Solid hardwood is a great investment in yours\ home and a timeless flooring choice. Hardwood is one of the most classic flooring options and can add a level of elegance in class to any space. There are things to know about hardwood before your flooring is installed and we will cover many of those today. Hardwood is suitable for almost any space and can increase the value and enjoyment of your home.
The cost associated with hardwood flooring ranges greatly based on the species, installer, and even the time of year. The size of the job will also affect the cost. Talk with your installer about the material you’re getting before the project begins. Ask about the species, width, and thickness of the material. Make sure when you get bids that you compare like materials, If a quote comes in much lower than the other bids you may want to discuss what material is being used for that bid to ensure you are comparing apples to apples. Solid three-quarter inch thick hardwood is the standard in the industry. Installation methods can also vary by installers and should be discussed to ensure you are getting a high quality installation. Gluing, nailing, or floating floors are all options, but the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.
- Consider what rooms you are installing flooring it. While hardwood can go in most rooms. It is not ideal in rooms that are subjected to increased moisture levels. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are not ideal places for hardwood flooring because of the moisture. This does not mean you cannot have hardwood in these rooms, but it needs to be cared for more intently. Living room, dining room, and bedrooms are all ideal for wood flooring.
- Consider the options for installation methods. The method of insulation is impacted by the type of space, type of material, and other present factors. engineered. Hardwood may need glue or be installed as a floating floor. Other engineered products can be nailed or staple down, the installation methods are often dictated by manufacturer guidelines. Floating floors are not as common, but can be utilized in proper settings. Three-quarter inch hardwood flooring often is installed with nails or staples, but glue assist may be necessary based on the subfloor or width of the plank. All of these methods of insulation are accepted and yield great results. The method utilized is dependent on the material used.
- When considering a DIY project, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. The method of installation, tools, required, and material being used are all things to consider before taking on a DIY project. The cost of the material plus installation can feel high, but when you factor in installation materials, time and equipment rentals, a professional may be the more cost-effective option. Installing flooring may seem DIY friendly but there are many factors to consider. Step-by-step instructions often do not include instructions for cutting around design features in the home, like fireplaces, stairwells, moldings. Additionally, installing flooring is hard on the knees and back and not an ideal DIY project for most people.
- Subfloor preparation includes removal of old flooring preparation of any existing subfloor. The removal of old flooring ranges in difficulty from carpet to tile. Removing old flooring is a laborious project and requires a dumpster or a dump trailer to haul away the debris. The subfloor should be cleaned before the new flooring. Humidity levels should be tested to ensure the wood will not be damaged by the moisture in the subfloor. If you were laying new flooring underlayment should be put down first.
- Allow time for acclamation. Hardwood flooring needs to adjust to the moisture levels in the home. The humidity and temperature of the home will balance the words to the house overtime. This can take a few days and many organizations recommend a week of acclamation. The acclamation process is not something to skip. Acclamation can impact the quality of the installation of the flooring.
- Always follow manufacturer recommendations. When installing an engineered or prefinished flooring, the recommendations in the box should be taken seriously. If you are installing a three-quarter inch solid you should follow NWFA guidelines. These guidelines and manufacturer installation requirements are well tested to ensure a quality installation that will last many years using the right materials, like nails and glue, protect the floor from movement and create the most ideal installation scenario. Manufacturer guidelines should also be followed for finishes and stains. These materials are often sold only to professionals because of the risk when using them and the skill level needed to create a high-quality finished product
- Maintaining newly installed hardwood is easier than you may imagine. The floors should be cleaned regularly to protect them from scratches and dents. Vacuum or sweep the floors daily, spot clean and mop weekly. Never wet mop wood flooring but instead use a microfiber mop and spray bottle to clean the floors. Protect the floor from scratching by installing soft pads under chairs, adding rugs to high traffic areas and doorways and removing your shoes before entering your home.
Hardwood floors are a great investment in your home and a great way to add class and elegance to any room. If you are ready to discuss your hardwood flooring project Ridgeline would love to work with you. Ridgeline can assist with a variety of different materials including engineered hardwood flooring, prefinished hardwood flooring and solid hardwood floors. We would love to meet with you to discuss your hardwood flooring project today, call for a free in-home consultation.