Hardwood Flooring remains a popular choice among The Reno Superstore’s customers thanks to its timeless appeal. However, beauty is just one of its many benefits. Hardwood also increases the value of your property, but it’s a significant, long-term investment you’ll have to live with. That’s why it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research the type of wood (and other project details) before making a decision.
Given that renovation in itself is a daunting task, walking into a hardwood flooring store can be overwhelming, because there are multiple variants. That’s where these tips will help you make the right choice.
Best Tips to Select the Right Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a significant investment, so following these tips and tricks can help you make a better-informed choice.
Tip 1: Understand Your Subfloor
Before you find your hardwood flooring, you’ll need to understand what kind of material your subfloor is made with. Do you have a plywood or concrete subfloor? Depending on your answer, your budget, the installation process, and the challenges you may face will become more evident.
Generally, a plywood subfloor is considered the best type for hardwood flooring, while a concrete subfloor is slightly more limiting and expensive. Concrete subfloors require prepping with plywood before the solid hardwood is installed. However, if you are putting in engineered hardwood floors then these can be installed directly.
Please note that this is valid for smooth concrete floors only; in case your floors are uneven, it is recommended for better installation that you prep them. Needless to say, this will mean spending extra money.
Tip 2: Determine General Scope and Objective
Ask yourself: is the hardwood flooring for a particular room or your whole house?
The answer to this question will help you get a clearer picture of the project’s outcome. If you have pre-installed hardwood floors in other rooms, then you may consider matching the stain. This is a good step towards determining the floor’s color. The Reno Superstore carries a wide selection of dark, light, and mid-tones, as well as red hardwood floors, that are worth checking out.
Tip 3: Know Your Budget
Hardwood floors are expensive, but you already knew that. So how much are you willing to spend? Budgeting is key to every flooring project; therefore, it’s extremely important to be realistic. Understand your requirements and try to limit overspending. Make sure to factor in expenses like installation charges, shipping, refinishing, and molding costs.
As mentioned, you may have to spend on floor preparation which means stretching your budget. It is a common error to underestimate the cost of installing hardwood flooring. That’s why we suggest getting an estimate from a reputable flooring company, to be better prepared. The Reno Superstore also provides financing assistance to help you plan the project accordingly.
Tip 4: Involve the Experts
Spend some time researching local flooring companies and contractors. Ask for recommendations from family, friends, or realtors who have had similar work done. Google local flooring stores and read their reviews online to get a better understanding. Always choose a reputable flooring installation company to get the job done right.
Always try to involve experts from the start of the project, as their suggestions will save you money. Don’t let price dictate every decision; make sure you look at the bigger picture. Communicate with your contractor about the material you are choosing and the kind of finished look you are aiming for. This will ensure that you are both on the same page.
Tip 5: Prioritize Quality Over Price
We are all guilty of loving a good deal, but it is always wise to select a superior quality material over a cheaper variant. Don’t be surprised to discover defects, color variation, and other issues in cheaper wood. Unfortunately, these may only be visible during the installation process, which by then is too late.
It is always best to check samples in person, as color and grains may vary in pictures. This is something to remember when shopping online. The best solution is to check the various species offered in-store; that way you can be sure what you are buying. The Reno Superstore offers great prices but does not compromise on the quality of our products. Additionally, we provide free shipping.
Tip 6: Consider Your Needs
Reality and expectation are often two different things. So, when looking to remodel your floors, always put your needs first. That goes for any renovation project. You may have a busy household, including pets and small children, which probably means heavy foot traffic. Here are some factors you may want to consider.
- A light-colored floor like this one right here will show fewer scratches, which are bound to happen with pets around.
- Ask your contractor for a satin finish floor. These tend to show fewer dents, dirt, and scratches.
- Consider harder wood, as well as wood with strong graining, as these last longer.
- It’s better to choose oil-based polyurethane over a water-based one as they tend to do better in the long run. This type of coat also has superior colour and shine. Add a second coat for best results.
Tip 7: Select the Right Hardwood Floor
This decision is based on your style and taste. There are various types of hardwood species such as maple, hickory, and oak, each with unique color and texture. We suggest looking for inspiration online to get an idea about the kind of floor you want.
Some customers desire a smooth classic look while others prefer a distressed or hand-scraped one. No matter what you choose it’s always best to consult your contractor before making the final call.
Tip 8: Decide On a Prefinished or Site-Finished Floor
Hardwood flooring can either be prefinished or site finished (this is also referred to as unfinished). Both options offer a certain edge over the other and it’s worth knowing what each has to offer. Prefinished wood can be installed quicker and you avoid the hassle of sanding and refinishing.
On the other hand, site-finished floors take more time to install but offer a smoother finish and more consistent color. They can also be customized to the exact colour you want or to match existing floors.
Tip 9: Manage Your Time
We cannot stress enough the importance of time. The process of buying hardwood is just the beginning, with installation taking one to two weeks depending on the size of the project.
Bear in mind, hardwood floor remodeling cannot be rushed. Most of the time customers need to relocate during the sanding and refinishing process. Anticipate situations like weather and late delivery which are beyond anyone’s control. Therefore, devise a plan well ahead of time and get provisions ready so that the outcome is favorable to you and your family.
Buying hardwood can be tricky especially if you have no prior experience. The Reno Superstore offers a wide range of hardwood flooring from the leading Canadian brands at unbeatable prices. Consult with our flooring experts who have the expertise and knowledge to guide you.