Hardwood Flooring in Lanham, MD
Bringing beauty and value to every space, hardwood flooring is always in style. At Modern Carpet One Floor & Home of Lanham, Maryland, we love hardwood as much as you do and can help you find the perfect solid or engineered hardwood options to update your home or business. Hardwood flooring has an extensive tradition of increasing curb appeal and adding a touch of luxury. That being said, understanding the different types of hardwood flooring and the correct way to install them will go a long way in ensuring your long-term goals. Here’s a quick and concise guide to hardwood flooring.
What are The Benefits of Having Hardwood Floors in Lanham, MD?
Having hardwood floors in Lanham, MD, or any location, offers numerous benefits. Some of the advantages of choosing hardwood flooring for your home in Lanham include:
- Temperature Moderation: Maryland can have diverse weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters. Hardwood floors contribute to better insulation and can help moderate indoor temperatures, providing a comfortable living environment year-round.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Hardwood floors can contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home. Their natural insulating properties help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems.
- Timeless Aesthetic Appeal: Hardwood floors provide a classic, timeless look that complements various interior styles. They add warmth and sophistication to any room, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
- Increased Property Value: Hardwood floors are often considered a valuable investment that can increase the resale value of your property. Potential homebuyers often appreciate the timeless beauty and durability of hardwood flooring.
- Durability and Longevity: Hardwood floors are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, hardwood floors can last for decades, making them a cost-effective flooring option in the long run.
- Resistant to Allergens: Hardwood floors do not harbor dust mites, pet dander, or other allergens as carpets can. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Enhanced Acoustics: Hardwood floors contribute to better acoustics in a home, reducing hollow sounds and vibrations often associated with other flooring materials.
- Adaptability to Changing Styles: Hardwood floors can be refinished to adapt to changing interior design trends. If you decide to update the look of your home, you can sand and refinish hardwood floors to achieve a new finish.
Exploring the Diversity of Hardwood Flooring Options
The possibilities are vast for hardwood flooring, with choices ranging from domestic to exotic wood species. Popular domestic options include pine and oak, while strange choices encompass mahogany and teak. It's crucial to note that each wood species varies hard, requiring careful consideration to align with your performance goals. While solid hardwood and engineered hardwood may appear indistinguishable, essential differences exist.
- Solid Hardwood Flooring: Representing the traditional form of hardwood, each plank consists of a single, solid piece of wood. Solid hardwood offers the advantage of being refinished repeatedly. However, it has limitations, such as unsuitable for installation below grade.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring: A newer alternative, engineered hardwood utilizes up to seven layers of hardwood, plywood, and natural resins. This results in a denser, more durable floor capable of withstanding heavier use. Engineered hardwood can be installed below grade and often comes at a more affordable price.
How Does Humidity Affect Hardwood Flooring?
Transforming your space with hardwood floors in a humid environment exudes elegance, but success hinges on strategic planning for longevity and aesthetics. In regions characterized by hazy and humid summers, such as ours, specific measures are crucial to optimize the performance of hardwood flooring in high-moisture conditions.
- Brilliant Product Selection: Opt for hardwood species like oak or engineered hardwood known for resilience in humid climates, ensuring durability and minimizing moisture-related challenges.
- Acclimation Protocols: Allow hardwood planks to acclimate to the humidity levels of your space before installation, mitigating the risk of post-installation expansion or contraction.
- Humidity Control: Maintain a consistent relative humidity level of around 42 percent to prevent swelling or shrinking. Employ hydrometers and humidistats for precise monitoring and regulation.
- Expert Installation: Enlist skilled professionals who understand the nuances of installing hardwood in humid conditions. This includes leaving necessary expansion gaps and using moisture-resistant adhesives.
- Protective Sealants: Apply high-quality sealants or finishes to create a moisture-resistant barrier, safeguarding hardwood floors against swelling and warping.
- Routine Maintenance Practices: Establish a regular maintenance routine, incorporating proper cleaning and periodic inspections. Swiftly address spills or leaks to prevent moisture-related damage.
- Enhanced Ventilation: Ensure optimal ventilation to facilitate air circulation, control humidity levels, and promote overall hardwood floor health.
- Strategic Area Rugs: Place area rugs strategically in high-moisture zones like entryways and kitchens for added protection, absorbing excess moisture and preserving the integrity of your hardwood floors.
Professional Hardwood Flooring Installation in Lanham, MD
Hardwood flooring is not suitable for all areas of the home. It's recommended to avoid using it in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these spaces tend to be more exposed to moisture. Instead, hardwood flooring thrives in dry, quieter rooms. Engineered options provide additional flexibility, making them suitable for finished basements.
Modern Carpet & Flooring is proud to be a Carpet One Floor & Home member. We’re an independently owned and operated member of the world’s largest flooring cooperative, giving us an unmatched variety of brands and purchasing power. To learn more about our latest hardwood flooring options or browse our product displays, please visit us at our showroom or check out our selection of hardwood flooring online.
Contact us or stop by our Lanham, MD showroom to learn more. We proudly serve the neighboring communities of Hyattsville, MD, Fort Washington, MD, Brandywine, MD, Bowie, MD, Mitchellville, MD, Upper Marlboro, MD, Lanham, MD, Glenarden, MD, Greenbelt, MD, Rockville, MD, Alexandria, VA, Temple Hills, MD, Waldorf, MD, Capital Heights, MD, and Greater Landover, MD.