Are you ready to upgrade the look and feel of your home with stunning hardwood floors? Choosing and installing hardwood floors can transform the ambiance and aesthetic of any room, bringing a sense of warmth and elegance as no other flooring option can.

Whether you’re embarking on a home renovation project or just want to switch things up in your living space, hardwood floors are definitely the way to go! And this blog post is your comprehensive guide to choosing and installing hardwood floors.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Choose Your Hardwood Flooring

When choosing hardwood flooring, there are many factors to consider, such as the wood species, grade, and finish. Here’s a breakdown of each of these factors:

• Species: The species of wood you choose will determine the colour, grain pattern, and hardness of your hardwood floors. Some popular hardwood floor options include oak, maple, hickory, and cherry.
• Grade: The grade of wood refers to the appearance of the wood, including knots, grain patterns, and colour variations. There are several different grades to choose from, including clear, select, and common.
• Finish: The finish of your hardwood floors will impact the overall look and durability of the floors. Some popular finishes include matte, satin, and gloss.

Measure Your Space

Before installing your hardwood floors, you must measure your space to determine how much flooring you need.

To do this, measure the length and width of each room and multiply the two numbers together to get the square footage. Be sure to add an extra 10% to your total to account for waste.

Prepare Your Subfloor

Before installing your hardwood floors, you need to prepare your subfloor. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. You may need to use a levelling compound to even it out if it’s not level.

Related Article: 5 Reasons Why Hardwood Flooring Will Revamp Your Home!

Acclimate Your Hardwood Flooring

Before installing your hardwood floors, you must acclimate the wood to the room where it will be installed. This means allowing the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room. Leave the wood in the room for at least 72 hours before installation.

Install Your Hardwood Floors

Several methods exist for installing hardwood floors, including nail-down, glue-down, and floating. The method you choose will depend on the type of hardwood flooring you have chosen and the condition of your subfloor.

• Nail-Down: This method involves nailing the hardwood planks to the subfloor using a pneumatic nail gun.
• Glue-Down: This method involves gluing the hardwood planks directly to the subfloor using a special adhesive.
• Floating: This method involves laying the hardwood planks over a foam underlayment, then laid over the subfloor. The planks are not attached to the subfloor but lock together using a tongue-and-groove system.

Finish Your Hardwood Floors

Once your hardwood floors are installed, you need to finish them. This involves sanding the floors to remove any rough spots or imperfections, then applying a finish to protect the wood and enhance its beauty. There are several different finishes to choose from, including oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane.

Tips for the indecisive ones: How to Choose Hardwood Floors

If you still need to decide which hardwood flooring to choose, there are a few other factors to consider.

• If you have pets, choose a harder wood species that can withstand scratches and wear and tear. If you have children or live in a high-traffic area, choose a more durable finish.
• Consider the environmental impact of the hardwood flooring you choose. Look for hardwood flooring that is sustainably sourced and certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
• Remember that this is a job best left to the professionals. While you may be tempted to save money and install the floors yourself, improper installation can lead to a host of problems, such as buckling, warping, and squeaking. By hiring a professional hardwood flooring installer, you can ensure your floors are installed properly and will last for years to come.

Finally, once your hardwood floors are installed, it’s important to care for them properly. This means cleaning them regularly with a hardwood floor cleaner, avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can damage the finish. Additionally, consider placing felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.

Related Article: The Cost of Engineered Hardwood Floor Installation: Factors to Consider

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing and installing hardwood floors can be a great way to transform the look and feel of your home.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and working with a professional installer, you can ensure your hardwood floors are installed properly and will look beautiful for years.

On our end of the deal, we at Three Trees Flooring are offering our high-quality catalogue of hardwood floors for your home and office space. Look through our online hardwood flooring store today.