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Hardwood Floor Installation
ByClassic Flooring

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Hardwood Floor Installation

Hardwood floors bring timeless beauty and warmth to any home. Their longevity, easy maintenance, and ability to blend well with various interior designs are unmatched. However, to enjoy the benefits a hardwood floor offers, it needs to be installed right.

To ensure you get a highly functional floor, we’ve listed seven common mistakes you need to avoid during the installation process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hardwood installation process requires careful planning and execution to guarantee a durable and beautiful floor.
  • Failing to acclimate the wood, using improper tools, inadequate subfloor preparation, and rushing the process are some of the common mistakes you need to look out for.

Table of Contents

1. Failure to Acclimate the Wood

One of the most critical steps in hardwood flooring installation is acclimating the wood to its new environment. This process involves letting the wood adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. Skipping this step can lead to wood expansion or contraction post-installation, causing buckling or gaps. Typically, wood should acclimate for a minimum of 3 days.

2. Forgetting to Check for Defects

Before installation, check each plank for defects. Sometimes, planks can have cracks, knots, or other imperfections that may affect the floor’s durability and appearance. Replace defective planks or use them in less visible areas of the room.

3. Inadequate Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor is the foundation for your hardwood floors. Any imperfections in subfloor leveling can translate into squeaks and uneven surfaces on the new floor. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Use a leveling compound to fill any dips or sand down high spots. Testing moisture levels in the subfloor is crucial as too much moisture can cause wood to warp or crack.

4. Incorrect Measurement and Cutting

Measure twice, cut once is a golden rule in construction. Incorrect measurements can lead to wastage of materials and unsightly gaps or overlaps. Always leave a gap of about 3/8 to 1/2 inch around the edges to accommodate expansion due to temperature changes. This expansion gap should be covered by base molding or quarter rounds after the installation.

5. Improper Tools

Using the wrong tools, or improper use of the right tools, can damage the hardwood planks. Pneumatic flooring nailers or staplers should be used with care to avoid cracking the tongue of the planks. Ensure you are using the correct size of nails and that they fit correctly in the subfloor and not just the wood.

6. Overlooking the Finishing Touches

Final touches like applying the finish or sealant and attaching the baseboards are crucial. Ensure the sealant is applied evenly and adequately to protect the wood from moisture and wear. Also, allow the finish to dry completely before moving furniture back into the room.

7. Rushing the Process

Lastly, don’t rush the process. Hardwood flooring installation requires patience and precision. Rushing can lead to mistakes that are often difficult and expensive to rectify. Take your time to ensure each step is done correctly, from preparation to finishing.

Get Superior Hardwood Floor Installation Service in Idaho Falls

Contact Classic Flooring LLC for flawless hardwood floor installation in Idaho Falls. We are a 5-star locally-owned company you can depend on to install your perfect hardwood floors right the first time. Contact us today to get a free flooring quote.

Environmental Benefits of Choosing Solid Hardwood Flooring
ByClassic Flooring

Environmental Benefits of Choosing Solid Hardwood Flooring

In the past few decades, sustainability has become a priority for homeowners and builders alike. This has made the impact of flooring on the environment a significant consideration. Solid hardwood flooring is not only a timeless and beautiful flooring option but also offers several environmental benefits.

This article looks into why solid hardwood flooring is the best choice for those looking to minimize their ecological footprint.

Key Takeaways:

  • Solid hardwood flooring offers numerous environmental benefits that make it a superior choice for eco-conscious consumers.
  • From its ability to reduce carbon footprints and maintain indoor air quality to its biodegradability, hardwood flooring stands out as the top environmentally friendly option.

Table of Contents

1. Sustainability

Hardwood floors are derived from natural wood, which is a renewable resource. Responsible forest management ensures that wood is harvested sustainably, maintaining the balance of woodland ecosystems and ensuring that forests continue to thrive. This sustainable sourcing is crucial in mitigating the environmental impact of building materials.

2. Longevity

Hardwood floors are incredibly durable and can last for decades, with proper care. This longevity minimizes the need for frequent replacements, unlike other flooring options that might need to be replaced every few years, leading to more waste and greater resource consumption.

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Solid hardwood flooring does not undergo extensive processing and typically requires less energy than synthetic flooring options like laminate or vinyl. Wood also acts as a carbon sink, storing carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle, which helps reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

4. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

Solid hardwood floors do not trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can significantly improve indoor air quality especially, for those suffering from allergies or respiratory issues.

5. Recyclability and Biodegradability

At the end of its life, solid hardwood flooring can be recycled or safely biodegraded, unlike many other flooring materials that end up in landfills. For instance, discarded hardwood can be used to make furniture, art, and other wood products. This reduces waste and the environmental impact associated with disposal.

If left to decompose, wood breaks down naturally and returns nutrients to the soil, unlike synthetic materials that may not decompose and can release harmful chemicals into the environment.

6. Promoting Healthier Forests

Choosing sustainably sourced hardwood flooring encourages the practice of responsible forestry. This practice not only helps in maintaining biodiversity but also promotes healthier forests that are better able to resist pests and diseases.

Contact Classic Flooring for Superior Hardwood Flooring in Idaho Falls

Are you looking for the premier Idaho Falls flooring store? Visit Classic Flooring LLC. We offer a variety of solid hardwood flooring products sourced from sustainably managed forests and milled to perfection. Visit us today to find the perfect solid hardwood floor for your home!

cleaning hardwood floors
ByClassic Flooring

How to Clean, Care, and Maintain Hardwood Floors

Cleaning hardwood floors complements every home with its stunning beauty and comfort. But every season brings in new cleaning concerns including ice, dirt, and water not to mention daily traffic, spills, and scratches. 

Learning how best to clean, care, and maintain hardwood floors ensures that they always look their best and gives you a gasp of joy every time you come home. But since every home experiences different levels of traffic, it’s important to pick a routine that works best for you.

Here is the best cleaning and maintenance routine that will keep you and your hardwood floor happy for years to come.

1. Spot Clean Promptly

As soon as you notice a spill or sticky stain, clean it promptly using a soft cloth. Unattended spills can discolor the finish or warp your hardwood floors. Make sure to clean them fast and correctly.

2. Dust the Floors Daily

Dusting is one of the most important routines in caring for hardwood floors. A quick dusting ensures that you pick up dirt, dust, and pet dander that can damage your floors. If sweeping daily seems excessive, aim for the high-traffic areas as often as possible. A broom or dust mop is perfect for a gentle clean that extends the life and beauty of your floors. 

3. Vacuum Weekly

Vacuuming every few days to once a week helps to clean up dirt and debris stuck between the floorboards. Ensure to adjust your vacuum’s height so that the bristles are slightly above the floor — just enough to effectively clean the dirt away.

4. Mop the Floors 

Ideally, you’ll want to vacuum the floors to remove any abrasive particles that can create scratches as you mop. Hardwoods are sensitive to moisture so a wet bucket and a dripping wet mop is a big no-no. Preferably, use a microfiber mop for cleaning hardwood floors as it uses less water for deep and effective cleaning. 

A steam mop may be fast and easy to use but it could allow vapor to penetrate through the boards which can cause floor warping. 

5. Resanding 

If your floors look dull or faded, resanding can give them the extra love they need. Resanding involves filling all gaps, knots, and holes for a smooth and flat surface and the application of stains and finishes for that shiny and beautiful look. 

Experts agree that hardwood floors can take several refinishes in their lifespan so don’t hesitate to have resanding done every few years to make them look brand new again. 

6. Refinishing

Refinishing is a vital part of hardwood floor maintenance. It includes buffing out any imperfections caused by wear and tear, scuffing the existing finish, and applying a fresh coat of finish for a shiny new look. Refinishing your floors every 4 to 6 years also provides an extra layer of protection prolonging the lifespan of your floors. 

Contact Classic Flooring LLC for Quality Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Services

For reliable and budget-friendly hardwood floor resanding and refinishing services, look no further than Classic Flooring LLC. We use the best floor maintenance products to transform every detail of your hardwood floor to perfection. Contact us today for a free flooring maintenance quote!

hardwood flooring installation
ByClassic Flooring

How is Hardwood Installation Done?

The beauty, durability, and ability to complement any space make a hardwood floor an excellent addition to any home. If you’re considering having a professional hardwood flooring installation in your home and want to know what the process entails, you’re in the right place. 

This guide will cover the step-by-step process of hardwood flooring installation.

Let’s get started.

1. Hardwood Acclimation

Acclimation, also known as conditioning, means giving the wood planks time to adjust to the home’s temperature and humidity by placing them in the installation environment. The hardwood will need to be delivered 2-14 days before installation, depending on the season and the width of the wood. 

The acclimation process is the most important part of installing a hardwood floor because hardwood floors are greatly impacted by moisture.

If not done right, the floor may cause extreme expansion and contraction, leaving gaps in the boards and floors after installation. Eventually, this may compromise your home’s structural integrity, not to mention lower the lifespan of your hardwood floor.

2. Room Preparation

Room preparation includes moving furniture and appliances and removing the existing floor, baseboards, and base trim. Once the room is clear, the flooring experts will prepare the subfloor by cleaning, drying, and sanding any uneven areas to make it structurally sound. 

A well-prepped subfloor ensures there is no moisture under your new hardwood that could lead to warping.

3. Board Racking

Racking is the process of laying the floor before installation. Some installers prefer to take a plank at a time and install it right away. On the other hand, flooring experts understand that racking saves time and allows them to consider the plank length, wood grain, and color. The result is a beautiful and professionally laid-out floor.

4. Floor Installation

The installers will now complete the actual installation. They will most likely use the nail-down method to join the board to the subfloor, especially if your floor is solid hardwood. However, engineered hardwood can use a few more options, like staple-down or floating installation methods.

5. Sanding and Cleaning

Once the installation is complete, the flooring crew begins sanding to buff out any imperfections for a perfectly smooth floor. They will also collect all the debris to leave a clean and clear room that’s ready for staining and finishing.

6. Staining and Finishing

Finally, the installers will finish the hardwood installation process by staining and finishing the floor. They will apply the first coat of stain and wait for it to dry before applying the final coat. Whether that’s a low luster or high gloss finish, your installers will ensure your floor is perfectly smooth and beautiful.

5. Room Reorganization

Your flooring installers will help you put all the items back in their places and facilitate any other re-installation service needed to make the room fully functional.

Contact Classic Flooring for Quality Hardwood Installation Services

For quality residential hardwood flooring services, look no further than Classic Flooring LLC. Leverage our 50+ years of combined experience and a knack for unmatched design skills for the perfect hardwood flooring installation. Contact us today to request your free service quote to get started.

ByClassic Flooring

How Engineered Hardwood Is Made

Today, more than 50% of all wood floors installed in the U.S. are constructed using engineered hardwood. Engineered wood flooring comes with all of the natural beauty of solid wood plus the strength and versatility to withstand the modern pace of life. If you wonder how engineered hardwood is made, you have come to the right place. This article provides information on how engineered hardwood flooring is made, and some of the many benefits of hardwood floors.

how engineered hardwood is made

What Is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is constructed of both hardwood and plywood materials. It’s made up of anything between 3 and 12 layers of ply. Engineered hardwood flooring is a great way to add timeless beauty to any room in your home. The construction has high-performance and durable qualities to maintain your floor in tiptop condition for many decades to come.

Each layer of wood in an engineered hardwood floor is positioned in a different direction to prevent the engineered hardwood from bowing and warping under moist conditions similar to solid wood floors. Engineered wood floors are easy to clean and maintain over time.

How Engineered Hardwood Is Made

There are three main sections to an engineered hardwood floor such as the top layer, the central core, and the backing layer. The solid top layer has the pattern and color you normally see and feel when you walk on an engineered wood floor. It’s also known as the wear layer and may differ depending on the manufacturer of the floor. Most engineered wood floors can be recoated regardless of the thickness of the wear layer. The middle layer of the floor is known as the central core.

Each layer of the central core is laid at a 90-degree angle to the layer that is above or below. This is done to ensure maximum dimensional stability. The core layer is usually made up of a composite of softwood, high-density fiberboard, or plywood. The central core gives stability to the engineered wood floor. Below the central core, there is the backing layer for increased strength and durability.

Different Materials & Types Of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Engineered wood floors are categorized by their installation method, and there are three types of installation methods:

  • The adhesive installation method – The planks are glued onto the subfloor 
  • The nail-down installation method – The planks are nailed down onto the wooden subfloor
  • The click-lock installation method – The tongue-and-groove planks are clicked together without any adhesive or nails

Materials

  • Oak
  • Hickory
  • Birch
  • Maple
  • Bamboo

Benefits Of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

  1. Extreme durability
  2. Looks like real wood
  3. Aesthetically appealing
  4. Engineered wood floors can be sanded and refinished
  5. They are easy to install, clean, and maintain
  6. It won’t break the bank
  7. Engineered wood doesn’t expand or contract to the same extent as solid wood
  8. They are available in a whole range of species, grades, and finishes

If you are looking for high-quality hardwood flooring installation in Idaho Falls, you don’t have to look further than Classic Flooring. We offer the widest selection of high-quality flooring in Idaho Falls.

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