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When it comes to flooring, hardwood floors are among the most beautiful available but you should be sure to know how to install them correctly and once installed, you need to be sure to maintain them so as to keep them looking their best for years to come.

Solid hardwood floors should neither be installed over a concrete slab nor below ground level because of high moisture sensitivity. Unsightly gaps appear when moisture dries and the floors contract in the winter heating months. The floors expand and gaps disappear during summers. The wood planks may buckle or cup because of excessive moisture.

In view of these facts, enough space ought to be left for expansion and wood should be acclimated. Nail-down installations are most appropriate for these floors. The possibility of re-coating and refinishing increases the life and appearance of solid hardwood floors. Generally solid hardwood floors are made up of ash, maple, red oak and white oak.

Solid wood floorings are divided into three sub categories: strip flooring, plank flooring and parquet flooring. Thickness of strip flooring varies between 5/16 inch and inch. Available widths are 1 inch, 2 inch and 2 inch. Although plank flooring is sold in two thicknesses, width can range between 3 inches and 8 inches. Parquet flooring has geometrical patterns that are created with wood slats.

Hand-scraped hardwood floors are hand crafted. Character markings on handscraped hardwood floors (hand sculptured floors) are a distinctive feature. These floors offer the best finishes for either the modern world look or the old reclaimed wood floor look. Both engineered and solid hand sculpted floors are sold.

Beautiful handscraped hardwood floors can be extremely expensive. Engineered handscraped hardwood floors are best suited for a structure erected on a concrete slab and in high humidity conditions.

Some companies also sell distressed hardwood flooring that has machine made markings unlike hand made markings in handscraped hardwood floor. Handscraped floor is more expensive than the distressed version, but both floorings present a rich look.

Hardwood floors need to be cleaned with products suggested by the maker. Standard use of a vacuum cleaner will clean dirt, mud, grit and small stones that might blemish the finish. Welcome mats at the entrance for wiping feet before walking on the floor are of great help in keeping the finish.

When picking out furniture for your home, you shouldn’t buy products with sharp metal or wooden legs since this can cause denting and scratching. Use of furniture coasters or felt protectors for all legs will avert scratching. Non-staining and wide rubber cups are a must for heavy items like a piano.

The use of a paste wax on the hardwood floor with a polyurethane finish can damage the finish. Spills on hardwood floors need immediate attention. Clean them with a paper towel or damp white cloth and then be sure to dry the area.

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