Everything to Know About Solid Hardwood Flooring

Ultimate Guide to Solid Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a timeless, elegant choice for homes of all architectural styles and interior designs. At Elegant Floor Services, we have decades of experience installing solid hardwood flooring in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Read through our guide to everything you need to know about this durable, versatile flooring, and then call us to request a free estimate.

What Is Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood is harvested from forests and then manufactured into flooring planks from a single piece of wood that runs from top to bottom. After being cut from a tree, it is milled into planks, dried in a kiln, and sawn or cut to the desired dimensions. It is then left unfinished or is pre-finished with a stain or protective coating.

Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

When choosing your flooring, you will need to consider the pros and cons of each species of hardwood as well as the natural variations in color, grain, and pattern within species. The most common types of solid wood flooring are:

• Red and White Oak – Red and white oak are popular because of their affordability, versatility, and durability. They are ideal for use in high-traffic areas. Red oak ranges in color from deep brown or tan to red. White oak ranges from light tan or beige to a deep golden brown.
• Walnut – Walnut is a little softer than oak, but still durable and practical. It ranges from blonde or golden brown to deep, rich chocolate.
• Hickory – Hickory floors can last a lifetime with proper care. It can come in warm golden brown or tan to a deep reddish hue. Its grain pattern is swirling and unique. It is highly durable and can be installed in high-traffic areas.
• Maple – Maple is durable, versatile, and easy to maintain. It is ideal for high-traffic areas and has a smooth, uniform grain pattern. It ranges in color from pale yellow to deep golden brown, and different varieties like curly maple and birdseye maple have distinct and unique grain patterns.

Benefits of Installing Solid Hardwood Floors

While more expensive than engineered wood flooring, natural hardwood flooring is highly durable and can be repaired and restored throughout the years to enhance its beauty and functionality. With proper care, your floor can last for generations without needing to be replaced. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits of installing solid hardwood floors:

• Highly durable and resistant to scratches, gouges, scuffs, and other damage
• Easy to clean and low-maintenance
• Doesn’t attract allergens, making it ideal flooring for people who have respiratory problems
• Elegant, timeless, and beautiful and can complement any home decor, style, or architecture
• Color won’t fade over time
• Can be restored and repaired to extend its lifespan
• With proper installation and care, it can increase the resale value of your home

Maintenance & Care Tips to Preserve Your Flooring

Your flooring will last longer and look better if you care for it properly. Here are our tips for maintaining your floors:

• Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris.
• Use a soft or microfiber dust mop to clean the floor.
• Avoid excessive water exposure and use a damp mop for tough spills.
• Use cleaning products and tools that are specifically designed for solid hardwood flooring.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, cleaning tools, or harsh chemicals.
• Protect your floors from scratches or damage from furniture, foot traffic, pets, and children.
• Maintain a moderate level of humidity to prevent warping and cracking.
• Reapply a finish every few years.
• Sand and refinish to address deep scratches or damage.

Choosing Between Hardwood Floor Finishes & Paint

You can choose prefinished or unfinished hardwood. Hardwood floor finishes can protect your floors from damage and pests, extend their lifespan, and enhance their beauty. Here is a look at your finishing options:

• Oil-Based Polyurethane – This gives the wood an amber or gold hue and protects it from water, pests, and scratches.
• Water-Based Polyurethane – This dries to form a clear finish and protects the floor from minor damage and stains.
• Stain – This changes the color of the wood and enhances its grain. It should be applied before a protective finish.
• Paint – This allows you to change the color of unfinished wood to any color.

Recognizing Signs You Need Hardwood Floor Repairs

If your flooring does become damaged you can have it professionally repaired or restored. Choose a flooring company with experience in solid hardwood repair and restoration services. Here are some of the signs you need repairs:

• Surface damage, such as scratches, dents, or gouges
• Discoloration, stains, fading, or uneven color changes
• Visible water stains or water damage, warping, buckling, or rotting
• Boards that curve upward in a concave shape
• Cracks or gaps between planks or between the wall or baseboards and the floor
• Insect or rodent damage, such as holes, cracks, or chunks missing

Call Us for Hardwood Floor Repairs or Installation

At Elegant Floor Services, we have been providing professional, high-quality flooring services to home and business owners for over 40 years. We specialize in solid hardwood flooring installation, maintenance, repair, and restoration. We can help you choose the right type of flooring for your preferences and budget. Call us now or contact us online to request a free estimate for installing solid hardwood floors in the Washington Metropolitan Area.