Wood Flooring Tips
Tips There are many different types of wood flooring so your
first step is to assess what type of surface best suits your
specific needs.
Entry or Foyer: Generally this is the first area your
guests see in your home. The foyer is your first place to
make a statement and because of this custom designs tend to
be the most popular choice.
Kitchen or Family Rooms: Hardwood floors are a common
choice for these areas. They require little upkeep and are
great with open floor plans. Dark and white wood do not work
well in these areas due to the amount of foot traffic and
constant wear.
Formal Living or Dining Rooms: Darker wood is most
popular with these rooms. When using dark wood remember that
it makes your space seem smaller and generally require more
maintenance.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms that are in constant use should
not be a consideration with hardwood floors. A guest
bathroom that is not used daily hardwood might be an option.
Home Offices and Bedrooms: Offices usually opt for
darker colors (regular maintenance will be required).
Hardwood floors do well in bedrooms, they are best when
coupled with area rugs.
Once you have established which wood flooring you want for
your space, your next step is to research and discuss your
options with an expert. Below is some very important
information you should know before you go ahead with your
installation.
Do you want a domestic or exotic species? There are varying
grades and uses for each type of wood flooring. For example,
only some species can be used over radiant heat while others
might handle humidity better than certain species. You
should establish which grade you want for your flooring
since all species have different standards. The higher grade
the wood is the higher quality product.
You should know the dimensions of the flooring you have
chosen. The lengths and widths are important factors when
adjoining floor surfaces at doorways. You may find that the
pattern of the product is not right for your space. You also
want to specify the direction your floor will be laid.
Whether it’s simple strip or plank or an intricate parquet
design, choose the direction before installation.
Request a sample of the flooring you have chosen with the
final finishing type. There will be color variation between
boards as they form naturally. Also, every manufacturer has
different color finishes so it is important to have a sample
of your final choice. Ask your installer what kind of
moisture meter they use. When choosing an engineered
thickness you should give priority to the wear layer of the
surface or the way in which it adjoins with your other
flooring surfaces. Generally the more ply layers the more
stable the material, however, should not determine which
product you choose unless the surface is over radiant heat.
Again, give priority to the wear thickness or, if you do not
plan on staying in the specific location in question for
more than 10 years, you can choose on a cost basis.
You should decide if you want random length flooring or
uniform length. If installed properly, uniform length
flooring can look similar to the more traditional looking
random length. Listen to your contractor, technician,
designer, etc. Personal preference is your first concern but
they know best whether or not your choice will suit your
space. Ask questions if you don’t know about something! You
don’t want to raise them after the floor is installed.
If you have any questions about the information above take a
look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) page. If you
are still uncertain about any information feel free to give
one of our friendly customer service staffers a call!
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