The importance of subfloors for solid hardwood flooring
Solid hardwood adds a timeless sense of elegance to interiors. One of the most important things to take into consideration before installing this flooring is what will lie underneath it. Keep in mind that this is a crucial part of a hardwood floor installation.
Hardwood floor is a very a reliable choice which will add long term value to your home. Remember that it you need to invest in your floor and as well in your subfloor. A proper subfloor will be the hero of your solid hardwood investment.
Installation factors to consider
Solid hardwood floor could be installed by nailing or stapling the boards directly to the subfloor. In this case, the subfloor should be made of a material that will hold a nail or a staple for the life of the solid hardwood floor. Not suitable for the installation are substrates like vinyl, glued-down carpet, concrete or ceramic tile.
If you are doing an on-grade installation (at the level of the ground outside the space) consider not only the subfloor, but also the ventilation quality of any crawlspace or basement underneath. Always remember that hardwood flooring will be affected by moisture underneath the floor as well as on the top surface.
In case of an above-grade installation (meaning that the space is above ground level) consider whether the substrate is adequate to support the installation of the solid hardwood floor.
In case of below-grade installations (for example an installation in a basement), moisture levels are usually high. Keep in mind that a limited number of hardwood flooring options are suitable for below grade installations. Moisture can cause warping and swelling for the solid hardwood floor. If you have your mind set on a hardwood floor in this kind of space, you have the alternative of an engineered hardwood floor where the subfloor can be floated, or directly glued to the concrete. This is less affected by expansion due to humidity, or other environmental factors.
Lasting value
This type of flooring can add real value to your property in terms of aesthetic effect and market value.
Do you have an appropriate subfloor for a hardwood flooring installation?
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