FAQS FOR HOMEOWNERS

What’s the difference between unfinished and pre-finished flooring?

Unfinished flooring requires on-site finishing after the wood has been installed, and is popular in new construction and medium-large scale renovations.

It requires a light sanding to remove and dirt debris from the install, as well as to open the pores of the wood to accept the stain and/or finish. Generally, three coats of polyurethane with a satin finish are applied to protect the floor and add luster. However, some of our clients choose a more natural finish like tung oil or wax. Finishing on site provides more options for custom finishes and colours, and a smooth, square-edged flush finish between planks with no bevel. It also allows customers to choose more rustic-looking planks that are difficult or impossible to pre-finish at the factory.

Pre-finished floors have the chosen color and finish applied at the factory before the wood is delivered to the customer’s home. It is popular for small – medium sized renovations where convenience is a priority.

The finish consists of eight coats of aluminum oxide finish, sprayed on and cured with ultra-violet light, so no sanding or staining is required after the install. Pre-finished floors allow customers to install the flooring themselves, or to stay in their homes during installation. All pre-finished floors have a slight micro-bevel on the edges of the planks; this provides relief when installing, to ensure each plank that is installed doesn’t chip or damage the edge of the previously installed plank when nailed.

Is all of your wood flooring reclaimed from the Ottawa River?

Not all of the wood flooring that is available at Logs End is reclaimed from the Ottawa River. In addition to reclaiming from tributary rivers and lakes in the area, we also carry premium Forest Stewardship Council of Canada (FSC)-certified new-growth hardwood, which we purchase from FSC-managed forests in Québec and Ontario. This wood is featured in our Logs End Collection product line, and provides a perfect complement to our extensive Logs End Heritage line, which features only river-reclaimed wood.

How is the wood that’s been lying at the bottom of the river for hundreds of years preserved?

The reason the wood is perfectly preserved is because there is no oxygen or sunlight – the factors that cause wood to break down and rot – at the at the bottom of the river. Without exposure to sunlight or oxygen, these old-growth timbers remain as sound and pristine as the day they were harvested.

Will Logs End help arrange installation?

Yes, we will. We utilize independent installers who own their companies and have worked with us since we began in 1997. They are experts in their field, and we like to keep them busy, because they do excellent work. We are happy to provide contact information for our recommended installers so that you can speak to them about your project and have them visit and inspect your home.

What’s involved in ordering a floor from Logs End?

We would be happy to arrange a personal consultation at our showroom or visit your home with flooring samples. We will take measurements of the areas you’d like to cover and provide you with an estimate, completely free of charge. Just call or email to arrange a consultation at your convenience.

To learn more about our ordering process, please click here.

What are your lead times for ordering flooring?

Depending on whether you order unfinished or pre-finished flooring, we recommend allowing 4-6 weeks of lead time. That is, 4-6 weeks between placing your 20% deposit and accepting delivery of material.

For smaller, unfinished flooring orders, we are often able to ship same week.

However, flooring is not something that should be left until the last minute, especially if your project requires customized milling, widths or other made-to-order details. To ensure you get the floor you want, it’s best to give yourself – and us – plenty of time.

Is it true that reclaimed flooring is a lot more expensive thanregular flooring?

This is a myth. Our prices are very competitive. In fact, depending on product and width, our prices are often better than the competition.

While there is a premium for wider-plank reclaimed wood, we encourage our customers to compare our products and prices to that of other suppliers. We’re very confident that after comparing apples to apples and considering our value-adds – things like unparalleled beauty, unique history, custom widths, lengths and finishing options and environmental benefits – the choice will be clear.

Can you match a colour we bring in to you?

Yes! We can match any colour or stain you bring to us. We’ll send your sample to the finishing plant, where they will prepare a matching sample. We will then have you approve the sample before finishing.

Do you provide shop/home consultations?

Yes! We would be happy to visit your home with flooring samples. We will take measurements of the areas you’d like to cover and provide you with an estimate, completely free of charge. Please call (613) 738-7851 or email Steve McCord to arrange a consultation at your convenience.