Staff Answer
Aug 08, 2025 - 04:37 AM
Aug 08, 2025 - 04:37 AM
View all Hardwood Flooring Questions & Answers
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Sustainable Hardwood Flooring from Kahrs Avanti, Tres , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: Directions in Spanish
Answer: Sorry, we do not have a Spanish version and I don't see any on Kahrs website either.
Try copying into Chatgpt or other AI software.
Question: Can we use “US Floors, Natural Cork Underlayment Roll” as the underlayment for this Kahrs 5G woodlock flooring?
Answer: Yes, you can use our cork underlayment beneath the Kahrs flooring.
However, Kahrs requires a vapor barrier as well. Therefore you will need our Moisture Block or any 6mil polyethylene sheeting to be applied beneath the cork underlayment.
Question: Hi, there are five samples in the Avanti Ground line sample picture, but only 4 colors are shown in the detailed pics of each color. Does this mean you are out of the fifth one?
Answer: Yes, unfortunately Kahrs has discontinued one of the colors in that product line recently.
Question: what percentage of the planks are the full 75 inches?
Answer: There is no certain percentage for anything. Tesoro just said its random average length will be 36-42" and the boards range from 19" at the shortest to 75" at the longest.
Question: Is this the same as mdf?
Answer: The herringbone is a 7 ply construction with French oak on the top and bottom and a hardwood core . The hardwood core is a pressed hardwood oak and/or pine .
Question: Can you install these over concrete?
Answer: Yes, all of our engineered floating floors can be installed below grade over a concrete subfloor. They can be glued down with our Taylor Ironwood water-resistant adhesive or floated with the addition of our QuietWalk Plus vapor barrier and underlayment 2 in 1 combination. Be sure to read the installation guidelines carefully and call us if you have further questions. Installation guidelines: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Is there stair trim available that will match the flooring? what does the stair nosing cost?
Answer: Yes, there is . Call 641-323-6108 to get pricing and availability.
Question: I have cats and dogs at home who occasionally have accidents on the floor. Is the Tesoro Paris Matte a good choice for my situation?
Answer: All the flooring that we sell could potentially be damaged by pet accidents. The nature of pet urine can start to break down the finish that is on any of the flooring options. That being said if it is cleaned up in a timely manner there is less potential issue with the break down of the surface finish.
Question: Can this be installed in a herringbone pattern?
Answer: No, it cannot.
Question: Where is this manufactured?
Answer: This collection is made in Romania.
Question: Is it possible to order specific color samples? There are ones in the sample box that I am not interested and it would be nice to pick out the specific colors I'd like to sample.
Answer: For now, we just have the 10 day rental sample box that you may order and see all the colors. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/K... You'd be surprised how many people actually end up with a color different than they expected after seeing the full color scheme in their own light at home.
Question: I'm in a wheelchair. Does anyone know how it would hold up?
Answer: Yes, this floor will be durable like the average hardwood floor. It will require a flat subfloor.
Question: I'm disappointed that I can only "rent" samples. I am interested in just a couple colors and I have a damage test that I like to do to all flooring samples, which I can't do if I'm "renting" it. Is there a way I can get individual samples of just a couple colors instead? I don't want to buy ALL of the colors.
Answer: Yes, if you call into one of our eco-advisors you can purchase individual samples that you can keep and test. 800-727-2101
Question: Can you glue down on slab?
Answer: Kahrs Avanti Ground can be glued down to a concrete slab provided the slab is fully cured, flat, level, smooth, clean and dry. Your room also needs to be conditioned - which means the temperature range is always between 60-80 degrees and the humidity levels are always between 30-60%. We recommend using Taylor Ironwood wood flooring adhesive which is non-toxic, Zero VOC and suitable for Kahrs engineered wood flooring. Here is a link to Taylor Ironwood: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/A...
Question: does it have a smooth finish?
Answer: Yes, smooth but it's a silken matte finish which is not slick or glossy.
Question: Waterproof?
Answer: Kahrs Avanti Tres is not called waterproof. Here is the search for the floors we sell that are:https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/search?&search_query=waterproof%20floor
&filter=Category_fq:%22Natural%20Linoleum%20Flooring%22%20OR%20Category_fq:
%22Cork%20Flooring%22%20OR%20Category_fq:%22Hardwood%20Flooring%22&rows=45&
amp;view=grid&start=0
Question: Can this be installed over a concrete slab?
Answer: Per the Installation Guide, https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c... , yes. Refer to page 3 of the Installation Guide.
Question: Do you carry Kahrs 7 7/8" jarrah Sydney 3-strip hardwood, if so the cost for 10 boxes?
Answer: Jarrah Sydney was discontinued. We can no longer get it from the manufacturer.
Question: What underlayment suits kahrs life collection?
Answer: Kahrs requires that you use either one of these underlayments for Kahrs flooring:Kahrs Combo Underlayment, Item #8833, Model #710100 - or - MP Global, QuietWalk Plus, Item #103937, Model #QW100PLUS
Question: Can this floor be waterproofed for use in bath? I'd like to have the same flooring thru the house. We bought ash ceriale for first thing and oak lecco for 2nd floor
Answer: It cannot be waterproofed, no.
Question: It says the width is over 7.875" but that there are 3 strips per plank. Does that mean each strip is about 2.5" wide? I'm looking for thinner strips of wood, not wide. Thanks!
Answer: Correct. The full plank is that wide, but with 3 "pieces" across. When you look at the room pictures on the product page, you will easily see the planks are made up of small "pieces" of that wood. Ordering small samples will help you see that, as well.
Question: Is this collection still sourced and manufactured in China?
Answer: It has been confirmed with Kahrs that that flooring is all done in only Poland. Any wording otherwise will be altered.
Question: Is this product water resistant?
Answer: Kahrs floors are engineered to be highly stable and capable of withstanding extreme changes in temperature and humidity. They are highly moisture resistant but not waterproof. People use them in every room of the home, below, at or above grade in every type of climate from Florida to Colorado to Minnesota.
Question: Is it waterproof or resistant?
Answer: It is engineered wood, so technically neither waterproof or water resistant. (Standing water on wood will cause the wood to potentially warp or swell).Kahrs Life is their sole water resistant line of floors.We also have waterproof products in cork and marmoleum.
Question: How does this flooring hold up to animals (dogs, cats, etc), kids and water?
Answer: Our Kahrs Water Resistant hardwood flooring is a great option for pets and kids. It can withstand spills and puddles for a longer period of time without causing damage to the back end of the flooring. However, it is not waterproof or stain proof, therefore it can have discoloration in certain instances and cannot uphold against major leaks or long-standing water.
Question: can the floor be nailed down instead of glued?
Answer: Life Collection installation options are floating and glue-down but not nail down.
Question: Do you need to add underlayment or is the underlayment built into this?
Answer: Kahrs Avanti Ground is a long wide plank of hardwood that requires an underlayment and vapor barrier over every type of subfloor whether it is installed below, at or above grade. You can use our Moisture Block (vapor barrier) and cork or other types (underlayment). The best way is to use our QuietWalk Plus which is a vapor barrier and underlayment all in one roll. Faster installation, less expensive and it performs better.
Question: In the Kahrs Life Collection which color do you think is most neutral? Coconut Cream or Driftwood? Thanks
Answer: The best way for you to know is to order samples and see it in your own light as everyone's opinion on color varies.
Question: When installing Kahrs Avanti Tres in a kitchen do you run the flooring continuously under the range, refrigerator, and dishwasher? Or leave an expansion gap in front of the front feet of the appliances?
Answer: You would need to leave an expansion gap for the floor to move.
Question: The room I want to put this in is a living room that has large picture windows on almost all sides and we get a lot of direct sunlight. The room is 30 x 17 and I am wondering if it will fade. If I put a rug in the middle of the living room and pick it up a year or two later will I be able to see that where the rug was is darker, that a lot of the floor has faded? Thanks.
Answer: Yes, you will see the area is different that was under the rug. Wood naturally changes tone through time and uv/sunlight exposure and it's not avoidable. (Same is true of pretty much any floor)
Question: Once laid does this flooring smell of pine or have any noticeable odor?
Answer: There may be a very slight Pine odor coming out of the box but once installed the odor should dissipate quickly
Question: How do you clean it?
Answer: With urethane finished floors, dry cleaning is the best way to clean hardwood floors. Vacuum and clean with a broom regularly and occasionally use a damp, well wrung-out cloth/mop.
Question: Is this product waterproof? Was thinking of using it in a kitchen.
Answer: It is wood so it is not waterproof.
Question: Is flooring from the Kahr's Life Collection Durable?
Answer: Yes, this floor is very durable. These are made with a three layer patented construction that gives it dimensional stability.
Question: Does this floor work well if very chemically sensitive?
Answer: Yes. Like all Kahrs products, it is eco-friendly and meets and exceeds the US and European environmental safety standards (FloorScore certified) for indoor air quality.
Question: Can you glue these down?
Answer: Yes, we recommend using the Taylor Ironwood adhesive as it is also a moisture barrier. Please refer to the glue down installation guidelines by clicking here: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: can I use this in space not always heated in northeast winter?
Answer: Kahrs guidelines specify a minimum temperature of 59 degrees at all times for Kahrs engineered wood flooring. The Kahrs warranty will not apply if the guidelines are not followed.
Question: What certifications does this have? Greenguard gold? Other?
Answer: The Kahrs Nouveau Collection is made to the highest standards of health which exceed both California CARB2 and European standards for toxic emissions in both adhesives and finishes. All Kahrs hardwood products use materials from sustainable sources certified either by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or EMAS (European Eco-Management Audit Scheme) in Europe. They are all US Lacey Act compliant, and their raw materials are sourced within 200 km of the Kahrs factory.
Question: What color family is Oak Siena? Brown tones?
Answer: The best way to know the actual color of something is to order a small sample online and see a piece of it in your own light. It will never look the same on a screen as it does in your environment.
Question: what underlayment do you recommend under this product Kahrs plank hardwood?
Answer: Kahrs hardwood floating floors require an underlayment and vapor barrier. Our Quiet Walk Plus is our most popular underlayment by far. Zero VOC, made with recycled content, and it is made specially for us without any biocides or fungicides.
Question: Does this product contain any PFAS?
Answer: The Life product is an engineered hardwood, not a laminate, so it does not contain PFAS.
Question: Where can I purchase parts numbers Art nr:719 266 ,Art nr:710 208 and Art nr:710 559 for floor installation?
Answer: We do sell the Woodloc Hand Block and the 5S Locking Tool. The movement joint allowances wedges are no longer available, but you can pick up something similar from any big box hardware store. Do note that the perimeter allowance/wedge size around your floor may differ based on your room size, see pages 7 & 8 of the installation guide.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: We are considering one of your floors to replace artificial maple flooring in our kitchen (it has maple cabinets that give the space a very warm and light feeling). We see two different kinds of flooring (but alas only one of those seems to come in maple): Kahrs Life Wide Hardwood flooring and Kahrs Avanti Tres Hardwood flooring. What is the difference?
Answer: Both are all wood but there are differences. Kahrs Avanti Tres is a 3 layered engineered floor 13mm (1/2") thick with European Maple on top (2mm), and pine/spruce in the core and base. Viewed from the top side, there are three 2 1/4" wide strips on each plank (7 3/4" wide x 95" long ) so it gives the appearance of a strip flooring. The Kahrs LIFE product is also 3 layered 1/4" thick overall with a thin oak wood veneer on top and a super high density fiberboard core and wood backing. The appearance is one wide strip on one 4 5/8" wide x 48" long plank. This product has the best moisture resistance. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/s...Both are click together floating floors that require a vapor barrier and underlayment beneath them. (QuietWalk Plus)
Question: What is the wear layer?
Answer: It does not have a wear layer per se, but it does have a tough UV-cured acrylic matt lacquer that makes it tough, and able to satisfy the specifications of up to medium commercial use for hotel rooms, conference areas, offices, villas, apartments, as well as high traffic residences that involve large families with kids and pets.The brochure spells this out in more detail: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Hello! How does this flooring hold up to a 70 lb dog walking or running on them?
Answer: Yes, this is designed for normal residential foot and pet traffic. There are no guarantees that there won't be some scratching, but in general, the finish, durability and moisture resistance of this floor are much higher than most hardwood floors.Another option would be our GBS Strand Bamboo flooring which is even harder and tougher by say, 15%.
Question: Why there is always backorder on your product? When we want to order Engineer Wood floor then moulds or baseboards are not available? What is point of having decent product-line but not readily available?
Answer: As a business that sells and promotes this product, it is super frustrating for us as well maneuvering in this unprecedented changing/straining supply chain brought on by covid/post covid and European fallout with the Ukraine war. If there is a specific floor you are interested in (Ash Ceriale, for example, stock arrived at our warehouse this morning 6/3/22, so we are removing the backorder notice) once we are aware of how much you are looking for we can put together a timeline for delivery. If there is a more general look you are seeking out ("light wood in an Ash or Oak"), let us know and we may be able to find an alternative where there is current stock right now. Both these scenarios need to begin with a phone call to us at 1-800-405-0222
Question: Is there a range of installation cost?
Answer: Kahrs Avanti Tres is a DIY product that is very easy to install. However, there may be additional floor preparation needed which might cost extra. Also, prices for installation vary significantly depending upon how much flooring will be installed, where you live and how available contractors are. The range for just installation is $2-$5/SF.
Question: How long do these need to acclimate before install?
Answer: This is covered in the installation instructions:https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...Keep the boards in the packaging until you are ready to install, and only open when you are ready to go.
Question: What is the best underlayment to use for this floor (engineered hardwood) when installing it over a concrete slab? Factors to consider are outdoor humidity (we have very muggy summers and damp springs), noise reduction inside the home, and comfort underfoot.
Answer: MP Global, QuietWalk Plus - without Antimicrobials is used under the Kahrs floating floor products. Follow installation guidelines : https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: what is meant by floating hardwood floor?
Answer: By floating we mean it is not glued or nailed down. Instead it clicks together on the sides and ends and literally sits on top of an underlayment. The weight of the long panels once they are all connected holds the floor in place.
Question: Is it possible to nail down the floor with a cleat ?
Answer: It is possible and instructions are in the installation guide. The installation guide is included in the downloads section on the product page, direct link directly below for your convenience.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: I already have Kahrs engineered flooring in my home, I want to do the floor in another room but think the flooring color may not be available. My previous flooring was, Oak Chene, silk matt lacquer. Do you know which product might be compatible to this? Thank you.
Answer: I don't recognize the name, Oak Chene.You can certainly check out the category brand page for the current Kahr's flooring we offer.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/A... If you are interested in specifically matching the Silk Matte finish, we have filters down the left side of the category page, including "finish sheen" - so you can narrow your results to JUST see other Kahrs Silk Matte finish floors.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/All-Products/Kahrs?&search_query=all%20
products%20%3E%20brand%20%3E%20kahrs&filter=Finish_Sheen_fq:%22Silk%20Matte
%22&rows=44&view=grid&start=0Following that, you should order some samples to see how they look next to your older Kahrs floor.
Question: We love the Tufted Oak by Kahrs, but really need a thinner flooring, preferably 6 mm and no more. We absolutely want toxin free flooring. Any suggestions?
Answer: The only flooring we sell that would be thinner than 6 mm would be glue down Marmoleum in sheet goods or glue down MCT or Modular tiles. We sell no click together/non glue flooring that's that thin.
Question: We really like the looks of this product, but we have pets and grandchildren. Would you recommend our applying an oil based polyurethane finish on top of your Osmo oil finish?
Answer: You will want to follow their Maintenance Guide for oil finished floors: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: is the linnea walnut still available?
Answer: Kahrs Linnea line is a special order product, you would need to phone in your order. As of this writing, I see they do have stock of LINNEA WALNUT STATUE and LINNEA WALNUT COCOA. Please call us at 888-302-6051 M-F 9-5pm CST and we can check stock of the specific Linnea floor you are looking for.
Question: is the engineered hardwood available with a finished edge?
Answer: Order a small sample online to see an actual piece of the flooring and see exactly what you will receive, a click engineered piece of flooring. Depending on what you are after (looking for a complimentary stair nose? t-molding?) we can get you that as well, or failing that, point you in the right direction. We need more context, give one of our trained eco advisors a call with the location and reasoning for needing a finished edge and we can sort out what we can do, call us at 888-302-6051 M-F 9-5pm CST.
Question: are your wood floors safe for a person with multiple chemical sensitivity?
Answer: We specialize to folks that have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). We would recommend any of our floors that do not have an oil finish. Be sure to order flooring samples so you can test for your unique sensitivities before committing to the whole project.Samples are available via our website, look for the "Add Sample to Cart" button.To see all our hardwood floors without an oil finish, click this link: https://bit.ly/GBSHardwoodHoldTheOil We have an article on how to test products for chemical sensitivities: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/L...
Question: I have to match existing oak floors as closely as possible. I want an engineered floor, non-toxic, straight edge and finished in place. Does this exist?
Answer: All of the floors we sell come prefinished, straight edge, and are non-toxic. The majority are engineered wood.If you go to our hardwood flooring category page: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/A... Under the title, is a series of filters (left-hand side of the page), you can select brand, installation method, color, material, finish, and many other filters to narrow search results to show you a specific range of flooring.
Question: Are the lengths of this product all the same? Or are they random?
Answer: Looking at the Specs section after scrolling to the bottom of the page, it states, "Length 73.25" ". You will find many useful specs in that section.
Question: Does Kahrs Avanti, Tres, engineered flooring work in kitchen?
Answer: Yes, Kahrs hardwood flooring of any style can work in kitchens. Clearly everyone's traffic pattern and use is different. If you have young kids and dogs and then you may prefer to use a waterproof product instead such as our Amorim waterproof cork. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/s...However, if it is only you and your partner, there is no problem. Like all hardwood floors, spills must be cleaned up soon afterwards, chairs and tables need to have protection on their feet, maintenance needs to be done regularly.
Question: does it require an underlayment.. like foam or some type of padding ?
Answer: An underlayment needs to be used under floating wood floors, such as Kahrs. MP Global, QuietWalk Plus is most commonly used. Refer to manufacturer's installation instructions for use, located on the product detail page under "downloads" - direct link included below for your convenience. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can this floor be stapled down? The installation instructions provided are only for floating.
Answer: This floor can be floated or glued. Not stapled, not nailed down.
Question: Can you re- finish this floor if installed floating or only glue down installation would allow for refinish /sanding ?
Answer: Per the webpage verbiage, "The surface layer is approximately 1/8" (3.5mm) thick, which can be sanded two times, allowing several generations to enjoy this beautiful floor." This floor is meant to be installed as a floating floor, so yes.
Question: Can you tell me which finish is best for multiple chemical sensitivities? Also is "an oiled finish" on the Finnveden the same as a hard wax oil?
Answer: The oiled finish on the Finnveden (and all Kahrs oiled finish floors) is the same as the Kahrs Satin Oil finish, which contains 771 g/l of VOCs and has some initial odor that flashes off fairly quickly. We would not recommend this for someone with high chemical sensitivities.Some customers have used the Rubio Universal Maintenance Oil, Pure (Clear) when installing the Kahr's oiled floors as a zero VOC alternative to the Satin Oil.
Question: Does it need to be glued or nailed down? Or it can be installed like laminate..?
Answer: Kahrs flooring is installed as a floating floor. It can be glued if desired but it is not required.
Question: I recently purchased a home that has Kahrs floating hardwood floors in several rooms that is the true golden hardwood from years ago. I am trying to obtain a match or as close as possible flooring for our master bedroom the old number for the existing floors is Kahr's #153N15ER50KW0. Any recommendations?
Answer: We reached out to Kahrs for advice, and they said the closest floor would be the Red Oak Nature. You may order a small sample online to see in person and compare. Remember, your floor has been installed for some time and wood does alter in color over time, so it won't be a perfect match as aged floor doesn't equal new floor coloring. But at least this gives you a starting point.
Question: Can this be used in the kitchen?
Answer: Yes. These Kahrs floors can be used in any interior room of your home, including kitchens.
Question: Hi, to follow up on the other question, are you saying you would not recommend this flooring to people who have children and pets, or simply that you don't recommend this flooring to be installed in the kitchen for people who have children and pets?
Answer: We don't recommend this for installations in kitchens or bathrooms where there may be excessive water spills and pet urine due to children or pets. For families without young children and pets, the Brushed Patina flooring would be fine.
Question: Hi! Are Oak Alpine and Cadence the same color? Thanks!
Answer: Oak Alpine and Oak Cadence are very similar, but yes, these are different floors within the Avanti Canvas line.
Question: Is the middle made of fiber (MDF), plywood, or something else?
Answer: The center is made of solid pine strips.
Question: would this flooring suitable for a kitchen? Is the finish water-resistant?
Answer: Tesoro Woods Brushed Patina has an oil-based finished which is water-resistant but not water-proof. It will require routine maintenance every year or two. If you have children and pets, we would recommend a tougher floor with a UV cured acrylic polyurethane finish. Tesoro offers a number of other options as does Kahrs.However, if only a few people occupy a home and you don't wear shoes inside, it would be perfectly fine.
Question: This is my first time installing floor, I plan to do it myself without a contractor. The base of my bedroom floor is thin wooden planks with some staples that used to stabilize carpet (removed now). What else do I need to purchase in terms of tools and under layer, other than the wood? Do I need a layer underneath? If so, what is recommended? Thanks so much.
Answer: The manufacturer recommends using an underlayment and a vapor barrier. We recommend using these products: Kahrs Woodloc Hand Block, Kahrs Woodloc Wedge, Kahrs Last Board Puller, Quietwalk Plus.
Question: Is this floor recommended for a beach front house?
Answer: For a beach front house where the potential for water is great, we'd recommend going with one of the waterproof cork flooring options, which is equipped to handle environments such as that. The waterproof cork flooring comes in both a cork look or a wood look and we offer rentals of sample boxes so that you can see in person what you like.
Question: How water resistant is this particular product? If we spill a couple tablespoons of water while caring for our plants (unnoticed), will that damage this flooring?
Answer: Unattended spills will affect any floor and floor finish. For a couple tablespoons, you are weighing how long it would take for the liquid to evaporate versus if it seeps through the cracks to the engineered center wood and promotes swelling, or worse, seeps beneath that and promotes mold growth in your subfloor.The only products we carry that are actually waterproof are the Amorim Cork Waterproof floors, available in cork look and wood look styles.
Question: The finish says "Oil", what type of oil is it?
Answer: Paraffin oil. This is the same as the Kahrs Satin Oil product we sell, more details can be found on that product page.
Question: how thick is this board ?
Answer: This is an engineered hardwood click floor with a total thickness of 5/8" (15 mm). The surface layer is 1/8" (3.5 mm) thick, which would allow you 2-3 sandings over the lifetime of the floor.
Question: Kahr's hardwood flooring. What is the core material, and what is the finish?
Answer: Kahrs hardwood flooring is made with three layers: hardwood top layer, quarter sawn pine or similar in middle layer, and another softwood on the bottom layer. All wood. What you don't see in this description is how long the wood has been seasoned via natural slow drying at Kahrs which can be 6 months to two years. The combination of proper drying and cross ply structure with quartersawn wood makes for an extremely stable plank that performs well in any climate from extremely dry to extremely damp.The finish for the European Naturals is a UV cured Acrylic/urethane which emits almost no VOCs and has almost no odor. Same for the formaldehyde free adhesive. If you have further questions, please call or order some samples from our website. They are $6.95/ea and are refundable upon return.
Question: Do you test all the wood for chemicals/air quality or just a sampling? I'm concerned that this product is made in China. What guarantees do you have that every piece of wood is free from dangerous chemicals?
Answer: Kahrs manufacturers most of their hardwood flooring in Sweden and now also in the US (New Estate collection). None of their products contain or emit any hazardous air pollutants. While we test our own products for performance, the environmental and emissions testing and certifications are done by several European organizations such as Nordic Swan, Blue Angel, FloorScore, French A+, ISO 14001, EMAS. Many of these are posted on our website on the right hand margin under Downloads. In Sept. 2019 we visited their factory in Sweden and witnessed how they make each type of flooring. We smelled their adhesives and their finishes and were pleased to confirm what we had known all along; there was nothing toxic used in their products. Once you understand the Swedish culture, you will appreciate their long history for sustainability and their reputation for environmentally conscious products.As always, we recommend that you don't take our word for it. Pick out a few samples from our website and test them for yourselves in your own home. We are always available for questions by phone as well. 800-405-0222 9-5PM CST.
Question: What is the Grade of this floor? It is missing from the spec table above.
Answer: Kahrs does not grade their hardwood floors as we do in the US. All products in the Nouveau series are wide plank, one strip and extra long. They are generally clean but there can be some small or large knots and mineral streaks. These have a more refined look and are not ultra rustic like some of the oiled floors in the Founders, Smaland or Artisan series. Ordering samples are the best way to see and feel these products.
Question: we are doing a kitchen remodel. our whole main floor is Kahrs white oak tongue and groove. we have a few sections that need to be replaced due to moving a sink and dishwasher. will the new Kahrs lay in with the old stuff we have?
Answer: If the Kahrs floor was Avanti Tres, then it should still click together without issues. Please call us at 800-405-0222 and we can confirm this.
Question: Can this go over concrete floor?
Answer: Yes, Kahrs floors can be floating over concrete subfloors. They require a vapor barrier and underlayment. We recommend our QuietWalk Plus which is zero VOC, non-toxic and made of recycled content with NO added antimicrobials. One roll covers 100SF and no tape is needed.
Question: Can you use electric radiant heat under this floor?
Answer: Per the features and benefits on the page, "Warranted for radiant-heated floors - very stable; will not gap, buckle or warp over hydronic or electric radiant heat." Here are the Radiant Heat Instructions per the downloads section on the right hand side of the page. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: is the environmental impact of shipping included in the "green" considerations?
Answer: There are many ways to define "green" and shipping is always part of the consideration. Each person must decide what is most important to them as they consider purchases. We offer products that are made in the USA as well as Europe and a very few in China. As a company, our priorities are to carry only safe, sustainable and natural flooring products that meet or exceed California and European standards and are third-party certified. We believe in and support products where sustainability has been integrated into every step of the process - from supply chain, through manufacturing, to installation, use and finally end of life. Sustainable flooring requires not only social, environmental and economic responsibility, but also moral, health and political responsibility. Understanding and documenting all of these elements requires research. At Green Building Supply we do the research for you to make sure our products fulfill all the requirements of a sustainable floor. For example, we ensure that our Eco Friendly Flooring is free of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, VOCs or other ingredients that might compromise indoor air quality and your health. We sort through the dozens of green labels to make sure they promote the highest values, and not just those of their clients (i.e. the manufacturers who pay for them). The best hardwood products, for example, are certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), SMART, FloorScore, Eco-Management Audit Scheme (EMAS), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and then third-party certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) and other others that guarantee the flooring is harvested and manufactured using environmentally, economically and socially responsible practices.
Question: What plank widths are available for Jacobs Brasilia?
Answer: Each plank is 7.88" wide.
Question: Sustainable Hardwood Flooring from Kahrs Original, Harmony can i use in wet areas? i live on the water and i am concerned about getting it wet. i saw in the cleaning instructions to never use a damp mop
Answer: Kahrs hardwood flooring is a highly durable floor that is water resistant but not waterproof. If you have numerous spills from the bathtub or shower and the water will not be cleaned for many hours, you should consider ceramic tile or our Marmoleum sheeting. Also, humidity levels need to be maintained between 30-60% for optimal performance.On the other hand, if the water is occasional and it is cleaned up within minutes, there would be no problem using a Kahrs floor. The instructions from their Floor Care Guide say "Do not use soap, vinegar or detergent solutions on the floor and never use a WET mop or pour water directly onto the floor." Damp mopping is the preferred method where you wring out the mop very well before mopping.
Question: I know that Kahrs is listed as an eco flooring but I noticed that some of the Kahrs products have to be oiled after installation. Is this a low VOC oil provided by Kahrs? I just wonder if I am defeating my green choice by then having to oil the floors after installation.
Answer: The oil used in the factory is UV cured and has almost no odor when it arrives. It is a non-toxic linseed-based oil.
The oil required by Kahrs to be used the FIRST TIME after installation is also linseed-based and is low odor and non-toxic. This oil is a high VOC product that dries very fast and dissipates very quickly. If it were low VOC, the smell of the oil would linger for some time.
For future oiling applications, you may wish to use Rubio Monocoat's Zero VOC Refresher Oil. This is what we use in our showroom.
About 50% of the flooring we currently sell has an oiled finish. Oiled floors are becoming popular because of the low odor, and many people don't want aluminum oxides or polyurethanes any more. Oiled floors are safer and easier to repair. If maintained every few years with oil, they look beautiful, authentic and better with age.
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