PROS OF HARDWOOD
Hardwood floors are durable and have stood the test of time. A classic hardwood floor creates a warm décor, and it also feels good under your feet. Most homeowners and buyers will agree that wood floors are beautiful. Hardwood flooring works with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. A wood floor is a wonderful insulator that retains heat, which makes it comfortable to walk on and gives off a cozy feeling.It is available in several types of woods, such as oak, cherry and walnut. They are also a great investment as buyers are willing to pay top dollar for homes with hardwood floors.
HARDWOOD BENEFITS
If you’re installing hardwood floors in your home, you have some decisions to make. Different types of wood floors are available, with various kinds of wood, installations, and patterns offering all sorts of choices—from planks you can stain with the color you want to easy-to-install prefinished boards.
The classic solid hardwood floor is oak, but in the stores you will also see a range of wooden floor types from maple to fir, walnut, birch, cherry, and beech. Pine is also used a lot in country-style and reproduction houses, where it’s stained dark for an old-fashioned feel. The thing to note about pine is that it dents and scratches easily.
Hardwood flooring is easy to maintain and clean and is tough, hard-wearing, and has long term durability. These floors are a healthy choice for interior environments as they have no fibers, grout lines, or embossing that can trap dust, pollen, particles, animal dander, and allergens that occur with carpets. A properly installed hardwood floor never gives you hollow sounds or vibrations.
HARDWOOD INSTALLATION
We will assist you every step of the way after you’ve selected your new floor with professional on-site measurement, removal of old flooring and skilled installation.Your floors will look amazing after our expert installation.
Once you have selected your new floor, we will provide free in home expert measurements, removal any of existing flooring and professional installation of the new floor.
Following is a checklist of things to do before the installation even begins to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Determine who will be removing the old flooring and moving any furniture. Complete any painting, wallpapering or other remodeling prior to the hardwood installation. Measure and verify that you have enough door clearance once the new floors are installed. If the new floor is thicker than your existing floor, door bottoms may rub. Plan in advance to have someone shave or saw the correct amount off the bottom of each door so it does not drag.
Installation usually starts at the longest and most visible straight wall. Flooring should be installed perpendicular to the floor joists that support the subfloor.
The most important aspect of installing a hardwood floor is the surface preparation. Prior to installing hardwood floors, the installers will be sure to:
- Remove all existing flooring.
- Verify moisture levels using a moisture meter to test subfloor moisture. A maximum of 4 percent is allowed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring.
- Your subfloor surface must be level, clean and free of bumps. If required use self-leveling products and sand down high spots.
- Store your hardwood floor near or where it will be installed to begin acclimating it to the conditions of your space prior to installation.
- Measure your hardwood flooring moisture and follow strict manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Remove all door casings in the area where the hardwood flooring will be installed.
- Remove door and molding.
- Sweep and pick up any debris from your floor before the hardwood flooring installation.
PROPER CARE & MAINTENANCE OF HARDWOOD
To keep wood floors looking and performing well for years, follow these simple steps.
- Use throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching the floor.
- Do not wet-mop or steam mop a wood floor. Water and steam can dull the finish and even damage the wood.
- Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened cloth.
- Put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Replace these often as dirt and debris can become imbedded on the pad and act like sand paper on the flooring surface.
- Avoid walking on your wood floors with sports cleats and high heels in disrepair.
- When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture to move it and to prevent scratches.
- For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug at the kitchen sink.
- Maintain relative humidity level between 45 to 65% throughout the year to minimize gaps.
- While your hardwood floor is strong and durable, sharp or pointed objects can damage it nonetheless.
- Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.
Always reference your hardwood floor warranty for specific care requirements!