Before You Install Hardwood Floors...
By Christopher Smith
Often hardwood floors are mistakenly laid straight onto concrete foundations or on a floor that is lower than the ground. This is always an issue because of excess moisture, which results in unsightly spaces in boards when they dry out. An example of this is if you heat your home in winter, the hardwood floors will dry out, and then in summer the humidity will cause them to expand and go out of shape. The way to prevent this is to allow for seasonal changes and don't install them anywhere damp.

For these types of floors, nail down installations tend to work best and regular care, maintenance, and refinishing can prolong the life of your floors. Typical hardwood floor material includes: ash, maple, red oak, and white oak.

There are essentially three types of solid wood floors. Those types are: strip flooring, plank floor, and parquet flooring. Strip flooring varies in thickness between 5/16 and ¾ inches and they come in widths anywhere from 1-½ inches to 2 ¼ inches. Plank flooring is only sold in two thicknesses while the width can be between 3 and 8 inches. Parquet flooring consists of geometrical patterns that are created through the use of wooden slats.

Another popular yet pricey option when shopping around for hardwood floors is the hand scraped style. They can create a very trendy touch to your home or have a more classic feel if you have a shabby chic, rustic style décor. They are an art form unto themselves, and for this reason,

do not come cheap. However, if you can afford the extra cost, you will be rewarded with originality and class.

You should check with the manufacturer of your hardwood floors for specific cleaning and care instructions, as not all hardwood floors are created equal. You can use your vacuum over your hardwood floors regularly to help loosen and remove dust, dirt, grit, debris, and any small stones that may risk the finish of your floors.

It's also a good idea to have welcome mats at doors and throw rugs in high traffic areas in order to maximize the life of your hardwood floors. Another great way to protect your hardwood floors is by using furniture coasters on all legs of your furniture. Spills should also be taken care of immediately in order to protect your hardwood floors and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

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