Frequently Asked Questions

No. When installing a random width floor, it is critical to remember the floor was not crafted to be laid in a pattern. We recommend separating the widths into piles and randomly staggering the boards during the installation process.

Carlisle floors can be installed using two common methods — blind nail and glue or full-spread glue down. For blind nail and glue, PL Premium is a very common construction adhesive, and is applied with a caulking gun. For a full-spread glue down, Bostik’s Best, Sika or Wakol are all very common brands. Your installer may also have their own preferred product, which they have determined is acceptable for with wide plank flooring within your installation environment.

Carlisle wide plank floors are suitable for residential or commercial projects. They can be installed at, above, or below grade; in any room including kitchens and bathrooms; on radiant heat, concrete slab or plywood, and in a variety of environments. To learn more, visit our Installation page.

Carlisle wide plank floors come with a lifetime structural warranty. View our complete warranty.

The best way to buy a Carlisle wide plank floor is directly from us. No matter where you are located we can work with you directly or with an installer or builder on your behalf. We have worked with thousands of clients worldwide for over 50 years. Our Wide Plank Specialists provide samples and pricing for product selection. They are well versed in all aspects of wide plank flooring design, with technical expertise to assist you during all stages of your project.

Given the custom nature of your new floor, we recommend that you order a small, additional amount of flooring to keep as “attic stock” that can be used to repair or replace boards over the life of your floor, and help you avoid setup fees, additional shipping and longer lead times associated with ordering flooring below our minimum order amounts.

If you are purchasing a floor that will be stained on site, we also recommend that you order an extra gallon of stain, since stain formulations and colors change on a regular basis, we cannot guarantee availability of your stain in the future.

Your installer will need to resize boards during the installation process. This can result in a small amount of waste that cannot be used. To ensure you do not run short during installation, plan ordering at least 10% more flooring than your actual square foot coverage. This is your cutting allowance.

Carlisle can provide you with accessories to help maintain the surface finish of your wood floor. Our Dustless Recoat Kit allows you to recoat your floor with no sanding required. You can also find specific maintenance instructions depending on the finish you are using on our Care & Maintenance page.

Prefinished Carlisle floors can be cleaned with LOBA Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Floors site finished with Tung Oil can be cleaned with Waterlox Cleaners. All other finishes should be cleaned at the direction of the finish manufacturer. Avoid excessive water sitting on the surface of the floor. We do not endorse the use of steam mops/vacuums.

Your wood floors will absorb and release moisture depending on the environment in which they are installed. In some cases, it may be necessary to acclimate the wood prior to installation. This should be done within the structure, where the floors will be installed, and after the space has been conditioned to the in-service or expected “live in” conditions. Acclimation is not an exact science; your builder and/or installer can help you plan for this process.

Unlike other flooring on the market that you are might buy from a third party, such as an installer or a retailer, with Carlisle it’s important to remember that you are buying from and dealing directly with the people who make your floor. We are in complete control of every aspect of the floor — from the trees we use to our Slowcraft® manufacturing and final prefinishing process — and our quality assurance is second to none. We create wood floors that will be more stable, easier to care for and maintain than other floors on the market. With proper acclimation and installation, your Carlisle floor will last for generations.

Carlisle wide plank hardwood floors are available in both ¾” solid and ¾” engineered construction, both with a 4 mm wear layer, and our refinishing warranty guarantees at least three sandings over the life of your floor. The same wood will be used to make your floor whether you choose solid or engineered, so they will be virtually indistinguishable from each other once installed. See our industry comparison chart to understand the difference between solid and engineered flooring, and easily compare engineered flooring options.

Some companies offer a 10-, 25- or even a 50-year warranty on their prefinished wood floors. Although this may seem like an advantage, the fine print reveals that the day-to-day wear, which is what you should be most concerned with, is not covered. The factory applied finish is often so hard that it is difficult, if not impossible, to easily maintain and touch up the floor when this wear occurs. At Carlisle, we can’t minimize or prevent the day-to-day wear, but we do provide prefinished wood floors, and site-applied finish systems, that are easy to maintain over the years.