How to Choose & Install Hardwood Floors

The time-honored, affordable, and reliable hardwood flooring gives a new look and feel to the space. It adds a regal touch to the interior making it look polished, classier, and more attention-grabbing. As impressive as hardwood flooring looks, it is difficult to choose and install quality flooring.

Many people would be under the assumption that it would be straightforward to install hardwood flooring. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, fret not, this guide will help you pick and install hardwood floors.

How to Choose & Install Hardwood Floors?

It is tempting to go down the DIY route, however, it often results in paying more than anticipated. First off, choosing hardwood flooring is the first part of the process as it has a significant impact on performance and aesthetics. These tips are suggested by hardwood experts in flooring in Charlotte NC.

Choosing Hardwood Floors

Not all types of hardwood flooring are expected to offer superior quality, performance, and durability. Contrary to popular belief, a myriad of factors besides colors and patterns should be considered when choosing hardwood flooring.

  • Solid vs Engineered Flooring – First of all, choose between solid and engineered flooring. Solid hardwood, made of solid, thick wood planks, was once a preferred choice. Today, engineered hardwood is gaining popularity. Engineered flooring planks have thinner veneer top layers bonded to multiple layers of plywood and composite.
  • Prefinished or Site Finish – Prefinished hardwood provides an installation advantage as no time is wasted applying top coat, stain, and sealant. While on-site finishing allows homeowners to customize and match it with the color palette of the living space or other design elements.
  • Finishing – Mostly, homeowners choose from either oil finishes or polyurethane. Although the oil finish looks more natural, it requires high maintenance as this finish is prone to scratches and stains. Polyurethane finish is more durable, however, it is difficult to fix if the plank is scratched or damaged.
  • Grain Pattern – When it comes to grain pattern and appearance, it all depends on personal preference or interiors. The popular grain patterns are plain-sawn, quarter-sawn, and rift-sawn.

Installing Hardwood Flooring

  • Tools – Gather relevant tools and materials depending on the type of hardwood flooring you have picked for the living or commercial space.
  • Installation Method – Choose the right installation method to successfully install the hardwood flooring type selected. As a general rule, solid hardwood planks are nailed while the engineered hardwood is glued or fastened.
  • Acclimation – Do not rush to install the hardwood flooring as soon as it arrives, let it acclimate to match the living space’s conditions and climate. 
  • Prepare the Space – Prepare the space where the flooring is to be installed by ensuring the subfloor is dry, level, and clean.
  • Installing Hardwood Plank – Lastly, install hardwood planks using the appropriate installation method.

Final Thoughts

Hardwood floor installation can be quite complex and often requires the help of professionals. A Professional crew will prepare the space before putting down planks. Do not go DIY if you do not know the ins and outs of the installation process, you may end up paying more than what you bargained for.