Installing a timber floor in your home can be challenging. Therefore, if you are planning on replacing your old surface, you should choose a professional contractor for the task. The expert will minimise the risk of damaging the valuable materials. Moreover, they will ensure that the new flooring is durable and beautiful. If you would like to handle the timber floor installation, consider using these basic guidelines for an appealing residential surface.
Choose Good Wood
The timber materials acquired for the flooring project will determine the appearance of the new surface. Therefore, you must choose the best wood that you can afford. If you have a large home improvement budget, you should opt for hardwood. This type of wood has an irrefutable appeal because of its solidity, depth of colour and natural oils. Moreover, a hardwood floor will ensure durability due to its pest and moisture resistance.
If the cost of hardwood is too high, choose softwood alternatives like pine. This type of timber is readily available on the market, and the cost is not high. You can purchase pressure-treated products which show high resistance to hostile conditions. Regardless of your choice of wood, look for materials with minimal knots and other imperfections. Additionally, ensure that the colour of the boards is uniform for a consistent floor.
Repair the Old Floor
The cost of tearing down an old floor and installing a new timber surface from the subfloor can be high. If you would like to minimise your expenses, consider using the existing floor as the foundation for the new one. This approach will not only cut costs. It will also shorten the timeline for flooring replacement. The primary drawback is the possible poor condition of the old surface.
If you are replacing it, the structure is probably in a poor state. Potential problems include unevenness, moisture retention and low spots. Therefore, you should repair the damaged structure before commencing the installation of the new surface. In most cases, placing a layer of filler materials like plywood will level out uneven floors and create a protective pad.
Prevent Warping
If your timber is not used to the environmental conditions in your house, you will have to deal with material warping. Wood will change shape and form, depending on the heat and moisture in the air. You should allow your timber boards to adjust to the internal climate in your home to prevent warping. The most reliable approach is laying the wood and maintaining optimal conditions using the AC.
Contact a local flooring contractor to learn more about timber floor installation.