If you want to install hardwood floors in your home, you should consider several things before starting. Consider the type of wood you want to use, how much it costs, and how you can manage the moisture content of the flooring. When installing a hardwood floor, the key is to have a properly prepared subfloor. Not only will this prevent moisture damage and sagging, it can also help avoid strange noises and smells.

The first step in preparing your subfloor is to remove the old flooring. This can include pulling up carpeting or tile. Removing all the old materials from the subfloor is important to get a seamless appearance. 

Once the existing floor is removed, you must clean and level the subfloor. Make sure the material is free of residues and chemicals. If any are present, sand the surface with 40-grit sandpaper. Compared to solid wood, engineered wood is better for moisture resistance, stability, and resistance to temperature changes. Engineered floors are also more durable than solid wood and have more versatility in installation and style.

While both hardwood floors are beautiful, it’s important to consider which suits your situation. For instance, solid hardwood works well for kitchens and entryways. However, engineered flooring is a better choice if you have a basement. Another good reason to choose engineered over solid is that you can install it over concrete slabs. This means you don’t have to worry about damaging the floorboards if you choose to replace them in the future.

For hardwood flooring installation, there are several factors that can determine the cost. The main one is the amount of square feet to be covered. If you are remodeling a large room, such as a living or dining room, the total cost may be much less than if you are installing a floor in a small hallway or closet.

The costs of installing a hardwood floor are also dependent on the quality of wood. The more expensive the wood, the more money you will spend. You should also consider the type of finish that you want. There are many types of finishes available for hardwoods. Most of them are inexpensive and easy to apply. Some are more difficult to use.

Choosing a flooring type can be a tricky task. Floating and glue-down floors offer advantages and disadvantages, and the choice comes down to your needs. The best option depends on your subfloor, the look you’re after, and the environment you live in. Glue-down flooring is a great choice if you have an uneven subfloor. You need to ensure your subfloor is level before installing hardwood, tile, or any other type of flooring. If the subfloor isn’t perfectly level, it can cause your flooring to slide. Glue-down flooring is also more durable. It’s less likely to come up, and it’s easier to repair if it does. However, gluing down wood floors is more time-consuming and requires more technical skill.

Whether you are a hardwood floor installation professional or a wood floor owner, knowing how to measure and manage wood’s moisture content is important. Moisture is a primary cause of problems with hardwood floors. You can prevent recurrent issues by keeping moisture reading at the right levels.

When measuring and managing wood’s moisture content, there are several things to remember. First, you must know your home’s relative humidity (RH) level. This is important because wood flooring’s moisture can fluctuate based on the relative humidity in the environment. If the RH in your home is too high, it can result in excessive cupping and splits. Exotic hardwoods offer the uniqueness of a product variety. Wide varieties are found overseas, and color changes and grain patterns enhance their beauty. Some exotic woods are also sustainably harvested.

If you want an exotic floor in your home, hire a professional to install the flooring. These types of floors are dense and require special techniques. They are also harder than domestic hardwoods. A lot of people choose these types of floors for their natural coloring. If you prefer a particular species, ensure you get a quote from an installer with experience with that specie.