Hardwood flooring has been a favorite selection among homeowners, who prefer to add the quality of age old beauty, warmth, and value to their homes. Hardwood floors are the most graceful and long-lasting whether you are remodelling an old house or coming up with a new house. However, prior to the process, you should know all about hardwood flooring installation particularly when you are in Houston where weather and humidity can affect the way you choose your flooring and the way you install it.
This amateur manual will take you through all that you should know about the hard wood flooring installation in Houston- what kind of wood to install, how to keep up your floors and have years of beauty and performance in your floors.
1. What is so great about Hardwood Flooring?
Flooring hardwoods are not only an aspect of design, but also your home comfort and value. This is the reason why they are preferred by the Houston homeowners:
- Durability Hardwoods have a lifespan of years with proper care, whereas carpet and vinyl fall short in the same respect.
- Maintenance: They are maintained by sweeping every day and polishing occasionally.
- Aesthetic Attractiveness: They bring beauty and warmth and a luxurious touch to any room.
- Home Value: Hardwood floors enhance the resale of the property and appeal to the buyers.
- Allergy Friendly: Unlike carpet, hardwood does not trap dust, pet dander or pollen and thus is a great option to those who are allergic.
2. Which Hardwood to select in Houston Homes
The weather in Houston is hot and humid through the year thus it can lead to the expansion and contraction of wood. To have such an installation that will last, therefore, it is important to select the appropriate kind of hardwood.
Popular Hardwood Options:
- Oak: It is a traditional option that has been known to be strong and with a grain pattern.
- Maple: It has a modern appearance and it is very tough.
- Hickory: Tough and perfect in places of heavy traffic.
- Walnut: A deep, dark shade that is used to give the interior an up-market class.
- Engineered Hardwood: It is one of the best floors to use in Houston houses since it can withstand humidity compared to solid hardwood.
- Pro Tip: Engineered hardwood flooring has been suggested in a number of cases with reference to the climate of the city of Houston. It is resistant to changes in temperature and moisture because it has various layers.
3. Ready to install Hardwood Flooring
Proper preparation before installation will help in the long life of your flooring and its appearance will be perfect.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Check Moisture Levels: Before the installation of your flooring, hardwood needs to be relaxed in your humidity at least 48-72 hours.
- Check the Subfloor: Check whether it is flat, clean, and dry. Any unwelcomed areas should be repaired.
- Take off the Old Flooring: Have old carpet, vinyl or tiles removed before the new one is installed.
- Arrange the Layout: Determine which way the planks should run, generally they should run parallel with the longest wall or the major source of light.
In the case of professional flooring installers in Houston, the tests that are usually done are moisture and subfloor tests, which will avoid warping and buckling in future.
4. Hardwood Flooring Installation Methods
There are a number of methods of installation depending on your home and the kind of hardwood you use.
a) Nail-Down Installation
- Usually with solid hardwood floors.
- Planks are nailed/stapled to a sub floor made of wood.
- Best in plywood subfloor domestic.
b) Glue-Down Installation
- The application on subfloors that are engineered hardwoods on concrete.
- The use of strong adhesive will guarantee a stable long lasting bond.
- Very good in slab foundation homes in Houston.
c) Floating Floor Installation
- Its planks are not nailed or glued and they interlock and float on an underlayment.
- Fast and easy to install.
- Good with DIY lovers or those who want to make things with the least amount of mess.
In case you are not sure which type is the most suitable in your home, it can be recommended to go to a professional flooring installation company in Houston and select the most appropriate.
5. Hardwood Flooring Houston Cost
This may be different based on materials, labor and preparation work. On average:
- Materials: $4-12 per square foot basing on the wood species.
- Installation (pro services): $3-8/sf.
- Additional Costs: Removal of old flooring, sub floor repairs or design patterns could add to the cost.
- Average Total Cost: An average professional hardwood flooring installation in Houston is likely to cost between 7-20 in a square foot.
Although it will help in saving money, employment of an expert will ensure the perfect finish, aligning it correctly, and lasting a long time, particularly in the humidity conditions that are changing in Houston.
6. After Sales Services and Maintenance
After laying your new hardwood floor, it will be very important to maintain the floor in order to last decades.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean up or vacuum clean regularly to get rid of dust and dirt.
- Clean spills promptly so as to avoid moisture damage.
- Place floor guards and carpeting under furniture.
- Never use cleaning chemicals that are harsh but use a cleaner that is safe on wood.
- Keep the level of indoor humidity (40-60) constant to avoid warping or gapping.
Refinishing:
Hardwoods have the ability to be refinished and refinished. Refinishing can be used to bring back the original shine, as well as to remove the scratches or dullness.
7. Locating a Durable Flooring Installing Company in Houston
The installer you hire can be the difference between having nice hardwood floors and having good looking floors as well. Here’s what to look for:
- Experience & Certification: Recruit specialists in the area of hardwood flooring installation.
- Local Knowledge: Houston based professionals are familiar with the local weather and flooring issues.
- Warranty and Support: Good companies come with warranties both on material and labor.
- Customer Reviews: Require a review of online ratings, testimonials and project photos of past projects prior to employment.
An experienced local firm will take you through the whole process; the selection of right wood to the after-sales.
8. Final Thoughts
The installation of a hardwood floor is the most effective method of bringing beauty and value to your home. Your floors may be a lifetime with the right materials, preparation, and professional assistance and will also have their timeless appeal.
No matter whether you are remodeling one room or your whole place of residence, hardwood flooring installation in Houston is a comforting, durable, and even natural, style that brings a sense of comfort to your living environment.
Therefore, when you are not afraid of changing your home, call a reliable flooring installation professional in Houston today and move the first step to having the dream hardwood floors!