What should homeowners know before installing wood flooring?
Deciding to install wood flooring is a big choice. Not only is hardwood flooring considered an investment in your home’s overall value, it’s also an exciting way to improve the interior design of your home in one quick update.
Today, we’ll look at the most common questions homeowners have before they install wood flooring. By reviewing the answers, you can determine whether hardwood is the right choice for your home.
1) Is it hard to install?
Installing hardwood flooring is easy for homeowners who already have experience doing DIY projects. Because the planks must be laid perfectly to achieve the right look, it is recommended that individuals who are not confident with a flooring installation enlist the help of a professional flooring installer.
2) Will My Floor Decay Over Time?
Because hardwood flooring is made of real wood, many homeowners worry that over time the floor will rot or decay. In fact, however, hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years if it is cared for properly. The only time hardwood flooring will decay is if it is exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time.
3) What’s the Difference Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
One of the most common questions homeowners have about hardwood floors is the difference between solid and engineered planks. This is an important question! For more specific information on this, read our blog about the difference between hardwood flooring and engineered planks.
Solid: Solid wood planks are “true” timber planks that are composed of wood entirely. As a result, they are longer lasting, can be refinished multiple times but also cost more than engineered wood.
Engineered: Engineered wood planks are composed of condensed manufactured planks with a thin veneer of real wood underneath. Because these are not solid planks, they can be installed directly over a subfloor but cannot be refinished.
4) How Can I Protect My Hardwood Flooring from Harm?
Whether you have solid or engineered hardwood flooring, one of the most important things you can do for your new floor is protect it from irreversible damage. Here are a few specific things to do:
Wipe up Moisture Immediately: Accidental spills happen all the time. As the owner of a new hardwood floor, you’ll have to make a habit of wiping up small bits of moisture immediately to prevent your boards from rotting or warping.
Sweep Regularly: Because hardwood floors are prone to scratching, we recommend sweeping your floors regularly to avoid accidentally scratching your floors from dirt and debris.
Use Floor Protectors: Heavy furniture can scratch hardwood planks. To make your floor last as long as possible, we suggest adding floor protectors to all the heavy furniture (and moving chairs) in your home.
Overall, hardwood flooring is one of the longest lasting flooring options you can install. Not only is it extremely durable, but it is also known to improve home value if it is well maintained. If you have any questions about whether hardwood flooring is right for you, contact us today at PHONE NUMBER or visit our showroom to view different hardwood planks in person.