Floor Focus: Solid Hardwood
What to know about installing hardwood + caring for hardwood floors.
If you’re reading this, then we probably won’t have to sway you on the benefits of solid hardwood flooring. It’s been the floor covering of choice for generations (read: The History of Hardwood), and its natural splendor is enjoyed in the grandest of residences (such as the Palace of Versailles) down to the most modest (your uncle Bob’s duplex, for instance).
Homeowners have come to cherish this organic option for its longevity, versatility, and beauty, but before you jump at the chance to install a solid hardwood floor of your own, you’ll need to make note of a few critical details. The right choices when it comes to installation and maintenance can make all the difference when it comes to the longevity of your hardwood flooring; the following tips will help you maximize their lifespan and your satisfaction with your investment.
Solid Hardwood Flooring 5 in. Width.
Climate Conscious
Wood flooring is most comfortable within an ideal range of temperatures and relative humidity. In general, relative humidity in the home should be between 30-50 percent year-round for optimal performance. Temperatures should be kept between 60° and 80° Fahrenheit. There are geographic exceptions to these guidelines, so be sure to ask your flooring professional and check the product specifications.
To prevent movement in wood it is best to maintain a controlled environment. This is even more important with wider plank floors. Depending on your local climate, you may need a humidifier in the winter or a dehumidifier in the summer.
Even in ideal environs, though, it’s important to acclimate your solid hardwood planks prior to installation, giving them time to adjust to your home’s unique atmosphere. It’s critical for you to get air circulating through your boards, and you can do that by removing them from their packaging and stacking them in the room(s) you’re upgrading. Exact times may vary, but most experts recommend a minimum acclimation period of 72 hours before installation.
Installation 101
Unlike other types of flooring, which typically allow for easier click-and-lock installation methods, solid hardwood often involves a more involved nail-down installation process. For those with the know-how and the right set of tools, it can make for a fun (if challenging) DIY project, but to help ensure the longest lifespan possible for their floors, many homeowners leave solid hardwood installation to the pros.
For a step-by-step guide on installing nail-down hardwood flooring, check out this LL Flooring video: How to Install Nail Down Hardwood Flooring.
Maintenance
What’s the key to long-lasting solid hardwood floors? It’s vigilant care and maintenance. Unlike engineered hardwood or vinyl plank, solid hardwood is more susceptible to water damage, so be mindful about cleaning up spills or water tracked in from outside. And, as mentioned above, hardwood is temperature-sensitive, so aim to keep your home between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
To keep your floors in ship shape and scratch free, consider adding stick-on pads to the feet of any chairs that might drag on the floors, and sweep or vacuum regularly to keep dust and grit from causing long-term damage.
Also, do you like ideas and how-to videos about design and decor on YouTube? Subscribe to the LL Flooring YouTube Channel and get notified about new videos!
In this video, home improvement contractor and TV host Josh Temple talks about why hardwood is such a favorite.
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