Want To Install Hardwood Flooring? 3 Things You Need To Know
Posted on: 28 November 2022
Hardwood flooring is something most homeowners are familiar with. Whether you already have hardwood in your home or plan to install it, you probably are aware of its longevity and beauty. If you are attracted to this flooring option, there are a few factors to think about before putting it down in your home. Selecting the right hardwood for your needs is crucial. Here's what to know before installing hardwood floors.
It Has To Sit Before Installation
Once you choose hardwood for your home, you probably want to install it as soon as possible. Seeing pallets of hardwood sitting inside your home for days may make you wonder what's happening. However, this is a vital part of the hardwood installation process. Before the installation, your hardwood must acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity levels. How long this process takes depends on the wood species, but usually, it's a few days. If you hire a professional to install your hardwood, they will make sure the flooring is acclimatized before installing it. If you are DIYing the installation, make sure your hardwood has enough time to adjust.
It Isn't Suitable For High-Moisture Areas
Hardwood flooring is incredibly hardy, but moisture is its enemy. Too much moisture and hardwood can buckle, warp, and become discolored. Since hardwood is prone to moisture damage, it won't work well in areas with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms and wet basements. However, vinyl flooring is an excellent alternative if you want the look of hardwood in these spaces. Vinyl flooring holds up well to moisture and comes in formats that look convincingly like hardwood.
It Doesn't Have To Break The Bank
If you think hardwood will be out of your price range, there are affordable options. Hardwood flooring costs depend on the species, size of your home, and installation costs. Hardwood species, in particular, will impact your bottom line, with premium varieties costing a lot more. Generally, you can expect to spend between $14 and $32 per square foot when installing hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring is an investment, but it will last for decades.
There are a few things to know if you want to install hardwood flooring in your home. First, hardwood must acclimate to your home before it can be installed. This is an important step that should not be skipped. Second, vinyl may be a better fit in some areas of the home. Finally, hardwood flooring installation doesn't have to break the bank. There are affordable options on the market.
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