Apart from making your home more visually appealing and adding warmth, hardwood floors are an incredible method for increasing your home’s market value. Irrespective of the type of flooring you choose for your residences, there are certain components you should consider. It would help to consider factors such as the amount of traffic generated in your homes, your lifestyle, prices, and much more. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely. Read more to find out.
1. The existing sub-floor
The existing sub-floor type is essential for deciding the hardwood flooring you introduce for your home. For example, while the pressed wood sub-floor will be the best decision for the strong hardwood, the solid sub-floor is most appropriate for the designed wood. There are additional limitations if you have concrete as your subfloor, as operating on it becomes more expensive. However, if you are willing to bear the expenses, you can install a solid hardwood floor on an existing concrete floor.
2. Lifestyle and Traffic
Since several options are available, you should pick one that suits your lifestyle and taste. While selecting a hardwood floor, it’s vital to consider the day-by-day wear and tear it will persevere through and discover the thickness and hardness of various wood species. Those with pets and small kids at home or highly active family members should consider a hand-scraped and troubled or wire-brushed hardwood that hides little scratches and imprints more than your standard smooth, completed hardwood floor. Considering all these factors, you should select a strong and durable type.
3. Decide your budget
First and foremost, you should know exactly how much you can invest in your wooden floor. Planning and keeping a set amount aside saves you from all the trouble. Be sensible with what you can manage. It depends on factors like the amount of wood you require, the vendor you choose from, quality, warranty, etc. Do your research well and compare vendors that sell the same material. You will find a lot that meet your expectations at different rates. Check with other vendors or search online and finally decide on one you can afford. Also, check with the vendor if there are any additional charges, such as transportation and cleaning up. You can also consider paying in installments if you don’t have the whole amount.
4. Visit the store
Rather than checking things online or just going by a manual, it is wise to visit the stores in person and select the type of hardwood you want for the floors. If possible, you must bring a few samples home and make a decision. Doing so saves you from foul play and from getting disappointed in how mismatched it looks with your cabinets. Pick one that complements the walls and the furniture of your home.
5. Location
Hardwood is not good for ground-level floors, basements, and bathrooms. The moisture from the earth and excessive exposure to water may cause early rotting and eventually damage the wood. It would help if you went for hardwood flooring for living rooms and bedrooms that are free of water damage.
6. Solid or Engineered Wood
You must decide which one to select based on their differences. A good engineered hardwood has great strength and visual appeal as it’s not just one piece of wood but many layers bonded together; it is highly stable, durable, and resistant to climatic changes. It is relatively easier to install because the planks stick together without much effort. On the other hand, solid wood fluctuates in size by expanding or contracting during different climates.
