Hardwood Flooring FAQs

What is hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring is undeniably gorgeous, extremely durable, and relatively easy to clean and maintain. The wide-ranging natural tones and species go from light and airy, warm honey and blonde, to rich brown and deep charcoal. Hardwood floors provide exceptional natural character with graining, knots, and markings. Distressed, hand-scraped, wire-brushed, and smooth hardwood textures deliver supreme beauty. As a natural material, genuine hardwood planks can be susceptible to damage from scratches, moisture, and extreme temperature changes.

What is engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is made from real hardwood slats glued together in a layered construction, alternating directions to reinforce the strength of each plank. A real high-quality wood veneer and reinforced finish top each plank, providing authentic hardwood beauty with enhanced durability and moisture protection. The engineered construction means that the wood floor will expand and contract less in humid climates and can be used below grade in some cases.

Does hardwood flooring add value to a home?

Although hardwood flooring may represent a significant investment for some households, hardwood floors consistently rank at the top of desired surfaces in homebuyer surveys. Hardwood floors will retain value better and boost resale value more than all other flooring options.

Is hardwood flooring installation DIY-friendly?

Installing hardwood planks is not DIY-friendly. Many power and hand tools are needed, including saws, leveling tools, compressors, nail guns, sanders, buffers, adhesives, and more. You need to have knowledge of centering rooms, expansion gaps, working around doors, closets, and stairs, and cutting planks for tricky floor plans. Mistakes are extremely expensive and time-consuming. Some engineered or waterproof hardwoods offer glue, staple, or floating installation, but the waterproof and performance warranties are highly contingent on proper installation. Due to the complicated hardwood installation process and money spent on your floors, it is strongly recommended to hire professionals to install your hardwood floors for the best long-term results.

Is hardwood flooring easy to take care of?

Hardwood flooring provides tremendous durability, and removing debris particles will help prevent wear even more. Dust-mopping your floor daily or weekly with a microfiber cloth or dust mop is the best regular practice. Vacuuming will offer a deeper clean, but make sure your vacuum model has no rotating brushes. If your flooring manufacturer has warranted your hardwood surface for mopping, follow the guidelines strictly, use the least amount of water needed, and dry your floor with a microfiber cloth.

How do I clean spills on hardwood flooring?

If you need to clean a spill on your hardwood, avoid using harsh cleaners or any cleaner designed for other flooring materials like vinyl, laminate, or tile. Look for liquid scratch concealer, wood floor polish, floor wax, and touch-up kits, but make sure to read all instructions before using them to ensure the product is safe for your wood species and finish. Try your cleaning product in an inconspicuous area before using it to clean stains in more visible sections.

What’s the average cost of hardwood flooring?

The average cost to purchase hardwood flooring is between $8 and $15 per square foot for materials only. It is widely recommended to hire professionals for your hardwood installation, which adds an additional installation cost. Also, hardwood flooring costs will vary among the different hardwood species.

How long does hardwood flooring last?

Under normal household conditions, your hardwood flooring should last from 25 to 30 years without requiring any major work. By sanding, refinishing, and repairing your authentic hardwood floors when needed, your floors can last for decades longer and will be prized by prospective buyers for their timeless charm.

At Kelly's Carpet Omaha in Omaha, NE, we’ve got all of the answers to your hardwood flooring questions! For more information on our hardwood offerings, we invite you to browse our selection today.