Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring can certainly boost the value of any residence. For an addition of class and traditional value, solid wood flooring is a great option. A top quality maple or oak wood flooring can truly put a new face on a home, while likewise producing a style that can be difficult to equal. Hardwood flooring is found in almost every imaginable color and shades. Discovering the right wood flooring for your home can be a little overwhelming, but the process is always rewarding in the end. While carpet can certainly work in some situations, solid 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 each and every season, hardwood may have a tendency to crack and split with expansion and contraction. High humidity is also a real issue when it comes to hardwoods. Excess moisture tends to be absorbed into the wood flooring, leading to warping and buckling over time. Crowning and cupping are common problems for wood flooring exposed to moisture. When a floor crowns or cups, it loses its originally level form, 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 decided that hardwood is the right choice for you as a homeowner, there are many options from which to select. Maple and oak are more traditional species, 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 setting. The thickness of the boards is also an important factor in selecting the right wood flooring product. Thicker boards will provide a longer lasting and more reliable surface.

Moisture is very often behind hardwood stability concerns. Prevent exposing wood flooring to moisture as much as possible. If stocking solid wood flooring outside prior to installation, make certain that the wood is protected against moisture. 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. Take care of your investment, and solid wood flooring will preserve its worth for generations.