Hardwood is one of the most popular and widely used flooring materials. It offers homeowners a variety of benefits. There are many reasons to invest in hardwood flooring. From improving the look of your home to enhancing durability and air quality, it’s a wise investment. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about hardwood floors if you have been considering installing them in your home.
Hardwood Flooring Facts
Knowing what you’re choosing makes it easier to choose the right flooring. We have compiled some interesting facts below about why wood floors are a better option than other types of flooring.
Wood needs to be acclimatized before installation.
Hardwood floors can be easily maintained and will last for many years if they are properly acclimated prior to installation. It may show signs of distortion and cupping as the planks expand or contract depending on the environmental conditions. During this process, hardwood planks adjust to the humidity and temperature of the room. It must be done at least for three days (72-hours) before the planks are installed. The wood will be easier to install after acclimation and shouldn’t cause any problems in the future.
Most wood manufacturers recommend an acclimation time of at least three days. However, this depends on several factors, including the type of wood used, its dimensions and moisture content, as well as the method of finishing. It’s important to note that not all hardwoods require acclimation. If the humidity and temperature are within a normal range, then engineered or solid factory-finished woods don’t need to be seasoned. For details, contact our hardwood flooring experts.
No Two Wooden Planks Look Alike
The hardwood flooring is unique. No two hardwood floors will be exactly alike, just as fingerprints and eyes are unique for each person. Wood is a product of trees, and no two trees look the same. Hardwood logs vary based on color, mass, grain pattern, and other factors. Real wood has a variety of wood grains and textures. No two planks will look the same.
Improves Air Quality
Do you know that hardwood has many health benefits as well as its aesthetic value? Wooden floors will improve the air quality in your home and make it a healthier environment. While it is impossible to control pollution outside, there are many natural ways to purify the air inside your home. Hardwood does not have the fibers of carpets which trap allergens such as dust mites and animal dander. You can therefore switch to hardwood if you want to avoid allergies caused by these substances.
Since wood comes from trees which inhale CO2 and exhale O2, they continue to store carbon throughout their service life. It improves the indoor air quality because it is a carbon-neutral product.
Experimenting with different colors
Hardwood can be resurfaced to suit your tastes and keep up with changing trends. Resurfacing is cosmetic sanding that gives hardwood floors a new color and texture. This process can also remove any cosmetic problems such as dents, scratches or cracks. This is a great option for homeowners who are tired of their current color and want to change it up.
Hardwood Hardness Variations
Hardwoods are classified by their ‘hardness,’ which is the ability to resist dents and scratches. Brazilian cherry, Brazilian Koa and cumaru are among the hardest hardwoods available. White ash, cherry and red oak follow. You can select the hardwood that best suits your needs. If you have children who scratch the floor with their toys, then it is best to choose the hardest hardwood flooring. The flooring is easy to maintain, and minor scratches can be removed by refinishing.
Enhances Acoustic Sound Quality
The acoustics of a room are significantly altered by wood flooring. Hard wood reflects sound whereas carpet absorbs. Hardwood flooring makes music sound better, so it is perfect for people who enjoy listening to soft music such as acoustic piano or guitar.
Hardwood floors can add beauty, value and durability to your house. They can transform your home into a heaven-like abode with their classic sheen and rich colors. Now that you’ve learned some interesting facts about hardwood floors, it’s now time to invest and discover its many benefits.