How to Choose & Install Hardwood Floor

03/05/2020

Hardwood flooring adds beauty and durability to any home or business. However, installation can be complex. This guide will help you choose the right flooring and decide between DIY or professional installation. While DIY may seem cost-effective, mistakes can be costly. Hiring professionals like Hardwood Revival ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Thinking about installing hardwood floors yourself? It's tempting to take the DIY route and skip hiring professionals, but before you dive in, consider the challenges. Without prior experience, there's a steep learning curve-you'll need to choose the right type of wood, calculate the number of boards for each room, and handle precise installation techniques.

Mistakes can be costly. A misstep in measurements or placement could mean ripping up entire sections and starting over, wasting both time and money. On the other hand, a professional company like Hardwood Revival can get the job done twice as fast and more cost-effectively, ensuring a flawless finish the first time. If you want long-lasting, high-quality results, hiring a pro is the smartest choice.

What Type of Hardwood Floors Should You Choose?

The type of hardwood flooring you choose depends on several factors, including your budget, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance expectations.

1. Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
   • Solid Hardwood: Durable, can be refinished multiple times, ideal for stable humidity levels.
   • Engineered Hardwood: More moisture-resistant, ideal for basements or humid areas.
2. Wood Species
   • Oak: Classic and durable.
   • Maple: Light, subtle grain.
   • Hickory: Hard, ideal for high-traffic areas.
   • Walnut: Rich, dark, sophisticated.
   • Exotic Woods: Unique patterns, premium price.
3. Hardwood Flooring Finishing Options
   • Polyurethane finishes (water- or oil-based) provide strong, long-lasting protection, with water-based keeping the wood's natural color and oil-based adding a warm amber tone.
   • Penetrating oils like tung oil and hardwax oil enhance the wood's natural beauty with a matte, hand-rubbed look but require more upkeep.
   • Wax finishes offer a soft, classic appeal but need regular reapplication, while shellac provides a warm glow but lacks durability.
   • Factory-applied finishes like aluminum oxide and UV-cured coatings deliver superior scratch resistance but are harder to refinish.

For the most durable and low-maintenance option, polyurethane or prefinished aluminum oxide floors are ideal, while oil-based finishes are great for a natural, vintage look.

What Are The Different Flooring Patterns/Layouts?

The patterns you choose will give a certain look and feel to your property. Here are some of the most popular flooring patterns to consider:

Straight

This is the standard pattern you would find for hardwood floors, where boards of the same width are aligned in parallel across the floor. This creates a simple, clean, and timeless look.

Diagonal

Similar to the straight pattern, but planks are installed at a 45-degree angle to the walls. This adds a unique design element and can make a room appear larger.

Parquet

Small wood pieces are arranged in repeating geometric patterns, such as squares or diamonds. This design is often seen in traditional or luxurious interiors.

Herringbone

Planks are cut at equal lengths and arranged in a zigzag pattern, creating a sophisticated, European-inspired look. This pattern adds texture and depth to a room.

How Do You Prepare for Floor Installation?

• Step one: Clear the room of furniture and clutter.
• Step two: Remove old flooring and underlayment.
• Step three: Install new underlayment for stability.
• Step four: Lay the planks and apply finishing touches.

What Tools Are Used When Laying Hardwood Floors?

When it's time to install hardwood floors, an arsenal of tools is needed.

• Miter Saw: Precise cutting.
• Nail/Staple Gun: Secures planks.
• Adhesives/Fasteners: Depend on flooring type.

Why Choose Hardwood Revival to Install Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Revival offers expert installation and restoration in Washington D.C., Baltimore, and suburban Maryland. Our skilled professionals ensure high-quality results at competitive prices. Just give us a call at 888-647-2123 and we'll handle the rest because we are the best!