The Floor Beneath You

Enhancing Your House By Installing New Wood Floors

Wood flooring's natural beauty, durability, and timeless appeal make it an ever-popular option for homes and businesses. With a vast array of species, finishes, and installation methods available, it's easy to find a wood flooring option that suits your home's unique style and needs.

What Types Of Wood Flooring Are Available?

Exploring the world of wood flooring reveals a rich palette of species, colors, and textures. Solid hardwood is a classic choice, with options like oak, maple, and walnut offering varied hues and grain patterns. Engineered wood flooring is an affordable and durable choice that is very popular. It consists of natural hardwood being layered over several layers of high-density fiberboard.

For those seeking an eco-friendly option, reclaimed wood flooring may be the answer. It is sourced from old structures and often has a unique look and history that new wood can not replicate. Another environmentally friendly choice is bamboo flooring. It shares many characteristics with hardwood, but its rapid growth rate makes it a highly sustainable option.

Can Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Existing Flooring?

Transitioning to wood flooring does not always require the removal of your existing floors. Often, wooden floors can be installed directly over surfaces like tile, vinyl, or even concrete. Floating floors are particularly well-suited for installation over existing floors because they require minimal preparation and can be easily removed if necessary.

However, it is crucial to assess the condition of the existing flooring before proceeding. Uneven surfaces or loose tiles can lead to instability in the new wood flooring. Furthermore, excessive moisture in concrete slabs can cause wood to warp or rot. Consulting with a flooring professional will help determine whether your existing floor is suitable for wood flooring installation and the necessary preparation steps.

How Do You Acclimate The Wood Flooring Before Installation?

Acclimating wood flooring before installation is an important but overlooked step that ensures the material adapts to your home's ambient temperature and humidity levels. Generally, wood flooring should be acclimated for at least a few days, although some types of wood or extreme environments may require longer.

To acclimate your wood flooring, stack the planks or boards in the room where they will be installed. They should be arranged to allow for adequate air circulation around each piece. Keep the room's temperature and humidity levels consistent with your area's typical conditions. Once the acclimation period is complete, you can proceed confidently because your wood flooring is better prepared to withstand the natural fluctuations in your home's climate.