Selecting the right type of flooring is a basic yet essential decision because it serves the foundation for all other aesthetic decisions in the home. While there are numerous flooring options available, such as carpet and terrazzo, hardwood is commonly regarded as the standard.

Hardwood flooring not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a home but also has excellent durability. With proper maintenance, they can remain in good condition for decades. The natural strength and resilience of hardwoods make them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. They be sanded and refinished several times over their lifetime, further prolonging their beauty and longevity.

Choosing hardwood flooring is not just a matter of how to choose hardwood floor colour because not all hardwood floors are the same. It helps to have some background knowledge if you intend to spruce up your home with wood flooring. Here are some of what you need to know before installing new flooring:

Take your lifestyle into account

Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in your choice of flooring. If you frequently host parties or have pets at home, your floor may be subjected to significant wear and tear.

Choosing a hardwood that is robust and resistant to scratches is necessary. You can check the Janka Hardness Scale rating of the wood to see its potential to last. Alternatively, seeking advice from a local flooring consultant is recommended to determine the most suitable type of solid wood flooring for your needs.

Your floors have to complement your home interior

To bring about a cohesive design, consider the interior fixtures of your home. You should ensure your furniture, cabinet trim work, door casing, and other design elements match the flooring style, texture, and colour. A general guideline is to choose darker wood for a sophisticated look and lighter wood for a modern vibe.

Additionally, lighting can impact the appearance of the flooring. Rooms with abundant natural light tend to look great with darker wood flooring, while lighter wood flooring can make rooms with less sunlight appear more spacious.

The material should suit the location

Specific locations have their own unique flooring needs. Some rooms may have higher humidity and temperature levels that are not ideal for all types of wood flooring. For instance, engineered wood flooring can be suitable for below-ground spaces, such as basements. On the other hand, solid wood is not recommended for such areas because the moisture from the ground can damage the material over time.

Determine the general climate in your area

Moisture can have a significant impact on hardwood flooring. Also consider that moisture content can change according to daily and seasonal variations in humidity and temperature. The optimal moisture content for wood flooring is between 4% MC to 13% MC, which may differ depending on your geographic location and the time of year.

It's essential to have a general understanding of your region's climate when installing new flooring. This may require the implementation of climate-control mechanisms such as HVAC systems, humidification or dehumidification systems, insulation, and specific construction methods to maintain an optimal environment for the hardwood flooring.

Your flooring choice has to match your budget

Hardwood flooring installation costs can be expensive. The total cost includes the initial installation, removal and disposal of old floors, and maintenance expenses.

Determining whether refurbishment would require the replacement of furniture and fixtures to match your new floors is another important step.

Ascertain the subfloor type

Subfloors can be made of concrete slabs, particle boards, or plywood. Depending on the type of subfloor, you can choose between an engineered or solid wood floor. Plywood is the most versatile subfloor since it works well with both solid wood and engineered wood floors.

If you have a subfloor made of particle board or concrete slabs, you will need to install plywood before installing either engineered or solid wood flooring.

Different species of wood have varying aesthetic appeal

Consider the species of wood, its unique features, and how it complements your lifestyle and aesthetics. The following are some of the commonly used species for flooring:

Oak – The two types of oak species used for flooring are red oak and white oak. Red oak is popular for flooring with moderate to heavy graining and pinkish-brown undertones, while white oak is harder, more durable, and has golden-grey undertones.

Maple – Maple is renowned as a hard species with pale creamy white colour and fine graining. Some maples may have small marks resembling an eye. Unfortunately, it requires conditioning before staining due to its hard and soft cell structures.

American Cherry – American cherry has a beautiful graining and a warm natural colour. It is a softer species that darkens with age to a deep reddish-brown colour.

Walnut – Walnut has straight graining and a chocolate brown colour, making it a popular choice. The domestic black walnut is softer, so some may prefer the Brazilian walnut flooring, which has a higher hardiness rating.

Hickory – Hickory is one of the hardest domestic species used for flooring, known for its natural colour variation and unusual graining, ranging from creamy whites to medium browns.

Finishing and staining can add depth to hardwood floors

Wood floors are highly attractive because of their natural beauty. However, they tend to stain and change colour over time, affecting their aesthetic appeal. The appropriate finishing and polishing can minimize this issue.

Hire professionals for quick and proper installation

Having the proper equipment, skills, and knowledge to install wooden flooring will allow you to do the task on your own. However, if you have none of these, you can save time, money, and effort by hiring professional craftsmen. They have the necessary knowhow, experience, and tools to carry out the job efficiently and safely, without damaging your other fixtures. If you decide to do it yourself, make absolute certain you know how to prepare a wood floor for installation.

Consider general maintenance and upkeep

Although hardwood floors are sturdy and long-lasting, they still require regular maintenance. When installed, a protective coating is applied to ensure its longevity, but it gradually fades and needs recoating. The frequency of recoating depends on the wear and tear the floor endures and how well it is maintained.

Proper cleaning includes vacuuming and sweeping. Mopping should be avoided as it can damage the finish with excess moisture. Use mild and safe cleaning products as recommended by the manufacturer.

If you’re not sure how to properly clean and maintain your hardwood floors, you can always hire a hardwood floor cleaner to do the job for you.

Ultimately, the most important factor when selecting and installing wood flooring is your personal preference and your needs. Seeking guidance from expert flooring providers can ensure that you choose and install the perfect flooring for your requirements. If you want to transform your home from average to spectacular, TEAM Hardwood Floor is the one for you! They offer a wide range of high-quality hardwood flooring in Toronto to suit your preference. Call now at 416-879-8266!

Things You Need to Know Before Installing Wooden Floors