Hardwood flooring is a great option for a variety of reasons. It is durable, visually appealing, and goes with many interior design styles. Plus, it gives you a great return on your investment should you ever decide to sell your home. In fact, according to CNN, installing hardwood flooring will get you back even more money than you put into it, as it returns about 106% of the cost. If your home is about to undergo a hardwood flooring install, you can ensure a smooth process by being prepared. Here are four things to know before your installation.

1. Types of Wood

The appearance and functionality of different types of wood could be a major deciding factor for you. If you have pets or kids, you will want to pick a type of wood that is durable against high activity. Not only that, but you don't want wood that is too light or too dark because it tends to make dirt and debris a bit more obvious.

2. Installation Time

In our experience, a hardwood flooring install takes around one to five days depending on the size of the room. You may not be able to use this room for longer due to preparation time. Ensure you have taken this into consideration before the installation starts so that you can remove things from the room that you will need.

3. Installation Techniques

The most common wood floor installations involve wide planks or thin strips of wood. Today, many people like to experiment with wood flooring designs. Some people favor patterns such as chevron or herringbone. Discuss this with your flooring contractors to see what they offer.

4. Maintenance

Hardwood flooring is one of the easiest flooring types to maintain. Due to the smooth surface, cleaning can be done easily with liquid products. Sweeping is also a quick way to clean wood floors.

Before your installation, you should think about the preparation, the installation techniques, the wood types, and the aftercare. If you are considering a hardwood flooring install, rely on our experts at Hardwood Headquarters. We have been installing hardwood floors for over 20 years, and we can answer any question you have about our process. Our team proudly serves Brighton and Northville, MI. Contact us for more information!