Hardwood flooring is a classic and timeless choice for both traditional-style and contemporary homes. It comes in various colors, styles, and finishes that can add warmth, beauty, and value to a home. Wood is also a great insulator, which makes hardwood floors comfortable to walk on, especially during the cold season. Hardwoods are sturdy and durable; however, they require proper installation to maintain their aesthetic. Therefore, check out these installation tips to boost the longevity and appearance of your hardwood flooring.

Choose the Right Hardwood Grade 

Hardwoods come in a variety of grades, depending on the type of imperfections on the surface. The highest hardwood grade features a uniform appearance with few knots and imperfections, while the lowest grade has numerous knots, mineral streaks, and surface imperfections. High-grade hardwood is more expensive than lower-grade material. However, besides your budget, consider the factors below when choosing the best hardwood grade for your flooring.

Personal preference

What level of imperfections are you comfortable with on your flooring? Opt for high-grade wood if you want smooth, flawless floorboards that blend well with a contemporary home. However, if you don't mind knots and mineral streaks or want to give your floors a rustic appearance, consider the lower hardwood grades. Note that the lowest hardwood grade, which is also the cheapest, features heavy knots and severe surface imperfections. Therefore, select this option only if you want an extremely rustic look and feel.

Location of the flooring

Consider the temperature and humidity levels in the room where the flooring will be installed. Opt for high-grade hardwood in rooms with fluctuating temperature and humidity levels. High-grade wood can withstand these climatic changes without warping or buckling easily. Lower-graded hardwood performs well in stable climatic conditions; therefore, use it in rooms with consistent temperature and humidity levels.

Exposure to wear and tear

High-grade wood can withstand heavy foot traffic and abuse without experiencing premature wear and tear. Therefore, install it in high-traffic areas, such as living spaces, especially if you have kids or pets. You can use a lower grade of wood in low-traffic areas, such as the bedrooms.

Use Quality Hardwood Finishes

Wood finishes seal the flooring and protect it from scratches, stains, and moisture damage. Finishes can also change or enhance the natural color of wood, depending on the user's preference. Invest in high-quality finishes that are resistant to stains, scratches, moisture, and UV damage. Oil-based, acrylic, and polyurethane finishes are excellent choices that offer maximum protection to hardwood floors. These finishes are incredibly durable and can maintain their luster for years without requiring frequent touch-ups.

Hardwood floors must be installed under average humidity levels to prevent the floorboards from warping due to expansion and contraction. Therefore, hire an experienced flooring contractor for the installation project.

Contact a local hardwood flooring service, such as Rejuvenation Floor & Design, to learn more.