Choosing hardwood flooring isn’t as simple as just choosing the type of wood you want. There are a lot of other factors that need to be taken into account to pick the best option for hardwood flooring in Skokie, IL for your home.
Not for Below-Grade Installation
True hardwood flooring shouldn’t be installed below grade, which means below ground level. Moisture can come up from the ground and damage the flooring. Some types of engineered wood flooring can be installed in this type of space, however.
Subfloor Type
If the subfloor is made of particleboard, it needs to be replaced with plywood before you install any type of engineered wood or hardwood floor. A room with a concrete subfloor is best suited for engineered wood floor, while either hardwood or engineered wood can be installed over a plywood subfloor.
Expected Amount of Traffic and Abuse
Some types of hardwood are easily damaged and should be avoided if a family has pets, kids, or rooms that get a lot of traffic. Look for hardwood that scores relatively high on the Janka scale, such as red oak.
Decor Type
Certain types of hardwood flooring in Skokie, IL will go better with certain styles of home decor. For example, gray-stained oak and natural maple tend to look relatively good in homes with a modern decor, while hickory and wide or knotted planks can be well suited to a more traditional home.
Maintenance Considerations
Hardwood floors made of woods that score high on the Janka scale and those stained with an oil finish instead of a polyurethane finish tend to stay looking nice for longer and need less maintenance, while using softer woods or the shinier polyurethane finish makes it more likely the floors will need to be refinished or restained more often.
Cost Considerations
Some engineered wood floors can cost as much or more than some hardwood floors, so a smaller budget doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a hardwood floor. You’ll just need to choose the type of wood carefully to keep costs down.
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