Flooring

Wood flooring can add a great traditional touch to any home. For an addition of class and traditional value, hardwood flooring is one of the best avenues. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can add tremendous value to a residence, while also creating an elegance that is hard to equal. Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade. Finding the best kind of flooring can be a little daunting, but the process is very much worth the time. Although carpet is definitely an alternative, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that pushes up home values like nothing else.

The first step to take is to assess the value that hardwood can add to the home. Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction. High humidity is also a real issue when it comes to hardwoods. Excess moisture can wick up from the subfloor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling over time. Crowning and cupping are common problems for wood flooring exposed to moisture. When a floor crowns or cups, it bows out of shape, most frequently in the middle of the floor. This can result in a floor that must be replaced or sanded down to restore its level surface.

Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the right choice for you as a homeowner, there are many options from which to select. Maple and oak are typically seen in older homes, while cedar is a species that provides a more relaxed feel. A higher gloss finish will produce a shinier surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a darker atmosphere. The thickness of the boards is also an important factor in selecting the right wood flooring product. Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.

Moisture is a big problem for hardwood flooring. Avoid contact with moisture wherever possible, and clean up spills promptly. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation. Clean up spills on the wood flooring immediately in order to prevent eventual warping and cracking. If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, the finish of the flooring needs to be redone. Protect your investment, and wood flooring will maintain its value for generations.