Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition that can lend elegance, warmth, and style to any room in your house. Properly installed, tastefully chosen wood flooring can also increase the value of your home if you are looking to sell so it’s definitely something to consider if you plan to relocate in the near future. However, there are some things you should consider before installing hardwood floors in your house. This article will deal with some of the questions you may have.
1. THE TYPE AND PRICE OF HARDWOOD FLOORS WILL VARY
Wood flooring comes in innumerable styles which means that the price ranges will also vary from one option to the next. The different colours, stains, types of wood, and amount of wood flooring to be installed will all affect the price. Also, check to see if the hardwood flooring you are looking at has been imported – if so, it will probably be more expensive but not necessarily of better quality. The Relative Space flooring website is a good reference if you want to find more information online.
2. THE METHOD OF INSTALLATION IS IMPORTANT
Hardwood floors can be installed in three different ways: nailed down, glued, or ‘floated’ above the old floor. If you go with engineered hardwood instead of solid hardwood, the contractor’s job will be easier because they can nail or glue the wood flooring. And if the flooring you want replaced is vinyl or ceramic tiles, you’ll need to ‘float’ the hardwood flooring above the original flooring. Make sure you understand the different types of hardwood, flooring, and installation methods before you purchase any flooring.
3. NOT ALL ROOMS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Before you buy your hardwood flooring, think about what room or rooms the flooring will be installed in. If the wood flooring is going into the kitchen, laundry room, or especially the bathroom you’ll want to invest in hardwood that has been treated to resist water. Otherwise, you’ll have a hardwood floor that will become warped and ugly over time.
4. RAW AND REAL OR PRE-FINISHED AND POLISHED?
It’s important to think about what kind of atmosphere you are hoping to convey with your new hardwood floor. Unfinished hardwood floors can have an unpleasant smell and need more upkeep since dust often accumulates but they can give a room a rustic, cozy mood that might be just want you want. However, pre-finished wood has been coated with UV-cured polyurethane and will give you slick, professional flooring that will need less clean-up and attention. Both options have their benefits – chose the one that works for you.
5. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
As mentioned before, there are many, many different types of hardwood flooring and each will need its own unique cleaning and maintenance routine. While sweeping, damp mopping, and waxing are often all that is needed, you also have the option of purchasing special solutions and formulas that will maintain the beauty and quality of your wood flooring for years to come. However, if your hardwood flooring is accidentally damaged, make sure you call a repairman right away so that the problem can be fixed before the damage gets any worse.
