When you speak with 50Floor in an in-home consultation, you will have the chance to ask questions and get answers from professionals who have worked with flooring for some time. This is the perfect time to get advice and pose queries to ensure you get the right floor for your needs. To help guide you, we’ve compiled the top questions to ask when buying hardwood flooring.
1. Where is the Room Located, and How Will It Be Used?
When considering hardwood flooring, it’s essential to think about the room’s location and how it will be used. Ground-level and basement spaces are more susceptible to moisture than those upstairs, which can affect the type of flooring you choose.
If the room will be used by pets or kids, you’ll want to consider the impact on wear and tear. Understanding the specific needs of each room will help you select the most suitable hardwood flooring for your home.
2. What is My Climate?
Your climate can also play an important role in determining the type of hardwood flooring that’s right for you. Wood flooring can warp and buckle in humid environments; you may want to consider a hardwood floor that is more resistant to moisture.
By considering your local climate, you can prevent wood floors from experiencing damage and ensure they remain beautiful and durable for years to come.
3. What Type of Hardwood Should I Choose?
There are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood.
- Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood. It’s known for its longevity and can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
- Engineered hardwood consists of several layers of wood, with the top layer being a veneer of real wood. This option is more stable and resistant to moisture, making it suitable for areas where solid wood might not be ideal, such as basements or kitchens.
4. What Wood Species is Best for Wood Flooring?
Hardwood floors come in various species, each offering different colors, grain patterns, and hardness levels.
Some popular species include:
- Oak – One of the most common and durable choices, oak offers a classic look and is available in a variety of shades.
- Maple – Known for its fine, uniform grain and light color, maple is a harder wood that’s resistant to scratches.
- Hickory – A highly durable option with unique grain patterns, hickory is perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Walnut – A darker wood species with a rich, warm tone and elegant grain, walnut adds a luxurious feel to any room.
5. What Finishes Should I Choose?
Different finishes will look different, but they will not affect the durability of your wood floor. Semi-gloss finishes reflect some light and are somewhat shiny, while matte or satin finishes offer the least amount of shine. Gloss will result in a bold shine.
6. How Does Installation Work?
Knowing what’s involved in the installation process is critical. The skills required for successful flooring installation are important, and hiring professionals can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure a high-quality finish.
Ask about:
- Method of installation: Hardwood can be nailed down, glued, or installed as a floating floor, depending on the type of hardwood and your subfloor.
- Subfloor preparation: Ensure that your subfloor is suitable for the hardwood you choose. Some floors may require special preparation, especially if moisture or unevenness is an issue. Installing wood flooring can also create a healthier living environment, particularly for allergy sufferers.
- Installation timeline: Hardwood installation can take several days, and the timeline can depend on whether you choose pre-finished or site-finished flooring. Make sure to account for drying and curing time, especially with site-finished hardwood.
7. What are maintenance and upkeep like?
Hardwood flooring is durable, but it does require proper care. Before making a purchase, ask about the recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures. Some finishes may be more prone to scratching, and knowing how to protect your investment is key.
- Cleaning: What cleaning products are safe to use on the specific hardwood floor you are considering? Harsh chemicals can damage some finishes, so it’s important to use products that are designed for hardwood floors.
- Maintenance schedule: How often will you need to refinish or recoat the floor? Solid hardwood can last a lifetime with periodic sanding and refinishing, while engineered hardwood has a thinner top layer and may not be refinished as many times.
8. Is Hardwood Flooring Environmentally Friendly?
Sustainability is a growing concern for many homeowners, so it’s important to ask about the environmental impact of the hardwood flooring you’re considering.
- Is the wood sourced sustainably? – Look for flooring that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that the wood is harvested responsibly.
- Is it treated with eco-friendly finishes? – Some finishes and adhesives contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Low-VOC or water-based finishes are better for indoor air quality.
- Can the wood be recycled? – At the end of its life cycle, consider if the hardwood can be repurposed or recycled.
9. Is Wood Flooring Hypoallergenic?
When choosing hardwood flooring, one important consideration is whether it’s a hypoallergenic option. For individuals with allergies, wood floors can be an excellent choice because they don’t trap dust, pollen, or other allergens as easily as carpeted flooring. This means they can improve air quality in your home, especially if you sweep or vacuum regularly.
10. What Is My Budget?
Real wood floors are an investment that can last for decades, so you will want to consider costs carefully. If you are on a budget, contact 50Floor and schedule a free in-home consultation.
50Floor has a price-match guarantee, and since we take care of installation, too, we can help you keep your flooring budget on track. 50Floor also works directly with floor manufacturers to get you the best prices possible, so you can enjoy quality without the high price tag.
Make the Right Choice for Your Hardwood Flooring!
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact 50Floor. It costs you nothing to have a 50Floor team member come to your home with flooring samples to answer your questions and address your needs.
If you’re interested in new floors, this is the most efficient way to find a floor solution that’s right for your home. Don’t wait; schedule your free in-home consultation today!
