Tips For Finding The Best Hardwood Flooring And Taking Care Of Them

Hardwood flooring is a type of flooring made from hardwood trees, typically consisting of planks made from solid wood or engineered wood. Solid hardwood flooring is made entirely from hardwood, while engineered hardwood flooring is made from a core of plywood or fiberboard with a top layer of hardwood veneer. 

Here are some tips for finding the best hardwood flooring:

Consider your lifestyle and needs

Think about the amount of foot traffic, pets, and children in your home. This will help you determine the type of hardwood flooring that will be best suited for your needs. For example, if you have pets or children, a harder wood species such as oak or maple may be a better choice.

Research different wood species

Different wood species have different characteristics such as color, hardness, and grain pattern. Do some research to find out which wood species will work best for your home’s aesthetic and practical needs.

Look for high-quality materials

When shopping for hardwood flooring, look for high-quality materials. This includes solid wood or engineered wood with a thick top layer. Cheaper options may be more affordable upfront, but they may not last as long or look as good as higher-quality options.

Consider the installation process

Some types of hardwood flooring are easier to install than others. If you’re planning on doing the installation yourself, look for a product that is easy to work with and comes with clear installation instructions.

Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Before making a purchase, read reviews from other customers and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have hardwood flooring. This can help you get a better sense of the quality and durability of different products.

hardwood flooring

Proper care and maintenance can help extend the life and beauty of your hardwood flooring. Here are some tips for taking care of your hardwood flooring:

Clean up spills immediately

Water and other liquids can damage hardwood flooring, so it’s important to clean up spills immediately. Use a clean, dry cloth or mop to soak up the spill, and avoid using wet mops or steam cleaners.

Sweep or vacuum regularly

Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of hardwood flooring, so it’s important to sweep or vacuum regularly. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment.

Use a hardwood floor cleaner

Use a hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer to clean your floors. Avoid using vinegar, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals, which can damage the finish.

Use furniture pads

Place furniture pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture to protect the floor from scratches.

Avoid wearing high heels

High heels can cause dents and scratches on hardwood flooring, so it’s best to avoid wearing them inside.

Maintain humidity levels

Hardwood flooring can expand and contract with changes in humidity, which can cause warping or buckling. Maintain a consistent indoor humidity level between 35% to 55% to minimize these effects.

cushioning underfoot

One thing that most people don’t realize about hardwood flooring is that the type of underlayment used can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of the flooring. Underlayment is the layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring, and it can help to reduce noise and provide added cushioning underfoot.

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While traditional underlayment materials like felt or foam are common, a more competitive and creative option for underlayment is cork. Cork underlayment is a sustainable and eco-friendly option that provides excellent sound insulation and cushioning. In addition, cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, making it a great choice for homes with allergies or asthma.

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Using cork underlayment not only benefits the environment but also adds a unique and stylish touch to hardwood flooring. The natural texture and color of cork can complement a variety of hardwood flooring options, creating a beautiful and functional flooring solution that is both sustainable and competitive in the marketplace. So if you’re considering hardwood flooring for your home, don’t forget about the importance of underlayment and the benefits that cork can offer.

Let’s understand this with the help of an example:

You’ve done some research on different types of hardwood flooring and have decided on a beautiful oak flooring option. However, you’re not sure what kind of underlayment to use.

You could choose a traditional felt or foam underlayment, which is a common choice for many homeowners. However, you’ve heard about the benefits of cork underlayment and decided to look into that option further.

You do some research and find out that cork underlayment has a higher acoustic rating than felt or foam, which means it does a better job of reducing noise. Additionally, cork is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, which can be a concern in areas with high humidity. Plus, cork is a sustainable and eco-friendly option, which aligns with your values.

You decide to choose cork underlayment to install under your oak hardwood flooring. When the installation is complete, you are amazed at how comfortable and quiet the flooring feels underfoot. The cork underlayment has added a layer of cushioning and insulation that makes the floor feel more comfortable to walk on. In addition, the natural texture and color of the cork complement the oak flooring beautifully, creating a stunning and unique flooring solution that you are proud to show off to your friends and family.