One of the simplest ways to bring dramatic new life to a room is by changing up the flooring. Phoenix’s climate can wreak havoc in your high traffic areas whether your flooring is carpet, vinyl, or tile. Carpets and grouts stain, vinyl scuffs, all leaving you with an room looking run down. Switching your flooring to new hardwood flooring can leave your whole room looking new again. But just like in every home renovation job, it pays to do your research. Here are some things you should consider beforehand!

Price Isn’t Everything

If you’re ordering a hardwood flooring installation in Phoenix, keep in mind that, just because you bought the most expensive type of flooring you could find, it does not mean that you bought the best product for your home. First, the cost of wood flooring types may reflect the cost of transporting that wood type from far away forests, rather than only the quality of the wood. International transport costs can drive a price up dramatically. Imports from across the Canadian border might be subject to tariff costs that more local wood is not.

Secondly, not every wood is created, or manufactured, equally. When you’re planning a hardwood flooring installation in Phoenix, consider the level of use and abuse the flooring will receive. How much foot traffic is regular for the space? Do you have pets who might scrape their nails across it while running? Do you often slide or move furniture or chairs in that area, and will that damage the flooring?

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Consult with the contractor who is performing the hardwood flooring installation in Phoenix. They will know the product they are using and will be able to recommend cleaning and maintenance plans and products. But be sure to ask about repairs! What does repairing a single damaged panel entail? If you have to pull up a large section of flooring to repair a single spot, it might not be worth it. Or perhaps it’s a wood product that can be surface-repaired and recovered.

Acclimate the Hardwood

Wood tends to expand and contract a bit, which can be problematic when not installed correctly. Hardwood flooring installation in Phoenix, with a mostly hot and dry climate, may need to sit in your home’s climate for a specific length of time to make sure that the installation can go forward smoothly and without causing problems later. Also, discuss with your contractor workmanship assurances realted to acclimatization. If possible, check the product’s manufacturer’s guidelines for acclimatization timelines. Try to get a product from your contractor because they’re likely to have a positive relationship with the manufacturer and you can ensure the best results. Purchasing wood online eliminates the chain of custody and often voids warranties.

Installation Process and Costs

As with any home renovation, homes are unique, and one size does not fit all. Prior to your hardwood flooring installation, ask that your contractor review the site itself, or at least pictures of the site. On-site labor may be extra beyond the square footage price of the installation itself. Consider your existing baseboards along the walls, which may need to be removed or replaced. Keep in mind the surface flooring, and understand that levelling or grinding may cost extra. Obstacles can cause problems, too, if the installers have to keep moving all your furniture around significantly. It’s definitely worth discussing these possibilities with your contractor!