Wood flooring can boost the value of any home. For an addition of class and traditional value, hardwood flooring is one of the best avenues. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can really put a new face on a home, while also creating an elegance that is hard to equal.
Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade. Finding the best kind of flooring can be a little daunting, but the process is always rewarding in the end. Although carpet can certainly work in some situations, 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 be prone to suffering buckling and warping. High humidity is also a real issue when it comes to hardwoods. Excess moisture can wick up from the sub floor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling as the years pass.
Crowning and cupping are issues associated with moisture exposure, and be an expensive problem. 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 best solution for you and your home, there are many products and manufacturers from which to select. Maple and oak are typically seen in older homes, while cedar is a species that provides a more relaxed feel.
A higher gloss finish will produce a shinier surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued setting. The thickness of the boards is also crucial when determining the best hardwood. Thicker boards will provide a longer lasting and more reliable surface.
Moisture is quite frequently behind hardwood reliability issues. Avoid contact with moisture wherever possible, and clean up spills promptly. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, make certain that the wood is protected against moisture. 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, the finish of the flooring needs to be redone. Protect your investment, and wood flooring will maintain its value for generations.
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