The decision to have hardwood flooring installed can be a daunting one. There are so many factors to consider, such as the maintenance required, the color options, the type of wood, and even the acoustics. This article will look at five facts you should know about hardwood flooring to help you make the right choice.
Prefinished vs on-site
Prefinished vs. on-site hardwood flooring can be a confusing debate. The quality of the on-site finish is only sometimes as good as the factory finish. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to minimize damage.
For example, a site-finished floor is much more durable than an unfinished one. This is not only due to the material’s quality but also the installer’s skill. If your floors are installed by an experienced professional, they will look better than they are. Similarly, the finish is likely to be damaged if you have pets or children.
Colors available
Hardwood flooring like hardwood flooring Ramsey NJ comes in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose from warm or cool tones. These can help bring out the best in your home.
When choosing a color for your flooring, choosing a shade that complements your current decor is essential. Dark colors are more suited to traditional styles, while lighter shades are more forgiving.
One of the last few years’ most popular hardwood floor colors is grey. This is a good choice if you want a neutral floor with minimal maintenance. It’s also a good way to bring light into a room.
Grain patterns
Grain patterns of hardwood flooring add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. They can also improve your furniture’s appearance and increase your property’s resale value.
Different wood species bring unique grain patterns that are influenced by their size, pore size, and tree type. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences.
Wood grain is also affected by the tree’s strength, site environment, and mechanical influences. A hardwood with a solid structure is a good choice.
Open-grain hardwoods have a more coarse texture. Closed-grain hardwoods have a finer texture. Closed-grained hardwoods can work well in a polished or airy environment.
Janka ratings
The Janka scale is a common benchmark used in the hardwood industry to judge the quality of different types of wood. It measures how well a given species can resist scratching, bending, and denting. However, it doesn’t count the overall performance of a floor, which includes factors such as longevity and repairability.
The Janka rating isn’t necessarily the most efficient way to determine the durability of a wood species. Several other measures are more accurate, like the ASTM D1037 test, which the American Society created for Testing and Materials in 1972.
While the Janka scale has been around for decades, it still serves as a helpful indicator of the durability of wood flooring. A higher rating indicates a harder wood. Also, lower ratings indicate a softer wood.
Improves acoustics
If you want to improve the acoustics of hardwood floors, there are a few ways you can go about it. The first is to use acoustic underlayment. This material is made of recycled fiber materials and can be layered over subflooring. It will help to reduce echoes and add extra cushioning.
Another way to reduce sound is to install carpet pads or acoustical mats. These can be placed under the underlayment or directly on top of it. They also absorb vibrations and help to deaden the sounds.
Another great option is to install a floating floor. This method uses no adhesives or fasteners and has a gap between the floor and the walls.
Maintenance
There are several ways to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. The trick is to clean them with the right tools and techniques. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners these days.
With regular care, your floor can last for a lifetime. However, keeping your floors looking their best takes time and effort.
Hardwood floors are one of the most durable and eco-friendly flooring options available. But they can deteriorate if you are not careful. Here are five tips for maintaining your floor.
First, keep the humidity levels in your home around 45 to 65 percent. This will help reduce wood shrinkage during the winter months.
