Wooden flooring has been a timeless floor covering among many homeowners for centuries. That’s true because of its incredible durability, versatility, and natural beauty. The way these floors add character and warmth to a living space is just unbeatable. From a modern urban apartment to a classic country home, wooden flooring suits everywhere. However, you may need to have some know-how before purchasing these floors to ensure that you get better results.
In this blog, we’ll talk about everything about wooden flooring, from choosing the right type of wood to maintaining your wooden floor in top condition. So, read on.
● Different Types Of Wooden Flooring
There are a lot of wooden flooring types to choose from, including engineered wood and solid hardwood. Made from a single piece of wood, solid hardwood is the most traditional type of wooden flooring. It is available in various species such as maple, oak, walnut, and cherry, and can be sanded and refinished in several types. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is made of several wood layers. It is more stable and durable than solid wooden flooring.
● How To Choose The Right Wood Specie?
The most important factors to consider while choosing wood specie are durability, hardness, and grain pattern. You can determine the hardness of the specie using the Janka hardness scale. The higher Janka rating means the wood is hard and durable. Durability refers to how well the wood can bear spills, foot traffic, and scratches. The grain pattern reflects the overall look of the specie. Cherry, oak, walnut, maple, and hickory are the most popular wood species used for wooden flooring.
● Installation Tips
Before installing wooden flooring in your home, ensure that the subfloor is leveled, clean, and dry. Repair the unevenness and cracks, if any. If you are installing wood flooring over a concrete floor, it is recommended to use a moisture barrier so that it will not seep into the floor.
● Installation Methods
When it comes to the installation of wooden flooring, there are a lot of installation methods such as glue-down, nail-down, and floating. Glue-down installation method requires the use of adhesives to attach the wooden flooring to the subfloor, while in the nail-down method, boards are directly nailed down to the subfloor. In the floating installation method, boards are interlocked together without attaching them to the subfloor. Each installation is good on its own, depending on the wood type and the subfloor.
● Maintenance And Care
One of the best ways to keep your wooden flooring in the best condition is to clean it regularly using a soft broom or vacuum and a damp, clean mop. The use of abrasive materials or harsh chemicals is highly prohibited. When the wooden floor gets stained or spilled, wipe them up as soon as possible to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood. To restore the durability and beauty of wooden flooring, refinish it every few years.
Wooden flooring, undeniably, is a beautiful floor covering that can bring rustic charm to any décor. However, you may need to take care of them properly to keep them looking their best!