Flooring Hardwood Floors: Essential Guide to Selection and Maintenance

Hardwood floors offer a timeless and durable flooring option that adds value and warmth to any space. They come in various species, finishes, and installation methods, allowing homeowners to customize their floors to fit both style and function.

The key to choosing the right hardwood floor lies in understanding factors like wood type, hardness, and maintenance needs to ensure lasting beauty and performance. Whether refinishing existing floors or selecting new materials, knowing these basics helps achieve the best results.

Wood flooring also improves air quality by reducing dust and allergens compared to carpets. It suits many interior styles, making it a versatile choice for different rooms and lifestyles.

Types of Hardwood Flooring

Flooring hardwood floors comes in various forms and wood species, each affecting durability, appearance, and installation. Choosing the right type depends on the room’s usage, budget, and maintenance preferences.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, typically ¾ inch thick. It is known for its long lifespan and ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times.

It generally requires a nailed or stapled installation over a wood subfloor. Solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture and temperature, making it better suited for above-grade rooms. Common thicknesses range from 5/16 to ¾ inch, but ¾ inch is standard for durability.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real wood on top of plywood or high-density fiberboard layers. This construction makes it more stable in humid or below-grade environments.

It can be installed using glue, nails, or as a floating floor. The top wood veneer varies in thickness, affecting its ability to be refinished. Engineered hardwood is often less expensive and less prone to warping than solid hardwood.

Popular Wood Species

Common hardwood species include oak, maple, cherry, and hickory. Oak is the most prevalent due to its strength and grain versatility.

Maple offers a lighter, uniform color with subtle grain patterns. Cherry darkens over time, providing a warm, rich tone. Hickory is prized for its hardness and dramatic grain variations, suitable for high-traffic areas.

Installation and Care for Hardwood Floors

Proper installation and consistent care are crucial for hardwood floors to remain durable and attractive. Attention to choosing the right method, following maintenance routines, and knowing how to repair or refinish will extend the floor’s lifespan.

Installation Methods

There are three main installation methods: nail-down, glue-down, and floating. Nail-down involves securing the planks directly to a wooden subfloor using nails or staples. It is common for solid hardwood and provides a firm, traditional feel.

Glue-down is often used with engineered hardwood and concrete subfloors. Adhesive spreads on the subfloor, and planks are pressed down firmly. This method minimizes noise and adds stability.

Floating floors are installed by attaching the planks to one another without fixing to the subfloor. This method allows the floor to expand and contract, reducing the risk of warping in variable climates.

Maintenance Best Practices

Regular cleaning is essential. Use a soft broom or vacuum designed for hard floors to remove debris. Avoid water-heavy cleaning; instead, damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner to prevent moisture damage.

Place protective pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches. Area rugs near entryways reduce dirt and grit buildup. Maintain indoor humidity between 35-55% to limit expansion and contraction of wood.

Spills should be wiped immediately to prevent stains or water damage. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can strip the finish or damage wood fibers.

Repair and Refinishing

Small scratches can be concealed with wood markers or touch-up kits matching the floor color. For deeper damage, sanding and refinishing may be needed.

Refinishing involves sanding the surface to remove old finish and scratches, then applying a new stain and finish layer. This process restores the floor’s original appearance and protects it from wear.

Promptly repair loose or squeaky boards by securing them back in place. For significant damage, consult a professional to assess whether board replacement or full refinishing is required.