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When renovating a home, you have to make many decisions. The purpose of all those decisions is to add to the beauty and style of your house in a cost-effective manner.
Choosing the right category of flooring is another
difficult decision to make. Although when renovating a house, the flooring is
the first thing that comes to the mind of the user, it still is the most
complex decision due to the limited options available.
The debate
on which flooring is the best is never-ending. If you have chosen hardwood,
then we have compiled a step-by-step process for choosing the right hardwood
and then installing it.
The process of installation of a hardwood floor needs
guidance and the input of a qualified installation service professional. However,
having an insight into the process and the science that goes behind it will
provide you a better understanding and make choosing an installation service
easier.
We know that the installation of a hardwood floor can
be a strenuous task. This is why it is important to find
out more before you go about installing the floor.
Step 1 - Points
to Consider
When choosing flooring option you need to be wary
about various factors. The factors can be both internal and external. The
residents of the house and your family should be your top priority before
choosing a hardwood floor.
Consider the needs of your family before making a
decision. Having pets around means that the hardwood floor is under the threat
of constant scratching by the long nails your pet has. Maintaining your pet
regularly and ensuring that the animal is well kept is an important aspect that
you need to consider.
Another factor is the presence of babies or toddlers
in the house. A disturbed sleep cycle can affect the health of the young ones.
We all know how easily distracted a young toddler can be while sleeping, a
sudden light or sound is enough for waking the baby.
The addition of underlayment products in a hardwood
floor provides a base and extra insulation to the floor, this limits the noise
in the house and ensures that the baby does not wake up by a slight sound on
the floor above.
Step 2 - Study
the Options
Once you are perfectly sure about your need for the
hardwood flooring, the next step is to choose the right type of flooring.
Now, this is where the challenge lies; in order to
choose the right hardwood flooring, you need to be perfectly sure about the
specifics that you are looking
for.
Selecting between Solid or
Engineered Flooring
Like all other home appliances, the flooring has also
been subject to technological upgrades.
Traditionally, users choose thick planks of solid
timber as hardwood flooring. However, we have numerous engineering companies that
add a thinner top layer of hardwood that’s bonded with other layers. It prevents
the movement of hardwood from expansion and contraction during seasonal changes.
However, despite the added insulation, some homeowners
still prefer using solid wood because of its more comfortable and quieter
nature.
Choose the Type of Finish
There are two types of finishes available: Oil and
Polyurethane. Both finishes have their own look and effects.
Oil adds a more sophisticated look to the flooring in
addition to penetrating the wood. Polyurethane creates a top coat on the
surface of the wood, acting as a deterrent to the regular wear and tear that
other flooring go through.
The Wood types
Although you may find many options, Oak and Walnut are
the kings of hardwood flooring in the US.
Oak is popular for the durability it offers and for making
the floor of the house look aesthetically pleasing. Walnut is a popular choice
because of its deep color, making it suitable for rooms where a darker finish
is required.
Picking a Pattern and
Determining Plank Width
Picking the grain pattern is the result of the options
available due to the variety in log-cutting styles. Logs are cut primarily in
three different ways: Plain-Sawn, Quarter- Sawn, and Rift- Sawn. All styles of
log cutting produce a different result and texture.
Home décor experts believe that there is no good or
bad texture amongst these three. It is the application of these textures,
however, that makes it fit the look of your house.
Determining the plank width requires an accurate
understanding of the style that you want to depict. Usually, hardwood flooring
has a plank size of two to three-inch strips. However, exceeding the norm is now
considered as a sign of luxury.
Step 3 -
Installation
Once you have finalized the type and texture of your
hardwood flooring, the next step is installing it.
The installation process depends upon the type of
hardware flooring being installed. A step-by-step guide will help you
understand the process of installation
The Installation Method
The first step is to determine the method of
installation. Installation techniques vary depending on the dimensions of the
hardware product.
Hardwood flooring might need to be stapled or glued to
a wooden subfloor, whereas engineered flooring can be mechanically fastened and
glued.
The installation of a floor requires precise DIY
knowledge and experience. Remember that you have spent a fortune investing on
these hardwood floors and a slight mistake can turn out to be very costly.
Acclimatize the Floor
It is necessary that the wood acclimatizes to the
climate of your room. To ensure this, move the packaged boards into the room
and allow the moisture on the wood to adjust to the conditions of the room.
Additionally, monitor the humidity in the room because
moisture in the air often leads to movement within the hardwood. A humidity level
between 35-55% is ideal in this regard.
Prepare Your Space and Install
It is good to be confident in your abilities but a
flash of overconfidence can lay all the hard work to waste. This is why we
recommend watching a tutorial before
going about installing the hardwood.
Hardwood can be installed over existing flooring. Before
you proceed, you need to ensure that all surrounding doors can still open once
the flooring is installed.
Install the flooring using the manual instructions,
begin by rolling out the underlayment, and use it to bond the layers of
hardwood. The process can be a lengthy one and hence, needs patience and focus.
Once done, apply the finishing touches by tracing for
contours that can be cut and fit according to the instructions of the
installation guide.