Hardwood flooring is one way to add charm and character to your home.
Traditional hardwood floors can be quite beautiful, but many people opt for more eclectic designs with patterns or colors that are not easily reproduced in nature.
Before choosing a design, however, you should consider a few important factors.
Table of Contents
A house with hardwood flooring.
The first and foremost issue to address is the condition of your floor’s existing support structure. Subfloors made of wood will need extra attention, as will concrete slabs.
It is important to make sure that both surfaces are level and smooth before beginning installation.
To ensure that the subfloor functions properly, clean it thoroughly before hardwood floor installation service. This will allow you to identify protruding nails or tacks that must be removed.
It will also give you an opportunity to walk across the subfloor and make sure that supporting floor joists do not seem to give under your weight.
Installing hardwood floors may add value to a home.
When you’re sure the sub-floor is strong, smooth and flat, you can install the padding that will lie beneath your hardwood floors. The padding isn’t required for all types of hardwood floors, but it’s essential if you plan on installing “tongue-and-groove” flooring sections that essentially snap into place as you lay them down.
One aspect of installing hardwood floors that many homeowners overlook is allowing the wood to acclimate to the temperature and humidity level of your home.
Wood will expand and contract slightly as a response to these two factors. Before beginning installation, place the wood in your home in or near the room where installation will take place for a couple of days.
It is important to acclimate new hardwood floors to the temperature and moisture level of your house before installing them. By doing so, you will create a long-lasting floor that not only looks great but also feels great.
Hardwood floors have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past several years, increasing their value as an investment for homeowners. As with any home improvement project, this can add to the resale value of your property when it comes time to sell.
