What to ask when choosing your hardwood floor in Utah

Hardwood flooring is one of the most time-tested, reliable, and popular type of flooring in homes all over Utah. However, with so many different types of hardwoods to choose from, making the correct decision regarding which one suits you best can be a tall order. In other instances, one might get caught up deliberating on factors such as hardwood cost or installation and fail to come up with a decision altogether.

Fortunately, our expert team who specialize in hardwood floors in Utah, have put together this guide with the most important questions to help you choose the type of hardwood flooring in Utah that will suit your needs best.

Wooden flooring can be a significant investment. Therefore you must not rush into it because making the wrong choice of flooring can be very expensive. The following are four questions you must ponder on while choosing a hardwood floor.

Which is The Right Wood Species for You to Buy?

The many different types of hardwood flooring available in the market today. Therefore, you’ll need to consider the various options patiently.

While Pine or Douglas Fir are examples of affordable hardwoods, they are most suited for the low-traffic areas of your residence. However, for high-traffic areas such as hallways and the kitchen, something sturdier such as Oak or Brazilian Walnut would be better suited. Additionally, it is imperative that you ask about the grain densities of the different hardwoods that you come across so as to know the actual hardness of the wood. Also, consider the color of the wood.

After considering those two factors, go with a hardwood that is robust enough to cater to your needs while having the looks that you want for your house. Our specialists can, of course, help you with choosing the correct floor, but the more significant part of the decision lies with you.

Which Flooring is Best Suited for Pet Owners?

Pet owners seeking to install hardwood floors in Utah have to deliberate on which type of flooring can withstand the damage that pets can inflict over time. As such, not only do you have to stress about gouges, scratches, and claw marks, you will also have to think about urine and other pet-related stains that could damage the floor.

While other flooring options are often recommended over wood such as ceramic tiles when it comes to pets, hardwood flooring that has been chosen carefully can still hold up well to dogs and cats. There are a couple of things to consider when choosing a hardwood floor that can accommodate your pet.

Harder woods do not usually scratch easily. Therefore, try and get oak flooring. It will hold up well against the attacks. Pine hardwood flooring is softer and therefore more susceptible to damage. It is important to note that flooring that has an oil-based polymer finish is a better choice than one that has a water-based one. Also look into getting an extra coat of protection on the wood to maintain its pristine condition for a longer time.

If you are still concerned about your hardwood flooring revealing dents and scratches, consider getting a light-colored satin finish instead of the darker shiny finish. Satin floorings will not reveal the damage as much as well as looking newer for longer.

Is Paying for a Professional Installation Worth it?

On paper, installing a hardwood floor looks pretty basic. You just need to lay down the pieces and glue them together. However, it is not that easy though, as hardwood installation is an art in itself. Driving a car seems straightforward but no one does it right the first time. The problem with hardwood floors is their expensive nature. Not getting it right on the first trial could cost you a pretty penny.

As such, the proper installation of hardwood floors can only be handled by trained and experienced professionals. They know how to properly prepare the surface to ensure that the planks fit smoothly and remain in that position over time. If you tried to DIY, there is a high probability of something going wrong which would affect the look and the durability of your floor.

Which One is Better: Traditional or Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

The next most important decision after deciding to have hardwood flooring in your home is choosing between engineered hardwood flooring and standard hardwood flooring. They are both solid options with each having its pros and cons. Weigh the following consideration before you settle for either

The cost

The rule of thumb dictates that traditional hardwood floors are typically more expensive than the engineered ones. And inasmuch as the prices of different hardwood types vary, engineered flooring is still more affordable than standard hardwoods. Therefore, if you are looking for the most cost-effective option, go with the engineered type.

Durability

Traditional hardwood flooring is more durable than engineered flooring. However, engineered flooring is more moisture resistant, and this makes it a good option for the bathroom or kitchen. Nevertheless, traditional hardwood flooring was never meant to be used in wet areas in the first place.

Engineered flooring comprises of a thin piece of wood that has been placed on top of a plywood base. If it gets damaged, it can be sanded down to make it look new. However, this can only be done once or twice before you get to the plywood.

Traditional hardwood, however, can be sanded down for many decades after the installation.

Another important consideration is the actual installation process. Engineered flooring is easy to install while solid hardwood flooring is difficult to lay down.

Armed with the knowledge concerning these different flooring options, it should be easier to make the right decision. Just remember that with engineered flooring, you get to spend less while buying, the installation is easy, and you get better moisture resistance. Traditional hardwood, on the other hand, gives you the monumental benefit of durability.

Purchasing hardwood flooring can be a daunting task due to the variety of options available. Nevertheless, before you make the purchase, you must do some research. Hopefully, this guide will help you to get the best hardwood flooring in Utah.