Choosing The Correct Flooring For Your Project

Hardwood Flooring

When considering the installation of new hardwood flooring in your home, there are several factors to take into account. First, determine if it's the right choice for your family. Do you have pets? Young children? Allergies? Do you reside in an area prone to mud? Is your house built on a slope? What are the moisture levels in your home? These are fundamental questions to address in making your decision.

Is Hardwood Flooring Right for You?

Hardwood floors offer timeless beauty and can increase your home's value, but they might not be the perfect fit for every home. Factors like moisture issues and the type of foundation your house is built on can impact your flooring choice.

Considerations for Hardwood Flooring

Moisture Problems: Homes built on certain grades may experience continuous moisture issues, potentially compromising the structural stability of hardwood floors. In such cases, tile flooring might be a better option.

Slab Foundation: If your home is on a slab, installing hardwood floors requires glue-down installation, creating a permanent vapor barrier. Older slabs (over 10 years) are suitable, but younger slabs still release moisture, causing potential adhesion issues.

The Benefits of Hardwood Floors

Though not the cheapest option, hardwood floors significantly enhance your home's value. Their warmth and aesthetic appeal make them a timeless addition, and advanced finishing technologies today surpass those from the past. Hardwood floors are easy to clean and can be refinished or repaired if damaged, allowing you to update their color to match current trends.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring comes in two types: pre-finished and unfinished. Unfinished wood floors offer a custom finish in terms of color and thickness, while pre-finished floors eliminate the need for sanding and finishing, although they're limited to the manufacturer's options.

Professional Installation is Key

Sanding and finishing hardwood floors is a job best left to professionals. The process requires a completely emptied area and can be very dusty, involving harsh chemicals. DIY attempts might lead to more work and costs if not done correctly. We recommend hiring professionals to ensure the job is done right from start to finish.

Ideal Homes for Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is great for homes without moisture issues and those with a crawl space of at least 36 inches. It's also ideal for homes with pets, provided their nails are clipped regularly. Floors should be installed using the nail-down method (unless engineered to be glued down) on a plywood substrate. Advantech or OSB may be used if approved by the manufacturer or NWFA under your conditions.

Finishing Hardwood Floors

Applying the finish should be done under specific conditions. Refer to the NWFA for humidity, temperature, and moisture guidelines to ensure your finish dries correctly. Sheen of finishes are going to vary with the type of finish you purchase. Oil based finishes have Gloss, Semi-gloss and Satin, where Waterborne finishes have Gloss, Semi-gloss, Satin and Matte. Both varieties come with UV inhibitor varients and non-yellowing varients.

For more information or any further questions, please feel free to contact us via the link above or below.

NWFA

Tile Flooring Projects

Why Choose Tile Flooring?

Tile flooring offers versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. Here are some key reasons to consider tile for your flooring needs.

Benefits of Tile Flooring

Water Resistance: Tile is an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Its water-resistant properties make it durable and easy to maintain.

Durability: Tile floors are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. With proper care, tile flooring can last for decades without needing replacement.

Design Variety: Tile comes in a wide array of styles, colors, and materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. This variety allows you to customize your flooring to match your home’s aesthetic perfectly.

Installation Considerations

Substrate Preparation: Proper substrate preparation is essential for tile installation. The surface must be clean, level, and dry to ensure the tiles adhere correctly and prevent issues down the road.

Professional vs. DIY: While many homeowners can tackle tile installation as a DIY project, hiring professionals ensures a flawless finish, especially for more complex patterns and designs.

Tile Flooring Maintenance

Cleaning: Tile flooring is easy to clean. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent keep the tiles looking pristine. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the tile surface or grout.

Grout Care: Maintaining grout lines is crucial for the longevity of your tile floor. Sealing the grout can prevent stains and moisture absorption, making it easier to clean and maintain.

Best Areas for Tile Flooring

Bathrooms: Tile’s water resistance makes it ideal for bathrooms. Choose slip-resistant tiles for safety, especially in shower areas.

Kitchens: Durable and easy to clean, tile flooring can handle spills and heavy traffic common in kitchens. Consider adding an anti-fatigue mat in areas where you stand for long periods.

Entryways: With its durability and easy maintenance, tile flooring is perfect for entryways and mudrooms, where dirt and moisture are common.

Environmental Benefits

Eco-Friendly Options: Many tile options are eco-friendly, made from natural materials or recycled content. Consider choosing tiles that have low VOC emissions and are sustainably sourced.

Cost and Value

Affordability: Tile flooring is available at various price points, making it accessible for different budgets. While some high-end tiles can be expensive, many cost-effective options still offer great durability and aesthetic appeal.

Home Value: Installing tile flooring can increase your home's value due to its durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. It’s an investment that pays off in the long run.