Know Your Wood: Choosing the Right Hardwood
High-quality hardwood starts with strong, dense wood harvested from reputable hardwood trees. Popular choices like maple, hickory, and cherry offer unique textures and colors. Choosing quality hardwood is key—cheap alternatives may not hold up as well under daily wear and tear.
Clear the Space and Plan for Acclimation
Before installing hardwood floors, remove furniture and décor from the room. Your hardwood planks will also need time to acclimate to your home’s environment. Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, so most experts recommend leaving the flooring in your home for at least 72 hours before installation.
Subfloor Inspection and Repairs
A proper hardwood floor installation begins with a clean, level subfloor. Uneven or damaged subfloors can lead to problems later, such as creaking or gapping. Your installer will likely check for moisture levels, especially if installing over concrete or crawl spaces.
Maintenance Starts Now
Knowing how to clean hardwood floors helps you preserve their beauty from day one. Use microfiber mops, avoid wet cleaners, and apply protective pads to furniture legs. Regular care will keep your new floors looking like new for years.
Leave It to the Pros
Though some homeowners are tempted to install hardwood themselves, this is one area where professional craftsmanship makes a big difference. Installing hardwood floors requires precision cuts, nail-down or glue-down techniques, and extensive measuring. Mistakes during installation can shorten the life of your flooring.
Set the Stage for Lasting Beauty
A hardwood floor installation transforms your home’s ambiance and value. If you're located in North Canton, Uniontown, Copley, or Hartville, OH, connect with Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design. Our Akron showroom offers stunning selections and expert installers ready to help. Visit our showrooms or contact us today.
