Oak hardwood flooring can add a great traditional touch to any home. For an addition of elegance and time tested quality, hardwood flooring is one of the best avenues. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can add tremendous value to a residence, while also creating an elegance that is hard to equal. Hardwood flooring is available in a wide variety of shades, colors, patterns, and finishes. Finding the right wood flooring for your home can be a little overwhelming, but the process is always rewarding in the end. Although carpet is definitely an alternative, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that pushes up home values like nothing else.
The first step to take is to assess the value that hardwood can add to the home. Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction. High humidity is also a real issue when it comes to hardwoods. Excess moisture can wick up from the subfloor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling as the years pass. Crowning and cupping are common problems for wood flooring exposed to moisture. When a floor crowns or cups, it loses its originally level form, most frequently in the middle of the floor. This can result in a floor that must be replaced or sanded down to restore its level surface.
Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the right choice for you as a homeowner, there are many products and manufacturers from which to choose. Maple and oak are typically seen in older homes, while cedar gives a more rustic and natural atmosphere. A higher gloss finish will result in a more reflective surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued atmosphere. The thickness of the boards is also crucial when determining the best hardwood. Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.
Moisture is very frequently behind hardwood reliability issues. Avoid exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation. Clean up spills on the wood flooring as quickly as possible to prevent permanent damage. If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, it is time for another coat of finishing on the flooring. Protect your investment, and wood flooring can last for generations.
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