Hardwood Floor Buying Tips

Hardwood floors are a timeless addition to any home or business. But just because they're classic doesn't mean they're easy to install. Hardwood flooring comes in wide varieties, so you'll want to ensure that you choose the right type for your space and budget before shopping around. Here are some tips on what to look for when buying new hardwood flooring.

Find a flooring retailer that you can trust

You should also find a hardwood flooring retailer that you can trust. Look for one that has been in business for many years and has an established reputation in your area. Ask how long they have been selling hardwood flooring, as well as what their best-selling products are. Check out the retailer's website and see if it offers any money-back guarantees or other incentives to ensure you're getting good value.

Ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations for reputable businesses selling hardwood floors in your area; these recommendations may come from people who have recently purchased new flooring from one of these places themselves! If nothing else works, consider searching online reviews before deciding which company deserves this vital role in helping create an amazing new look within your home (or workplace).

Are there any "green" options for hardwood flooring?

Yes, there are several ways to get a green hardwood floor. Some manufacturers use recycled materials or sustainable wood in their products. Others use water-based finishes that are easier on the environment and you, too!

How do I choose between solid and engineered hardwood floors?

Solid and engineered hardwood floors are made from the same materials, but engineered wood has a core of other materials added to it. This adds stability and makes it lighter than solid wood. Engineered wood is also easier to install than solid wood because there's no need for gluing or nailing down boards--you lay them in place on top of your subflooring (the layer beneath your floor).

Engineered hardwoods cost more than solid hardwoods because they're made from more expensive materials, but they're also less expensive than installing real hardwood planks yourself. Divide your total cost by the square footage of your floor to find out how much each square foot costs.

Hardwood flooring is a timeless addition to nearly any home or business

Hardwood flooring is a timeless addition to nearly any home or business. Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned, making them the most durable choice for high-traffic areas. They're also naturally comfortable underfoot and look good in any home style.

This type of flooring comes in many styles, including rustic (a popular choice for those who want the look of an old-world barn), exotic, and even clear-finished so you can see through it!

The common advice to avoid wood floors in damp areas is not always accurate

This is because moisture can damage hardwood floors. However, the common advice to avoid wood floors in damp areas is only sometimes accurate, and some things can be done to ensure your new floor stays dry.

The first thing you'll want to do is check how much moisture comes through your walls and subflooring over time and then make sure it stays within 5% per day (including indoor humidity levels and rain). If it does exceed this amount, then several steps can be taken:

• Use an underlayment between your subflooring and the finished flooring material (such as plywood), which will help prevent any moisture from seeping into the underlying structure of your home's foundation.
• Install radiant heat underneath each room with high humidity levels, so heat rises instead of down; this will keep air circulating higher off-ground level where condensation tends to occur most often due to cold temperatures outside, causing the warm air inside homes during winter months when windows aren't opened often enough for adequate ventilation purposes.

Check the quality

When buying hardwood flooring, it's important to ensure that the quality is up to your standards. 

Here are some things to look for:

• A reputable brand. Ensure that the company has been around for a while and has a good reputation in the industry. They should also have plenty of customer reviews on their website or elsewhere online so that you can read what other people think before making a purchase.
• Durable finish and construction materials (such as glue). This will ensure that your floors last longer without cracks or damage from heavy furniture being moved around on them regularly, which is especially true if you have kids or pets at home!
• A retailer will honor its warranties if something goes wrong with installation or repair work done by contractors hired later down the road when additional work needs to be done beyond just replacing individual planks due to normal wear and tear over time. Make sure there's some accountability built into any warranty program these companies offer, so consumers aren't left holding onto worthless pieces.

Are there extra charges?

• Installation costs vary, and some companies will do the work for free.
• If the price does not include removing and disposing old flooring, ask about it before you sign anything.
• Ask if the price includes cutting boards (which fit between baseboards and walls). Some companies charge extra for these boards, so it's important to find out if they're included in your quote or if they'll be charged separately later.
• How long will it take to install my hardwood floors?

Look at the finish

You should also take a look at the finish of your prospective flooring. If you have kids or pets, you'll want to find a finish resistant to scratches and stains.

It's also good to ensure the finish lasts many years without dulling or fading. The last thing you want is for your beautiful hardwood floors to look worn out before they hit their prime!

What kind of warranty is offered?

If you're buying hardwood flooring, the warranty is an important consideration. Warranties can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another and even within a single company's product line. For example, some manufacturers offer limited coverage for structural defects only.

If your floor cracks or shrinks after installation, they will repair it at no cost; however, if water damage occurs due to improper maintenance (for example), they won't cover this under their warranty policy.

Other manufacturers offer coverage against manufacturing defects only--so if your wood starts warping or cracking after installation because of improper installation techniques used by a contractor who was not certified by them (or didn't follow their instructions), those costs aren't covered either.

Some warranties are limited only when certain types of damage occur. For example, some may cover water damage but not termite infestation; others might exclude natural disasters like floods or earthquakes.

while others still exclude normal wear-and-tear over time, such as scratches from furniture being moved around on top of them regularly over several years before finally being replaced with something new altogether."

Ask about installation

You can ask the salesperson about the installation process and costs, as well as how to determine if your flooring is high quality. You should also inquire about how often you should replace your floors.

Conclusion

When you're ready to buy your next floor, the most important thing is to find a retailer that you can trust. Suitable hardwood flooring should last for decades with proper care and maintenance. Make sure your retailer has been in business for at least five years (or longer), has a good reputation among local homeowners and businesses--and asks for references! Visit their showroom so you can see firsthand samples of what they offer rather than relying solely on photographs or descriptions over the phone or the internet. Contact Us today for a free quote.