Hardwood Flooring

When it comes to the floors in our homes, hardwood is often considered the gold standard. However, over time, even the most durable hardwood floors can start to show signs of wear and tear. This then leads you to the question, “should I replace old hardwood floors?”

Replacing old wood floors is a big decision that requires careful consideration. In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate it may be time for an upgrade, as well as the benefits of replacing old hardwood floors. Whether you’re dealing with visible wear and tear, water damage, or squeaky floors, we will provide helpful information to help you make an informed decision.

From assessing the value and style of new hardwood floors to understanding the replacement process, we will guide you every step of the way. We will also discuss the importance of hiring professionals and the different hardwood flooring options available. Additionally, we will provide tips on maintaining and caring for your new hardwood floors.

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of whether or not you should replace your old hardwood floors and the steps involved in the replacement process.

Key Takeaways:

• Replacing old hardwood floors can greatly enhance the value and style of your home.
• Signs that indicate it may be time to replace your hardwood floors include visible wear and tear, water damage, squeaks, and gaps between planks.
• Consider factors such as the age and overall condition of your floors when deciding whether to replace them.
• Hiring professionals for hardwood floor replacement is essential for a successful and efficient installation.
• There are various types of hardwood flooring options available, including different wood species, finishes, and styles.

Signs of Needing New Wood Floors

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your hardwood floors, there are several telltale signs that indicate they may be in need of renovation. By recognizing these signs early on, you can take the necessary steps to restore the beauty and functionality of your floors. Here are some common indicators that it might be time for new wood floors:

1. Visible Wear and Tear

Over time, hardwood floors naturally show signs of wear and tear. This can include scratches, dents, and discoloration. If your floors have become noticeably damaged and no longer have that sleek, polished appearance, it may be a sign that it’s time to consider a replacement.

2. Water Damage

Water damage is a serious issue that can compromise the integrity of your hardwood floors. If you notice swelling, warping, or buckling of the wood, it could be a clear indication of water damage. This can be caused by leaks, spills, or high levels of humidity. Addressing water damage promptly is crucial to prevent further issues and restore the beauty of your floors.

3. Squeaking Floors

If you find yourself constantly hearing squeaks and creaks as you walk across your hardwood floors, it could be a sign of underlying problems. Squeaks typically occur as a result of loose floorboards or gaps between the planks. While these issues can sometimes be fixed with repairs, persistent squeaking may signal that it’s time for a more substantial renovation.

4. Gaps Between Planks

A noticeable gap between the planks of your hardwood floors is not only unsightly but can also be a sign of structural issues. Over time, wood naturally expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and humidity. However, excessive gaps between the planks indicate a more serious problem that may require the replacement of the entire floor.

Considerations for Hardwood Floor Replacement

When it comes to replacing your hardwood floors, there are several important factors to consider. Taking the time to assess the age of your floors, their overall condition, and the potential for restoration or upgrading can help you make an informed decision.

Age of the Floors: The age of your hardwood floors plays a significant role in determining whether replacement is necessary. Over time, wood can become worn, scratched, and damaged, impacting its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Overall Condition: Evaluate the overall condition of your hardwood floors. If you notice extensive water damage, significant gaps between planks, or excessive squeaking, it may be a clear sign that replacement is needed.

Potential for Restoration or Upgrading: In some cases, restoration or upgrading may be a viable alternative to complete replacement. If your hardwood floors have minor issues such as scratches or minor stains, they may be suitable candidates for refinishing or restoration.

Ultimately, the decision to replace your hardwood floors depends on a combination of these factors. When in doubt, consult with a professional who can assess the condition of your floors and provide expert guidance on the best course of action.

Assessing the Value and Style of New Hardwood Floors

Upgrading your hardwood floors can bring numerous benefits in terms of both value and style. When considering the best time to replace wood floors, it’s important to take into account the potential increase in your home’s aesthetic appeal and market value.

The cost to replace hardwood flooring may be a concern, but the long-term advantages often outweigh the initial investment. New hardwood floors can transform the look and feel of your home, creating a more modern and stylish atmosphere.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

One of the main benefits of installing new hardwood floors is the enhanced aesthetic appeal they bring to your home. With a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures available, you can choose the perfect flooring to complement your interior design style.

Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a more contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, there is a hardwood flooring option that will suit your taste. The clean and timeless beauty of hardwood floors can create a sense of elegance and sophistication in any room.

Increased Market Value

Another important factor to consider when weighing the cost to replace hardwood flooring is the potential increase in your home’s market value. High-quality hardwood floors are highly sought after by potential buyers as they are seen as a premium feature.

New hardwood floors can make your home more attractive to buyers, giving you a competitive edge in the real estate market. The investment you make in replacing your old wood floors can pay off when it comes time to sell your property.

In addition, new hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting, which can be an appealing feature for prospective buyers. They are also easy to maintain and keep clean, making them a practical choice for homeowners.

When considering the best time to replace wood floors, it’s important to weigh the long-term benefits against the initial cost. By upgrading your hardwood floors, you can enhance the visual appeal of your home and potentially increase its market value.

Hiring Professionals for Hardwood Floor Replacement

When it comes to hardwood floor replacement, hiring professionals is crucial to ensure a successful and efficient process. Professionals bring expertise and experience that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project.

One of the key benefits of professional installation is the assurance of quality workmanship. Replacing hardwood floors requires precision and skill to ensure proper alignment, seamless transitions, and a finished result that meets your expectations. Expert installers have the knowledge and tools to handle any challenges that may arise during the replacement process.

Additionally, professional installation can save you time and effort. They have the necessary resources to complete the job efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your new hardwood floors sooner. Attempting a DIY hardwood floor replacement can be time-consuming and may lead to subpar results if not done correctly.

Moreover, reputable contractors often offer warranties on their work, providing you with added peace of mind. If any issues arise after the replacement, you can rely on their expertise to address and resolve them effectively.

Finding Reputable Contractors for Hardwood Floor Replacement

When searching for contractors to replace your hardwood floors, it’s important to do your due diligence. Here are a few key steps to find reputable professionals:

1. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had their hardwood floors replaced. Personal referrals often provide valuable insights and firsthand experiences.
2. Research online and read reviews from reputable platforms. Look for consistent positive feedback, particularly regarding their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail.
3. Contact multiple contractors and request estimates. This will not only give you an idea of the cost but also allow you to gauge their responsiveness and willingness to answer your questions.
4. Verify the contractor’s license and insurance. A reputable professional will have the necessary credentials and insurance coverage to protect both parties in case of any accidents or damages during the replacement process.
5. Ask for references and don’t hesitate to reach out to previous clients. Speaking with those who have worked with the contractor in the past can provide valuable insights into their work ethics and the overall satisfaction of their customers.

By following these steps and taking the time to find reputable contractors, you can ensure a smooth and successful hardwood floor replacement project. Remember, investing in professional installation not only enhances the beauty of your home but also ensures the longevity and durability of your new hardwood floors.

Types of Hardwood Flooring Options

When considering hardwood floor replacement, it’s important to explore the wide range of options available. From different species of wood to various finishes and styles, understanding the different types of hardwood flooring will help you make an informed decision for your home.

Species of Wood

One of the first considerations when choosing hardwood flooring is the species of wood. Different species offer unique characteristics and aesthetics. Common options include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. Each species has its distinct grain pattern, color variations, and durability, allowing you to select the one that complements your style and preferences.

Finishes

Hardwood floors can be finished in different ways, which not only impacts their appearance but also their durability. Common finishes include oil-based finishes, water-based finishes, and UV-cured finishes. Oil-based finishes offer a more traditional look with a warm and amber hue. Water-based finishes provide a clear finish that maintains the natural color of the wood. UV-cured finishes offer excellent durability and faster curing times, making them a popular choice for high-traffic areas.

Styles

In addition to the species of wood and finishes, hardwood floors come in various styles that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Some popular styles include traditional smooth planks, hand-scraped planks for a rustic look, wire-brushed or distressed planks for a vintage appearance, and wide or narrow planks to create different visual effects. The style you choose will ultimately depend on your personal taste and the overall design of your home.

By considering the species of wood, finishes, and styles available, you can select the hardwood flooring options that best suit your needs and preferences for replacing your old hardwood floors.

Preparing for Hardwood Floor Replacement

When it comes to hardwood floor replacement, proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful installation process. By taking the necessary steps before the replacement begins, you can help minimize disruptions and maximize the longevity of your new floors. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for hardwood floor replacement:

Clearing Out Furniture

Prior to the start of the replacement project, it is important to clear out all furniture and belongings from the area where the new hardwood floors will be installed. This includes removing rugs, drapes, and any other objects that could obstruct the installation process. By creating an open and empty space, the installation team can work efficiently and without any unnecessary hindrances.

Preparing Subfloors

Before the installation of new hardwood floors can begin, it is essential to properly prepare the subfloors. This involves removing any existing flooring materials, such as carpet or laminate, and ensuring that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. This will provide a stable and even surface for the new hardwood floors to be installed, preventing any potential issues down the line.

Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial during the hardwood floor replacement process. This helps to ensure that the area remains well-ventilated, allowing for the appropriate drying and curing of the adhesives and finishes. It is recommended to open windows and use fans to promote air circulation. This will not only aid in the drying process but also help minimize the smell associated with new flooring materials.

By following these tips and adequately preparing your home for hardwood floor replacement, you can help facilitate a smooth and efficient installation. Remember to consult with professionals for specific guidance and recommendations regarding the preparation process. With the right preparation, you can look forward to enjoying beautiful and durable hardwood floors in your home.

Understanding the Hardwood Floor Replacement Process

Replacing old hardwood floors involves a step-by-step process that ensures a smooth and successful installation. In this section, we will guide you through each stage, from the removal of old floors to the final installation, allowing you to understand what to expect and make informed decisions along the way.

The Removal of Old Floors

The first step in the hardwood floor replacement process is removing the existing old floors. This involves carefully prying up each plank or section, taking caution not to damage the subfloor. If the old floors are damaged or glued down, additional techniques may be required, such as sanding or cutting to remove them completely.

During this process, it’s crucial to ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and free from any debris or moisture that could affect the new floor’s stability and longevity. Any necessary repairs or adjustments should be made at this stage.

Installation Techniques

Once the old floors have been removed and the subfloor is prepared, the new hardwood floors can be installed. There are various installation techniques available, including nail-down, staple-down, and floating methods.

The nail-down method involves using nails to secure each hardwood plank directly to the subfloor. The staple-down method uses staples instead of nails, providing a secure and efficient installation. The floating method, on the other hand, involves interlocking the planks and placing them over a foam underlayment, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of installation.

The installation technique you choose may depend on factors such as the type of hardwood flooring, subfloor conditions, and personal preferences. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Timeline for Completion

The timeline for completing a hardwood floor replacement project can vary based on several factors, including the size of the area, the complexity of the installation, and any additional preparations or repairs required.

On average, a hardwood floor replacement project can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. It’s important to consider this timeframe when planning the project, as it may impact the accessibility and functionality of the space being worked on.

Working with experienced professionals who specialize in hardwood floor replacement can help ensure that the project stays on schedule and is completed efficiently.

By understanding the hardwood floor replacement process, you can confidently embark on your project, knowing what to expect at each stage. The removal of old floors, the installation techniques used, and the timeline for completion all play a vital role in achieving a successful and long-lasting result.

Maintaining and Caring for New Hardwood Floors

Once you have invested in new hardwood floors through replacement, it is essential to know how to properly maintain and care for floors to ensure their longevity and beauty. By following the right cleaning techniques, taking preventive measures to avoid damage, and implementing regular maintenance practices, you can keep your hardwood floors in optimal condition.

Cleaning Techniques

When it comes to cleaning your new hardwood floors, it is crucial to use appropriate techniques and avoid harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Start by regularly sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a floor attachment that is suitable for hardwood floors.

For a deeper clean, lightly dampen a microfiber mop or cloth with a hardwood floor cleaner specifically designed for the type of finish on your floors. Avoid using excessive water or saturating the floors, as this can lead to warping or staining. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning products you use.

Tips for Preventing Damage

To prevent damage to your new hardwood floors, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Use furniture pads or felt protectors on the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent scratches.
2. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with spikes or cleats on the floors.
3. Place doormats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches the floors.
4. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining or warping.
5. Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the beauty and durability of your new hardwood floors. Follow these maintenance practices to keep your floors looking their best:

• Regularly dust and clean the floors to remove dirt and debris that can cause scratches or wear down the finish.
• Inspect the floors for any signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or loose boards, and address them promptly to prevent further issues.
• Consider refinishing the floors every few years to restore their appearance and protect them from wear.
• Keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting excessively.
• Avoid exposing the floors to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can fade the wood.

By following these maintenance and care guidelines, you can enjoy your new hardwood floors for years to come while preserving their beauty and value.

Replacing Hardwood Floors in Different Areas of Your Home

When it comes to hardwood floor replacement, it’s essential to consider the unique considerations for each area of your home. Different rooms have distinct challenges and requirements, and understanding these factors is crucial for a successful replacement project.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, hardwood floors are exposed to high foot traffic, spills, and moisture. As a result, durability and water resistance are key considerations. Opting for engineered hardwood or solid wood species known for their water resistance, such as oak or bamboo, can be a wise choice. Additionally, applying a protective sealant is recommended to guard against potential water damage.

Bedroom

When replacing hardwood floors in bedrooms, comfort and aesthetic appeal are often top priorities. Consider softer wood species, such as maple or cherry, for a more cozy and warm feeling underfoot. Additionally, selecting a floor finish that minimizes noise and provides a cushioning effect, such as cork or vinyl, can enhance the overall comfort of your bedroom.

Living Room

The living room is a central gathering space that requires a combination of durability and style. Here, it’s crucial to choose hardwood flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic and potentially withstand furniture movement. Popular options, such as oak or walnut, offer both durability and timeless beauty to elevate the aesthetics of your living room.

Remember, replacing hardwood floors in different areas of your home requires careful considerations based on the specific needs of each room. By choosing the right flooring material, finishes, and appropriate installation techniques, you can achieve a successful and long-lasting hardwood floor replacement project tailored to the unique requirements of each space.

Assessing the Return on Investment for Hardwood Floor Replacement

In this section, we will explore the potential return on investment for hardwood floor replacement. Upgrading your old hardwood floors can have a significant impact on the value of your home and attract potential buyers.

When considering hardwood floor replacement, it is important to understand that this decision goes beyond simply improving the aesthetics of your home. New hardwood floors can enhance the overall appeal and functionality of your living spaces, making it an attractive feature for prospective buyers.

Investing in new hardwood floors can offer a high return on investment, especially if your existing floors are outdated, worn, or damaged. Upgrading to modern, durable hardwood flooring can make your home more desirable in the real estate market, potentially increasing its value.

Buyers often appreciate the timeless beauty and durability of hardwood floors, considering them a valuable asset. This could give your home a competitive edge when it comes to selling it in the future.

Additionally, replacing your hardwood floors allows you to choose from a wide variety of styles, finishes, and wood species. With the right selection, you can create a visually appealing space that suits your personal taste and enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.

While hardwood floor replacement may require an upfront investment, the long-term benefits can outweigh the costs. It is essential to choose high-quality materials and hire professional contractors to ensure a successful installation that will stand the test of time.

Ultimately, by assessing the return on investment for hardwood floor replacement, you can make an informed decision that will not only improve the quality of your living spaces but also potentially increase the value of your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when pondering the question of whether to replace old hardwood floors, it’s essential to consider factors like the extent of damage, budget constraints, and personal preferences. While minor imperfections can often be remedied through refinishing, more significant issues may warrant replacement to ensure the longevity and beauty of your flooring.

When opting for replacement, partnering with a reputable hardwood flooring service like Tri Point Flooring can make all the difference. With their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Tri Point Flooring offers a seamless experience from consultation to installation, ensuring that your new floors not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also withstand the test of time. Contact us today to know more.

If there is one reliable fact in this world, it is that the costs of energy will only keep rising. Homeowners certainly know this fact well as prices have risen significantly in the past 20 years and will keep doing so. Which is why it is very important to maintain energy efficient homes. Even when these costs temporarily drop, they inevitably rise again in summer months for cooling and wintertime for heating. With hardwood flooring being one of the top features home buyers look for in their next residence, many wonder, “Are hardwood floors energy efficient?”

While no type of flooring will substantially cut your energy costs, there are ways to improve home comfort and enhance energy efficiency with these surfaces. Below are some tips for that as well as to answer that question of, “Are hardwood floors energy efficient?”

Enhance Energy Savings through Draft-Proofing

Draft-proofing is one of the best ways to answer, “Are hardwood floors energy efficient?” You can save between $25 and $40 per year through this tactic. Couple draft-proofing with other methods likes turning off lights, appliances and electronics when you are not using them and your energy bills will decrease slightly.

Draft-proof for energy efficiency by installing door sweeps at the base of each door in your home. These sweeps block drafts, whether from the outdoors or inside draftiness. They can help each room retain its own heat or cooling to cut down on lost energy and your ultimate heating or air conditioning costs.

Another draft-proof method is use of area rugs to keep your rooms warmer. Area rugs also help with acoustics, keeping sounds from bouncing from the hard surfaces.

Fill Gaps In Your Hardwood Flooring to Make it More Energy Efficient

Filling gaps in your hardwood floors is another great tip to answer, “Are hardwood floors energy efficient?” You can save between $75 and $90 each year on your energy bills if your wood floors and skirting have good insulation. Of course, old hardwood floors typically have gaps. Suspended wood floors typically have no insulation, as well.

Hardwood flooring needs space to expand and contract according to environmental conditions. This is why you should never fill every gap. But after ensuring your flooring has a good expansion gap around the perimeter, you can fill drafty gaps. This is true for even historic hardwood floors.

To fill gaps in your hardwood flooring, use a natural resin filler mixed with sawdust from stained wood of the same species. This color matching will prevent visible flaws. Of course, you can also call upon your hardwood flooring pros at Tri Point Flooring in the Raleigh area to do this work for you. After filling your floor gaps, your floor feels less drafty and offers better energy efficiency.

Ensure Your Hardwood Floors Are Insulated

Insulation’s primary purpose is to provide energy efficiency, sound absorption or both. In the case of hardwood flooring, insulation fulfills both objectives. When you want to install new hardwood floors, it is important to ensure you first install an insulating underlay over the concrete foundation or other subfloor.

It is important to note one issue related to insulating your hardwood floors, however. If the room is above a heated room, not insulating the floor enables heat to rise from the lower room into the upper one. This can actually reduce your energy costs. For a second-floor room with hardwood flooring over an unheated space like a garage, insulation is the right choice.

In this answer to “are hardwood floors energy efficient,” floor insulation can save you about $45 to $90 per year, depending on the structure and size of your home.

Heat Your Hardwood Floors

Part of the answer to “are hardwood floors energy efficient” comes from custom features, such as whether you have under-floor heating. An under-floor heating system lies beneath the hardwood flooring to keep the surfaces toasty underfoot. Because heat rises, these systems also help heat the entire space in which you have wood floors. Obviously, this is a choice you have to make when installing your new floors. It also requires an upfront investment for a long-term savings on your energy bills.

Additionally, under-floor heating works best under engineered hardwood floors, not natural hardwoods. This is because the heat and cool-down effects cause natural hardwoods to expand and contract. Engineered hardwoods will not buckle, warp or cup under these conditions.

Make Your Hardwood Floors the Most Energy Efficient They Can Be

If you have questions like “are hardwood floors energy efficient,” talk to your Raleigh area professionals at Tri Point Flooring. We enjoy helping our current and new customers get the most from their hardwood floors. We will also help you select the best flooring for your home’s ideal energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Call us today at (919) 771-7542.

If you are thinking about installing hardwood flooring in your home, you have many quality options to choose from including the latest designs, finishes, and colors. Obviously, the type of wood you choose will have the greatest impact on the look and feel of your rooms. Another option to consider is the texture of the wood floor planks. Textured wood is a popular choice that can further enhance the look of your home. Texture can add depth to your floor as well as adding a luxurious feel when you are walking barefoot on it. 

What is Textured Wood Flooring?

You may wonder what it means to have a textured wood floor. All wood starts out with a natural texture, but as it is transformed into flooring it is sanded into smooth wood strips or planks that are the same thickness. This smooth wood can be textured in several different ways, which can add depth and dimension to your floor. Most wooden flooring can be textured, including solid and engineered woods. Luxury vinyl plank, also known as LVP is also available with texture. Textured flooring doesn’t tend to show scratches as easily as a smooth wood floor can. Therefore, many busy families or homes with pets, prefer textured wooden planks.

There are several types of texture that can be added to wood flooring, including: 

• Hand-scraped wood
• Distressed wood
• Wire-brushed wood

Hand-Scraped

One of the most traditional surface textures is hand-scraped. Hand-scraping makes your new wood floors look distressed, aged, and weathered. Originally done by hand using a flat blade, modern hand-scraped boards are achieved using machines to mimic the look with less cost. 

A hand-scraped texture is perfect for a rustic, country or historical design scheme. Despite the slightly worn appearance, these floors are popular and will remain highly stylish for decades to come. They feature knots, exposed wood grain and scrapes to give the appearance of an older floor. Several woods work well with a hand-scraped texture including oak, pine, hickory, pecan, and walnut.

Distressed

Distressed wood is another option when you want the old world character of historic hardwoods. With distressed hardwood floors, your entire home appears warmer and cozier. With this surface texture and finish option, you can expect visitors and guests to ask if you repurposed your planks from an older property, a very popular feature among homebuyers today. 

You can expect distressed floors to remain popular among interior designers and homebuyers for many years to come. Younger buyers, in particular, love this textured design aesthetic and seek it out when looking for their next property. Although it is a popular look, the distressed texture is not as widely saturated on the market as some other textured wood flooring. This means your home will have some instant credibility for “those floors” when compared to other available properties.

Wire-Brushed

As with hand-scraping, a wire-brushed surface texture also provides a weathered appearance and more texture than smooth hardwoods. If you want wood flooring with more character, yet a beautifully finished appearance, wire-brushed hardwoods are a great fit.

This surface texture is typically created by scraping the wood planks with a hard wire brush prior to the application of the top finish coat that seals and helps to protect the wooden floor.

Wire-brushing adds a different dimension and unique character to floors, with a slightly more subdued look. Oak and Hickory lends itself well to wire-brushed  wood flooring and is typically done with a matte finish.  A wire-brushed finish can hide scratches well. 

Textured Wood Flooring Costs

Choosing a texture for your wood flooring is usually more expensive than a simple smooth surface. Overall pricing will depend on the plank width and length, and whether you choose solid hardwood or engineered wood. Engineered wood is usually the least expensive choice, but there are premium texture options that can be more. 

Call Tri Point Flooring for Quality Textured Flooring 

Explore the complete line of textured wood products for your hardwood project. Call Tri Point Flooring serving Raleigh, Cary and Apex, NC at (919) 771-7542 for a free consultation and more information.

Hardwood floors provide an instant upgrade to your home interior. These floors warm each room’s appearance and provide upscale quality that enhance your home’s resale value. But at the same time, having hardwoods where you once had carpeting can make a huge difference in how your home sounds. Yes, a room with hardwood floors can be noisier. That is, unless you know how to decorate to quiet the room with hardwood floors.

In a room with hardwood floors where you once had carpet, some new noises you might notice include:

• Clicking heels
• Dog or cat claws tapping and scratching
• Squeaking floorboards
• Carrying voices
• Louder atmospheric sounds

A Room with Hardwood Floors has Increased Volume Because of the Sound Waves Bouncing Off of the Hard Surfaces…

… such as the floors themselves and nearby cabinets, countertops, walls, ceilings and hard furniture. You need to interrupt these sound waves to quiet your room. Because your new floors added hardness, your next task to turn down the volume is to add more soft surfaces.

By adding textiles to your room with hardwood floors, you can break up the sound waves.

In turn, you can enjoy greater quiet and serenity than you might expect. At the same time, you do not diminish your ability to hear conversations or your favorite television show. Instead, you enhance the sounds you want to hear while quieting the ones you need to filter out.

Below, we look at some specific ways to quiet a room with hardwood floors.

Windows and Walls

You can easily create an environment that absorbs unnecessary sounds in a room with hardwood floors. Start by adding pillows and chair cushions to seating. Place one or more woven area rugs on your new hardwood floors.

Hang cloth draperies or curtains at each window to disrupt the sound waves. Using thick materials like tapestry, suede and velvet will work better for sound absorption than thin materials like linen, cotton or lace. It is also better to line your drapes with fabric for greater sound absorption.

If you still have too much noise in a room with hardwood floors after the above enhancements, try adding fabric wall hangings. You can suspend a woven rug, quilt or tapestry to reduce the sound bouncing from the floors to the walls.

Furniture

It is best to use upholstered furniture in a room with hardwood floors. These types of pieces immediately reduce sound levels. Consider adding a comfy chair, ottoman, sofa or upholstered headboard. The best pieces for sound absorption are those wrapped in heavy fabrics like microfiber, velvet, corduroy or chenille.

To the upholstered furniture, add throw pillows and blankets. If you have a metal, glass or wooden table in the room with hardwood floors, consider adding a tablecloth.

Floor Treatments

If you are about to have your wooden floors installed, ensure your flooring has a quality underlayment. This material provides cushioning to make standing and walking on the floors more comfortable. At the same time, the underlayment can reduce atmospheric noise in a room with hardwood floors.

If the wood floor you select is LVP flooring, then the underlayment is built into the flooring planks.

Once you have had your hardwoods for awhile, you might notice a squeaky floorboard here and there. These squeaks typically occur after the boards have had time to settle and one rubs against an adjacent board. Have your flooring professional fix these squeaks as desired to keep the room quiet and peaceful.

Other Tips for Quieting a Room with Hardwood Floors

Having a room with hardwood floors where you once had carpeting can mean making some slight lifestyle changes for noise reduction. For example, you may wish to invest in some soft-soled slippers to reduce the sound of shoes on your floors. Or, simply embrace how great hardwood feels on bare feet by kicking off your shoes when indoors.
Also keep your pets’ toenails clipped to reduce their traffic noise.

Benefits of Having a Room with Hardwood Floors

Despite the potential noise associated with having a room with hardwood floors, this flooring provides so many benefits.

Benefits of having hardwood flooring include:

• Visual appeal
• Low maintenance and easy cleaning
• Strength and durability
• Home resale value
• Improved air quality
• Timelessness and versatility
• Long-lasting and cost effective
• Can be refinished
• Improved acoustics

Yes, improved acoustics are one of the major benefits of having a room with hardwood floors. While you can also hear some atmospheric sounds you would rather avoid, you will enjoy hearing clearer conversations. With all of the other benefits hardwoods offer over other types of flooring, accepting some noise is a no-brainer.

If you are considering having hardwood floors installed in your Raleigh, Cary or Apex, NC home, schedule a free consultation with one of Tri Point Flooring’s hardwood experts. Call us today at (919)771-7542.

In the Raleigh area of North Carolina, homeowners have always embraced hardwood floors. In fact, this type of flooring remains a top choice for new home construction and renovations. This is true even centuries after the first residents of this area made the same choices. In 2021, builders and residents will keep embracing hardwoods. But some wood floor finishes will prove more popular than ever before.

Below, we explore some of the hottest floor finishes for 2021. These include fumed wood and smoked wood, satin finished, matte finished, site finished and oiled finishes. Shiny wood floor finishes are less popular for 2021. More people want a flat or matte appearance for their hardwoods.

Fumed Wood and Smoked Wood

Fumed wood floor finishes, also called smoked wood, come from the wood’s exposure to ammonia gas. This gas reacts with the wood’s natural tannins to create a dark finish with a gray tinge.

Around Raleigh, Cary, and Apex, North Carolina, fumed wood and smoked wood floor finishes are most popular for light shades of flooring, such as white oak. Using white oak allows the ammonia to emphasize the grain color in the wood. Smoked wood creates an even finish for your flooring with each plank consistently colored through this method.

If you want a modern, yet vintage look for your flooring, fumed wood or smoked wood makes an excellent choice. This look will remain popular for years.

Satin Finished

Satin finished wood flooring provides an alternative to a super-shiny finish and a matte look. As the middle ground between these two other options, you can still have some shine while more easily keeping your floors looking clean. As most homeowners with glossy-finished floors quickly learn, this older-style finish shines a spotlight on dirt, scratches and dings.

Satin wood floor finishes rate at about 40 percent shine when compared to a glossy finished floor at about 80 to 100 percent. With satin finish, your floor still has some shine, albeit more subtle than with gloss.

This is a look you can expect to remain popular for years. In fact, it will likely never become unfashionable. This makes satin wood floor finishes a great choice for your long-term flooring selection.

Matte Finished

Matte wood floor finishes have not yet gotten the full credit they deserve. Satin has lingered as the most frequent choice in the past several years and glossy has remained top-of-the-list for many homeowners, too. But matte finished wood floors should take over in popularity in 2021 and through at least 2028. You can expect them to remain in style for the lifetime of your newly installed hardwood floors.

To envision how matte wood floors will look in your home, you must understand that this finish is neither flat, nor dull. The term “matte” typically makes people think that is the case. Instead, the matte finish provides a contemporary appearance that easily catches the eye. But for your floors to look their best with a matte wood finish, you need to have good quality flooring, to start. It will not provide the best results if your floors are not already in good shape.

Site Finished Wood Floors

Among 2021 top floor finishes, site finished wood flooring provides the most control over style and appearance. For this option, your contractor installs raw hardwood flooring or works with existing hardwood floors. They sand and refinish the floors after installation. Through the site finished process, you can ensure the greatest color consistency across your flooring. You will not see any color changes at the edges of the planks.

This type of wood floor finishes also enables you to see how the flooring looks in your own home and your actual lighting. Site finished wood floors remain one of the top finishes for 2021, just as they have for generations. This option will continue to be a top choice. However, you should seek the help of professionals. Trying to DIY your own hardwoods takes a ton of work, requires professional care and necessitates some quality controls.

Oiled Wood Floors

As far as top floor finishes for 2021 go, oiled floors are among the most interesting. Oiled finishes differ from traditional polyurethane top coats. The oil finish seeps into the wood and coats it, layer by layer. Polyurethane only coats the top of your flooring. Through oiled coating, your wood is made stronger and more durable.

An oiled wood finish also provides a matte finished look, like the one discussed earlier in this article. It also looks organic, suiting your natural or environmentally in-tune aesthetic quite well.

When refinishing oiled wood floors, you do not have to sand. This differs from the laborious process of refinishing most wood flooring. Instead, you only need to add more oil to the wood for a refreshed appearance.

Although there are many benefits to oiled wood floors, there are drawbacks, too. One such drawback is that the flooring is more prone to scratching and water damage. This means you must refinish more often than with traditional floor finishes.

Raleigh Area Hardwood Flooring Experts

If you want to install hardwoods or prefinished wood flooring in your home or commercial property, you only need to call the local experts at Tri Point Flooring. We provide the highest quality of wood floor installation, refinishing and floor finishes. Call us today at (919) 771-7542.