At Okanagan Hardwood Flooring, we have been the hardwood flooring experts for over 50 years. Ask us any questions you may have, and we can answer them. Before you decide on whether hardwood flooring is right for you, or which type of hardwood product to buy, consider the following:
- Solid, site finished hardwood flooring has the greatest longevity – it can be refinished multiple times.
- For below grade rooms, engineered hardwood and certain thin solid prefinished flooring is the most suitable choice.
- If a room is subjected to moisture, an engineered hardwood floor may be more suitable. Bathrooms are generally not suited to hardwood flooring due to the amount of moisture in the room, and susceptibility to water spillage. Powder rooms, which usually just have a sink and toilet, are the exception to the rule.
- High traffic areas are another concern with which type of hardwood flooring you choose, and which type of finish is used. Make sure you learn about the differences in hardwood species – some species are softer and more susceptible to scuffs and dents. The Janka Hardness Test measures the resistance of wood samples to denting and wear. They test all types of hardwood, both exotic and domestic. Brazilian Cherry, Hard Maple, White Oak and Red Oak rate higher on the hardness scale than Pine or Fir. We also recommend protecting hardwood at the entry ways of your home with rugs or mats – but make sure they are not rubber or latex backed, as these may discolour your hardwood.
- Solid hardwood cannot be installed over radiant heat, but engineered hardwood flooring is specifically designed to be used over radiant heat.
- UV coatings are preferable in rooms with a lot of windows and lots of sunshine - certain species of wood are more susceptible to discolouration due to extensive sunlight exposure.
- Decide what style suits the room where the hardwood will be installed – with all the different colours, grades and finishes available you can find something for every taste. Take a peek online for ideas – check out Okanagan Hardwood Flooring on Houzz and Pinterest for lots of wonderful ideas. Also, check out our portfolio of flooring choices in the “Proud of Our Work” section of our website.
