So you want cover that concrete floor or want to change things up with a new flooring type. What are your options? There is carpet … but it doesn’t wear well, it holds odors and is high maintenance. Carpet requires daily vacuuming and at least yearly professional cleaning. Carpet wears quickly, especially with high foot traffic. This is a particular consideration for longer weaves and crushing of carpet fibers. Even the “stain proof” products will eventually capture stains, and young children are a carpets nightmare. How about tile? It cleans easily, does not hold odors and is durable. But it does have divots or chips from dropping heavy, hard objects. Tile is also a very hard surface, providing little to no cushioning to tired, sore feet and hurting backs. Grout can also collect dirt, mold and other nasty contaminants.
Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
How about wood flooring? Hardwood floors are a healthy choice for interior environments. Hardwood flooring has no fibers, grout lines, or even embossing that can trap pollen, animal dander, dust particles or allergens. In fact, hardwood floors are arguably the best choice of flooring for allergy sufferers. Hardwood floors provide some cushion for walkers; they do not stain easily and are readily cleanable. But what type of hardwood flooring is best for your needs? There are many options to meet nearly any budget!
Engineered Laminate Hardwood Flooring
At the bottom of the heap is engineered laminate. A hardboard masonite type backing material with a photo reproduced design and covered with some sort of resin or plastic coating. The artificial appearance is notable and can give the impression of a sub-quality product. The problem is durability. They last well but cannot be refinished.
Real Hardwood Floor Options; Bamboo, Engineered & Solid
Next are real wood. These are either hardwood or bamboo and are high quality products with excellent durability … and they can be refinished. Engineered flooring has a hardwood layer on top with various laminates (either wood or synthetic). It is enduring and versatile. It can be laid over concrete, subflooring and in any room including bathrooms, recreational rooms and basements. This flooring is cost effective and durable and dimensionally stable. Solid hardwood can be laid over wood subfloors. Being solid, and of the highest quality and beauty, they can expand under highly humid conditions, causing buckling and cracking. This flooring is not recommended to be laid over concrete as it is usually nailed in place. Kitchens and bathrooms are not recommended for solid wood flooring, because of the chance of spills in the kitchen and the high moisture of the bathrooms.
Hardwood Flooring Installation; Nailing, Glueing & Floating Tongue & Groove
Solid hardwood flooring is usually nailed in place over wood subflooring. The subflooring must be in good condition, clean and flat. Some installations utilize adhesives or glued over a wood subfloor, but nailing is often preferred. Some solid hardwood and engineered hardwood are installed over a floating substrate. This material is not attached to the actual floor and is allowed to expand or contract according to the humidity conditions. The hardwood flooring is usually glued to the floating substrate. Some engineered products utilize a tongue and groove method of installation with only the borders attached to the subflooring. Some big box stores provide a less expensive product installed over a foam substrate. Not the best but workable. However the products are geared towards do it yourself homeowners and do provide the peace of mind and quality of professional installation.
Hardwood Flooring Installation & Replacement in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in West Virginia | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Fairfax County VA
Professional quality installation from a reputable company will provide many years of enjoyment. There is no doubt that quality hardwood flooring denotes luxury, quality and success. It adds value and appeal if the house is sold and provides an investment for the discriminating home owner. For the professional quality you are looking for count on Mike’s Custom Flooring, we can take care of all of your hardwood flooring needs. Contact us for a consultation today!
