Red oak, maple, cherry, walnut, ash, mahogany, and cedar are merely some of the hardwood floor options that add classic elegance to homes. They come in light to dark shades and rank on the Janka Hardness Scale as either hard or softwoods. If you are considering this versatile flooring option as part of a new construction or remodeling project, take a moment to broaden your hardwood education.

What You Need to Know About Hardwood Floors

How long does installation typically take?

Installation usually takes between 10 to 15 days. The first seven days concern acclimation—or exposing the wood to your home’s humidity. Hardwood that’s too dry absorbs moisture from the subfloor and air to expand, while wet hardwood installed in a dry home promotes plank shrinkage and gaps.

Most hardwood flooring contractors install between 750 and 1,000 square feet of wood per day, with some installing over 1,500 feet daily. The complexity of the job also affects the project duration, such as installing hardwood on stairs, around a fireplace, and in tight corners. Once installed, the flooring receives up to three coats of polyurethane coating as a protective finish. Both plank installation and finish application can take up to three days.

Can you use it in every room?

Solid hardwoods work best in low-humidity spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, dens, bedrooms, and hallways. Engineered hardwoods feature layers of wood glued together to create resilient flooring that applies to kitchen, basement, and even bathroom settings. Like solid hardwoods, they can be glued, nailed, or stapled; however, engineered flooring also “floats” on top of subfloors, such as basement concrete.

What about maintenance?

Wood is among the easiest flooring to maintain with weekly sweeping or vacuuming. It is a hypoallergenic material that does not collect allergens or require periodic deep cleaning. For hardwood floors that last, schedule refinishing every seven to 10 years. Sanding and refinishing services remove scratches and restore the polyurethane.

You can also prevent scratches by using furniture pads, walking in socks only, and keeping pets off of the flooring or using nail caps. Dog claws are especially detrimental to wood flooring because they don’t retract.

What benefits do the floors provide?

Hardwood floors endure for decades with the right care, which does not involve a lot of time or effort. They contribute to healthy indoor air and reduce asthma and allergy flare-ups thanks to hypoallergenic properties, while adding timeless beauty to your home. The floors also increase the value of your residence since many buyers desire them over other materials. Since wood is a renewable resource, this flooring is an eco-friendly new construction or remodeling choice.

If hardwood floors are perfect for your home, review the selection at Gene’s Floor Covering II. Serving the Gulf Coast region of Alabama for over 30 years, these specialists work with you through every step of the design and installation process. Call (251) 968-6456 today to schedule a free in-home estimate, or view the wood flooring collection online.