The Best Hardwood Flooring - Best Laminate Flooring

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring never goes out of style. They are elegant and stylish. They give you an air quality no other floor has. Stay with us to get to know the best of them.

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Things You Should Know

Everyone wants to imitate wood. However, hardwood flooring is unbeatable. They are for life. They are beautiful, elegant, and durable. In addition, you can breathe easy. Because the air quality with these floors will be the best. Your children will love it. Also, keep in mind that, not all wood floors are the same. Some important features will help you select the best one. That’s why we’ve prepared this article. So that you know everything you need to know:

Manufacturing
Types and appearance
Installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Pros and cons
How to choose the right flooring

What is engineered hardwood flooring?

What is hardwood flooring?

According to the manufacturing process of your wood floors. You will get the final quality and stability. That’s why it’s important to know how to make hardwood flooring.

To start with, hardwood flooring is a plank with tongue and groove edges. They come in one piece. Before release, their manufacturing process can deliver pre-finished or unfinished pieces.

Firstly, the tree trunk is cut into pieces. The quality of the floor will depend on the quality of the tree. Then, we select the pieces that will go into flooring. After that, come the cutting and planning processes. These processes are necessary to soften the saw marks and level the plank. Finally, we perform the tongue and groove cut. As well as the hand scraping to give the final touch to the planks.

According to their appearance, we choose the floor pieces. We take those planks that have tight veins and a few knots. So that the floor obtains an accurate layout.

Cutting ways

There are different ways to cut the planks. The stability and price of the floor depend on each one. The most popular cutting ways are:

Flat sawing: Also called smooth sawing. It is the most used. That is why it contains the most varieties.
Quarter sawing: In this method, the tree trunk is cut into quarters. Then the wood is cut into strips.
Rift sawing: The log is cut at a different angle. It is a little more expensive than common methods. But it has the advantage of providing greater stability and quality to the floor.

The hand scraping process is the last one done to unfinished wood floors. Also, pre-finished wood floors are sealed or stained with protective finishing coats. These floors can be easily installed.

Another wood flooring can be recovered or recycled wood flooring. They can be repurposed hardwood flooring from old houses, factories, or recovered logs. These floors require a planing and finishing process. Also, it is common to use hand scraping to produce an authentic antique look.

Engineered hardwood flooring grading

Hardwood flooring grading

When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are many different types. We show you the three basic types: solid, engineered, and impregnated acrylic.

Hardwood flooring

They also call them solid hardwood flooring. A variety of wood types are available for hardwood flooring. Its main difference is in the kind of wood they are made of. In this sense, they can be oak, maple, or teak. They can also be made of other types of wood. However, we will treat the three most popular ones.

Oak hardwood flooring: This is one of the most common options. In terms of design and style, oak is visually attractive. Besides, it is easier to clean and combines with everything. It is also an excellent investment if you want to add value to your home.
Maple hardwood flooring: If you prefer a light tan look. Maple is your best choice. Also, if you are looking for a strong floor, choose maple wood flooring. Because of its hardness, it doesn’t scratch as easily and is ideal for pets and children. You can buy it stained or unstained.
Teak hardwood flooring: The best thing about teak wood is that it is resistant to pests. Due to its natural oils. In its style, it has a reddish-brown color.

Engineered hardwood flooring

These floors are manufactured by gluing together several layers of wood. They are joined with a real hardwood veneer. As a result, this layer becomes the top of the floor. They are also called plywood because the bottom of the real wood is a core board.

The core board is manufactured by stacking the layers in opposite directions. Then, these layers are glued together. This gives you an advantage over solid wood flooring. Because they are more stable. Also, they are less likely to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

The manufacturing process of these floors is similar to hardwood flooring. The core board is manufactured, cut, and tongue-and-groove joint. They are scraped by hand and finally dyed.

The core board can be high-density fiber or HDF. It is even more dimensionally stable than a plywood core board. It comes in three cutting ways: solid sawn, rotary peeled, and sliced.

Impregnated acrylic hardwood flooring

They are similar to engineered wood floors. However, they differ in their core board materials. They include stained wood and a liquid acrylic in their manufacture. Therefore, they are stronger and more durable. They are ideal for high-traffic spaces.

To begin the manufacturing process, the wood must be dried. Therefore, it removes sugars and sage. Then, it is important to add the acrylic to replace the empty spaces. Once it has dried, this material is sanded and glued to the core. Finally, the whole piece is smoothed and finished.

How to install engineered hardwood flooring

How to install hardwood flooring

Installing hardwood flooring is easy. To start, hardwood floors are installed over plywood. You can also install them at the floor level. But never on concrete. Use underlayment.

When you go shopping, measure, and calculate the material you need. Add an extra 10% to this calculation to avoid shortages. Also, consider installing your floors parallel to the longest wall in your space.

However, the process and installation include, first of all, acclimatizing the pieces. This process will take between 3 and 5 days. While you wait you can mix the pieces from different boxes to improve the design. Then, start the installation. The first rows are nailed to the board, the others are attached through the tongue.

Following this, place the first row on the selected wall. Don’t forget to use spacers from the wall. After that, start the second row by placing the slot in the tab. Use a tapping block if necessary. Finish by filling the nail holes with putty. Install moldings and thresholds.

Cleaning and maintenance

Hardwood flooring is really easy to maintain. So all you need to do is sweep, mop and vacuum frequently. Plus, some practical tips can help make this job even easier.

When sweeping your floor, remember to use a soft-bristled broom. You can vacuum the floor twice a week. Place rugs at the entrances, so you can prevent dust from reaching your floor. Also, avoid using water when cleaning. Finally, wipe up spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth.

Regarding the maintenance of your wooden floors. Remember that they are the most durable floors. Besides, they are floors that can be restored many times. Maintaining its original appearance for years. The renewal of these floors includes sanding and painting. The polishing of these floors should be done every 3 to 5 years.

Engineered hardwood flooring pros and cons

Hardwood flooring pros and cons

The elegance and style characterize hardwood floors. Before choosing them, consider their advantages and disadvantages. This way your investment will make you happy.

PROS

Long-term investment

These floors can last up to 100 years. Although the initial investment is higher. Your return on investment is also higher. You won’t have to replace the floor every 20 years. And the value of these floors over time increases as well.

Easy installation

Hardwood installation is easy. Installing it properly can improve the quality of your home. However, if you don’t feel very confident, hire the services of a professional. So, the results will be what you expect. Besides, pre-finished wood floors are even easier to install. Because it comes almost ready from its manufacture.

Easy cleaning and maintenance

Its maintenance does not require much effort. To clean and maintain it, it only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping. Vacuum with the brush tool.

Timeless

To renovate your floor you will only have to sand and stain it. You can even change the color if you wish without changing the floor. Plus, they’re less likely to get damaged and look more elegant with age. Their timeless style means they are always in style.

Healthy air quality

These floors avoid attracting allergens or molds, which cause allergies. Therefore, the indoor environment is kept safer. With the right air quality. Also, they are hypoallergenic, perfect for allergy sufferers. Also, these floors do not emit toxic vapors or fragrances. Therefore, they are more suitable for children, pets, and other households.

Variety

There are many styles and colors in hardwood flooring. You can select them according to your budget and availability. Besides, their designs are unique, not only on the floor but on each board. In fact, there is the availability of wood flooring in different species: oak, maple, teak. Also in Brazilian cherry, walnut, and, pine.

Improves your home’s value

Although the initial cost of wood flooring is high. At the time of sale, your home will be more easily acquired. Also, its texture and appearance will be better over time.

Pet-friendly

It is perfect for homes with pets. They are the most durable of the floors. For this reason, if you have pets and are looking for a suitable floor. Hardwood flooring is your choice.

CONS

Termite-prone

Termites feed on wood. However, there are some types of wood that are more prone to termites than others. That’s why pine or fir are the least common today.

Low water resistance

If there is significant water infiltration on your wood floor. You may have no option to retrieve it. Therefore, when cleaning your floors, do not use water or strong detergents.

Limited uses

Because they are not very water-resistant. Wooden floors are not usually installed in bathrooms or kitchens. Because they are areas of high exposure to humidity.

Maintenance cost

You can invest a little more in maintenance. Because they must be polished every 3 to 5 years.

How to choose the right engineered hardwood flooring

How to choose the right hardwood flooring

In short, when you are choosing your hardwood flooring, there are a few things to consider. Wood type, floor type, and installation area. We show you what to look for in each:

Wood type

According to your needs. Choose the most suitable wood type. If you are going to have high traffic in your house. Choose maple wood. If you need some water resistance to choose a teak wood option. Likewise, if you need a wood that combines with everything, your best choice is oak.

Floor-type

Within the solid, engineered, and impregnated acrylic floor types. You must choose considering two facts. If you want to give more value to your home, choose solid wood flooring. On the other hand, if you need more stability in your floors, choose engineered flooring or impregnated acrylic.

Installation area

According to where you want to install your floor, wood maybe your best option. If you are going to renovate your living room or your children’s bedrooms Don’t hesitate, choose hardwood for your project. If on the other hand, you are going to renovate the floor of your kitchen, bathroom, or basement. You will prefer another type of floor more suitable.

So if you’re looking for quality hardwood flooring. Please do not hesitate to contact us by mail or whatsapp. We are here to help you.