Are you installing in a high traffic area? As a general rule, high gloss floors show scratches and imperfections more easily. If the area you’re covering is a high traffic area, especially areas well traveled by children and large pets, it’s best to stick to satin or lower gloss finishes. They can look stunning, yet won’t show as much day-to-day wear. For a formal look or in a low traffic area, the high gloss choices may be appropriate.
Is the house climate-controlled year-round? A great deal of temperature variation or changes in humidity can cause gaping, cupping and warping in some solid wood floors. If you’re installing in a structure that’s seldom occupied or in a high humidity area, you may want to consider engineered wood flooring or another flooring choice.
Is there a potential water problem in the area you’re considering? If so, there are alternatives to wood flooring. You should choose one of them.
Is the subfloor at the same level as that with a different type of flooring? Many prefinished solid wood flooring is 3/4″ thick, so if it is installed next to, say, vinyl flooring, there will be a substantial lip. Other subflooring can be brought up to the same level, but that can be expensive and time-consuming.
Ask yourself some other questions related to the new flooring thickness. What’s the tolerance at the sliding door? Will doors still work? Will your refrigerator still fit under the cabinets? Will you be able to remove the dishwasher in the future? What is the impact on the baseboard?
Remember, every one of these problems can be solved. Just be aware of what you’re getting into before you make your choice.
How Much Flooring Should I Buy? Measure each room, multiplying length by width. Add extra to cover any cut waste or imperfect boards.
First Grade or Clear: Order 3% to 4% extra
Second Grade or Select: Order 5% to 7% extra
Third Grade, No. 1 Common or No. 2 Common: Order 10% to 12% extra (unless you’re willing to live with the larger imperfections in a cabin or vacation property)
If needed, remember to measure for shoe molding, quarter round or wall base, reducer strips, T-molding, and thresholds.
Is the subflooring wood or concrete? Is the installation below grade, on-grade or above grade? Is there radiant-heat flooring? The list of installation questions and considerations can be lengthy. We recommend you look through some of our other articles, especially those on subflooring rules and general installation guidelines before proceeding with your project.
For best prices for hardwood flooring jobs in Chicago area give us a call at 847-513-2772!
