Mississauga Quality Hardwood Flooring Store
So you’ve decided to redo your floors. You’ve been going back and forth and have done all the research and have finally decided that you want hardwood flooring. Wonderful! But before you get started that are a few things you need to know about installing that beautiful hardwood flooring. Decor Floors Mississauga wants to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want and that it will be installed correctly.
The Type of Wood Matters
Now we know that not all wood is the same, but the type of wood that you choose will determine not just the look of your home, but the maintenance and durability of your floors as well. The most common options when choosing a hardwood floor are cherry, walnut, maple, and oak. Each of these woods comes with its own set of unique colors and grain patterns. You can check out the Decor Floors website to see the variety of hardwood flooring that we carry.
Engineered and Solid Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to hardwood there are two kinds, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is just that, one solid piece of wood, it is also considered to be more authentic. Engineered hardwood is made up of numerous layers of plywood and then topped with a hardwood veneer. Engineered hardwood is also more stable and moisture resistant which allows it to be used in spaces where natural hardwood isn’t, such as basements.
Finances
Hardwood ranges in price and in its natural state can be a little costly. It is important that you give yourself a budget before shopping for your hardwood flooring. Things that can affect the cost of your hardwood flooring are quality, the type of wood, and how it needs to be installed. It is important to note that hardwood flooring is an investment and will add value to your home, that will last for a long time with the proper maintenance and care.
Preparation
Before installing your new hardwood floor there needs to be a little preparation to your subfloor. Your subfloor needs to be clean, dry, and level. If there are any irregularities with your subfloor it can lead to issues with your new hardwood floor, such as gaps, squeaks, and unevenness. Your subfloor may also require an extra layer of moisture barrier or underlayment.
The Acclimation Period
Wood is a natural material, which means that it will expand and contract depending on the temperature and humidity. If you want to avoid any buckling or warping, your hardwood floor will need to acclimate to the environment in which it is being placed. This can easily be done by placing the wood in the room it is to be installed in for a minimum of three days. This allows the wood enough time to achieve the average contraction or expansion conducive to the environment.
Installation Types
There are three different ways to install your hardwood flooring. There is nail-down, glue-down, or floating. Which method you use depends on the type of wood you have chosen and what your subfloor is like. Nail-down is typically used for solid hardwood flooring, whereas glue-down and floating are often used with engineered hardwood flooring. When it comes to installing your hardwood flooring you don’t have to worry because our experienced expert installers at Decor Floors Mississauga are here for you.
Maintenance and Care
If you want your hardwood flooring to look its best and to last for years to come, proper maintenance and care are essential. Purchasing area rugs or using felt protectors on your furniture will help in preserving your beautiful hardwood floor and prevent any scratches. Cleaning often with a broom and microfibre mop will also help keep those hardwood floors shining.
Choosing hardwood flooring is a big decision but it is also a worthwhile investment into your home. Hardwood flooring adds beauty, elegance, and class. If you are thinking about incorporating hardwood flooring into your home please come and see our friendly, professional, exceptional staff at Decor Floors. Come and visit our Mississauga showroom and see the variety that we have to offer. We can’t wait to hear from you!