How Do I Maintain My Hardwood Flooring?

Why is hardwood flooring installation so popular today?

A hardwood flooring installation gives a home a rich, warm, solid, and timeless appearance. However, there is an essential challenge to hardwood flooring and that is water. Solid, tongue-and-groove wood flooring planks are not moisture resistant, therefore, hardwood flooring installation is not recommended for any room that has water exposure. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. 

Fortunately, there have been improvements in the hardwood flooring industry with the introduction of two different solutions: 

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring: This flooring is manufactured with between 2 to 5 thin sheets of wood that form one plank when laminated. This cross-ply method of construction prevents the hardwood flooring installation planks from contracting and expanding in humid areas or exposed to water. 
• Long Strip Hardwood Flooring: This type is similar to the above-described engineered wood flooring in the way using several wood plies and gluing them together. The center core of this type of hardwood flooring is a softer wood and is typically used in manufacturing tongue-n-groove flooring. On the top of that core, a hardwood finish layer is adhered, with results planks measuring approximately 86″ long and 7 1/2″ wide. 

What is the installation method to lay solid hardwood flooring?

There are 3/4-inch solid and 5/16-inch solid options in hardwood flooring, which influences which of the 4 different hardwood flooring installation types: 

• Nail-down hardwood Flooring Installation Method: The most common choice because it is a cost-effective method. The nails are driven into the hardwood boards leaving them almost invisible. This type of hardwood flooring installation requires wood subflooring.

• Interlocking Hardwood Flooring Installation Method: This is often referred to as click-lock installation and is common for DIY homeowner projects. The hardwood boards simply click into place.

• Glue-Down Hardwood Flooring Installation Method: This method is ideal when the hardwood flooring installation is on a concrete floor using glue. 

• Staple-Down Hardwood Flooring Installation Method: Comparable to the nail-down hardwood flooring installation method, but with staples instead of nails to secure the hardwood boards to the subfloor. This method provides a strong initial hold because of the two prongs, but any movement of the flooring happens, staples aren’t as forgiving as nails. 

Which is better for bedrooms, carpeting, or hardwood flooring installation? 

While hardwood flooring installation brings a rich, warm, and comfortable appearance to a home, carpeting has its attractions too. It comes down to personal choices, but most homeowners choose to keep carpeting in the bedroom for the sound-dampening feature. During the winters, when the floors are cold, that initial wake-up moment of having carpet underfoot is a big consideration for many.

How much does hardwood flooring installation cost? 

The total cost will vary based on some crucial factors that include: 

• The square footage
• The type of hardwood flooring
• Additional services are needed to complete the installation.

On average, hardwood flooring installation can range between $5 and $20 per square foot for the material and between $5 and $10 per square foot for the labor. 

Is hardwood flooring installation a DIY project?

Whether it is to save money or you like a challenge, hardwood flooring installation can be a DIY project. Multiple online videos can walk you through the task, with many who have “been there, done that” sharing their tips learned the hard way.  

But a professional installation is always going to be recommended.  The pros have not only the equipment and experience, but their work is also guaranteed and the warranty on the flooring material stays intact. 

What is the best way to maintain hardwood flooring? 

Installation is complete, now how to maintain that flooring is your focus. The following tips will help you keep your hardwood flooring installation investment in top condition: 

• Daily dry mop dust, or sweep. Debris and dust can dull and scratch the surface of your hardwood flooring. Daily sweeping and vacuuming is the best way to protect your flooring. You can use a broom or a microfiber dust mop and dusting agent. Weekly vacuuming is recommended using the hard floor setting.
• Monthly mopping is recommended for heavy-traffic areas using a damp mop, twice a month for higher-traffic areas. Wring as much water as possible out and rinse as needed during the mopping. Never leave standing water! 
• Revitalizing the hardwood flooring installation will remove the dullness and cover the scratches. This can be done while the floor is dry, using a liquid scratch concealer will form a permanent seal. Wood floor polishes are excellent for restoring the shine and protecting against daily wear and tear. 

 Years of Beauty and Enjoyment! 

Once your hardwood flooring installation is complete and you’ve reviewed the recommended maintenance and upkeep procedures with the installer, it is time to sit back and enjoy your investment, for many years.