Hardwood Flooring Can Beautify Your Home And Raise It's Value
Hardwood floors are always a beautiful touch to just about any room in your home. They are made from a variety of wood products from hardwood trees. Hardwood floors are a beautiful and natural product that sets it apart from other floor coverings. Hardwood floors are proven to be much more sanitary and hygienic than carpeting and increases the value of your property as well.
Hardwood Floor Types
One of the most attractive and durable flooring options is hardwood flooring. Many interior designers today prefer hardwood floors as the base layer and then add an area rug to enhance and add color to a room’s décor. Lighter colors of hardwood can make a room appear larger and more spacious and also lighten up a room that does not have a lot of natural light. Today’s hardwoods come in a much wider selection of colors, wood species, and widths. The state-of-the-art technology and the vast array of choices of today’s stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood floors one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings today.
Hardwood Floor Installation Methods
Hardwood floors can be nailed down, stapled down, glued down, or installed as a floating installation. Such flooring is not that difficult to install and is a wonder to behold when the installation has been completed, that is, if it has been done properly. The method used for your hardwood installation will depend upon the type of product you have chosen, where the flooring will be installed and the type of subfloor. Not only is floor preparation a key to any successful installation, but moisture testing as well. If you plan to hire an installer, you should verify the installer's credentials, license (if required) and insurance coverage and be certain that the installer reviews the recommended installation requirements. Prior to installation of any wood-flooring product, the purchaser/installer must determine that the job-site environment and the sub-surfaces meet or exceed all relevant industry standards.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning
Cleaning your hardwood floors routinely should prevent many problems down the road. The first method of cleaning hardwood floors entails sweeping the floor and then wiping with a damp cloth or mop. A second method of cleaning hardwood floors is to use a wood cleaning solution applied directly to the floor prior to wiping. Finally, one of the best methods of cleaning hardwood floors involves using the power of steam cleaning. Steam cleaning is the best way to go for cleaning hardwood floors.
Engineered Hardwood Floors Resemble Real Wood
Engineered floors are factory pre-finished with polyurethane finish and have top quality solid hardwood floors look. They are constructed with three to Twelve layers of hardwood. Engineered hardwood flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity and can be installed above, on, or below ground level. Engineered floors can be floated, glued, stapled or nailed to the subfloor, however not all engineered floors are suitable for floating, stapling or nailing, therefore always check the manufacturers specifications in this regard.
Laminated Hardwood Floors
Laminate flooring is an inexpensive, long-lasting, durable flooring option. Laminate flooring looks very similar to hardwood flooring; however, it is not made from wood at all. Laminate wood flooring offers the best combination of quality and value in a wide range of colors, styles and designs and are also engineered for exceptional strength and durability and will last for years and years. Laminates don't sound like real hardwood flooring but the look and durability out last real hard wood floors as far as holding the shine and no wood dents or scrapes form moving furniture.
Hardwood Floor Wood Types And Durability
Oak, ash, maple, and other "hard" hardwoods stand up better than the less durable woodslike pine, fir, or cherry. Oak and maple are the most popular hardwoods used in flooring. Oak wood tends to be the mostpopular since it is the most durable. Whether you're looking for traditional Oak, rustic Pine, exotic Wenge or trendy Bamboo, you're sure to find a color and style in Hardwood flooring to fit your décor.
Which Hardwood Floor Do We Suggest
Real hardwood floors are simply unbeatable for performance, character, and value. Even though real hardwood floors are not cheap, they are gorgeous and will last a lifetime if well maintained. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting value, as hardwood floors are "Beauty that last a lifetime". Real hardwood floors can also be refinished many times without replacement whereas prefinished floors are very limited on refinishing.