Blog

Some things to consider before installing hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors can bring charm and warmth to any home which is the main reason why they have been used as popular floor coverings for centuries. White oak, maple, red oak and ash are some of the most popular hardwood floors chosen for flooring. They often come in solid pieces of unfinished or pre-finished wood in a different range of thickness and widths.

Hardwood flooring can be refinished and sanded back over generations and even centuries in order to make it look inviting and hence beautiful once again. Wood flooring is available in 3 grades which refers to its appearance and not quality. The initial grade is wood without flaws. The second grade is for timber which comes with minor colour differences and minimal defects. The third refers to timber with colour variations.

Hardwood flooring is easy to care for and best alternative to carpet. The cost of hardwood flooring is directly related to the hardwood species and grades of hardwood floors that you choose. Hardwood floors have durable qualities with the addition of elegance which make it perfect for every room. Often, hardwood floors contract and expand with changes in humidity so it is important to leave an extension gap between the walls and the floor to compensate for any movement. It is also important to make sure that the wood is acclimated prior to installation.

In addition to being sensitive to humidity, moisture can also affects hardwood floors. Due to this, it is not recommended to install hardwood floors on a concrete slab or below ground level.