Tips Reference

Traditional Wood Flooring in the Home

Posted on 13. Apr, 2009 by Mark Coleman in Flooring

Wood flooring can add a great traditional touch to any home. For an addition of class and traditional value, hardwood flooring is a great option. A high quality maple or oak wood flooring can add tremendous value to a residence, while also building a base for an elegant atmosphere. Hardwood flooring can be found in almost every imaginable color and shade. Finding the right wood flooring for your home can be a little overwhelming, but the process is very much worth the time. Although carpet is definitely an alternative, wood flooring has a traditional appeal that pushes up home values like nothing else.

The first step to take is to assess the value that hardwood can add to the home. Regions that undergo severe weather conditions and change temperature extremes every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction. High humidity is also a significant problem when considering wood flooring. Excess moisture can wick up from the subfloor and into the wood through spills, leading to warping and buckling over time. Crowning and cupping are issues associated with moisture exposure, and be an expensive problem. When a floor crowns or cups, it bows out of shape, most frequently in the middle of the floor. This can result in a floor that must be replaced or sanded down to restore its level surface.

Once you have done the research and concluded that hardwood is the best solution for you and your home, there are many products and manufacturers from which to select. Maple and oak are typically seen in older homes, while cedar is a species that provides a more relaxed feel. A higher gloss finish will result in a more reflective surface, while a lower gloss fits in with a more subdued atmosphere. The thickness of the boards is also crucial when determining the best hardwood. Thicker boards will be more durable and more resistant to moisture.

Moisture is a big problem for hardwood flooring. Avoid exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible. If storing wood flooring outdoors before installation, be sure to cover it with a tarp in case of any precipitation. Clean up spills on the wood flooring immediately in order to prevent eventual warping and cracking. If water beads up on the surface of the flooring, it is time for another coat of finishing on the flooring. Protect your investment, and wood flooring can last for generations.