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Hardwood floors offer many benefits. They are attractive, easy to clean, offer a lovely shine that compliments any room, and will last far longer than any carpet. They go with any decor, can be dressed with any area rug, and will increase your home’s value. Making the decision to put hardwood floors in your home isn’t difficult. Choosing the flooring can be more complicated. Here are tips on how to choose a hardwood floor.
Pre-finished Flooring:
Choosing pre-finished flooring eliminates the steps of sanding, staining, sanding, staining, sanding and applying polyurethane. The floor comes pre-finished, usually with a high quality polyurethane lacquer that is designed to hold up for many years. To allow for this pre-installation application of stain and lacquer, the edges of the boards have to be beveled. This beveled edge can not typically be felt when you are walking on the floors with bare feet. Most people do not notice the beveling once the floor is installed. There are two big downsides to the prefinished flooring. One is that dirt can get stuck in the beveling, making cleaning a little more difficult. The other challenge is that you will have a limited selection of colors to choose from.
Unfinished Flooring:
When you choose unfinished flooring, you will be choosing flooring that has no factory finish on it. The edges will not be beveled, and the process of finishing the floors will finish off the edges for a completely flat, smooth surface. The great benefit of unfinished wood floors is that you will be able to choose whatever shade of stain you like. There is no limit to the stains you can choose, and you can then top it with your choice of a satin or glossy finish. The great disadvantage to unfinished floors is that you will have to finish them.
Finishing wood flooring is not a project for amateurs. Working the sander can be tricky, with the risk of leaving gouges and damage to the wood. Applying the stain can be challenging as there is the risk of leaving overlap marks, dark spots and light areas. Throughout every step, especially applying the stain and polyurethane, all traces of dust must be completely removed.
If you are experienced at staining and finishing furniture, and have even stained flooring before, unfinished flooring may be a good choice for you. However, if you do not have any experience at finishing wood products you may want to go with the pre-finished flooring. Your wood floor is an investment in your home. Making the right choice can ensure that you choose the right product for your home.
What else can I help you with?
Should you use Prefinished or Unfinished Wood Flooring?
Depends on the application really. The prefinished hardwood they are making now is fabulous. I would say, unless you are restoring a historic property, or have a reason to use unfinished, go with the prefinished. You wont have the mess, it will be done quickly, no fumes. No moving everything out at once, you can go one room at a time.Wife of a flooring contractor
What is the difference between prefinished and unfinished flooring?
The factory seals the prefinished hardwood floor with many coats of finish. Aluminum oxide, the second hardest substance after diamond, is commonly used in finish coats to produce a long-lasting protective finish.
Is pergo laminate flooring cheaper than hardwood flooring?
Pergo flooring is usually more affordable than hardwood. Here's a link to a website that lists the many differences between pergo flooring and hardwood. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5880675_pergo-vs_-hardwood.html
Whats the differences between natural wood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring?
The difference between natural flooring and engineered flooring is that natural flooring is not altered, in the manner that engineeered wood is altered.
How much weight can hardwood flooring support between joists?
Typically you would not put hardwood flooring directly over the joists. You should first put down a subfloor.
What are the key differences between real hardwood and fake hardwood flooring options?
Real hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks, while fake hardwood flooring, also known as laminate flooring, is made from composite materials with a printed image of wood grain on top. Real hardwood is more durable and can be refinished multiple times, while fake hardwood is less expensive and easier to maintain. Additionally, real hardwood adds value to a home and has a unique, natural look, while fake hardwood may not have the same authenticity or longevity.
Do I need a moisture barrier if it is above grade hardwood flooring?
Yes, as the barrier will help prevent water from getting to the floor and causing damage. Install the barrier between the subfloor and hardwood flooring.
Can I match pre existing hardwood flooring to something I purchase and install today?
It is possible to match old hardwood flooring to your new one. However, there is always a possibility that the flooring would not align perfectly and leave small gaps between the slats.
How do you do the transition from tile to hardwood floors?
Most hardwood flooring stores sell "T" shaped molding that installs between the last board and the tiles. This spans the gap between the two different flooring types. Works best when the tile and the hardwood is at the same height. If the hardwood is much higher there is reducers as well. Check sites like www.lumberliquidators.com they sell all mentioned molding in various wood species to match your flooring.
How can I create a smooth and seamless transition from hardwood flooring to tile in my home?
To create a smooth and seamless transition from hardwood flooring to tile in your home, you can use a transition strip or threshold. These can be installed between the two types of flooring to create a clean and polished look while also providing a smooth transition for walking between the two surfaces.
What are some different kinds of hardwood flooring?
Some different kinds of hardwood flooring include Solid Wood Floors and Engineered Wood Floors. You can learn more about the differences between the two types online at the Woodfloors Organization website.
How to Choose Between Hardwood and Laminate Flooring?
If you’re in the market to purchase new flooring for your home and are interested in wood floors, you’ll be faced with the choice between real hardwood flooring or laminate. While it may seem that choosing real hardwood is the smart choice, there are some things to consider that can make the decision more difficult. The most important factor in choosing between the different types of flooring is your budget. Hardwood floors are many times more expensive than laminate flooring. If you are on a tight budget, you can get the look of a hardwood floor by purchasing a laminate floor. In the past, it was easy to tell the difference between laminate wood floors and true hardwood, but with newer manufacturing processes, it can be difficult to tell the difference from appearances alone. Next, you have to consider where you want to install the floor. Hardwood floors need to be nailed or glued into place, making them difficult and expensive to install over cement slabs. Also, if you are installing hardwood flooring into areas that have a lot of moisture like bathrooms or kitchens, hardwood flooring can warp from the water. On the other hand, laminate flooring can be placed on top of any subsurface. Laminate flooring is installed in such a way that it floats over the existing subsurface, making it easy to install and remove. Laminate floors are also more durable than hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors wear down over the years and can scratch and lose their polish. After several years, the hardwood will need to be refinished in order to bring back its original luster and appearance. In addition, hardwood flooring can fade in sunlight. Laminate floors are very durable and resist scratching and impact dents. Not only this, but they will never fade and never need refinishing. Finally, laminate floors are very easy to maintain. All that they require is a quick mopping from time to time. If you have children who are prone to make messes in the house, laminate flooring may make it easier to maintain a clean home. Before you decide on the material for your new, wood flooring, consider the benefits and negatives to both flooring options so that you can install the flooring that is right for your circumstances.
