There are a couple of pieces of information you should know immediately when considering
hardwood flooring for your home, so as to avoid any unnecessary problems. First, you can never install this material in basements or any other below-grade space due to the negative effects of dampness and humidity. Second, these floors must acclimate to your specific conditions before installation can begin. This helps to avoid cracking, buckling, or warping of your floors after installation.
One of the most important choices you can make with regards to your hardwood floors is choosing the perfect wood species. Since they are rated from softest to hardest, you’ll need something that accurately meets the activity levels in your home. For instance, if you have a lot of activity in your home on a regular basis, you’ll want to choose something harder, such as cherry or oak. Areas with much less traffic can tolerate much softer woods.
As durable as they are, hardwood flooring will eventually begin to show signs of age and wear. While this doesn’t happen for a few decades, it’s good to know that when it does, you can schedule a refinishing to bring them right back to a like-new finish. The process of refinishing erases those decades of wear, along with any damage that may have occurred, stripping it down to a gorgeous new layer of wood. You can even choose a new stain color and finish option at this time if you prefer.