Flooring is one of the most fundamental yet crucial considerations a homeowner must make while renovating their house since it serves as the foundation for everything else. While there are many various materials to choose from, such as carpet and terrazzo, one material stands out: hardwood. However, not all wood flooring is made equal, and picking the right type is more than just a matter of preference. A variety of different elements can influence the appearance and performance of a product.
Hard Flooring
Hardwood flooring was once only available in solid wood planks. Solid hardwood flooring is still commonly available today, but many businesses also provide engineered flooring, which consists of planks with a smaller top layer of hardwood linked to other layers to keep the floor from slipping during expansion and compression cycles. According to flooring experts, all wood actually moves in three directions: tangential, radial, and longitudinal movement. You create opposing pressures within the board with designed components to try to control the natural flow of the wood.
Find The Best Wood Type
Oak is the king of hardwood flooring in North America, and with good reason. It has been described as a highly robust wood that takes stain quite well. It also has a natural grain and is generally available throughout the region, resulting in low pricing. White oak is particularly popular in design circles since it lacks the reddish tones of red oak.
A popular option is walnut. It has a rich color and is slightly softer than oak, making it excellent for spaces that require a deeper finish. It is preferable to start with a natural material and add as little as possible to create the hue you desire. Other widely accessible North American hardwoods include hickory, cherry, maple, and ash, which he says is a good choice when you want “a deeper, warmer tone.” In terms of color and grain, the choice is mostly based on personal preference.
Know The Installation Method
To begin, figure out which process is appropriate for the floor you’ve chosen. Installation procedures differ depending on the breadth, thickness, and construction of the hardwood product, as well as where it is being installed. Solid hardwood flooring is often glued or stapled to a wood substrate. Depending on the product, engineered hardwood can be mechanically fixed, glued, or put as a “floating floor.”
Finish With Finishing Touches
The finishing elements can make or break the effectiveness of a professional-looking job. Flooring experts say that the last row may need lengthwise trimming of boards. When you are almost done, trace for contours to be cut and fitted according to the installation guide. Then, remove the spacers and attach trim and moldings.
Key Takeaway
Floorings are very various and that is the reason why this article is just a glimpse of how flooring works. The best way to learn more is to have your research done. There are professionals that can actually help you so that you can be guided on what design and what appropriate method is going to be done to your house.
