Frequently Asked Questions
Due to our staunch attitude towards our manufacturing standards, we have attained multiple certifications awarded on the merit of the practices and protocols.
Our certificates include CARB II Compliant, USEPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Floorscore, LaceyAct Compliant, U.S. Green Building Council, Healthy Home, and Greenguard. These certificates are garnered on the company’s capabilities to provide an outstanding product based on air quality emission and environmental factors of which HF Designs are proud holders.
All of our Engineered Hardwood and Laminate flooring are CARB II compliant. Since Solid Hardwood does not have a plywood core, CARB II certification does not apply to them.
Please send us a request on our “contact us” page, and we will help you locate a dealer near you.
Samples only show one or a couple of planks. Therefore, they do not show the full range of colors. Since wood is a natural product, every plank will have differences in color, grain, knots, etc. These are not defects. We recommend that consumers rack out a box or two of the material to make sure that the color range meets their expectations before installation.
Although we try our best to show a true representation of our products, pictures (both electronic and printed) will never look exactly like the actual material. This is due to the differences in monitor models, settings, lighting, and so on.
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that exists naturally in the environment. It is present in the air we breathe, exhaust fumes, wood smoke, tobacco smoke, etc. It is widely used in the production of synthetic resin, paper, paints, lubricants, cosmetics, and even medicines. As you can see, formaldehyde can be found in many of the products we use regularly. Many people are concerned that it may cause cancer but, very few understand that harmful effects from this gas are only probable when one is exposed to it at extremely high concentration levels.
When searching for flooring, you need to keep in mind that a product can’t be completely formaldehyde-free. This is because synthetic resin is needed to make the High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) cores which are commonly used for Engineered Hardwood and Laminates. Solid Hardwoods, although do not have an HDF core will still have formaldehyde because a small amount exists naturally in all wood materials. As a manufacturer, we make sure that the formaldehyde emission levels of our products are kept at a very low level which is safe for our customers.
The color variation ratings serve only as guides. Wood is a natural material containing distinctive differences in color, texture, and grain. Therefore, no two planks will be the same. Room scenes and actual hardwood floor samples are intended as a visual guide and not as the actual representation of the hardwood floor.
Selected styles are produced by a unique thermal process to achieve deep rich color visuals. Wood is a natural product, and each plank will react differently to this process resulting in color variations. This kind of variation helps to display the true wood characters and is one of the most desired attributes in hardwood flooring. This unique process highlights light to dark color tones that complement each other in your home. To help you pick out the perfect flooring that fits your design style, featured products are labeled with either a V3 or V4 rating. Products with a V3 rating have moderate color variation, and color differences are apparent but not excessive. Products with a V4 rating have substantial color variation, and colors can vary extensively from plank to plank.
V Ratings serve only as guidelines. Before you install any flooring product, we recommend that you rack out a box or two to verify that the product you have ordered has a color range that meets your expectations. All-natural products must be inspected and approved by the consumer for color and grade before installation. Any flooring installed will be considered acceptable. No claims will be allowed based on visible appearance after installation.
Wood has been used for construction and flooring for centuries due to its reliability and adaptive characteristics. When thermal treated, wood becomes even better with increased dimensional stability and about 50% fewer movements such as warping and swelling. Some of our higher-end hardwood flooring collections are produced using thermal treatment. The process involves heating the wood several times in special chambers without oxygen. This is to prevent the wood from catching fire.
During the process, several important things happen: 1) the wood becomes hygroscopic meaning it will no longer absorb moisture from the air. 2) Hemicellulose, a food source for fungi and mildews, disintegrates making the wood less susceptible to rotting. 3) Sugar in the wood is caramelized providing a range of rich colors without the use of any harsh chemicals. Thus, creating eco-friendly floorings that can be installed in more humid environments and even commercial spaces with strict non-flammable regulations.