Are you looking to add some warmth and personality to your home? Look no further than the captivating allure of wood floors. For centuries, wood flooring has been beloved for its stunning beauty and longevity. Whether you're renovating your current home, building a new one, or looking to elevate your workspace, choosing hardwood flooring can transform the appearance and value of your property.
Here at Infinity Flooring, we understand the love of wood floors, but we also know what factors must be considered before installation can begin. We have put together this guide to make sure you get exactly what you want and expect when you install your wood floors.
Wood flooring is a natural material made from timber that has been cut into planks or boards. These planks can be installed in various patterns to create stunning visual effects. Wood floors are renowned for their durability, timeless beauty, and ability to complement any décor style. They can be found in traditional and modern homes alike to fit any aesthetic.
The allure of wood floors extends far beyond their aesthetic appeal. Homeowners and home builders are drawn to their unique characteristics that offer a plethora of advantages over other flooring options. Wood floors are renowned for their resilience and ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily life while making your home look great at the same time.
Before you embark on your wood flooring journey, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to ensure that it aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Let's explore some of the reasons why wood floors continue to be a popular choice in some homes but not others by discussing the pros and cons.
When it comes to wood floors, there are two main types to consider: solid and engineered. Solid wood floors, as the name suggests, are crafted from a single piece of solid wood. This construction gives them a classic look and feel, with the natural grain patterns and textures of the chosen wood species fully visible. They are prized for their durability and longevity, often lasting for generations with proper care and maintenance. One of the major advantages of solid wood floors is their ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing you to restore their beauty and remove surface imperfections over the years. However, solid wood is more susceptible to moisture and humidity changes, potentially leading to warping or gapping in environments with fluctuating temperatures or high moisture levels.
Engineered wood floors, on the other hand, are constructed from multiple layers of wood veneers bonded together under heat and pressure. The top layer, or wear layer, is a real hardwood veneer that provides the aesthetic appeal of solid wood. The core layers are typically made of plywood or high-density fiberboard, which offer greater dimensional stability compared to solid wood. This means that engineered wood floors are less prone to warping or buckling due to moisture changes, making them suitable for a wider range of environments, including basements, over concrete, and areas with radiant heating. While engineered wood floors can still be refinished, the number of times is limited by the thickness of the wear layer.
The choice of wood species for your hardwood floors is not just a matter of aesthetics; it also significantly impacts the durability, maintenance requirements, and overall cost of your flooring. Hardwood floors are derived from different species of trees, all with different characteristics in both appearance and feel. The Janka hardness test is used to measure the hardness of a type of wood by determining how many pounds of pressure are needed to push a specific solid steel ball exactly halfway into a piece.
The rating correlates to the pounds of pressure needed to accomplish this, meaning a higher rating indicated a harder wood. This is just one deciding factor people use to determine which wood is right for their floors, but factors like color and grain are also important to consider for aesthetic appeal. Below are some of the most popular varieties, ranked from hardest to softest:
The strategic placement of hardwood floors in your home can significantly impact both their longevity and the overall aesthetic appeal of your living spaces. While hardwood floors are renowned for their versatility, there are certain areas where they thrive and others where they might not be the most suitable choice.
Before installing hardwood floors, there are a few considerations you must keep in mind. It is important to assess the moisture levels in the intended area. High humidity or moisture can cause wood to warp, cup, or expand, leading to costly repairs. The type of subfloor you have will also influence the installation method and the type of hardwood flooring you can choose. Additionally, factors like pets, children, amount of foot traffic, and cost all need to be factored in to make sure you get the perfect type of wood to fit all your needs.
If you are ready to take your home to the next level with hardwood flooring, consult with a professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation. Infinity Flooring will sit down with you and take all these factors into consideration to ensure that you get the perfect type of flooring to fit your needs. If you are in the Salt Lake City area, give us a call today to get started with a free quote!
Flooring Specialists In New Construction And Home Remodels
