Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring. It has a very high return on investment and it has a lifespan that's on the longer side. According to CNN, hardwood flooring installation has a return on investment of 106%. Here are some frequently asked questions about hardwood flooring installations.

1. Is There a Difference Between Unfinished and Prefinished Flooring?

Prefinished hardwood flooring is sealed with several coats of finish. This usually contains aluminum oxide, which is the second hardest substance in the world. This ensures that the finish is hard-wearing. On the other hand, unfinished hardwood flooring should be finished on site when installation is complete. The reason why floor installers don't use aluminum oxide on site is that it takes longer to dry up. This causes the aluminum oxide particles to sink to the bottom of the finish.

2. How Do I Maintain Hardwood Flooring?

The best way to maintain your hardwood flooring is to establish a consistent cleaning routine. That way, there will be no dirt to scratch the surface. Also, when you clean, you should stick to the recommended cleaning solutions and avoid wetting the floor too much. Lastly, you need to stay away from abrasive materials like steel wool.

3. Where Should I Install Hardwood Flooring?

You can install hardwood flooring in virtually any room of your home. The only room you need to avoid is the bathroom and any other area that is prone to wetness. For areas like the basement, you will need engineered hardwood. Hardwood is especially suitable for high-traffic areas because of how durable it is.

4. Is There a Way to Better Protect Your Floor From Wear?

There are several ways to achieve a higher level of protection. All you need to do is establish a consistent cleaning routine. When you install hardwood, you will receive a set of manufacturer recommendations that entail how you should treat the floor. This includes the use of damp cloths and vacuums instead of wet mops. You should also look into using things like plastic or felt discs under your furniture. This will keep the legs from scratching the floor, which will go a long way in preserving the finish.

5. What Is the Most Durable Hardwood Floor?

When finished with aluminum oxide, hardwood floors are generally durable. However, even the hardness of the wood itself also contributes to how durable the floor will be. There are general ratings used for hardness that you can look into. The most commonly used rating is Janka Hardness. This rating measures the resistance of wood to things like dents, scratches, and wear. Some of the hardest floors like Santos Mahogany, Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Teak, and Brazilian Walnut have ratings of 2200, 2345, 3540, and 3680, respectively.

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about hardwood flooring. It's important to know as much as possible about hardwood floors before you install them. Are you looking to install hardwood floors or do you have more questions? Get in touch with Hardwood Headquarters today. We will guide you through the hardwood flooring installation process.