Learn all the tricks and tips of the trade (and how to implement hardwood flooring into your home) in this guide.
Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that has been used in homes for centuries. Known for its durability, elegance, and the value it adds to a property, hardwood flooring remains a popular choice among homeowners and designers alike. Its natural beauty, combined with modern advancements in manufacturing and installation, makes it a versatile option suitable for various applications and styles. In this blog, we’ll take a high-level look at all things hardwood flooring.
Introduction to Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is known for its timeless elegance and durability. It comes in a variety of species, each offering distinct grain patterns and colors to complement any décor. Choosing hardwood flooring provides many benefits, including its long lifespan, easy maintenance, and the added value it brings to a home. However, there are common myths, such as hardwood being too high-maintenance or unsuitable for homes with pets. Before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate if hardwood flooring is right for your home by considering factors like the room’s moisture levels and the overall climate to ensure the hardwood flooring remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring
Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring involves several considerations. First, decide between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and can be refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, consists of a thin layer of hardwood on top of a base of high-quality plywood, making it more stable and suitable for areas with fluctuating humidity levels.
Next, consider the type of wood. Popular options include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut, each offering unique grain patterns and hardness levels. Oak is known for its versatility and durability, while maple offers a light, contemporary look. Cherry wood is prized for its rich, warm tones, and walnut provides a deep, luxurious finish.
Installation of Hardwood Flooring
Proper installation is important to the longevity and appearance of hardwood flooring. There are three main installation methods: nail-down, glue-down, and floating. The nail-down method is commonly used for solid hardwood floors and involves nailing the planks to a wooden subfloor. It’s a durable and long-lasting method but requires professional installation. Glue-down is often used for engineered hardwood, which involves gluing the planks directly to the subfloor. It’s ideal for concrete subfloors and provides a firm, stable surface. Suitable for both solid and engineered hardwood, floating floors are not attached to the subfloor but instead “float” above it, connected by a tongue-and-groove system. This method is easier for DIY installations and can be placed over various subfloors.
Maintaining and Repairing Hardwood Flooring
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping hardwood floors looking their best. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner for deeper cleaning, avoiding excessive water use, or use a hardwood-specific floor cleaner with a soft applicator.
Protect your floors from scratches by using felt pads on furniture legs and placing mats at entryways. Use a wood touch-up pen or wax stick for minor scratches and dents. For more significant damage, sanding and refinishing may be necessary, which can restore the floor to its original beauty. Sometimes, however, it’s simply time for a hardwood flooring upgrade.
Hardwood Flooring and Design Styles
Hardwood flooring is incredibly versatile and complements a wide range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary. For a more traditional style, rich, dark woods like walnut or cherry paired with classic furniture create a warm, timeless look. Light-colored woods like maple or white oak provide a clean, minimalist aesthetic for a modern color palette. Distressed or hand-scraped hardwoods give a cozy, lived-in feel, perfect for modern farmhouse or country designs. If choosing just one style is difficult, mixing various wood tones and finishes can create a unique, personalized space. FLOOR360 has expert designers who can help you choose the best options for your home.
Hardwood Flooring for Specific Needs
When choosing hardwood flooring, consider the specific needs of each room, like high traffic, pets, children, allergies, and climate. In high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, opt for harder woods like oak or hickory. For rooms with moisture, such as basements or bathrooms, engineered hardwood can be installed with proper measures taken during installation, professional evaluation, and adequate maintenance.
Cost and Budgeting for Hardwood Flooring
The cost of hardwood flooring varies widely based on the type of wood, quality, and installation method. Be sure to consider the cost of the wood and how much you’ll need, any additional tools or supporting supplies, and installation costs if you go with a professional.
When budgeting, consider the long-term investment. Hardwood floors can increase a home’s resale value and last for decades with proper care. Factor in maintenance costs and potential refinishing when planning your budget.
Comparison of Hardwood Flooring With Other Types
Hardwood flooring can have several advantages over other flooring types, like the ability to sand and refinish rather than replace the flooring entirely, but you’ll need to carefully compare the pros and cons depending on your taste, preferences, and use your home will have.
While carpet is softer and warmer underfoot, hardwood is more durable, hypoallergenic, and easier to clean. However, carpet can be a less expensive alternative. Tile is excellent for moisture-prone areas but can be cold and hard. Hardwood offers a warmer, more inviting look and feel. Laminate mimics the look of hardwood at a lower cost but lacks the durability and resale value of real wood. FLOOR360’s experts can help you determine what flooring is best for different areas of your home.
Hardwood Flooring and the Environment
Sustainability is a growing concern, and many hardwood flooring options are eco-friendly. Look for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures responsible forest management. Bamboo and cork are also sustainable alternatives, offering the look of hardwood with a smaller environmental footprint.
Hardwood flooring is a versatile, durable, and stylish choice that can enhance any home. From selecting the right wood type and installation method to maintaining and repairing your floors, understanding the basics of hardwood flooring will help you make informed decisions and enjoy your beautiful floors for years to come. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional, modern, rustic, or eclectic look, there’s a hardwood option to suit every style and need. For more information on hardwood flooring and design, reach out to the FLOOR360 team.