Your Guide To The Different Types Of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring might be the solution if you have recently purchased a new home and would like a more inviting atmosphere. Homeowners can choose from various styles and colors to match their décor. Due to being durable and beautiful, hardwood flooring has become the “in” thing to have in a place of business too. If anytime in the future you can see visible scratches and gouges, consider hardwood floor refinishing in Naperville.

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any property. There are many different types of hardwood flooring available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Hardwood floors can look spectacular, but like any flooring, you need to know about the different types to make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget. This guide will tell you about some of the most popular types of hardwood floors and how you can determine what is right for you.

TYPES OF HARDWOOD FLOORING

Hardwood flooring is an enthralling choice to add a ton of character while also maintaining a timeless appeal. The best type of hardwood flooring depends on what you want out of your home, how much money you can spend, and what kind of maintenance it requires.

LET’S DISCUSS THE TYPE OF HARDWOOD FLOORS

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

Engineered hardwood is a composite material that’s made up of two or more layers of different types of wood glued together in a particular pattern. They come in many different styles, including oversized plank designs, which are more expensive than other types. The grain pattern can be any shape or size depending on the design chosen by the manufacturer, and it can be made with a variety of species.

SOLID HARDWOOD

Solid hardwood has been formulated with a core layer made up of only one type of hardwood. This pattern looks and feels unique compared to other wood flooring materials. The grain pattern can be any shape or size depending on the design chosen by the manufacturer, and it can be made with a variety of species.

BAMBOO FLOORING

Bamboo is a popular choice among homeowners because it’s naturally resistant to pests and mold—so it’s perfect for those who want an eco-friendly option! It also has a more natural look than other types of wood flooring because its grain runs from end to end rather than just being cut into planks or boards. This makes it easier to maintain than other types of wood flooring and helps keep your space looking clean and fresh year-round.

LAMINATE FLOORING

Laminate flooring is made out of layers of wood veneer glued together with an adhesive under pressure applied by an industrial machine called a press brake. This type of flooring can be installed quickly and easily because it doesn’t require much work on your part other than installing. Laminate floors are also relatively inexpensive compared with other types of hardwood floors, so if you’re looking for something less expensive than hardwood without sacrificing quality or durability, then this may be the right choice for you.

CORK FLOORING

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It’s often used in homes that have high humidity levels or that are located near oceans or seaside towns where sea salt can get into the wood itself. Cork floors are also a great choice for homes with pets because they’re more resistant to scratches than other types of floors.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR BEFORE DECIDING THE RIGHT HARDWOOD FLOORING FOR YOU

Whether you’re looking to replace old hardwood floors or just want a new look, this guide will help you find the perfect one.

LOOK FOR THE VARIETY

You should make sure that you’re picking out the right kind of wood for your project. While most people think that all hardwood floors are created equal, there are several different types of flooring available, and each type has unique characteristics that make it perfect for certain spaces or situations. So before you commit yourself to installing hardwood flooring in any room of your house, take some time to look around at all of your options to find something that will work best for your space and lifestyle.

PICK A WOOD WITH A NICE COLOR AND GRAIN

One thing many people don’t realize when they decide on their choice of hardwood flooring is how important color is going to be when determining the type of floor. Consider the existing decor scheme to cherry-pick the right color shades for the flooring.

MAKE SURE THE WOOD IS DENSE AND STRAIGHT

Make sure the wood is dense and straight, or else it will not hold up well. You’ll want to look at both sides of each board before making your purchase so that you know whether or not they’re going to be fit for use as part of your flooring scheme, and if they aren’t, then it’s time to move on. 

BUDGET OF INSTALLING

Another thing that people should consider when purchasing their hardwood floors is their budget; not everyone has unlimited funds available, so you’ll have to determine how much money you want to spend on installing new flooring before making this big decision. 

FREE FROM PESTS

If you live in an area prone to termite infestation, make sure you double-check that your wood is pest-free before buying it. If there are pests on the wood, this can cause damage over time. Make sure that the quality of hardwood you choose should be processed pest-free so that it lasts long. Pest-free hardwood will save the money that will be wasted on changing it again and again over some time.

DURABILITY 

Always check the overall condition of the wood. There are certain species of wood that are better than others when it comes to durability, but they also tend to be more expensive. Make sure that the hardwood floor you purchase meets certain durability standards set by the manufacturer. You don’t want just any old flooring because it’s going to wear out quickly; you need something with longevity that will last for years.

HOW TO INSTALL HARDWOOD FLOORING PROPERLY

If you’re a seasoned DIYer, this might seem like a no-brainer. If you’ve ever installed carpeting, you know that it’s easy to do! But a hardwood flooring installation in Naperville is a bit more complicated than just pulling out your measuring tape and measuring for your first plank.

HERE’S A SEQUENCE FOR WOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION

ORDER HARDWOOD FLOORING FOR YOUR HOUSE

First things first, order your hardwood flooring. You can order online or at your local home improvement store, but it’s best to go with a reputable company that will guarantee quality products.

MAKE SURE YOUR FLOORING IS LEVEL

After you’ve decided to install hardwood floors in your house, the next step is to order the flooring. You’ll need to be sure that it’s level and free of any large gaps or cracks. It should also be free from any dirt or debris that could cause damage when you start installing.

MAKE SURE YOUR SUBFLOOR IS CLEAN AND DRY

Once you have determined that everything is ready for installation, you must ensure that your subfloor is clean and dry. This surface mustn’t contain any moisture or mold because it can pose a health risk if left untreated. 

ADD A MOISTURE BARRIER

Next, add a moisture barrier to protect your subfloor from moisture loss during installation. This can be done by using a product that creates an airtight seal between the subfloor and its surroundings.

LAY THE FLOORING

Lay down planks of hardwood flooring in one direction only. This will ensure that all boards are even with each other for a perfect look when finished. Don’t worry about how straight they are. You’ll be able to fix those imperfections later by using moldings around the edges.

TEST YOUR PLANKS

Before you start the installation, take your time and make sure that your planks are all true and straight. If they’re not, they’ll be crooked when you install them, which can make for a frustrating experience. You can test your planks by pulling on them with a screwdriver. If they stretch without breaking, then your planks are good to go!

CUT YOUR FIRST ROW TO LENGTH

Next, you need to cut your first row of planks to length. You’ll want each plank to be the same size so that when it’s laid down on top of the subfloor, it sits evenly without any gaps or unevenness in between each piece of wood.

LAY THE FIRST ROW OF HARDWOOD PLANKS IN PLACE

When laying out your floor planks, make sure they’re stacked evenly on top of each other so that there aren’t any gaps where water could pool down underneath them over time which would cause damage. You can use an old ruler or even a piece of cardboard as a guide if necessary.

SECURE THE PLANKS TO THE SUBFLOOR

Secure each plank to the subfloor by nailing it to its corresponding screw-head using an appropriately sized hammer and nails. You can use a nail gun if you want to make things easier, but it will take longer and is more expensive than using a hammer and nail set, which does not require any special tools.

NAIL DOWN THE REMAINING ROWS OR INSTALL THEM WITH A FLOOR-NAILING TOOL

First, make sure you’ve nailed down all of the rows. You can do this by putting a straightedge across your row and then marking every other board with a pencil. Or you can use a floor-nailing tool. Once your planks are securely fastened in place, start working on the remaining rows. You can also just nail them down by hand if you want.

EDGE JOINTS

Edge joints are cut using a table saw, or circular saw with a miter gauge set at 45 degrees. Cut the boards at right angles to each other so that they fit together perfectly without gaps or overlaps. Use a full-length piece of an exterior glue-up joint as a template for cutting your edge joints.

INSTALL MOLDING AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE ROOM 

Once they’re all in place and secured, install molding around your room’s perimeter and trim around doors and windows. This will help keep your hardwood floor looking beautiful for years to come.

MAKE ROOM FOR EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION

Make room for expansion and contraction by ripping out nails along the floor joists’ edge. This will allow room for the floor to expand and contract as it gets wet in different seasons.

SANDING AND STAIN

Sand all surfaces thoroughly with 100 grit sandpaper before applying stain or finish to give them an even appearance and make them easier to clean up later on when any spills happen. 

Well, the process looks pretty tough and time-consuming; thus, it’s suggested to hire professionals for genuine assistance. There are several firms present in the marketplace, and it is your responsibility to identify the right one considering your needs and demands. You can reach Big Bro Hardwood to get professional wood floor installation and refinishing services. 

Though different types of hardwood floors were discussed above, you need to pick the right one as per your desire. Always remember it is an investment and needs to be done flawlessly. The type of floor you choose must fit into both your financial budget and the overall interior design of your room.

While this is only a small overview, with so many options and the fact that hardwood flooring is not one size fits all, that’s why Big Bro Hardwood offers free on-site estimates to assist you in finding the perfect flooring solution, so you can rest assured that your next project will come out flawlessly. Besides, you can contact us for Hardwood floor refinishing in Northbrook and the surrounding areas. We do our tasks conscientiously and ensure to bring a rainbow smile to your face. Call (630) 418 4139.

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