Five notes on wooden floors

Wooden flooring is a type of flooring material that is created after the wood has been dried and processed. The quality of the floor can significantly impact the overall quality of your home renovation. Therefore, it's essential to carefully evaluate the features of the flooring before purchasing. Additionally, paying attention to the installation method is crucial—otherwise, you may end up with issues like warping, discoloration, or other problems that could lead to unnecessary financial loss. Here are five important points to consider when choosing and installing solid wood flooring.

1. When selecting solid wood flooring, start by considering the design style of your space. Different wood species offer varying colors, grain patterns, and textures. Choose a species that complements your interior design while also aligning with your budget. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, inspect the flooring for standard dimensions and proper joint alignment. Try sliding two pieces together to ensure smooth movement and seamless connections between the boards.

2. Avoid judging the quality of solid wood flooring solely by color variation. Since wood is a natural material, color differences are common and not necessarily a sign of poor quality. For example, the sunny and shaded sides of a tree can produce different hues, but this doesn't affect performance or aesthetics. Also, don’t be misled by the size of the planks. Longer boards may look more elegant but often come at a higher cost due to greater material waste. Shorter planks are more affordable, easier to install, and less prone to warping, making them a practical choice for many homeowners.

3. One of the main reasons people choose wooden flooring is its comfortable underfoot feel and the warm, inviting atmosphere it brings to a room. While designers typically oversee the project, there are some key areas you should focus on during the inspection. A critical point to check is the water absorption rate of the wood. Since natural materials react to humidity, it’s important to confirm that the flooring has enough space to expand or contract without causing damage. Proper spacing during installation helps prevent warping or buckling later on.

4. Pay close attention to the installation technique, especially when laying the floor. The way the planks are joined can affect the overall stability and appearance. After installation, make sure there are no gaps or separations between the wood and the subfloor. If any issues are found, request that the installer fix them to ensure a high-quality finish.

5. When testing solid wood flooring, visually inspect for defects such as knots, insect holes, oil spots, or tree cores. The surface should be smooth, free from warping, and have even, well-defined edges. There should be no roughness, splinters, or damage. Most importantly, check the moisture content of the wood. Flooring with excessive moisture is more likely to warp or shrink after installation, so it’s best to avoid such products.