5 Things you Should Know Before Installing Hardwood Floors in Your Chicago Home
Installing hardwood floors in your home is a great way to increase the value of your property and add style, but there are some important things you should know before you get started. We've compiled five tips below that will help make sure you're well prepared for this home improvement project.
1. Hardwood floors are a great way to spruce up your home
One of the biggest benefits of hardwood floors Chicago residents enjoy is how they can easily transform the look of your space. If you're tired of laminate or carpet, hardwoods are an excellent choice for updating your décor without too much work. In the Chicago area, many homeowners opt for hardwood floors to match the historic period and style of their homes.
Hardwood floors can instantly elevate the look of any room, which makes it among the most impactful home improvement projects to take on.
2. Inspect the subfloor before getting started
Before installing your new hardwood flooring, get the flooring contractor to inspect the subfloor to make sure it is completely flat and free of any major imperfections. While most homes in Chicago are safe from termites and other wood-damaging pests, you'll need to treat your flooring with termite or pest treatment before installation and replace any areas that have been damaged.
This will ensure your installation goes smoothly and that it lasts for a long time without problems.
3. Select a style that matches your design best
While solid hardwood floors are made from one piece of wood, engineered wood is made by gluing together boards which creates a uniform look throughout each plank.
Which one you choose is really a matter of personal preference - if you're looking for a more rustic or traditional look, go with solid wood. If you want something that's more contemporary and consistent, engineered hardwood may be the way to go.
4. Consider your lifestyle when choosing flooring type
The amount of wear and tear your flooring will endure is an important consideration when making your choice. If you have kids or pets, engineered wood may be a better option as it is more resistant to scratches and dents. Solid hardwood floors are beautiful but can easily be damaged if not cared for properly.
Some of the damage can be mitigated by strategically placing area runs or runners in high traffic areas or even installing tile in certain areas of the home.
Other ways to lessen damage to wood floors is to make sure to use floor protectors on furniture. One type of floor protector is felt padding that is placed on the bottom of furniture such as couches and chairs. These felt pads prevent scratches and gouges to wood floors as the items are moved.
5. Wood floors are long-lasting
One of the best things about hardwood floors is that they last a long time with proper care. With some basic maintenance, your floors can easily last for decades. In terms of daily maintenance, make sure to sweep and vacuum regularly and use a damp mop every once in a while to keep your floors looking their best.
For longer term considerations, having a professional refinish floors is best.
Because hardwood floors can be refinished and revarnished, they can be revived over and over again. This is why so many older homes still have the original floors. Not only this, but they can be carpeted over when you'd like to change to carpeting. They will still be usable underneath if you choose to revert to wood floors.
Once you've made the decision to install new hardwood floors, it's time to start planning. You'll need to get your subfloor inspected for any potential problems before installation and figure out what type of wood best matches your style. If you want a more rustic look with knots in the flooring or if there is no concern over wear and tear, solid wood may be the way to go; but if you're looking for something that will maintain its appearance longer then engineered wood would be better suited. Wood floors are long-lasting so once they're installed properly, they can give decades of beauty throughout your home!