Hardwood floors are one of the most durable surfaces that may be installed in homes or commercial establishments. They add warmth and value to any decor and are well-suited for high traffic areas. Hardwoods may be installed in areas that are also suitable for tile and stone.
When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last 50 years or longer. They come in two different types, solid hardwoods and engineered hardwoods. Solid hardwood flooring is manufactured in planks from solid pieces of wood. This type, however, is prone to shrinkage and expansion due to excessive moisture and temperature changes, making solid wood floors unsuitable for areas with high humidity. They also must be nailed to wooden substrates and cannot be installed over old flooring or bare concrete.
Engineered hardwood floors are made from layers of wood pressed together over a layer of plywood. This under layer improves the performance of the wood, making it less prone to warping and size changes. Engineered wood flooring also has a greater variety of installation options. Thinner varieties can be nailed down, but thicker kinds may be installed as floating floors, allowing placement over concrete and old flooring as long as the surface is level.
Hardwoods may be installed almost anywhere in a building. Here are some of the most popular locations.
Entryways and Hallways
These two building locations experience frequent high-volume traffic. In addition, entryways are magnets for outside dirt. Hardwood floors clean up easily with an appropriate cleaner. Consider plank flooring for entryways and foyers. Another option for hallways are hardwood flooring tiles.
Screened Porches
Not often thought of as area for hardwood installation, screened porches lend themselves well to engineered flooring. Hardwood floor tiles are a good option here, providing warmth and beauty and an inexpensive price.
Stairs
The repeated high impact of walking up and down steps makes stairs an excellent location for hardwood floors. Consider hardwoods that are made exclusively for stairs to increase durability and lessen long-term wear.
Kitchens
Few areas in homes take more punishment than the kitchen. Tables shift, chairs skid across the flooring surface while food and liquids are often dropped. Choose a hardwood with an acrylic coating to protect against accidental spills as well as to provide easier cleaning.
Bathrooms
Hardwood floors feel warmer to the touch than tile or stone. Engineered types, which are better able to withstand humidity are a good choice for bathrooms where people often walk in their bare feet.
