Important facts you should know concerning hardwood flooring
It’s so exciting to make the decision to have hardwood flooring installed in your home. Of all the characteristics of this floor covering, the two that it’s best known for are its amazing lifespan and an elegance that is utterly timeless. There’s a reason these floors match anything and everything in your interior decor lineup. It’s just that versatile. At the same time, it offers excellent durability that meets the needs of most households while requiring little maintenance to make sure it stays that way.Hardwood is excellent for so many reasons
In addition to a longer lifespan and remarkable visual appeal, hardwood floors work in a variety of settings. Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and even kitchens can host these floors with remarkable results. Proper installation can provide durability that lasts for many years and when wear and tear does begin to show, you can have these floors refinished. The refinishing process strips away the old, used surface, bringing you to a brand new layer of wood that provides another few decades of gorgeous appeal.But there some veryimportant facts to keep in mind when choosing hardwood flooring. One is that you can never install it in below-grade spaces such as basements. Wood does not react well in damp, humid spaces where temperature changes can fluctuate quickly. If you need floor covering for areas like this, be sure to ask about luxury vinyl flooring or engineered wood flooring. Either will work better in spaces such as these.
You should also know that hardwood flooring must be acclimated prior to installation. This process can take between one and three days, depending on the amount of moisture in your home. Skipping this step can result in flooring that buckles, warps, cracks, or splits and in most cases, must promptly be replaced.
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Hardwood FAQ
What is hardwood flooring?
Hardwood flooring is crafted from real wood, either as solid planks cut from a single piece of
timber or as engineered wood, which consists of multiple layers of wood bonded together.
Available in various tree species, hardwood can be found in planks, strips, parquet patterns, and
other shapes. It typically comes prefinished from the factory with stain and a protective wear
layer, though some may require onsite finishing. While hardwood floors can be sanded and
refinished to restore their appearance, this process is often costly and labor-intensive, leading
many to replace worn floors instead. Installation usually involves a tongue-and-groove system
with planks nailed or stapled into the subfloor or glued in the case of engineered wood. Prior to
installation, a moisture test is essential to prevent warping or damage from moisture rising from
the subfloor.
Hardwood floors commonly use a tongue-and-groove system, allowing planks to interlock
securely. Installation typically involves nailing or stapling the planks into the subfloor, though
engineered wood may be glued down. Before installation, a moisture test is crucial to prevent
warping or damage from moisture rising from the subfloor.
What are the different styles of hardwood flooring?
Today's hardwood floors offer an extensive range of options in colors, grain patterns, finishes, and styles. From pale and glossy to dark and weathered, these choices are influenced by the finishing techniques used. Smooth floors provide a sleek, modern appearance, while hand- scraped floors highlight artisanal craftsmanship with deliberate markings for a vintage look. Wire-brushed flooring combines elements of both, offering a balanced blend of refined polish and rustic charm.
How to select hardwood flooring?
Choosing hardwood flooring involves several key decisions: solid or engineered? Hand- scraped, smooth, or wire-brushed? Stained or natural? Prominent or subtle grain pattern? Light, dark, or somewhere in between? We'll guide you through selecting the best options for your space, considering your budget, timeline, design preferences, lifestyle, and the amount of flooring required.
Will engineered hardwood scratch?
Engineered hardwood floors can offer varying levels of scratch resistance depending on the thickness of their wear layer. Generally, a thicker wear layer provides greater resistance to scratches and other surface damage.
How do I protect my hardwood floors from furniture scratches?
Hardwood floors are naturally durable and resistant to scratches, but you can further protect them by using felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches from moving items. Additionally, placing an area rug can cushion and shield your floors while showcasing their beauty.
Can engineered hardwood floors be refinished?
Only sand or refinish engineered wood if the manufacturer specifically permits it. Many wood veneers are too thin for refinishing and sanding them can cause permanent damage.
What can I use to clean my hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors are relatively easy to maintain but following a few basic guidelines will keep them looking their best. Based on extensive experience in the flooring industry, we suggest sweeping daily with a soft-bristle broom to remove fine dirt and grit that could wear down the finish over time. For spills, use a soft cloth and a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors to avoid discoloration or damage. Additionally, using a humidifier can help prevent warping and shrinkage, providing extra protection for your floors.
Can I steam clean hardwood floors?
No, you should not use a steam cleaner on hardwood floors. Steam cleaning can damage your floors by causing them to warp and may void their warranty. Even if some steam cleaner brands claim their products are safe for sealed hardwood floors, both the Wood Floor Covering Association and the National Wood Floor Covering Association do not recommend steam cleaning. Major hardwood floor manufacturers also advise against it. Always check your floor’s warranty and consult with your local Flooring America or Flooring Canada for suitable cleaning methods.
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