What You Should Know About
Hardwood Flooring Installations
When you need to replace the flooring in your home, making the right choice is crucial because sometimes a new installation is a better choice than refinishing or repairing. There’s a lot to consider, including which flooring is easier to take care of, which type will look better in your home, and which kind will fit your budget. Hardwood flooring has always been a popular choice for homeowners and continues to be a beautiful type of flooring that’s now easier to install and care for than ever before. If you’re interested in the look of hardwood flooring for your home, there are a few things to consider before contacting our experts for an installation.
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Why Choose Hardwood Flooring for Your Home?
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Hardwood flooring looks amazing in most homes, but that’s not the only reason it’s such a popular choice today. Compared to carpeting, hardwood flooring is much cleaner and more sanitary. It’s far better for those who suffer from allergies because the hardwood floor doesn’t capture and hold onto debris and allergens the way carpet will. It’s also easier to clean and stain resistant because of the top protective layer. Hardwood floors can also be repaired or refinished, helping them look fantastic again for much less than any replacement might cost.
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Generally, hardwood flooring costs a little bit more than other types of flooring. However, it last longer than other types of flooring and, with proper care, can remain in great shape for decades. You also have more options for hardwood flooring because of the technological advancements, which means you can choose engineered hardwood that comes in almost any type of wood and is both more durable and water resistant.
Real Solid Wood Flooring or Vinyl Plank Flooring?
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The biggest choice to make before the installation is whether to use real solid hardwood flooring or vinyl plank flooring. Both have their benefits and disadvantages, and both are going to look fantastic in any home. The installation process, as well as the repair process, can differ with these types of flooring, but considering both gives you the chance to make sure you choose exactly what you want for your home.
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Solid hardwood flooring is made of a single thick piece of wood. It tends to expand and contract some as the weather changes, which means it might not be the best option for a ground level floor. Today, solid hardwood flooring is available in many types of wood, though Brazilian teak and white oak are the most often recommended.
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Vinyl hardwood flooring, also known as engineered hardwood flooring, is much thinner and will not expand and contract like solid hardwood flooring. Instead of being made from a single piece of wood, they’re made similar to plywood with multiple very thin layers bonded together. Since the top layer is the only one that will be seen, more exotic woods can be used without raising the cost significantly.
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Which Solid Hardwood to Choose
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If you’d prefer solid hardwood flooring instead of vinyl, it’s recommended you choose white oak or Brazilian teak woods. Brazilian teak is the strongest wood available, which means it’s far more resistant to scratches and dents. It’s also going to hold up and look beautiful longer than other types of wood. White oak is also a great option and offers the chance to stain the wood to the exact shade you prefer. It can also be left natural if preferred. A variety of other types of wood are available as well, but these are generally the most recommended options for homeowners today.
Options for Installing Hardwood Flooring
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There are a few different ways to install a hardwood floor. Glue down, nail down, and floating installations can be used on different types of hardwood floors as well as different subfloors. Our installation experts can let you know which option is the best for your home and chosen floor type, though there are a few different recommendations for which one to choose based on your flooring choice.
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The glue down installation involves gluing the hardwood boards to the floor. This requires the subfloor to be a solid structure, such as concrete or wooden floorboards. A glue down installation uses flexible glue to allow the boards to expand and contract naturally to minimize potential problems, though it does need to be done correctly to make sure it works properly for the home.
A nail down installation is where the hardwood boards are nailed directly to the subflooring. A secret nail installation is done in a way that hides the nails so they can’t be seen after the installation. Which one to choose is a matter of preference. This installation is typically done with solid hardwood floors.
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A floating installation is done with hardwood that has a tongue and groove connection. This is common with the engineered hardwood floors and allows the flooring to be installed without being attached to the subfloor. Since this type of installation does not require attaching the boards to the subfloor, it can be used over any type of subfloor.
Finishing Real Wood Installation
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Engineered flooring is typically already finished and ready to be installed. Solid hardwood flooring will need to be finished after the installation to protect the surface from scratches, dents, and stains that naturally occur as you walk around on top of the flooring. We add 3 coats of polyurethane to solid hardwood flooring for added protection. This dries clear so it doesn’t detract from the color of your new flooring, remains clear so you don’t have to worry about it yellowing over time, and provides superior protection compared to other types of clear coatings. We can add this protective coating over natural or stained wood.
Hire an Experienced Team for the Installation
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You’re going to spend a lot of money on the hardwood flooring, so make sure it’s installed properly. A proper installation helps the hardwood flooring last longer and minimizes potential problems you might face. Our experienced team has decades of experience installing hardwood floors and we’re licensed and insured. We can make sure your hardwood flooring, whether it’s solid hardwood or vinyl, is installed properly, protected from scratches and stains, and ready to be used by you and your family.
Choosing the right type of flooring for your home can make a huge difference in how everything looks. If you’re interested in hardwood flooring, contact us today to learn more about all of your options. We have a huge selection available and can complete the installation for you so your new flooring will look fantastic. We also do repairs and refinishing, so you never have to worry about your floors again. Check out the hardwood flooring options today to find the perfect new flooring for your home.