subject: Six Typical Questions About Wood Flooring [print this page] Wood floors are well-liked with homeowners because they enhance the visual appeal of nearly any room. The wood is elegant and eye-catching, and floods a space with a feeling of warmth. Underfoot, the solidity of the planks gives a house an air of permanence. But making an investment in hardwoods entails selecting from among several choices, some of which may influence the elegance of the planks; from style and installation issues to the kind of hardwood varieties utilized, it is very easy to become overcome.
Being mindful of this, we will tackle several frequent questions homeowners inquire about hardwood floors beneath; while delivering a complete guide is beyond the range of the space available, the following details ought to end up being beneficial.
#1 - Are Solid Hardwoods Better Than Engineered Boards?
The "finest" planks are those that meet your requirements. To that end, solids offer a thicker wear layer on top, meaning you are going to have the ability to refinish them multiple times through the years. Manufactured planks have a top layer that's significantly slimmer due to their development. The wear layer may just last through one or two refinishes.
On the other hand, engineered boards tend to expand and contract much less than solids, which is a benefit any time the dampness in the air adjusts; the manner in which the plies are positioned helps you to decrease the impact.
#2 - Can Any Type Of Wood Floor Be Installed On Concrete?
Yes, but solid hardwood floors that are positioned straight onto concrete will present major issues down the road. Most wood flooring that is installed on concrete is made up of engineered planks; if you intend to put in solid hardwoods, make sure there is a plywood subflooring between the cement and the wood.
#3 - Is It Easy To Set Up Hardwood Floors?
The ease of installment would depend mostly on your expertise with the resources involved, the process of setting up the planks, and your consideration of detail. You'll need to learn to utilize a pneumatic nailer
You'll additionally need to be acquainted with floor preparation, acclimation of the boards to the installation site, and the various kinds of set up (e.g. glue-down, nail, and floating).
While hardwood set up might not be "simple" for most homeowners, it may be completed successfully by taking a systematic approach.
#4 - What's The Difference Among Different Kinds Of Hardwood?
There may well be practically no difference in between two brands of hardwood floors, or significant differences which will affect their physical appearance and life inside of a few years of installment. Much is dependent on the good quality of the wood, and the caution with which the boards are milled; as with numerous other types of items, well-known manufacturers are usually dependable while brands that are unfamiliar present a risk.
#5 - Exactly How Long Can You Anticipate Hardwood Floors Lasting?
The longevity of your hardwood flooring can hinge on a number of aspects. The number of times you refinish the boards will play role. So too will the wear and tear the floors withstand through the years. If you frequently have guests who wear heels, your planks will quickly sustain damage. Harm may also result from poor installation, demanding that the boards are eliminated and swapped out.
A good item that is effectively preserved can sometimes last for 100 years. A bad one that's neglected might have to be restored or swapped out within a decade.
#6 - How Are Hardwood Floors Cleaned?
Maintenance of wood flooring is comparatively easy and easy. You may keep them clean by regularly wiping them down with a dry cloth or broom. If you plan to have hardwood floors set up in a high-traffic region of your home - for example, the kitchen area - consider inserting area rugs to safeguard them.
The most critical thing to bear in mind is to steer clear of placing water on the floors since moisture can severely damage them. It is a good thought to place area rugs near sinks, bathtubs, and additional locations in your home which are exposed to water.
With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors could last a lifetime. The value they add to a house can make the investment seem unimportant.
