Whether you're replacing a carpet with a hardwood floor or installing a hard wood floor, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. The first is to ask the homeowner if they're willing to have a hardwood floor installed.
Engineered hardwood vs solid hardwood
Among the two popular types of flooring, engineered and solid wood, you need to weigh their strengths and weaknesses before choosing the one that's right for you. Fortunately, it's not as difficult as you might think. With the proper tools and know-how, you'll be able to install either type with ease. However, if you aren't sure what type is right for you, Jordans Flooring Consultants are happy to help.
If you are looking for a durable and versatile floor, engineered wood is the way to go. The construction of engineered hardwood is unique because it contains three or more layers of high density fiberboard. This allows the product to be more durable and resistant to moisture. It also allows for a consistent look and feel. Engineered hardwood is not as susceptible to warping and cupping as solid wood, which is a huge plus for homeowners.
Among the other advantages of engineered wood is its multi-ply design. The core of this product contains several layers of wood stacked in a cross-grain configuration. This allows for more resistance to humidity changes than solid hardwood. This makes engineered wood a better choice for rooms that experience a lot of moisture. It's also more suitable for areas where temperature changes are frequent.
Despite its advantages, engineered hardwood does not last as long as solid hardwood. This is due to the fact that the core can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. If you live in an area with very high humidity levels, you might want to reconsider your choices.
Although solid hardwood is more durable than engineered wood, it's also more expensive. However, engineered hardwood can be cheaper. Also, if you choose to install engineered wood yourself, you can save money by avoiding the expense of a professional. A number of contractors recommend installing engineered wood, especially in areas where solid hardwood can't be installed.
The best way to decide between engineered and solid wood is to look at your budget and the location of the rooms in your home. You can choose from many hardwood species, including exotic species, and you can choose colors and textures to match your home's style. You should also consider the amount of traffic that will be moving through the rooms. Solid hardwood is not recommended for areas that see a lot of traffic. It's not recommended for laundry rooms, and it's not suitable for basements. Depending on the circumstances, you might want to consider installing porcelain tiles or even a carpet.
Although it may be a little more expensive than engineered wood, solid hardwood is also easier to install. You don't have to worry about nailing or stapling, and it can be installed on concrete or directly on the subfloor. You can also choose between unfinished and finished hardwood. Unfinished hardwood requires you to sand the surfaces before finishing. The finished product can last for years.
Floating hardwood floors vs engineered wood floors
Whether you're considering replacing your floor or just want to learn more about your options, it's important to understand the differences between engineered wood flooring and floating hardwood floors. There are many advantages and disadvantages to both types of flooring, and it's important to choose the right one for your home.
Engineered hardwood is a type of composite flooring that is made from a thin layer of solid hardwood, plywood, or high-density fiberboard. It's less expensive than solid wood, and it is available in a wide variety of styles and colors. It is also a good option for people with concrete subfloors. It can also be installed over radiant heat systems. It is also more resistant to moisture than solid wood, and it is less likely to warp. It's also easier to install. Depending on the amount of moisture you have in your home, it can be installed above or below grade.
Compared to solid hardwood, engineered wood flooring is easier to install and refinish. It can be glued down or installed directly onto concrete. It's also a better option for bathrooms, because it's less likely to be damaged by moisture. Despite this, it's still important to keep the surface free from standing liquid. You can also use a good quality adhesive to act as a vapor barrier.
If you're planning on installing engineered hardwood, you'll also need to get a price quote. You can also ask for a professional's recommendation. The cost will depend on the type of wood you choose, and you'll need to factor in the cost of removing your old flooring. You'll also need to consider the size of your room. It's also important to understand that the type of wood used can affect the strength of the flooring. A Janka hardness test can help you determine how hard the hardwood will be.
Engineered wood is more durable than solid hardwood, and it can be refinished several times. It also can stand up to large changes in humidity and temperature. You can also install engineered wood over radiant heat systems. The thickness of the wood planks will also affect how long the floor lasts. The thicker the planks are, the more times you can refinish them. The best engineered wood flooring comes with an aluminum oxide finish, which is water-resistant.
Laminate flooring is also a popular alternative to solid hardwood, and it's easy to install. Using adhesives and high-density fiberboard, it can be installed in a variety of ways. It has a very similar look to solid hardwood, but it is also cheaper. It is also easier to install, and you can choose from a wide range of colors. It's not recommended to install laminate in bathrooms or over radiant heat systems, because the adhesives can cause moisture damage. You should also look for a product that is FSC certified.
Getting the homeowner to approve a hardwood floor
Getting the homeowner to approve a new flooring is no small feat in the 21st century. Fortunately, modern technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization have paved the way for a successful flooring overhaul. A few clicks and the new floors of yours can be on the way out the door. The best part is, you can sleep in style. A night out in style is more than your standard A+ night owl. One last tip, if you've got a sassy spouse, take them with you. After all, they can't be the only ones snoozing in the sexiest room in the universe.