With the potential to enrich any space and even increase the resale value of a home, hardwood flooring is among the best features you can add to your residence. However, the process of selecting and installing it isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

To make the most out of this amazing home addition, you want to ensure it meets both your aesthetic and practical preferences. Before giving your preferred hardwood floor installation services in Winston-Salem, NC a call, let’s see what factors you should consider.

 

 

What to know before installing wood flooring?

There are many things to consider before committing to hardwood flooring, which can make the process a bit overwhelming. So, let’s break it down into more manageable steps.

Moisture levels

You may already know this, but hardwood floors are ill-suited for high-humidity environments. Over time, excessive moisture can cause them to warp, buckle, or develop mold, which can lead to costly repairs or even necessitate complete replacement.

Therefore, before anything else, have a professional check the moisture content in the subfloor and the room in general. This will help you choose the right type of hardwood and installation method, minimizing the risk of damage over time and ensuring the longevity of the flooring.

Subfloor condition

Speaking of the subfloor and assessment, while you’re at it, have your professional check it for any imperfections, such as unevenness, cracks, moisture damage, etc. These must be addressed beforehand to ensure that the subfloor provides a solid foundation for hardwood flooring installation.

Installation method

Generally speaking, there are three installation methods commonly used today based on the type of wood and subfloor:

• Nail-down: Best for solid hardwood on either plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor.
• Glue-down: Excellent option for engineered hardwood on concrete subfloors.
• Floating: Typically used for (but not limited to) installing engineered hardwood on pre-existing flooring.

The choice of installation method will impact the stability, comfort, and longevity of the flooring, which is why it is highly advisable to thoroughly consult with your contractor beforehand or to have them select the most suitable option for your situation.

Type of hardwood

This is arguably one of the most impactful choices you’ll make, as the type of hardwood affects the resilience, installation options, and suitability of the flooring for different rooms in your house. Here, you have two possibilities:

• Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of lumber, offering increased longevity and a better look and feel. However, it is more susceptible to moisture damage, which somewhat limits its potential for whole-home application.
• Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of timber with a solid wood veneer, and it is designed to allow for a certain degree of expansion/contraction. As such, it is a more flexible option, allowing for installation in a wider range of environments – even basements.

Maintenance requirements

Tying into the previous point, be sure to check the frequency and intensity of maintenance for both types of flooring, as this will impact your decision long-term. While both require regular upkeep to keep them looking and feeling their best, solid hardwood has slightly higher maintenance requirements (specifically: regular refinishing).

Floor style 

Now we’re getting to the fun part – choosing the style of your hardwood flooring. This is visually the most impactful part of the process but, also, the longest. There’s an abundance of options to choose from in terms of wood species, stain (colors), finish type, and plank dimensions, each contributing to the look and feel of the space. This part of the process is highly individual and based on your personal preferences. Still, a good rule to follow is: choose the style that matches your existing décor, as doing so will enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.

Budget considerations

While it will definitely pay itself off many times over, hardwood flooring is still a significant investment. Therefore, you’ll need to set a realistic budget, accounting for the costs of materials, labor, underlayment, and finishes, as well as ongoing maintenance. Doing so will help you make an informed choice about the type and quality of your new flooring, ensuring that the final product suits both your needs and wallet.

Professional installation vs. DIY

This shouldn’t even be a consideration, but we must mention it as too many people make the cardinal mistake of attempting DIY hardwood floor installation. Sure, it is a cheaper solution – but it can (and, in most cases does) lead to sub-par results, compromising the longevity of the flooring and the looks of the space in general. Therefore, don’t risk it – go for professional expertise and ensure your hardwood floors endure the test of time and bring you joy for the foreseeable future.

Who offers expert hardwood floor installation services near me in Winston-Salem, NC & nearby?

Premier Hardwood Flooring brings more than two decades of expertise right to your doorstep, along with fully personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs and preferences. With a wide range of material and style options to choose from, expertly designed and implemented by our experienced specialists, you can rest assured that your hardwood flooring will be one of a kind and boast increased longevity, letting you enjoy it for years to come. Reach out to us today and see why we’re the leading contractor in the Winston-Salem region and beyond!