The importance of good hardwood flooring

Choosing an ideal hardwood flooring doesn't have to be challenging or daunting, especially if you're looking to floor an entire home. Once you consider your specific requirements and then match them to the materials and options available to you, you'll find they come together easily and quickly. For more information, read along here.

Solid wood floors are a beautiful addition to so many rooms in your home. If your home is hectic or you have pets or children, you'll want to choose a hard species such as oak, which offers all the durability you need in these areas. Adding a superior sealant and finish type complete your look as well as your protection, as finishes like hand-scraped or distressed work hiding signs of wear and damage.

If you have below-grade spaces where wood flooring is desired, be sure to consider engineered hardwood flooring as an excellent alternative. These products offer function well in areas that often experience dampness, moisture, humidity, and fluctuating temperature changes without taking on any water damage. They are constructed with layers of plywood to which a solid wood veneer is attached and topped with a wear layer for added protection against average daily traffic.

Both materials require acclimation before the installation process can ensure that the materials do not warp, peel, or buckle afterward. This process can take between one and three days, depending on the humidity level in your home and weather at installation time. Be sure to speak with a flooring professional about things you can do before the arrival of your installation team, such as making sure your HVAC unit is on and all valuables are removed from the rooms to be floored.