How Hard Do You Think You Should Get Your Hardwood Flooring

You probably think you know how hard to get your hardwood floors. You might have a preferred hardness, or even just go with whatever the store has in stock. But did you know that there’s more to it than just that? The hardness of your hardwood flooring actually has a lot to do with how long it will last, what kind of traffic it can handle, and even the acoustics in your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore all things hardness when it comes to hardwood floors. By the end, you’ll know exactly how hard to get your hardwood floors!

The Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

There are three types of hardwood flooring: engineered, solid, and hand-scraped. Engineered hardwood is made of a plywood base with a hardwood veneer on top. It can be installed over concrete or wood subfloors, and is the most versatile type of hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood is made of 100% hardwood, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. It must be installed over a wood subfloor, and is not recommended for rooms with high humidity or temperature fluctuations. Hand-scraped hardwood is made by hand using special tools to create a distressed look. It can be made of any type of hardwood, but is most commonly found in oak or hickory.

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

There are many different types of hardwood flooring on the market today. Some are made from solid hardwoods, while others are engineered with a thin veneer of hardwood over a plywood or HDF core. There are also laminate floors that have a photographic image of wood grain on the surface. So, which type of hardwood flooring is best for your home?

Solid hardwood floors are made from 100% hardwood, such as oak, maple, or cherry. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times, so they can last for decades. However, solid hardwood floors are also susceptible to water damage, staining, and scratching.

Engineered hardwood floors have a plywood or HDF core with a thin veneer of hardwood on the surface. This makes them more resistant to water damage and temperature changes than solid hardwoods. However, they can only be sanded and refinished a few times before the veneer wears through.

Laminate floors have a photographic image of wood grain on the surface and are made from several layers of compressed fiberboard. They are very durable and resistant to water damage, staining, and scratching. However, they can’t be sanded or refinished like solid or engineered hardwoods.

Now that you know the pros and cons of each type of hardwood flooring, you can decide which is best for your home.

How to Decide on the Right Type of Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are a lot of different options to choose from. And while there are a lot of different looks that you can achieve with hardwood flooring, it’s important to make sure that you select the right type of hardwood flooring for your home.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right type of hardwood flooring for your home:

1. The climate in your area. If you live in an area with high humidity, then you’ll want to avoid engineered hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors are made with a plywood base, which can swell and warp in high humidity environments. Solid hardwood floors are a better option for homes in high humidity climates.

2. The level of traffic in your home. If you have a lot of foot traffic in your home, then you’ll want to choose a harder species of wood, such as maple or oak. Softer woods, such as pine or cherry, will show wear and tear more easily in high traffic areas.

3. The style of your home. If you have a more traditional home, then solid hardwood floors would be the best option for you. However, if you have a more contemporary style home, then engineered hardwood floors would be a better fit.

4. Your budget. Hardwood floors can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Keep in mind that the price of hardwood floors will vary depending on the type of wood, the thickness of the planks, and the finish.

5. The installation process. If you’re not comfortable with installing hardwood floors yourself, then you’ll need to factor in the cost of professional installation.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a better idea of what type of hardwood flooring would be the best fit for your home.

How to Install Hardwood Flooring

Installing hardwood flooring is a big job and one that you should definitely leave to the professionals. That being said, if you are determined to do it yourself, here is a basic guide on how to install hardwood flooring.

Before you even begin, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies. You will need a saw (preferably a power saw), a hammer, nails, a level, and of course, the hardwood flooring itself. Once you have everything gathered, the first thing you need to do is clear out the space where you will be working. This means removing any existing flooring and furniture from the room.

Once the room is cleared, take a close look at the subfloor. If it is in good condition, then you can proceed with nailing down the hardwood planks. Start by putting down a row of planks along one wall, making sure that each plank is level with the others. Then, work your way across the room until all of the planks are in place. Use your hammer and nails to secure each plank to the subfloor.

Now all that’s left to do is install any trim around the perimeter of the room and enjoy your new hardwood floors!

How to Care for Your Hardwood Flooring

It is important to take care of your hardwood floors so that they will last longer and continue to look good. Here are some tips on how to care for your hardwood flooring:

– Vacuum or sweep your floors regularly to remove dirt and dust.

– Use a damp mop or cloth to clean your floors, but avoid getting them too wet.

– Wipe up spills immediately.

– Place mats or rugs at entryways to protect your floors from dirt and moisture.

Contact Us Now For Professional Help

We know that you care about your home and want only the best for it. That’s why we offer professional hardwood flooring services. We can help you choose the right type of flooring for your home, and we’ll install it correctly so that it looks great and lasts for years to come.

Contact us now to schedule a consultation so that we can learn more about your needs and provide you with a free estimate. We look forward to working with you!