Wood Flooring Installation: Doing It The Right Way
Saturday, June 13th, 2009Hardwood flooring can boost the value of any home. For an addition of class and traditional value, wood flooring is a great option. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can really put a new face on a home, while also creating an elegance that is hard to equal.
Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade. Finding the best kind of flooring can be a little daunting, but the process is always rewarding in the end. Although carpet can certainly work in some situations, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that is hard to deny.
The first step is in finding out whether your home is appropriate for wood flooring. Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may be prone to suffering buckling and warping. High humidity is also a real issue when it comes to hardwoods.
Excess moisture tends to be absorbed into the wood flooring, leading to warping and buckling over time. Crowning and cupping are issues associated with moisture exposure, and be an expensive problem. When a floor crowns or cups, it bows out of shape, most frequently in the middle of the floor. This can result in a floor that must be replaced or sanded down to restore its level surface.
Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the right choice for you as a homeowner, there are many products and manufacturers from which to choose. Maple and oak are more traditional species, while cedar gives a more rustic and natural atmosphere. A higher gloss finish will result in a more reflective surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued setting. The thickness of the boards is also an important factor in selecting the right wood flooring product. Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.
Moisture is a big problem for hardwood flooring. Avoid exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation. Clean up spills on wood floors immediately in order to prevent eventual warping and cracking. If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, the finish of the flooring needs to be redone. Protect your investment, and wood flooring will maintain its value for generations.
