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Homeowners love the sleek elegance of hardwood floors, which is why so many people choose to install it in their living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, among other places. But, like every other flooring material, hardwood floors have to be properly taken care of or they will lose their luster. One factor that could affect your hardwood floors is humidity. After a hardwood floor installation, it’s important to follow these tips to protect your investment from the damaging effects of humidity:

First, how does humidity affect your floors?

Hardwood floors can begin to dry out when there is not enough moisture in the air, so if the humidity level is too low, your floor could start to crack. However, high humidity levels are also damaging to your floors. If there is too much moisture in the air, water can eventually creep underneath the floorboards and cause warping.

Use a humidistat.

Once your floors have been installed, it’s important to check the humidity levels in your home using a humidistat, which can be purchased at any hardware store. It’s recommended that hardwood floors stay in an environment where the humidity falls between 40-60%. If the humidistat reveals the humidity in your home is not in this range, you will need to buy a device to help you control it.
 

Buy a dehumidifier or humidifier.

A humidifier is used to make the air more humid, while a dehumidifier does the opposite. Depending on the current humidity level in your home, you could need one of these devices to help you protect your hardwood floors. In fact, it may be best to use both. Humidity tends to increase during the summer, so use a dehumidifier during this season to bring the level down into the 40-60% range. When the air becomes dry during the winter, use a humidifier to put moisture back in the air and protect your floors.

There are many dehumidifiers and humidifiers that are designed to maintain the humidity of one room. But, if you really want to take care of your floors, buy a professionally installed unit that will control the humidity in your entire home. Learn more about how your indoor environment affect hardwood flooring.

Talk to the contractor.

Hardwood floors are not a good fit for some rooms, and your flooring contractor should tell you this prior to installation. For example, a gym or laundry room in your home will probably have higher levels of humidity than other rooms in your home, so these are not the best places to install hardwood floors. Make sure you thoroughly discuss your plans with a contractor prior to the installation so you don’t make the mistake of putting hardwood floors in a room where they won’t last.

Would you like to learn more about protecting your hardwood floors? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.

If you’re planning to install new hardwood floors, the last thing you want to do is unknowingly choose a style that is outdated. Before selecting a type of hardwood and scheduling your hardwood installation, learn about these hardwood trends in 2017:

Texture

Today’s customers are generally looking for textured hardwood floors that give the room a rustic, earthy feel. There are two types of texture you should look for: wire brushed or hand scraped. Although the texture is created using two different techniques, the end result is very similar. Regardless of whether you choose wire brushed or hand scraped, you’ll be right on trend if you have textured wood in your home.

Reclaimed Wood

Customers are constantly looking for new ways to make their homes more unique, and reclaimed wood helps them achieve this goal. Reclaimed wood is taken from old buildings or other structures, and then reused in homes across the country. Each batch of reclaimed wood is visually stunning and unique, so it’s not hard to see why this type of wood is making such a comeback in 2017.

Flat Finishes

Many homeowners love glossy finishes, but matte finishes are slowly making a comeback. Matte finishes are much more understated than glossy finishes, so they fit right in with the shift towards rustic-looking rooms. Even if you like the look of a glossy finish, you should know that matte finishes conceal scratches and imperfections much better than shinier finishes. You can always compromise by choosing a satin finish, which isn’t as flat as a matte finish, but less shiny than a glossy finish.

Color

There are several different colors that trending this year, so homeowners have more options when it comes to choosing a trendy hardwood color. First, there’s gray, which has increased in popularity over the last few years. Gray is a versatile, calming neutral that will instantly lighten and brighten any room it’s in. Another light shade, blonde wood, is also in style in 2017. Blonde wood gives the room a relaxed, laid-back feel, and it can also hide dirt and debris that may be lingering on the surface of the wood. But, if you don’t like the light look of blonde and gray woods, you’re in luck—dark wood will continue to be popular in 2017. Learn more about gray hardwood floors.
 

Plank Size

Customers will gravitate towards wider, longer planks of wood in 2017. Wide planks can make a room feel more open and spacious, which is why so many customers choose it over narrower options. But, wide planks can look awkward when the planks are too short, so if you decide to go for a wider plank, be sure you also choose planks with a longer length.

Now that you know the hardwood trends for this year, are you ready to visit a showroom and find the perfect wood for your home? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.

If you’ve never had hardwood flooring, but want to install it in your home, it’s best to visit a hardwood floor showroom and talk to the professionals about your needs. Feel free to ask questions to ensure you get all of the information you’re looking for before you commit to a hardwood floor installation. What should you ask? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

How much should I order?

Before you place an order, you will need to have the space measured so you know how many square feet need to be covered with hardwood. But, it’s recommended that you order about 10% more than necessary. This is because the wood planks will be cut to fit the exact layout of your room, and once a piece is cut, the remainder of it probably cannot be used anywhere else in the room. To avoid running out of wood, hardwood professionals advise that you order a bit extra.

What are some of my floor “finish” options?

There are several choices for floor finishes such as Polyurethane, Acid Cured Swedish Finish, Water Based Finish, etc. Things to consider when choosing a finish is the amount of wear and tear on the floor, UV protection and the look you want to achieve.

Can I install the flooring myself to save money?

Installing hardwood may look easy, but looks can be deceiving. Laying down hardwood requires certain tools that you will need to rent or buy if you don’t already own. On top of that, there are certain things that you may not know how to do, including checking for moisture, and working in tight spaces such as closets or pantries. There are many things that can go wrong if you try to install hardwood on your own, so if you want it to look like a professional did it, then leave it to the professionals.
 

How can I preserve the hardwood floors once they’ve been installed?

Preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors with regular cleanings. You should get in the habit of sweeping or vacuuming your hardwood floors with a soft bristle brush to pick up any dirt or debris that could cause scratches. There are cleaning products designed specifically for hardwood floors, so talk to your installer to see if there is one that works better than the others. You should also lay down rugs near your doors so people can wipe their feet before walking across your floors. Avoid wearing high heels on hardwood, and if you have pets, make sure their nails are trimmed down so they don’t scratch the hardwood’s finish. Learn how to clean hardwood floors.

Now that you know the answers to these frequently asked questions, it’s time to get started planning out your new hardwood floor. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.

As you embark on a new hardwood floor installation project, a great option is to purchase pre-finished flooring. Finishing a hardwood helps to protect the flooring from damage and helps them to last for decades. Pre-finished flooring doesn’t involve the mess and smell of sanding and finishing within the living environment, making it the more convenient option.

1. Faster Installation: If you are looking for a fast floor installation, pre-finished flooring will expedite the process. Why? Pre-finished flooring is manufactured with the finish built-into the wood and ready to be placed in your home! Depending on the size and space, it can reduce the time by a few days. Your hardwood floor installer can show you a variety of pre-finished floor options to choose from. While the options remain more limited than those of unfinished floors, you will be able to see before installation what the floor will look like in your home. It also does not require the same amount of skill level for installers to complete and can expedite the process to keep your remodel project on schedule and/or done quickly. Also, many of the obstacles that may be encountered with unfinished floors are already completed with pre-finished floors, which will save time on your project.
2. Ideal for Remodels: If you are working with a complete home remodel project, pre-finished floors are a great way to go. They can easily be installed around existing furniture, appliances, cabinetry, etc. Plus, a remodel involves high traffic and relocation of various elements of the home. It can also be placed easily on sub-flooring and will remain consistent from room to room. Installing a pre-finished floor is a cleaner process and less time consuming than an unfinished flooring job.
3. Cost Effective: Many choose a pre-finished hardwood flooring for their home project due to budget requirements. Pre-finished flooring typically costs less than unfinished flooring. Many floor installation companies can work with your budget to help you find the best solution for your project. While there are many advantages to unfinished flooring too, pre-finished flooring is not as labor intensive as unfinished—especially depending on plank size.

Ready for your hardwood floor installation project to begin? Once you are ready, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help. We have a wide selection of pre-finished flooring options to help you find the best option for your home. No matter what the room or size of the project, we can help from start to finish. Learn about our current specials and contact us at 303-674-6966 to get started. You can also visit our showroom to view options at 29390 Industrial Way in Evergreen, Colorado from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you’re interested in adding hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider reclaimed wood as opposed to traditional hardwood. Reclaimed wood is a type of hardwood that was harvested years ago, used in some form of construction, and then reused after the building was destroyed. Why should you choose it when there are so many other options available? Here are some of the many benefits of reclaimed hardwood flooring in Colorado:

Unique appearance.

Every type of hardwood is beautiful, but reclaimed wood has a unique look that makes it even more attractive. Most reclaimed wood will have visible knots and other markings that make it stand out from traditional hardwood. Reclaimed wood usually has a slight rustic look, but the truth is it’s incredibly versatile, so it can complement many other interior design styles. If you want a floor that will make your home truly unique, choose reclaimed wood.

Comes with a story.

Are you the kind of person who loves sifting through antique markets to find interesting pieces of furniture? If so, you’ll love having reclaimed wood in your home. Each batch of reclaimed wood comes with a unique story that you won’t find with traditional hardwood. For example, a lot of reclaimed wood comes from old barns that have been torn down, which makes it a great conversation piece to have in your home. Learn more about where to find reclaimed wood.

More durable.

The demand for wood is high, so many trees that are grown commercially are torn down before they have reached their full size. However, most reclaimed wood was originally made from mature trees, which means the wood is much stronger. But, that’s not all. Reclaimed wood has been exposed to environmental elements time and time again, so it has that beautiful weathered look and is an extremely strong product. Please keep in mind that you still need proper acclimation time in your home, to prevent gapping or shrinkage.

Versatile.

If you don’t want to update any of your floors, but you still want reclaimed wood in your home, why not try a wood paneled wall? Reclaimed wood can be used in many ways, from eye-catching statement walls in your living room to custom bathroom cabinets and shelves.

Environmentally friendly.

Many homeowners choose reclaimed wood because it’s environmentally friendly. The world’s natural resources are limited, and forests across the globe are being bulldozed to meet consumer demand for wood products. By choosing reclaimed wood, you are doing your part to preserve our precious resources by reducing the need for new timber.

Now that you know some of the benefits of choosing reclaimed hardwood floors, are you ready to have them installed in your home? Let our professionals help you. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.