Hardwood floors are one of the most popular types of flooring, as they increase the resale value of homes and beautify them in the process. But there are many considerations to make when choosing and installing wooden floors, such as type, size and cost. Next we are going to talk to you about wooden floors so that you know what your options are in case you want to install them in your home.
Wooden floors
Hardwood floors can be composed of a variety of types of wood, such as bamboo, oak, or teak. Regardless of type, all wood floors are stained to bring out their rich color and sealed to prevent nicks, dents, and other damage. Hardwood floors are classified from soft to hard, but the softer hardwood is still quite hard.
Over time, however, even the toughest guys start to show wear and tear. Instead of having to replace it, as you would a carpet, you can repaint a wooden floor and restore it to its original appearance. The cost of repainting a hardwood floor is much less than buying and installing a new one.
How to buy the best hardwood flooring
To find the right hardwood flooring for your needs, you need to weigh factors such as cost, foot traffic, and type. For example, the harder the wood, the less likely it is to be damaged, but harder woods are also more difficult to work with during installation, which can mean higher installation costs.
Another factor to consider is the location of the ground and the type of traffic expected in that area. A high traffic area is best served by a very hard wood species, for example. The following sections summarize the main considerations to make when choosing hardwood floors.
Types of wooden floors
You can choose between two types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered or engineered. Solid flooring features only one species, while engineered flooring is constructed of layers of wood, usually at right angles. Consider the following factors when choosing between solid and engineered floors.
Solid floors can be renewed many times, while engineered floors, depending on the thickness of the hardwood layer, can only withstand up to two or three finishes. Therefore, solid floors can last several decades longer than engineered floors.
Engineered or engineered floors are more technical and can be installed in more environments than solid floors. While engineered floors can float on many surfaces, stick to concrete, or dig into a subfloor, solid floors must be nailed or stapled to a subfloor and should not be installed below grade, as in basements, due to fluctuations in humidity.
Solid floors are slightly more expensive than engineered floors, but the price difference is small in most cases.
Choose the correct size
Board size is another important consideration. Narrow boards are less expensive, but many people prefer the aesthetics of wider boards, which reduce the amount of seams on the floor. The same idea applies to shorter versus longer planks. The wider and longer a board is, the more expensive it is per square meter and the higher percentage of additional flooring you need to ensure it will fit your room. A standard measure is to buy 10% more square meters than you need, but this can increase depending on the shape of the room.
Find opinions about wooden floors
You have to make sure you research the companies that sell you the hardwood floors you have chosen. and compare different qualities with other companies that offer you the same product. Some providers specialize in inexpensive flooring, while others offer a wide range of prices.
You also have to look for reviews on topics like warranties, shipping costs, and available widths.. In addition to customer opinions, you should read the opinions of contractors who may offer the perspective of someone who handles hardwood floors frequently.
Installation
Solid wood floors are installed by nailing or stapling into a subfloor, which is more limiting than engineered or engineered floors, which can be nailed, glued, or floated to a variety of surfaces, including concrete. Once you decide between solid or engineered floors, You must determine if you want to install it yourself or hire a professional to do it.
While there is a substantial cost saving by installing a floor yourself, it can invalidate the warranty on your hardwood floor. What's more, professional installers generally guarantee their work, giving you confidence that it will get done right.