Why Choose Hardwood Floors? While some like the feel of carpeting under their feet, having carpet in every room can be a challenge. Regular vacuuming can only do so much. and even when carpet is cleaned professionally on a regular basis, it can be hard to tell if the job is complete, or how long it will take before there is another spill, stain, or just day to day traffic that will bring you right back where you started. Because of this, many are going back to hardwood floors in San Jose.
There are many benefits to having wood floors in your home. In many ways hardwood floors in San Jose defy economic logic, since they are both affordable and make your home more valuable since they are frequently asked for when new homes are constructed or old ones are being remodeled. Overall, these floors are easy to maintain, and only need to be swept and possibly vacuumed in most cases. They are made from a renewable resource, and result in overall better air quality versus carpet since they don't attract harmful substances such as dust mites or mold.
Many Options to Choose From
If you're under the impression that hard floors in San Jose are all the same, you haven't looked very closely. There are three main types of hardwood floors; Solid wood, engineered wood, and long strip/floating wood floors. Solid wood floors are installed in either strips that are approximately two inches wide, in planks that are at least 3 inches wide, or as parquet flooring that comes in 6" X6" blocks which give the floor almost a tiled look. As time goes by these floors can be sanded and refinished to keep them looking great for generations.
Engineered wood floors uses a combination of woods and stacks and glues them together under pressure. Engineered wood floors offer more flexible installation, while solid wood needs to be nailed or screwed onto a subfloor, and are not recommended for basements due to their tendency to be effected by humidity, engineered hardwood floors in San Jose can be installed almost anywhere. Their downside is that there is not as much freedom to resand and refinish engineered floors, since the top, decorative layer is relatively thin.
Long strip floors offer something in between. They use long planks that are over 7" wide and 90" long. Although the floors are technically engineered, the top layer is thicker than typical engineered floors. Each panel is glued to a neighboring panel, helping to keep everything together in situations where moisture causes the wood to expand or contract. They are often installed over a foam pad in order to help control moisture.
Safety and Quality is Important
Hardwood floors in San Jose have been around for a long time, but it is still important that the installation be handled with skill and integrity. Choose an installer who is straightforward with you, and who is ready to back you up if any problems do occur. Some things to look for include Greenguard Certification for Air Quality, lead safe certification, Atomic Dust Containment Systems, and Certified Bona Craftsman who are ready to stand by their work.
Experience and a commitment to ongoing service, starting with your first questions is important too. A highly skilled installer won't cut corners to try and compete with those who may be cheaper, but are less professional. All insurance should also be verified before installation begins, and you should have a showroom to visit, so you can see for yourself their commitment, before you have your own floor upgraded.
long strip/floating wood floors. Solid wood floors are installed in either strips that are approximately two inches wide, in planks that are at least 3 inches wide, or as parquet flooring that comes in 6" X6" blocks which give the floor almost a tiled look. As time goes by these floors can be sanded and refinished to keep them looking great for generations.
you, and who is ready to back you up if any problems do occur. Some things to look for include Greenguard Certification for Air Quality, lead safe certification, Atomic Dust Containment Systems, and Certified Bona Craftsman who are ready to stand by their work. 