Everything Homeowners & Businesses Need to Know, Best Flooring Guide

Local Factors to Consider

Philadelphia’s Humid Summers & Flooring Durability

The city’s hot, humid summers can cause hardwood flooring to expand and contract, leading to warping or gaps if not properly acclimated. Engineered hardwood is a great alternative because its layered construction provides more stability. If you have solid hardwood, maintaining proper humidity levels with a dehumidifier can help prevent long-term damage.

Historic Homes May Require Special Flooring Considerations

Many older Philadelphia homes have uneven subfloors, which can make certain flooring installations more challenging. Homeowners restoring historic properties should work with a professional to ensure proper leveling and choose floating floors (like laminate or LVP) that adjust to imperfections.

Urban vs. Suburban Flooring Needs: Style & Maintenance Differences

• Urban homes (rowhouses, townhomes, and condos): Often require flooring that reduces noise and withstands heavy foot traffic. Cork and LVP are popular for their sound-absorbing qualities.
• Suburban homes in Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties: Typically have more expansive layouts, meaning homeowners might invest in high-end hardwood or carpeted areas for added warmth.

By considering these local factors and trends, Philadelphia homeowners can choose flooring that not only enhances their space but also stands up to the city’s unique climate and lifestyle demands.

A Cautionary Tale: DIY Hardwood Flooring Installation Gone Wrong

To illustrate the importance of professional flooring installations, let’s delve into the story of a Philadelphia homeowner who decided to install hardwood flooring by themselves, only to encounter numerous problems that led them to contact White Keys Flooring for help. We’ll call them Sarah & Mike in this article.

The DIY Decision

Sarah and Mike, a couple living in Philadelphia, were excited to renovate their home. They had recently purchased beautiful hardwood flooring that promised to add elegance and value to their living space. Enthusiastic about saving money, they decided to tackle the installation themselves. Armed with online tutorials, a few YouTube Videos, and some rented tools, they felt confident they could handle the project.

Initial Challenges

As they began the installation, Sarah and Mike quickly realized that the process was more complicated than they had anticipated. The first challenge was preparing the subfloor. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to achieve a perfectly level surface, which is crucial for hardwood flooring. Small imperfections in the subfloor led to uneven planks and gaps between the boards.

Moisture Issues

Next, they faced difficulties with moisture control. They had not installed a proper vapor barrier, which is essential for preventing moisture from seeping up from the subfloor. As a result, some areas of the hardwood began to warp and buckle, compromising the integrity of the installation.

Alignment Problems

Aligning the planks was another major hurdle. Despite using spacers and measuring tools, they found it challenging to maintain consistent spacing and alignment. This resulted in crooked planks and visible gaps that detracted from the overall appearance of the floor.

Finishing Flaws

To make matters worse, they struggled with the finishing process. Applying the stain and sealant evenly proved to be a daunting task. Some areas had too much stain, causing it to pool and create dark spots, while other areas had too little, leading to a patchy and uneven finish.

The Final Straw

After several days of frustration and mounting problems, Sarah and Mike realized they were in over their heads. The floor looked uneven, with gaps, crooked planks, and areas where the stain had pooled. The moisture issues were the final straw, and they knew they needed professional help.