The basics to consider before installing hardwood floors

Posted February 21, 2023

Wondering how to best redesign a space in your abode? An essential step is choosing the style and material of the flooring, as it can greatly affect the vibe of an area. Consider colors, texture, and overall design when making this decision — and keep your family’s needs in mind too. Some materials are more practical for certain purposes than others. Hardwood flooring is chosen by many homeowners for its welcoming appearance and because it goes with any design aesthetic. Did you know that there are tons of customization options available? You can pick more than just the shade of wood stain.

Not sure what kind of hardwood flooring you want? Check out our guide which will help you choose the best type of hardwood floors for your home. We’ll cover aspects like materials, design, and finish so that by the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Why go with hardwood floors? Generations of families have chosen hardwood floors for their homes because it’s a classic, beautiful flooring option that allows you to be very creative with your interior design. While hardwood may not do well in rooms with a lot of moisture (bathrooms and laundry rooms, for example), it’s perfect for every other room in the house. There are many reasons to choose real wood flooring for your home:
– Its soft materials make it comfortable and warm under bare feet.
– Authentic wood products are durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance.
– Hardwood can add character and a natural design element to your space.
You also have tons of options to customize colors, grain, and stain to add create floors that reflect your personality.
Qualities to consider: First and foremost, when you’re looking for new hardwood floors, contemplate the function of the room that needs to be renovated. Do you need water resistance? How warm or comfortable would you like your flooring to be? What are your design inclinations? Furthermore, think about how often you’re okay with cleaning and maintaining your future floors; this may include refinishing them down the line. Consider these questions before making your choice:
Type of flooring: Once you’ve decided on whether you prefer solid or engineered wood flooring, it’s time to pick a style. Solid hardwood floors have been popular for many years thanks to their full authenticity and natural feel; made of thick planks joined with a tongue and groove along each side. because they’re thicker than engineered wood boards, they can be sanded down and refinished multiple times if necessary.
Wood species: Not only does the wood species you choose affect the design of your room, but it also offers various functional benefits. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research to find the best possible option for your needs. If you are installing wood flooring in an area of your home that experiences a lot of foot traffic, it is best to use a harder species of wood to ensure its durability.
Grain patterns and appearance: One important factor to consider when picking wood flooring is the grain pattern. Depending on how a piece of wood was cut, it will produce a different pattern on the individual planks.
Finishing options: The care you give your hardwood floors is dictated by the floor’s finish. You can order new wood floors in a prefinished or unfinished state.
Cost: Several factors affect the cost of hardwood floors, such as the type of flooring and finish. Also, installation costs must be considered. Solid prefinished wood ranges from $2.40 to $13 per square foot while engineered prefinished hardwood is less expensive, at $1.69 to around $9 per square foot.
Installation: The installation process you’ll use for your hardwood flooring project will depend on the type of wood product, as well as your planks’ width and thickness. If you’re going to install the flooring yourself, make sure to follow any specific instructions that come with your materials. You’ll also need some equipment like a pneumatic flooring nailer, drill, pry bar, and saw. Although installing hardwood floors might be challenging, it is a worthwhile investment for your home. Many people decide to hire professional flooring companies to avoid any mistakes and have old floors properly disposed of. These companies come with experienced installers and the right tools to get the job done efficiently.