So, you have weighed the pros and cons of installing hardwood flooring at home and have decided to go for it. Great choice!
At The Reno Superstore, we have yet to come across a customer who does not like the look of hardwood floors. Not much of a surprise there. After all, hardwood flooring is durable, stunning, versatile and suits just about any decor.
But different types suit different needs and budgets. Let’s have a look at some different hardwood options for your home.
Do You Want Unfinished or Finished Hardwood Floors?
If you have decided to go ahead with hardwood floors, choosing the right colour stain is just as important as choosing the right wood.
If you are thinking of applying a custom stain, then an unfinished hardwood floor is best. Your new wooden floor is given several coats of protective finish after the installation and staining are complete.
If you plan to install hardwood flooring in your kitchen, it is best to keep it unfinished. That way, the finish will penetrate and seal the seams between boards, thus preventing water seepage.
The finishing process is time-consuming. If you are looking for a quicker installation, it’s best to go with prefinished hardwood boards. These come sanded and sealed straight from the factory, which means faster installation. Plus, the process is less messy, with no odours or VOCs on the finishing site.
When looking to install hardwood floors, always pay attention to your needs, lifestyle, and area of installation before making your decision.
Should You Choose Engineered or Solid Hardwood?
This is up to you, as they each have their pros and cons.
Solid hardwood flooring boards are usually ⅝” to 3/4” thick. One of their major advantages is that they can be refinished several times. On the downside, they are susceptible to humidity, and they are not recommended for below-grade installation such as in basements.The best alternative is engineered hardwood flooring. At The Reno Superstore, we often get questions about engineered hardwood flooring. These include: Is it right for my project? Is it cheaper than solid hardwood? The answer to both is yes.
Engineered hardwood flooring has excellent stability and is less likely to be affected by humidity, thanks to its plywood core. It is also a budget-friendly flooring option for most areas of your home. But it cannot be refinished as much as solid hardwood.
Take all these factors into consideration when installing flooring. After all, you need to understand the product you plan to install because it will impact your lifestyle.
Which Hardwood Species Is Best?
Domestic hardwood is always the best choice for your floors. That’s because they are readily available and tend to be more affordable than imported variants. In Canada, these include maple, oak and hickory hardwood flooring.
So, which do you choose? Always keep in mind where you plan this hardwood flooring. Different species have different hardness, which function differently under stress. Let’s have a look at different hardwood species.
1. Oak Hardwood Flooring
Oak hardwood flooring is one of the most widely used wood species and is found in many Canadian homes. It is easily available, durable, and quite affordable. There are two types of oak hardwood flooring: white and red oak. They are ideal for medium to high traffic areas of your home.
2. Hickory Hardwood Flooring
Hickory hardwood is one of the most durable and water-resistant hardwood flooring options. Its rustic charms are an acquired taste for some, but it is excellent for high-traffic areas.
3. Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring
Loved for its russet (reddish-brown) colours, it has a coarse, grainy look. This wood tends to be more stable than red oak, but has a longer acclimation period. It is ideal for medium to high-traffic areas.
4. Maple Hardwood Flooring
With a Janka scale rating of 1450, this Canadian staple tends to be quite strong. It has excellent shock absorption properties, which is why it is installed in basketball courts. Maple flooring is well-loved for its contemporary look and suits high to medium foot traffic.
5. Ash Hardwood Flooring
This stylish and durable hardwood flooring is popular in modern settings. Like any hardwood flooring, it is low maintenance and cost-effective in the long run. Recently, its price has increased as it has become threatened due to the emerald ash borer beetle.
Choosing the right species is important as it will affect your lifestyle. It is best to study these wood species and how they perform. If you have questions, consult our experts at The Reno Superstore.
Should I Hire a Professional to Install My Hardwood Flooring or Do It Myself?
Installing hardwood flooring requires both skill and experience. The slightest mistake can damage your floors and necessitate extra spending to fix them. So it is best to hire reputable installers like us. We know exactly what to do, so are sure to get the job done right.
Hardwood flooring is an investment that can last a lifetime with proper care. But since it is a significant investment, it is important to take the time to research the product to choose the species you like best. There are many hardwood flooring options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Speak with a professional flooring expert to clear up any doubts and answer any questions. Visit our showrooms in Mississauga or Toronto to get started.