Question 1

What's the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished many times. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a plywood core, making it more dimensionally stable and suitable for below-grade or radiant heat installations. For most applications, both are excellent choices.

Question 2

What does "wear layer" mean on LVP?

Accepted Answer

The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of luxury vinyl plank, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). A thicker wear layer means better scratch, scuff, and stain resistance. We recommend 12 mil minimum for residential main living areas and 20 mil for commercial applications.

Question 3

What is the PEI rating on tile?

Accepted Answer

PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rates a tile's abrasion resistance. PEI 1–2 is for walls only. PEI 3 is for light residential floors. PEI 4 is for all residential and light commercial. PEI 5 is for heavy commercial. For most residential floors, we recommend PEI 4 minimum.

Question 4

Can I use residential flooring in a commercial space?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend it. Residential flooring is not engineered for the traffic intensity, cleaning chemicals, or regulatory requirements of commercial environments. Using residential products in commercial spaces typically voids the warranty and leads to premature failure.

Question 5

How do I know how much flooring to order?

Accepted Answer

Measure the square footage of your space (length × width) and add 10% for waste and cuts in standard rooms. Add 15% for diagonal installations or rooms with many angles. Our sales team can review your floor plan and provide a precise material takeoff at no charge.

Question 6

Do you offer contractor pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ZT trade account holders receive contractor pricing on all products, net-30 payment terms, dedicated account management, and priority scheduling. Apply for a trade account at ztworldwide.com/contractor/apply.

Question 7

What is the minimum order quantity?

Accepted Answer

For most products, there is no minimum order quantity for in-stock items. Special order and custom products may have minimum quantities — your sales rep will advise. Volume discounts apply at 500 sq ft, 2,000 sq ft, and 5,000+ sq ft thresholds.

Question 8

How long does shipping take?

Accepted Answer

In-stock products ship within 1–3 business days. Standard ground shipping is 3–7 business days depending on destination. Expedited shipping is available. Large commercial orders ship via freight — lead times vary by product and quantity.

Question 9

Do you price match?

Accepted Answer

We offer competitive pricing and will review documented competitor quotes on identical products. Contact your sales rep or call 1-844-ZT-WORLD to discuss.

Question 10

What is your return policy?

Accepted Answer

Unopened, undamaged products in original packaging may be returned within 30 days for a full refund minus a 15% restocking fee. Installed flooring cannot be returned. Special order products are non-returnable. Contact customer service to initiate a return.

Question 11

Do I need to acclimate hardwood before installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solid and engineered hardwood should acclimate in the installation environment for 3–5 days before installation. This allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space, minimizing expansion and contraction after installation.

Question 12

What subfloor preparation is required for LVP?

Accepted Answer

The subfloor must be flat within 3/16" over 10 feet (or 1/8" over 6 feet for some products), clean, dry, and structurally sound. High spots must be ground down; low spots filled with floor leveling compound. Moisture testing is required over concrete subfloors.

Question 13

Can flooring be installed over existing flooring?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. LVP can be installed over existing hard flooring if it's flat, firmly bonded, and within height tolerances. Hardwood should generally not be installed over existing hardwood. Tile should not be installed over existing tile without removing the old tile first. Your installer will assess your specific situation.

Question 14

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical 1,000 sq ft residential installation takes 1–2 days. Larger projects, complex patterns, or extensive subfloor prep can take longer. Commercial projects are scheduled based on scope — your project manager will provide a detailed schedule.

Question 15

Do you offer installation services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ZT employs certified installation crews in every major metro area. We offer supply-only, supply-and-install, and full project management packages. Request a quote at ztworldwide.com/contractor/quote.

Question 16

How do I clean hardwood floors?

Accepted Answer

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch the finish. Damp mop with a hardwood-specific cleaner — never use excessive water, steam mops, or oil soaps. Clean spills immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and anything that leaves a residue.

Question 17

How do I clean LVP?

Accepted Answer

LVP is low-maintenance. Sweep or vacuum regularly, then damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steam mops (can damage the locking system), and solvent-based cleaners. Most scuffs can be removed with a magic eraser.

Question 18

How often does hardwood need to be refinished?

Accepted Answer

With proper care, solid hardwood typically needs refinishing every 7–10 years in residential settings. Signs it's time: visible scratches that don't buff out, dull finish that doesn't respond to cleaning, or bare wood showing through the finish.

Question 19

How do I protect my floors from furniture?

Accepted Answer

Use felt pads under all furniture legs. Replace them annually or when they wear out. Use furniture coasters under heavy pieces. Avoid dragging furniture across the floor. Use area rugs in high-traffic zones and under dining tables.

Question 20

My floor has a scratch — what do I do?

Accepted Answer

For hardwood: minor surface scratches can often be buffed out with a hardwood touch-up kit. Deeper scratches may require a professional screen-and-recoat. For LVP: surface scratches on the wear layer are usually permanent, but deep gouges can be filled with color-matched repair kits. Severely damaged planks can be replaced individually.

Question 21

What warranty do ZT products carry?

Accepted Answer

Warranty terms vary by product. Most residential hardwood carries a 25–50 year finish warranty and a lifetime structural warranty. Commercial LVP carries 10–15 year commercial warranties. All warranties require proper installation and maintenance per manufacturer guidelines. Ask your sales rep for specific warranty documentation.

Question 22

What does the installation warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

ZT's 2-year workmanship warranty covers defects in installation including improper fastening, lippage, gapping, and subfloor preparation failures. It does not cover product defects (covered by manufacturer warranty), damage from improper maintenance, or normal wear.

Question 23

What voids a flooring warranty?

Accepted Answer

Common warranty voiders include: improper installation (not following manufacturer guidelines), use of incorrect cleaning products, failure to maintain recommended humidity levels (35–55% RH for hardwood), installation in inappropriate environments (e.g., solid hardwood below grade), and modifications to the product.

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