Q. My kids have gone and scuffed my wood flooring. I've got big unsightly black scuffs all over it. I've tried scrubbing and it hasn't worked. Has anyone got any ideas what will remove them, and if abrasive cleaners will do a lot of damage to the wood, as I was bebating whether to use bleach?

A. Baking soda and a little salt will clean it. try this before you use bleach which it really hurt your wood floor

Q. Can engineered wood flooring be installed on vinyl flooring? I'm in the middle of home improvement project and have decided to lay some engineered wood flooring for my kitchen. The particular brand that I've bought requires glue-down installation. The problem is, there's vinyl flooring that's been laid with cutback and it's not going to come up without a significant amount of work and then re-preparation of the sub flooring. I've been to the local home improvement center several times and can't really get a straight answer as to if this is possible. I've searched the Internet and its about 50-50 yes and no. I'd really like anybody's input into my situation, as I am under a little bit of a time constraint to finish the project as this is my new house and I've got to move out of my old house in in a week. Thanks in advance to your answers!

A. If you are laying down Bruce or Armstrong flooring, they have instructions for laying over vinyl flooring. Basically you can't lay the flooring over more than 2 layers of vinyl. You want to make sure the flooring is stripped, not sanded, especially if there is a gloss on the floor. Don't sand if its a resilient floor, it may contain asbestos. Also they recommend specific adhesives that will bond with the floor.

Q. Anyone out there that has wood flooring, do you have any tips? Like what kind of things we don't need anymore (carpet vacuum, rugs, etc.), what kind of things we do need (slippers, polish, etc.), and what kind of things we should know about wood flooring

A. A swiffer sweeper is a must have and it's not good to walk on them with spiky hills in your shoes, they leave dents on some wood floors.

Q. I want to get Black wood flooring but the problem is it's really expensive it ranges to 4.00 to 6.00 a square foot but people were telling me if I bought unfinished wood flooring and stain it black but see im not a craftsman and personally I don't want the paint fumes and all of that but my ? is Can I go to someone and can they stain it for me? if so can you suggest a company? or give me ideas who to go to for this and also if you find Black wood flooring less than 2.00 a square foot please notify me Thank You So Much.

A. You can sometimes get discounted wood flooring for as low as $2 a square foot (see the link I have provided), but it will cost you at least another $3 a square foot to have someone install it and finish it black for you. Hardwood flooring is a luxury, and add alot of value to your home. Remember, the money you spend doesn't go away; you keep it as in investment in your home.

Q. To do a 14 ft by 14 ft room [estimate] all together just an estimate [my family's friend owns a wood flooring company]

A. Depending on the type of wood 6.50 to 10.00 per sq ft. $1200 to $2000

Q. The dogs are medium and large. I'm afraid they will scratch the surface. Is there an indestructable wood or simulated wood product on the market?

A. The laminate flooring works great. It is easier to install, is stronger than wood for floors, & does not need to be refinished. When buying, check for thickness of the color. It will also help if you keep your dogs nails trimmed.

Q. Does anyone know of a company that will install pergo wood flooring cheaper then Lowes or Home Depot? They want $5 per square ft to install when it only costs $3.50 square ft for the wood.

A. I'm installing my own laminate wood flooring. That is my way of solving that problem. And it's going in beautifully, with no difficulty.

Q. Trying to prepare a particle board floor over a sub-floor for wood flooring. very un-level. Should I tear up the particle board or use floor leveler products?

A. Best fix is to tear out existing sub flooring and replace with a new T&G (tongue and groove) flooring system, screw and glue with sub floor glue, may have to shim it in places, but you can do the same to the existing flooring by shimming it, glue it and screwing it, but this take some talent or experience and only if you have access to the underneath side. If the new wood flooring is a free floating/laminate you can get floor levelor at your nearest home improvement store they will explain how to use it.