Hardwood Flooring: A Timeless Choice for Your CA or MA Home
June 19, 2023
One of the most important features of any remodel or new building project is hardwood flooring. Flooring impacts not only the aesthetics of a room but also its function. In this article, I will discuss some of the pros and cons of various wood flooring choices.
There are many great flooring options, but as with any remodeling house project, none of them are perfect.
CONTENT ON THIS ARTICLE
Unfinished vs. Prefinished:
Your Hardwood Flooring Options
Hardwood flooring is a very popular option for new builds and remodels in the Connecticut northeast. There are many types of hardwood to use for your floors, including mahogany, poplar, oak, maple, and even bamboo. In New England, the most popular choice for a wood floor is red oak flooring.
The Beauty and Benefits of Unfinished Oak Flooring
Oak flooring is available in a variety of different widths, ranging from 2.75” to 5”, and is usually ¾” thick. Choosing the width is mostly a matter of personal taste. Look at pictures of different plank widths on finished floors to determine your preferred style. Oak is hard, strong, and timeless. When properly cared for, an oak floor could certainly outlast you. Many oak floors in New England are well over 100 years old.
Unfinished hardwood flooring gives you the option to finish the wood naturally or to stain it a desired tint before finishing. This provides a wide variety of color options to accent any space. Stains come in a full color spectrum, from light honey to a dark stout tinge. You can even create various shapes or patterns by using different hardwoods to accent the floor. Each type of hardwood will receive the stain differently and display a unique tint.
The Unfinished Flooring Process: Installation to Finish
Using an unfinished floor requires proper climate acclimation, an installation that staggers joints correctly, and a strong subsurface. Next, we complete an initial sanding. If a color is desired, we apply a stain. Lastly, we apply a minimum of three coats of a quality polyurethane specifically designed for hardwood flooring. A very light sanding should be applied between each coat of polyurethane, and sufficient dry time is essential. This process protects the floor from spills, foot traffic, and other wear.
It is best to leave floor installation and finishing to professional contractors with significant experience. If a floor is improperly installed, it will creak and possibly warp or separate. If the polyurethane is not applied correctly, the finish will be uneven, show spots, and leave areas improperly protected. The flooring step needs to be carefully managed within the full remodeling project to factor in dry times and polyurethane fumes, which are unavoidable. When we finish an unfinished oak floor, the area must be vacated for a certain timeframe, and fine dust is inevitable. Even a so-called “dustless sanding” will produce fine dust in the air that will settle on furniture, counters, and walls.
When to Choose a Prefinished Hardwood Floor
A prefinished hardwood floor is a good choice when the space cannot be vacated. This product comes already stained and polyurethaned from the factory. The prefinished flooring comes in sections and is laid just like unfinished wood, but the sanding and polyurethane coats are not required on site. A drawback to this option is that small joints in each floorboard will collect dirt over time.
This is because there will not be a continuous protective coat over the entire floor, as there is with unfinished hardwood. Additionally, the factory-applied polyurethane may not hold up as long, leading to an earlier need for hardwood flooring refinishing.
Maintaining and Preserving
Your Hardwood Floors
Although all hardwood flooring is tough, a dropped large object can cause a dent or divot that is difficult and costly to repair. You should get into the habit of wiping up standing spills to reduce the potential for staining. Your polyurethane finish should protect from this, but it is best not to take a chance. You should be cautious with pets and other objects sliding across the floor, as this can scratch the finished surface. High-traffic areas will begin to show additional wear over time.
The Longevity of Your Hardwood Flooring
You must always clean hardwood flooring properly, using only products specifically formulated and designed to do so. By using proper care techniques, you will get the most longevity from your investment. A great thing about wood flooring is that once it begins to look tired and show wear, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
This provides a fresh new look and essentially resets the life of your floor. You can also choose to change the look by adding a different stain or tint during the hardwood flooring refinishing process. Hardwood flooring is popular for bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, and living rooms, but it can be used in any climate-controlled space with low humidity. We have even used hardwood flooring to build custom bar tops.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Hardwood Flooring
What is the most popular type of hardwood flooring in New England?
In New England, the most popular choice for a wood floor is red oak flooring. It is a very durable and timeless option. Oak is hard, strong, and, with proper care, can last for over 100 years.
What is the main difference between unfinished and prefinished wood flooring?
Unfinished wood flooring is installed first, then sanded, stained, and finished with a protective coating on-site. Prefinished wood flooring comes from the factory already stained and finished, and is ready for immediate installation.
Why should I hire a professional for hardwood flooring installation?
Professional contractors ensure the floor is installed correctly to prevent creaking, warping, and separation. They also guarantee the polyurethane is applied evenly and properly to protect the floor from wear and tear.
How do I properly care for my new hardwood flooring?
You should clean your hardwood flooring with products specifically made for wood floors and immediately wipe up any spills. You should also be cautious with pets and heavy objects to avoid scratches and dents.
Can I change the color of my hardwood flooring?
Yes. One of the great benefits of hardwood flooring is that you can have it sanded and refinished multiple times. During this hardwood flooring refinishing process, you can choose a new stain or tint to completely change the look of your floor.
Start Your Hardwood Flooring Project
with Platinum Construction
Although there are pros and cons to using hardwood flooring, the distinguished and timeless look of a wood floor is unparalleled. It represents a classic choice for New England remodels and new house builds, and it is certainly one of our specialties at Platinum Construction LLC. If you live in Connecticut or Massachusetts and are considering a hardwood flooring installation or any other home remodeling project, we invite you to connect with us to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.
Your Local Construction Experts in Connecticut & Massachusetts
At Platinum Construction, we have proudly served homeowners in Connecticut and Massachusetts for over 25 years. We are your local, trusted partners for building beautiful custom homes, seamless additions, and quality garages in your community.
We specialize in bringing visions to life across communities like:
- Connecticut: Ellington, Enfield, Suffield, and Somers
- Massachusetts: Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Palmer, Hampden, Wilbraham, Sturbridge, Ware, and Monson
Send us a brief description of what you’re considering, and we’ll contact you for a free consultation. Let’s discuss how we can build your dream project right here in your neighborhood.
