear. 

Our products feature warranties from a 25-year finish warranty to a lifetime finish warranty.  Mullican Flooring warrants that the finish will not wear through to the wood within the amount of time specified in the Finish Warranty Chart or as long as the original purchaser owns the floor, whichever is less.

All our finished products are protected with an aluminum oxide finish, 10 times stronger than traditional urethane finishes.  We test our finishes to make sure they are of the highest quality—each of our products undergoes an abrasion test to ensure that the finish has good scratch resistance and will, with proper care and maintenance, retain its original integrity for the life of the warranty. 

Here is what you need to know about what our warranties do and do not cover before selecting your hardwood flooring:

1. Natural Wood Characteristics

Mullican Flooring warrants that the products have been manufactured in compliance with the grading rules of Mullican Flooring and will be free from manufacturing defects.  Manufacturing defects do not include natural wood characteristics such as mineral streaks, knots, grain variations, normal minor differences between color of samples and the color of installed floors, color variations from board to board, or minor width variation.

When installing your floors, we recommend pulling boards from several different cases to get a good mix of colors and natural wood features.

2. Natural Expansion/Contraction and Moisture-Related Issues

Too much moisture causes hardwood floors to expand, and too little causes hardwood floors to contract.  While hardwood flooring will naturally expand and contract as the seasons change, moisture extremes can lead to undesirable changes to the floor, such as cupping, buckling, gapping, or cracking.  After your floor is installed, it is critical to maintain a normal temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity between 35-55 percent.

Mullican’s warranties do not cover damage or unsatisfactory performance caused by excessive moisture, including, but not limited to, improper humidity inside the home, excessive ground moisture that migrates into the home for any reason, excessive sub-floor moisture, water leaks caused by broken pipes or appliances, improper cleaning methods such as wet mopping or the use of automated cleaning machines, and weather conditions or natural disasters such as flooding or excessive rainfall. 

Mullican’s warranties do not cover damage or unsatisfactory performance caused by insufficient moisture, including, but not limited to, improper humidity inside the home and excessive direct sun exposure.  Homeowners in excessively dry parts of the country may need to humidify their homes and keep doors and windows closed to maintain appropriate moisture conditions. 

3. Exposure to Sunlight

Some wood species are light sensitive, meaning that the wood exposed to light changes color over time.  Depending on the species, it may take six months to a year for the flooring to reach its full, rich color.  For highly light sensitive species, we recommend that you move furniture around periodically within the first six months to let the floor color even out.

Mullican’s limited warranties do not cover color changes to any flooring which results from exposure to Ultraviolet light.  Normal exposure to light will cause changes in the shading of any wood floor, and this is not considered a defect.

4. Gloss Reduction and Finish

Normal surface wear may cause a reduction in the “glossiness” of hardwood flooring.  While this may be more noticeable with high-gloss flooring or flooring in darker stained colors, it is not considered a manufacturer’s defect.

To maintain the glossy finish on your floors, clean them regularly and avoid oil, soap, or wax-based wood floor cleaning products that can dull the finish.  Keep pets’ nails trimmed, and have guests remove shoes when they enter the home.

5. Improper Installation

It is critical that all installations are done in compliance with the procedures outlined in the Mullican Flooring installation instructions, which can be found in each carton of flooring and on our website.

No damage or defects caused by improper installation or failure to provide a suitable environment are covered by this warranty.  Failure to install your flooring in accordance with the instructions will void all warranties.  If, before installation, you discover any flooring that has obvious defects, please immediately contact the dealer from whom the flooring was purchased, and replacement flooring will be provided at no cost.

6. Improper Use of Flooring/Damages

Our warranties do not cover damage, indentations, scratches, or stains arising from negligence, accidents, abuse, excessive heat, abnormal wear, construction, spike heels, grit, sand or other abrasives, dents, insect infestation after the product has left our factory, or domestic animals.

Mullican Flooring warranties do not cover damage caused by use of the flooring for purposes other than those for which it was designed; damage caused by disasters such as fire, flood, wind, and lightning; damage during shipment; or any other abuse or misuse by the purchaser.

This post is meant to serve as an overview.  Please refer to the full warranty program information or to the individual product brochure for a complete warranty, as exclusions and limitations do apply.

Have a question about any of our warranties?  Contact us.

Are you a first-time owner of hardwood floors?  Are you unsure how to properly clean the floors that you already have?  This article will help you understand some of the key do’s and don’ts of cleaning hardwood floors.

Do

Do vacuum weekly with the beater brush turned off.  This will pick up any debris on the surface and in any crevices of your wood floors.  Over time, debris buildup can interfere with the natural expansion and contraction of wood floors in different seasons, and small rocks, grit, and sand can scuff the finish.

Do clean up any spills immediately with a dry cloth.  If a dry cloth doesn’t get everything up, a damp cloth can be used for stickier messes.  However, the area should be dried immediately. 

Do use a Mullican-approved hardwood flooring cleaner on a monthly basis, such as Bona Hardwood Flooring Cleaner or Basic Coatings.  Be careful not to apply the cleaner too liberally, and be sure to follow all product directions.

Don’t

Don’t leave gravel and dirt on your floor that can cause scratches and dents.

Don’t pour water on the floor or use a wet mop, as these will damage the floor and finish over time.  When wood absorbs too much water, it can expand and warp in undesirable ways.  Steam mops especially can cause damage to your floors, lifting the finish and causing the wood to absorb more moisture than normal from the added heat.

Don’t use unapproved household cleaners, oil soaps, and waxes, which can damage or dull the finish on your floors.

Be wary of new cleaning trends that may cause damage to your floor!  If you have any questions about the appropriateness of a cleaning technique, see our full Cleaning and Maintenance guidelines or feel free to contact us.

Hardwood floors are a natural surface that you and your pets can enjoy for the lifetime of your home.  To get the most out of your hardwood floors, keep these things in mind:

Claws

Dogs, cats, and some other household pets can damage hardwood flooring with their claws.  Dogs often use their claws to gain traction when running around the house, so be sure to keep your dog’s nails trimmed.  Shorter nails mean a lesser likelihood of your pet leaving dents in the floor or finish.  For cats, have a dedicated scratching post (or several) to keep your cat from scratching at the floor.

When selecting your flooring, think about hardwood species with a higher Janka rating, as they won’t dent as easily.  Alternatively, choose a flooring with a distressed finish or prominent grain that will hide scratches.  Mullican offers a variety of floor options with durable finishes that are a good fit for you and your pets.

You can also place rugs and protective coverings on your floor in high traffic areas—perhaps there is a spot where your pooch claws at the floor for a minute to gain traction when rounding a corner, or maybe your cat likes to scatter food and water out around the bowls.

If the flooring starts to show natural wear and tear over time, it can be refinished and re-sanded to buff out any scratches, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.

Messes

Clean up any unexpected pet messes quickly to protect the finish and color of your hardwood flooring.  Wood is a natural material that can absorb moisture, including pet urine which can seep into the wood and leave an unsightly stain.  If your pet soils a rug, clean the rug and pull both the rug and the backing away from the floor until everything has fully dried.

One of the benefits of hardwood flooring is the ease of cleaning up pet hair, dander, and dirt.  Keep your floors clean by vacuuming regularly to prevent scratches from dirt and small rocks brought in by your pets from the outdoors.

Click here for more cleaning tips.

Pet Accessories

Perhaps you have a bird cage on wheels or a large crate for your pooch to sleep in.  Protect the floor underneath these items of furniture with felt padding, caster cups, or other appropriate materials.    

Hardwood flooring is a healthy, safe material for you and your pets to live on and enjoy each other’s company for the life of your home.  With the right care and maintenance, hardwood is a great choice for you and your pets.

Read the full care and maintenance guidelines here.

At Mullican Flooring, we are dedicated to creating the highest-quality hardwood flooring in the world.

Solid hardwood is the top flooring choice among designers, builders, and homeowners.  Natural hardwood floors are an affordable and versatile investment that enhance the beauty and long-term value of a property.

While both engineered and solid hardwood flooring are beautiful additions to any property, solid wood planks are appealing because of the thickness of their wear layer.  At ¾-inch thick, solid wood floors can be stripped, sanded, and refinished several times, and the wood planks will last much longer than the finish warranty.  Due to our durable finishes, re-sanding and refinishing are not a required part of hardwood maintenance, but solid wood floors provide homeowners with greater options for smoothing over every-day wear and tear and updating the look of the floor.

With engineered hardwood flooring, the number of times it can be sanded and refinished is dictated by the thickness of the wear layer.  Styles and tastes change over the years, and the look of solid wood flooring can be changed to reflect current trends, going from a light color to warmer, darker tones and, if desired, back again.

Solid hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for on-grade (ground level) or above-grade (upstairs) locations, but its greater variability under high moisture conditions makes it a poor choice for below-grade (basement) locations.  Solid hardwood flooring should be nailed down to a sturdy subfloor to prevent floor movement.  It cannot be installed on concrete, but it can be installed on 5/8” plywood (3/4” is preferable and recommended), oriented strand board (OSB), and wood plank subfloors.

Shop our collection of solid hardwood flooring.

Engineered hardwood floors have a variety of benefits for your space, in large part because of their versatility and durability.  Engineered products are designed with a cross-layer construction, using five to nine layers of hardwood.  Each layer is stacked in a cross-grain configuration and bonded together using heat and pressure, resulting in a stable plank that is more resistant to moisture-induced expansion than solid hardwood floors.  This allows for broad installation options. 

Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed on all levels over subfloors made of plywood, OSB, wood, and concrete.  In fact, engineered hardwood flooring is the best choice to install if you have a concrete slab subfloor, and there are more methods of installation for engineered flooring than for solid flooring.  Engineered flooring can be glued or stapled.  If the product is a minimum of 3 inches in width, it can also be installed using a floating method.

The appeal of engineered flooring is not limited to its moisture-resistance and versatility in installation—it also allows for wider plank widths that match contemporary aesthetics.  Plank widths beyond 5” are only available in engineered lines.  Beyond the wider plank widths, engineered products offer additional style and design options that are in demand, such as longer boards, low-gloss or matte finishes, hand-scraped or wire-brushed surface textures, and unique stains and color selections.

Shop our collection of engineered hardwood flooring.

Are you confused by terms like “on-grade” and “below-grade”?  “Solid” vs. “engineered”?  When selecting the construction of your hardwood flooring, there are a few things you should know to make the best decision for your space.

Solid flooring planks are cut from a single piece of wood and are “solid” all the way through.  Since solid wood floors are made of natural wood with its own grain patterns and striations, they can expand and contract more dramatically in high-moisture areas.  When exposed to moisture, the wood absorbs the ambient water, and its individual rings swell in different directions based on the cut of wood.  If the moisture in a home is outside of the recommended range, this can cause warping, cracking, and splitting in the wood.

Because of this greater variation in response to moisture, solid wood floors need to be nailed down to the subfloor to properly secure them and prevent floor movement.  Not all subfloors are strong enough to hold the nails in place: solid wood floors can only be installed over 5/8” plywood (3/4” is preferable and recommended), oriented strand board (OSB), and wood plank subfloors.  

In addition, since below-grade (basement) spaces are high-moisture areas, solid wood flooring can only be installed in on-grade (ground level) and above-grade (upstairs) areas.  In addition, basement floors are often concrete, which can hold and transfer moisture to the wood floors and which do not allow for a nail-down installation. 

Even though solid wood floors are not a good choice for a below-grade space, they are an excellent choice for an on-grade or above-grade area.  Solid wood floors can be refinished many times over their lifetime, allowing you to update the finish to keep your floors looking brand new.

Read more about solid wood flooring.

Engineered flooring planks are made from several layers of wood that are cross-layered to even out grain expansion under high-moisture conditions.  Engineered flooring will still absorb ambient moisture just like solid wood flooring, but it will expand more evenly and less dramatically than solid flooring.

Engineered flooring can be installed on concrete subfloors, as well as plywood, OSB, and wood plank subfloors.  It can be glued down, stapled to the floor, or, for planks 3 inches or wider, installed using a floating method.  Because of its higher resistance to moisture-related issues, engineered flooring is a good choice for any grade level.

Read more about engineered hardwood flooring.


Mullican Flooring provides a variety of options in both solid and engineered hardwood flooring to fit your needs.  Whichever flooring construction you choose, you will have a wide selection of wood species, colors, widths, and finishes to choose from.

Before installing your new hardwood flooring, be sure to review the installation and warranty sheets for your flooring to ensure proper installation and care.  These can be found in your product box or at www.mullicanflooring.com. 

Ready or not, the holiday season has arrived!  Along with all the decorating and feasting comes a flurry of activity that has the potential to damage your hardwood floors.  Keep your floors in dazzling shape with these tips.

1. Visitor Traffic

To limit the debris that makes its way into your home, place outdoor mats at each entryway and clean them regularly.  Place rugs inside entryways and, if possible, have visitors remove their shoes at the door.  A shoe rack or oversized basket can be placed near the entry for convenience.  Remember that spike heels and damaged stilettos that have lost the protective heel pad can leave markings in your floor. 

Place area rugs in high-traffic areas throughout the home, such as hallways and gathering spaces, to protect your floors from debris and moisture tracked in by guests.  When selecting a rug, opt for a synthetic version, and avoid rugs with rubber or foam backings, as they can trap moisture and damage the floor.

2. Hosting Parties

Before guests arrive, make sure the legs of all furniture pieces are properly equipped with glides or pads for easy movement.  This is particularly important for chairs and any other pieces that might be moved during the party.  Before your event, make sure all the glides are clean and free of debris.

Spills are going to happen.  The key to minimizing damage to hardwood floors is wiping them up quickly.  A dry rag is all that is necessary to clean up most spills.  Keep a stack of rags on hand and ready to use.  After your guests have left, take a few minutes to dry mop your floors to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated during the party.

3. Oversized Decorations

Whether you are putting up a Christmas tree, a giant skeleton, or an oversized Menorah, take care to pad the floor so that your decorations do not cause scratches or dents.  For live Christmas trees, fountains, or any other decorations that involve water, place a plastic sheet and padding on the floor underneath the decoration to keep excess moisture from reaching the hardwood.

Enjoy the holidays set against the picturesque backdrop of your beautiful Mullican Hardwood Floors!  Click here for the full care and maintenance guidelines for your hardwood floors.

Whether your home is a quiet retreat or the life of the party, it’s good to know how to protect your hardwood floors to preserve their beauty and extend their lifespan.

Protect Against Scratches

Keep your floors free from scratches by cleaning regularly, strategically placing rugs and runners, removing your shoes indoors, and cushioning furniture and large appliances. 

Cleaning regularly prevents dirt and gravel from working its way between the floorboards or scratching the finish.  We recommend that you vacuum weekly to keep your floors clean and protected.

Rugs and runners should be placed in high-traffic areas, as well as inside and outside of entryways to trap dirt and debris before it makes its way inside.

Have guests and family members take off their shoes when they enter.  This will keep your floors clean and prevent scuff marks from dark-soled shoes or dents from stilettos that have lost their heel padding.

Make sure all furniture is padded so that your floors are protected.  This is especially important for items of furniture that are moved around regularly, such as chairs or folding tables.  If you’re getting ready for the holidays, read this blog for more tips on how to avoid floor damage.

If you have pets, be sure to trim their nails regularly or provide alternative scratching surfaces.  You can read more about pets and hardwood floors here.

Keep Your Floors Clean

Cleaning is an important part of the regular maintenance of hardwood floors.  If done right, it can extend the life of your floors.  If done wrong, it can damage the finish and dull the beauty of your hardwood.

All our prefinished floors have a durable aluminum oxide polyurethane finish, but some products, such as steel wool, paste wax, and nail polish remover can scratch, dull, or dissolve the finish.

Follow our cleaning guide to ensure that you are using the right products and methods to protect your floors.  To read more about cleaning do’s and don’ts, click here.

Keep Humidity and Moisture in Check

Moisture causes hardwood floors to expand, and excessive dryness causes them to contract.  While hardwood flooring will naturally expand and contract as the seasons change, excessive variations in moisture can lead to undesirable changes to the floor, such as cupping, buckling, gapping, or cracking. 

Once the flooring has been installed, the humidity level inside the building should be kept within the recommended range of 35-55 percent, and the temperature between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  This falls within the comfortable range of interior home environments.

Limit Sun Exposure

Some wood species are more photosensitive than others, especially exotic woods such as Brazilian cherry and teak.  The natural compounds in the wood react to light and often darken, leaving noticeably lighter patches underneath rugs and other furniture.  This process can take up to six months for some species.

Color variations due to sun exposure can be evened out by moving rugs and furniture around regularly or giving the floor time to change color before placing items in the room.  Bright sunlight from large, unshaded windows can also raise the temperature and lower the humidity of the wood in front of them, causing gaps or other problems when the wood is outside of the recommended temperature and humidity ranges.

Choose a wood species and floor that will coordinate well with the amount of light and sun exposure in your space.  To read more about wood species, click here.
 

What’s an aluminum oxide finish?  What does the Claritage® Extra finish do exactly?  This blog is here to help.

Aluminum Oxide Finishes

Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that takes a crystalline form.  You might know it as corundum, which has two primary varieties: rubies and sapphires.  

Aluminum oxide is an exceptionally hard and dense material commonly used in hardwood flooring finishes because of the strength and durability it offers.  It’s sometimes even used as an industrial substitute for diamonds.

To make hardwood flooring finishes, aluminum oxide is ground up into a fine powder and mixed with UV-cured urethane finishes.  When everything dries, the microscopic aluminum oxide rocks form a protective layer that’s much stronger against scuffs and scratches then sand on site finishes.  

Some aluminum oxide finishes also use nanotechnology, which is made by manipulating things at the atomic and molecular level.  By creating finishes that use microscopic particles, those teeny tiny particles can fill in smaller cracks and fissures to create a tighter seal, resulting in greater clarity while maintaining wear resistance.

Nanotechnology floor coatings provide more coverage, are more durable, and are easier to clean. Several of our finishes use this technology to help your floors stay in top shape.

Aluminum oxide finishes are some of the strongest hardwood floor finishes available, and all of our products feature aluminum oxide finishes.  Here’s a quick guide to the different aluminum oxide finishes we use on our products:

Standard Aluminum Oxide Finish
 

• all the benefits of strength and durability derived from aluminum oxide
• large particles of aluminum oxide to provide greater protection
• long cure rate to ensure optimal hardness

PPG Ultra Low Gloss Finish

In addition to all the benefits of aluminum oxide:

• matte finish
• beautiful, consistent quality and feel

Claritage® Extra Finish

In addition to all the benefits of aluminum oxide:

• nanotechnology for a tighter seal
• greater scuff resistance and clarity

Aluminum Oxide Finish + Antimicrobial Protection

In addition to all the benefits of aluminum oxide:

• antimicrobial coating that controls the growth of unwanted bacteria and fungi & protects flooring from stains and discoloration
• greater resistance to color change from UV exposure
• more resistant to household chemicals
• nanotechnology for a tighter seal

If you have any questions about our different finishes, please contact us.  We are happy to help!