fbpx

Everything You Need to Know About Hardwood: The Complete Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Hardwood: The Complete Guide

Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring

The timeless allure of hardwood floors is undeniable.

Its warmth, elegance, and natural beauty add a touch of class to any space.

But beyond aesthetics, choosing hardwood flooring is a significant investment, and getting it right is essential.

Before purchasing materials, let’s dive into everything you should know about hardwood.

Solid Hardwood: Solid hardwood planks are cut directly from trees, offering unmatched durability and longevity.

With proper care, they can last for centuries, showcasing their unique grain patterns and developing a rich patina over time.

However, solid hardwood tends to be more expensive and susceptible to moisture fluctuations, requiring careful installation and maintenance.

Engineered Hardwood: This multi-layered option offers the beauty of solid wood at a lower price point and with greater moisture resistance.

Its top layer is real hardwood, bonded to a stable core that minimizes expansion and contraction.

Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install and maintain than solid, but its lifespan is generally shorter.

Prefinished vs. Unfinished: Prefinished planks come coated with stain and sealant, saving you time and effort.

The vast array of hardwood species can be overwhelming. The following are some great-to-know tips for selecting the best wood type for your flooring needs.

Durability: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are exceptionally tough and ideal for high-traffic areas.

Softer woods like birch and cherry are more delicate and better suited for bedrooms and low-traffic zones.

Color and Grain Pattern: From the honeyed hues of oak to the rich mahogany tones of walnut, each species boasts unique coloring and grain patterns.

Match the wood to your desired aesthetic and existing furniture.

Also, pay attention to how natural light interacts with different wood species, as this can affect the perceived color of the flooring.

Budget: Prices vary significantly depending on species, cut, and grade.

Set a realistic budget and research the options that fit your needs.

While some hardwoods may be more expensive upfront, they might offer better durability and longevity. These factors could make them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

White Oak Flooring

Renowned for its durability and timeless appeal. Its pale, neutral tones and distinctive grain patterns add a touch of sophistication to any room. White oak’s inherent hardness makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, providing both beauty and resilience. With a natural resistance to moisture, white oak flooring is well-suited for various environments, ensuring a long-lasting and elegant foundation for your home.

White Oak Flooring
White Oak Flooring

Maple Wood

This hardwood flooring is prized for its light, creamy color, and subtle grain patterns, offering a clean and contemporary look. Known for its impressive hardness and strength, maple is ideal for busy households and high-traffic areas. Its smooth texture and uniform appearance make it a versatile choice, seamlessly blending with a wide range of interior styles while providing a durable and elegant surface.

Maple Wood Flooring
Maple Wood Flooring

Walnut

Walnut flooring exudes luxury with its rich, dark hues and intricate grain patterns. This hardwood’s deep chocolate tones and occasional lighter streaks create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Walnut’s natural beauty and moderate hardness make it a popular choice for living areas and bedrooms, where it can be appreciated for its elegance and distinctive character. Its sophisticated appearance adds depth and richness to any space.

Walnut Flooring
Walnut Flooring

Cherry

Celebrated for its rich, reddish-brown color that deepens and matures over time. The smooth, fine grain and warm tones of cherry create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Though slightly softer than other hardwoods, cherry is perfect for low-traffic areas and adds a touch of classic elegance to any room. Its ability to develop a lustrous patina enhances its timeless appeal and charm.

Cedar

Cedar flooring stands out for its unique aroma and natural resistance to insects and decay. With its warm, reddish-brown hues and distinctive grain patterns, cedar adds a rustic charm to any space. Although softer than many hardwoods, its natural durability and resistance to moisture make it an excellent choice for areas prone to humidity, such as basements and bathrooms. Cedar’s distinct characteristics bring warmth and a touch of nature into your home.

Cherry Wood Flooring
Cherry Wood Flooring

Cedar

Cedar flooring stands out for its unique aroma and natural resistance to insects and decay. With its warm, reddish-brown hues and distinctive grain patterns, cedar adds a rustic charm to any space. Although softer than many hardwoods, its natural durability and resistance to moisture make it an excellent choice for areas prone to humidity, such as basements and bathrooms. Cedar’s distinct characteristics bring warmth and a touch of nature into your home.

Cedar Flooring
Cedar Flooring

Professional wood flooring installation is highly recommended.

While there are DIY options available, a skilled installer can ensure that the flooring is laid properly, minimizing the risk of issues such as uneven surfaces, gaps, or creaking.

A dedicated wood flooring professional will have the expertise to address specific challenges in your space, ensuring a long-lasting installation.

They can also advise on the best installation method based on the type of hardwood chosen, whether it’s solid or engineered.

Acclimation for Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood, in particular, may require acclimation to your indoor climate before installation.

Wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and acclimating it allows the material to adjust to the conditions of your home.

This process helps prevent issues such as warping or buckling after installation.

Typically, the hardwood planks are left in the room where they will be installed for a specific period, allowing them to adapt to the environment.

Following manufacturer guidelines and consulting with your installer about acclimation is essential for the long-term stability of your solid hardwood flooring.

Installation Steps:

 Installing hardwood floors involves several steps, from preparation to finishing.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preparation

– Measure the Area: Measure the room to determine the amount of flooring needed. Add 10% to account for waste and cutting.

– Acclimate the Hardwood: Leave the hardwood flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours to acclimate to the room’s humidity and temperature.

– Check Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. It should be free of any debris, and any nails or screws should be secured tightly.

– Remove Old Flooring: Remove any existing flooring material (carpet, laminate, etc.) and ensure the subfloor is suitable for hardwood installation.

  1. Gather Tools and Materials

– Hardwood flooring

– Underlayment (if needed)

– Nails or staples (for nail-down installation) or adhesive (for glue-down installation)

– Tape measure

– Chalk line

– Saw (circular or table saw)

– Pry bar

– Hammer or nail gun

– Rubber mallet

– Spacers

– Safety gear (goggles, knee pads, gloves)

  1. Prepare the Subfloor

– Clean and Level: Ensure the subfloor is clean and level. Use a level to check for any uneven spots and sand them down or fill them with a leveling compound.

– Install Underlayment: If required, install an underlayment. This helps with soundproofing and provides a moisture barrier.

  1. Layout Planning

– Determine Layout: Decide on the direction to lay the flooring. Typically, hardwood is installed perpendicular to the floor joists and runs parallel to the longest wall in the room.

– Chalk Line: Use a chalk line to mark a starting line, which is usually the width of a board plus the expansion gap away from the wall.

  1. Installing the Hardwood

– First Row: Lay the first row along the chalk line with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers between the wall and the planks to maintain an expansion gap (typically 1/2 inch).

– Nailing or Gluing: Depending on your method, either nail down the boards with a nail gun or apply adhesive to the subfloor and press the boards into place. For nail-down installations, nail into the tongue at a 45-degree angle.

– Subsequent Rows: Continue laying the boards, ensuring the ends are staggered to create a more natural look. Use a rubber mallet to tap the boards snugly together.

– Cut Boards as Needed: Measure and cut boards as needed to fit around corners, vents, or other obstacles. Use a pry bar to fit the last row snugly, maintaining the expansion gap.

  1. Finishing Touches

– Remove Spacers: Once the flooring is installed, remove the spacers.

– Install Trim: Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gaps.

– Clean Up: Clean the floor with a vacuum or broom to remove any debris or dust from the installation process.

– Inspect: Check the entire floor for any loose boards or gaps and fix them as needed.

  1. Allow the Floor to Settle

– Wait Time: If you used glue, allow the floor to set for at least 24 hours before walking on it.

  1. Maintenance

– Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep the floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface.

– Avoid Water: Avoid using excessive water when cleaning hardwood floors. Use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner instead.

 

Maintenance

Both solid hardwood and engineered timber flooring require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their beauty and longevity.

Cleaning should involve sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, and damp mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner.

It’s crucial to avoid excessive moisture, as water can damage the wood.

Additionally, high heels and heavy furniture can leave scratches, so using protective pads and taking preventive measures is advisable.

Refinish or Resurfacing Hardwood Floors

Unfinished planks offer greater customization but require sanding, staining, and sealing, adding significantly to the installation cost.

Hardwood floor refinishing can bring back the original beauty and elegance of your home’s flooring, making them look as good as new.

Begin by clearing the room of all furniture and giving the floor a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt and debris.

Next, sand the entire surface using a drum sander, starting with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually moving to finer grits for a smooth finish.

Once sanding is complete, vacuum and wipe the floor to remove any dust. If you wish to change the color of your floor, apply a wood stain and allow it to dry completely.

The final step is to apply a high-quality polyurethane finish in thin, even coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.

Restaining Hardwood Floors

This careful process will not only restore the floor’s natural beauty but also protect it for years to come, adding warmth and value to your home.

Restaining a hardwood floor is a fantastic way to refresh and update the look of your space, giving it a new lease on life.

Start by moving all furniture out of the room and thoroughly cleaning the floor to remove any dirt and debris.

Sand the surface using a drum sander, beginning with coarse-grit sandpaper and progressing to finer grits to achieve a smooth, even base.

After sanding, vacuum and wipe down the floor to eliminate any dust.

Apply a wood conditioner to ensure an even stain application, especially if working with softer woods.

Once the conditioner is dry, apply the stain of your choice using a brush or cloth, working in small sections and wiping off any excess to maintain an even color.

Allow the stain to dry completely, then finish with a high-quality polyurethane sealant to protect the new finish.

The Pros and Cons of Hardwood

Pros:

  • Beauty and elegance: Hardwood adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to any space.
  • Durability and longevity: With proper care, hardwood floors can last for generations.
  • Increased home value: Hardwood floors are a desirable feature that can boost your home’s resale value.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly: Choosing sustainably sourced hardwood contributes to environmental responsibility.
  • Easy to clean and maintain: Regular sweeping and mopping keep hardwood floors looking their best.

Cons:

  • Higher cost: Hardwood is more expensive than many other flooring options.
  • Susceptibility to moisture: Solid hardwood requires careful attention to moisture fluctuations.
  • Scratches and dents: Hardwood is not immune to scratches from pets or furniture.
  • Noise: Hardwood floors can be noisy, especially for upstairs living.

The Final Flooring Step

By understanding the options, weighing the pros and cons, and considering your specific needs, you can ensure your hardwood floors become a cherished element of your living space.

Remember, don’t hesitate to consult with a flooring professional to discuss your options and receive personalized advice.

With the right information and a sense of style, you can create a home that reflects your personality and embraces the enduring beauty of hardwood floors.

Looking For A Contractor?

Skilled and trustworthy professionals are hard to find.

If you need a hardwood expert, Square Circle Interiors can help.

With over 40 years of integrity and expertise, we can move the needle on your most challenging projects.

If you’re interested in not overspending on a hardwood job done right, click here!

Categories

The Distinctive Mobile Experience

Let your creativity run wild when you experience our mobile showroom. Combining various textures, materials and colors, we’ll help you achieve the look and feel you desire in your favorite spaces.

You’ll receive the following:

Don’t delay. Book your mobile showroom appointment today!

Share this Post

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn

CALL US

(404) 992-3055
Mon - Fri: 9AM-5PM

EMAIL US

info@squarecircleinteriors.com
24 hour response time.

Request an invoice

We'll email you a copy of your Estimate so you can pay your invoice online