What You Need to Know about Hardwood Flooring

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What You Need to Know about Hardwood Flooring

Posted On : Mar-31-2011 | seen (681) times | Article Word Count : 630 |

Just about everyone wants a wood floor in their home, as this natural flooring has many wonderful qualities about it. It's easy to maintain and only requires regular dusting and vacuuming,

Why Choose Wood Floors

Just about everyone wants a wood floor in their home, as this natural flooring has many wonderful qualities about it. It's easy to maintain and only requires regular dusting and vacuuming, unlike other types of flooring that needs to be scrubbed, mopped or deep cleaned. Wood floors are also the preferred choice in terms of health, as this type of flooring doesn't trap mold, dust mites or pesticides. Instead, hardwood flooring leads to a healthier environment and cleaner air, a real benefit for those that suffer from allergies or asthma.

Types of Wood Floors

There are two types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered. Solid wood flooring is made from solid constructed wood and measures at ¼" to 25/32". Engineered wood on the other hand, is made from products constructed in layers. These layers have the grains alternating in different directions, giving the floor increased strength and stability. This type of wood is also measured in plys, with most being 3 to 5 ply. Engineered wood is generally used in areas where solid wood cannot be installed, such as in basements.

So how do you know which type of floor to install? Engineered flooring has an advantage because it can be installed in any room, with no difference between on-grade, above-grade or below-grade installations. It can be nailed down, glued down or stapled down, as well as floated over existing flooring, much like laminate. Solid wood can only be nailed or glued down and is not recommended for below-grade applications.

Styles of Wood Floors

In addition to the types, there are also different styles of hardwood flooring. The first is strip, which features a tongue-and-groove construction. These selections fit together using tongues and grooves and can be made in solid or engineered choices, as well as in prefinished or finished woods. Second is plank, which is similar to the strip style, except for the width. It starts at 3" and goes up by 1" increments. The last style of flooring is parquet, which is where various patterns and designs are fitted together to form the wood floor.

Where to Install Wood Floors

When determining where you'd like to install hardwood flooring, you'll want to consider which rooms will benefit from it. Basically any room that doesn't have a full bath can have wood floors installed, especially family rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. If you choose to install wood floors below-grade, such as in a basement, you'll need to go with engineered wood. Otherwise, there are few limitations, giving you plenty of freedom to upgrade and remodel your home.

Furthermore, because most new wood floors have a urethane finish on them, they stand up well to regular use and can be placed in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and foyers. If durability is your number one concern, look for finished wood selections that have coats of polyurethane or aluminum oxide applied. This coating makes the floor more tough and durable. To offer additional floor protection, use area rugs and floor mats.

Are Wood Floors Worth the Price?

Hardwood flooring has a reputation for being expensive, but the value is well worth it. In fact, realtors agree that homes with hardwood floors sell better and get more money than homes that are carpeted. Wood floors also retain their value and can be refinished; making them the only type of flooring that never has to be replaced. In order to keep the floors in their best condition, it's important to use a wood cleaner on occasion and do regular sweeping and vacuuming. Of course, always check with the warranty, as some wood cleaners void this. Never wet mop your wood floors either, as water and wood don't mix.

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<h1>What You Need to Know about Hardwood Flooring</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Gina H Hopkins.aspx'>Gina H Hopkins</a> Why Choose Wood Floors

Just about everyone wants a wood floor in their home, as this natural flooring has many wonderful qualities about it. It's easy to maintain and only requires regular dusting and vacuuming, unlike other types of flooring that needs to be scrubbed, mopped or deep cleaned. Wood floors are also the preferred choice in terms of health, as this type of flooring doesn't trap mold, dust mites or pesticides. Instead, hardwood flooring leads to a healthier environment and cleaner air, a real benefit for those that suffer from allergies or asthma.

Types of Wood Floors

There are two types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered. Solid wood flooring is made from solid constructed wood and measures at ¼" to 25/32". Engineered wood on the other hand, is made from products constructed in layers. These layers have the grains alternating in different directions, giving the floor increased strength and stability. This type of wood is also measured in plys, with most being 3 to 5 ply. Engineered wood is generally used in areas where solid wood cannot be installed, such as in basements.

So how do you know which type of floor to install? Engineered flooring has an advantage because it can be installed in any room, with no difference between on-grade, above-grade or below-grade installations. It can be nailed down, glued down or stapled down, as well as floated over existing flooring, much like laminate. Solid wood can only be nailed or glued down and is not recommended for below-grade applications.

Styles of Wood Floors

In addition to the types, there are also different styles of hardwood flooring. The first is strip, which features a tongue-and-groove construction. These selections fit together using tongues and grooves and can be made in solid or engineered choices, as well as in prefinished or finished woods. Second is plank, which is similar to the strip style, except for the width. It starts at 3" and goes up by 1" increments. The last style of flooring is parquet, which is where various patterns and designs are fitted together to form the wood floor.

Where to Install Wood Floors

When determining where you'd like to install hardwood flooring, you'll want to consider which rooms will benefit from it. Basically any room that doesn't have a full bath can have wood floors installed, especially family rooms, bedrooms and kitchens. If you choose to install wood floors below-grade, such as in a basement, you'll need to go with engineered wood. Otherwise, there are few limitations, giving you plenty of freedom to upgrade and remodel your home.

Furthermore, because most new wood floors have a urethane finish on them, they stand up well to regular use and can be placed in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and foyers. If durability is your number one concern, look for finished wood selections that have coats of polyurethane or aluminum oxide applied. This coating makes the floor more tough and durable. To offer additional floor protection, use area rugs and floor mats.

Are Wood Floors Worth the Price?

Hardwood flooring has a reputation for being expensive, but the value is well worth it. In fact, realtors agree that homes with hardwood floors sell better and get more money than homes that are carpeted. Wood floors also retain their value and can be refinished; making them the only type of flooring that never has to be replaced. In order to keep the floors in their best condition, it's important to use a wood cleaner on occasion and do regular sweeping and vacuuming. Of course, always check with the warranty, as some wood cleaners void this. Never wet mop your wood floors either, as water and wood don't mix.
About the Author: Gina Hopkins writes about different home renovation tips and the latest on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flooringamerica.com/hardwood.aspx">Flooring America</a>, out of St. Louis, MO. Always looking for the best bargain on renovation materials, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flooringamerica.com/hardwood.aspx">Hardwood Flooring</a> she tends to end up shopping at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flooringamerica.com/">http://www.flooringamerica.com</a> more often than not.
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Gina Hopkins writes about different home renovation tips and the latest on Flooring America, out of St. Louis, MO. Always looking for the best bargain on renovation materials, Hardwood Flooring she tends to end up shopping at http://www.flooringamerica.com more often than not.

Keywords : Hardwood Flooring,

Category : Home and Family : Interior Design

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