top of page
Blue Ridge Floors logo. Hardwood floors. Asheville floors. Charleston floors. Nasheville floors.
  • Blue Ridge Floors Yelp
  • Blue Ridge Floors - LinkedIn
  • Blue Ridge Floors - Instagram
  • Blue Ridge Floors - Houzz
  • Blue Ridge Floors - Pinterest
  • Blue Ridge Floors - Facebook
  • Blue Ridge Floors - Twitter

4 Things To Know Before Starting Your Hardwood Flooring Project

There are few elements that enhance the elegance and beauty of a home more than hardwood flooring. The aesthetic choice can also be a practical one, as hardwood floors are among the most durable and, despite the occasional requirement for hardwood floor refinishing, they are relatively easy to maintain on a day-to-day basis.

However, hardwood flooring installation is a significant undertaking, regardless of whether you intend to hire a contractor or tackle the project yourself. Before you decide to proceed with a custom hardwood floor project, there are four important questions you should ask yourself.

1. Are You Prepared for the Upkeep and Maintenance of a Hardwood Floor?

When you think about the upkeep and maintenance, you need to consider both day-to-day upkeep and long-term maintenance, such as hardwood sanding and refinishing. The good news is that, typically, hardwood floors can go 20 to 25 years before they need to be sanded and refinished, and you may be able to extend the life of your floor by taking good care of it on a daily basis. However, sooner or later, your floors are going to start showing their age and you will need to refinish them, which can be inconvenient and costly.

Day-to-day upkeep of hardwood floors is relatively easy but requires adherence to certain guidelines. For instance, exposure to moisture can cause your floors to warp, so you need to clean up any spills or puddles right away.

To protect your floors, NEVER use the following items to clean them:

In addition, hardwood floors can be vulnerable to scratches from furniture and pets' claws, condensation from potted plants, and discoloration from certain rug underlayments.

It’s really simple, after all. Day-to-day upkeep of hardwood floors usually involves no more than running a broom or a dust mop over them, but if the idea of constantly protecting your floors from scratches or spills is unappealing, you should consider another flooring material such as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or ceramic/porcelain tile.

2. What Kind of Wood Should You Choose?

You may think that the most important consideration of your project is choosing the type of wood (walnut, oak, maple, etc.) however, it’s important to first make the determination between engineered flooring and solid hardwood.

One of the disadvantages of solid hardwood is that it can expand and contract under varying conditions, potentially causing your floors to shift. Engineered flooring is designed to correct that problem by bonding a thin layer of hardwood on top to lower layers more resistant to expansion and contraction.

Another advantage of engineered flooring is that it can easily be installed in places where solid hardwood cannot, such as over a concrete subfloor. The trade-off is that with some brands, the top layer is so thin that it cannot be sanded or refinished, meaning that you would need to replace the floor entirely when it eventually wears out. However, many of the brands available in our showroom are "naturally aged flooring" and come with a wear layer thick enough that can be sanded up to three times.

3. Do You Have the Tools You Need?

If you're hiring a professional to install your floor, this may or may not be a consideration to take into account before beginning your project. If you do decide to choose a contractor, they will generally supply his or her own tools. However, if you intend to install the floor yourself, you need to ensure that you have access to the necessary tools, which include the following:

  • Wood glue

  • Utility knife

  • Tape measure

  • Pry bar

  • Saw (either table, miter, or circular)

  • Nails

  • Nail set

  • Hammer

  • Drill with bits

  • Pneumatic flooring nailer

  • Wood Stain

In addition, you obviously need your hardwood flooring material, as well as transitions, floor moulding, and other accessories. You should also wear protective gear like safety masks/glasses, knee pads, and work gloves.

4. What Are the Pros and Cons of Hiring a Contractor Versus DIY Installation?

Homeowners who decide to install hardwood floors themselves often seek to complete the project for less money than it would take to hire a contractor. It's undeniable that you can save money on a DIY hardwood floor installation, but only if you install it correctly the first time. On the other hand, if you botch your first attempt and have to call in a professional to repair the damage, you'll end up spending more money than if you hired a contractor in the first place.

Another advantage to hiring a contractor is that you can save time on your floor installation. A DIY installation project can take days or even weeks to complete, disrupting your home life and causing undue stress in the process.

Answers to Your Flooring Questions

If you find yourself overwhelmed and confused about starting your hardwood flooring project, then you need an expert like Blue Ridge Floors to give you the clarity you’re looking for. Our products and services not only include hardwood floors; we can help you determine what you need to know about selecting materials, maintenance and upkeep, and more. Learn about how we make the process of enhancing the elegance and beauty of your home quick and simple - Call us today at (828) 280-3221 to discuss your custom hardwood flooring project.

 
 
 

16 Comments


Captain Infotech
Captain Infotech
16 hours ago

We are here to provide valuable and cheap Amity Solved Assignment that helps the student to achieve success in the exam. This Amity Assignment Writing service is done by professional content writers that have more than 20+ years of experience to deliver unique assignments.

Like

Are you feeling overwhelmed with your online classes and thinking, "I need to pay someone to take my online class"? At takemyonlineclasss.com, we provide reliable and professional assistance to students who need help staying on top of their coursework. Our team of experts is here to attend lectures, complete assignments, participate in discussions, and even help with exams, ensuring that your academic progress stays on track. With our commitment to high-quality work and punctuality, you can rest assured that your online classes will be handled with care and precision. Reach out to takemyonlineclasss.com today and let us help you succeed!

Like

Protect your car’s paint with premium PPF coating from The Detailing Mafia. Our advanced Paint Protection Film offers superior resistance against scratches, stains, and UV damage, ensuring a flawless finish. Experience long-lasting shine and protection with expert application and top-quality materials. Preserve your vehicle’s beauty with The Detailing Mafia.

More Services

what is ceramic coating

Car Detailing

PPF Coating Price

Car detailing franchise

Car detailing business 

windshield protection film

Bike detailing

Teflon Coating

Car denting painting

 

Like

I recently visited MRI Scan Centre and was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of their team. The environment was clean and comfortable, and the results were delivered on time with clear explanations. Without a doubt, they deserve to be called the Best MRI Center in Ghaziabad. Highly recommended for anyone looking for accurate and affordable MRI services.


Like

Gkkedia ajeet
Gkkedia ajeet
7 days ago

Get reliable accounting services in Delhi from experienced professionals. We offer bookkeeping, GST filing, income tax returns, financial reporting, and business compliance services tailored to individuals, startups, and companies. Ensure accuracy and stay compliant with trusted local experts.

Like
bottom of page