Subfloor
While most flooring types (carpet, vinyl plank, tile) can be installed anywhere in the home, solid hardwood has a few limitations. First and foremost, it requires a wood subfloor and can not be installed directly on concrete.
MOISTURE
Solid hardwood is also affected by moisture and responds to humidity variations in the home. Any variation in the moisture in the air causes hardwood to expand during the humid summers and to contract during dry winter weather. A home with a high moisture level reading should steer clear of solid hardwood flooring. Moisture causes the wood to swell, which can result in crowning, cupping, and buckling of the wood. Hardwood flooring performs best when the humidity range in the home is 30 to 50 percent and the temperature range is 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kids or Pets
While many hardwoods are extremely hard, all hardwood will dent and scratch with the right force. If you have a large dog or active children in the home, you may want to consider another flooring option such as vinyl plank. However, if your heart is set on solid hardwood, the good news is you can always have it sanded and refinished when the dents and scratches become too much to bare.
Time
If you’re looking to have a new floor installed right away, hardwood flooring will not work, as it needs to acclimate to the temperature of your home. The wood will be delivered a few days prior to your installation and will need to sit in a temperature-controlled room in your home until installation.
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