Hardwood is an incredibly popular flooring choice, and for good reason. It is a classic, versatile flooring type that will instantly elevate the look of a room. It can also offer incredible longevity—by learning the ins and outs of product selection, preparation, installation, and maintenance, you can have hardwood flooring that lasts for generations.
Which type of hardwood should I choose?
There are a lot of hardwood options out there, so with a little legwork, you can find a product that meets your needs and complements the unique characteristics of your space. It is crucial to find a reliable retailer who can help you consider factors such as wood type, colour, durability, cost, and placement, as different products will perform better in different environments. If you are looking for flooring to go below grade or on concrete, for example, you will need to opt for engineered hardwood.
I chose my hardwood flooring, now what?
Bringing hardwood floors into your home starts with prepping your space and the wood itself. You need to ensure proper air conditioning and heating systems are working, as you should have optimal temperature and humidity levels—see the manufacturer’s suggestions for your product—for 14 days prior to installation as well as during and after. You should also ensure that the difference between the moisture content of the subfloor and that of the wood does not exceed 2%.
Before hardwood is installed, it needs to be properly acclimated to its new environment. Letting the wood sit in the installation site for at least 72 hours allows it to adjust to the room’s humidity levels and temperature. This stops the wood from shrinking or expanding after it’s installed, which can lead to spaces between boards or buckling.
When it’s time to lay your hardwood, using a professional installer is generally recommended. If you choose the do-it-yourself route, make sure you use the specific manufacturer’s guide for your product, rather than generic instructions.
What’s the best way to take care of my hardwood floors?
A few simple steps go a long way in preserving the beauty and resilience of your floors. Apply felt pads to the feet of your furniture, for example, to protect your floor from scratches. Encourage people to wipe, or better yet remove, their shoes before walking on the flooring to guard against dirt and marks. It’s also important to keep your pets nails trimmed, as long claws can scratch and damage floors.
You can maintain your floors by sweeping them with a soft, clean, dry brush on a regular basis. Every once in a while, clean the wood with a damp (but not wet) cloth or mop and then quickly dry it off with a clean towel. Never swill your floors with a wet mop or a bucket of water.
We can help
When done right, investing in hardwood can imbue your home with elegance and increase its value. At Prestige Flooring, our team of dedicated professionals is committed to working with you to attain the best hardwood flooring for you and your space—from product selection to professional installation services, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Look at our Hardwood Flooring page for more information, or come in to Prestige Flooring & Hardwood in Saskatoon.