We are answering some FAQs about hardwood flooring to help anyone trying to learn about this wonderful flooring option.
Hardwood flooring remains one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to add warmth, beauty, and value to their spaces. With its natural elegance and durability, hardwood can transform any room into a sophisticated and welcoming environment. However, choosing hardwood flooring comes with many questions about types, maintenance, costs, and longevity. Here, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring to help you make an informed decision for your home.
What Types of Hardwood Flooring Are Available?
Hardwood flooring comes in two main types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.
- Solid Hardwood: This type is made from solid wood and is typically ¾-inch thick. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it an excellent long-term investment. Solid hardwood is known for its durability but is best suited for areas with stable humidity.
- Engineered Hardwood: Made from layers of wood veneer glued together, engineered hardwood is more resistant to changes in humidity, which makes it ideal for areas like basements. It has a hardwood top layer and offers a similar aesthetic to solid hardwood. At most, it can be refinished once, but sometimes it cannot be refinished.
Both types come in various wood species, each offering unique grains, colors, and hardness levels.
How Do I Maintain Hardwood Floors?
Hardwood flooring is relatively easy to maintain but does require specific care:
- Daily Care: Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the floor.
- Mopping: Use a damp (not wet) mop with a cleaner designed for hardwood floors. Avoid excessive water, as it can damage wood over time.
- Avoiding Scratches: Place felt pads under furniture, use rugs in high-traffic areas, and consider a no-shoes policy to prevent scratches.
- Humidity Control: Hardwood flooring responds to humidity. In areas with high humidity, use a dehumidifier, and in winter months, consider a humidifier to prevent the wood from drying out and shrinking.
Can Hardwood Flooring Be Installed in Any Room?
Hardwood flooring is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. However, it’s generally not recommended for rooms with high moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, as wood can warp, buckle, and stain when exposed to excessive moisture. Engineered hardwood may work better in kitchens and basements, as it’s more stable in varying humidity levels.
How Long Does Hardwood Flooring Last?
With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades. Solid hardwood floors can last 30-100 years, especially if refinished periodically to restore their appearance. Engineered hardwood may last 20-40 years, depending on the thickness of the top veneer layer and whether it’s possible to refinish it.
Is Hardwood Flooring Environmentally Friendly?
Yes, hardwood flooring can be a sustainable option. Many hardwood floors are made from responsibly sourced wood, and some manufacturers offer options certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Additionally, hardwood is a renewable resource, and old hardwood can be refinished, recycled, or repurposed, adding to its environmental benefits.
How Many Times Can Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?
The number of times hardwood floors can be refinished depends on the thickness of the wood. Solid hardwood floors can typically be refinished 4-6 times over their lifetime, depending on the wear layer. Engineered hardwood floors can occasionally be refinished once but are often not suitable for refinishing, as they have a thinner top layer. Refinishing hardwood helps to extend its life and can change the color and look of the floor, refreshing your space without replacing the flooring.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 5 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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