Five Questions to Ask When Buying Wood Flooring for Your Home

Choosing the right flooring for your home can be tricky, especially when there are so many options to consider. There are flooring options for all styles and price points, including carpets, tile, vinyl, and more. However, one of the best investments for flooring is hardwood. Hardwood flooring is a great option for all types of homes since it is easy to clean, looks great, and holds up well after decades of use.

When you choose hardwood flooring for your home, you are investing in flooring that will last. However, it is important to choose the right wood flooring for your needs. In order to choose the right flooring, you will need to ask the right questions when buying. To learn more, here are five questions to ask The Wooden Floor Specialists when buying wood flooring for your home.

Solid or Engineered?

Both solid and engineered wood are made from real wood, but there are a few key differences. Solid wood is usually 3/4” to 5/16” inches thick and can be used anywhere above ground. Solid wood has a beautiful finish and requires some care. The wood can also be sanded and refinished multiple times before replacement.

Engineered wood is real wood made of multiple layers of wood veneers. The veneers may all be the same species of wood or different combinations. Engineered wood tends to cost less and expand and contract less with the weather as well.

Which Wood Species?

There are many species of wood out there from which you can choose. The appearance is the main difference between various types of hardwood, but the way that they react to cold and hot weather and their lifespans may vary as well. Also, the type of care your floors need will vary as well. For example, the way that you care for teakwood won’t be the same way that you care for maplewood.

Also, the finish of the wood matters as well. Be sure to consult with a professional if you are not sure what type of wood is right for your flooring needs.

How Much Do I Need?

When you are ordering hardwood flooring, you’ll need to measure the square footage of the room or rooms where the flooring will be installed. Once you calculate the square footage, you should order 10% more than what your measurements and calculations call for. When wood is cut for an exact space, you will need the extra wood, since the remaining cut wood likely won’t be able to be used anywhere else.

DIY or Professional?

In general, professional flooring repairs are usually better than DIY methods. You will be able to depend on the professionals’ expertise and know that your floors are properly installed.

How Do I Maintain My Floors?

Last but not least, you will want to consider floor maintenance. This means that you should ask the professionals you’re buying from about the maintenance that the flooring you choose will require in order to keep it in the best condition for as long as possible.