Hardwood Flooring in Alexandria, MN

Hardwood flooring is the ultimate home indulgence, and today's hardwood options are more eclectic than ever. Sturdy, elegant, and enduring hardwood floors are built to last- even through the most brutal Minnesota winters. 

At Carpet One Floor & Home of Alexandria, MN, we're your local flooring store. Our neighborhood flooring store is your source for all solid and engineered hardwood solutions. 

Are you thinking of a hardwood flooring installation soon? Here's everything you ought to know. 

Things To Consider When Installing Hardwood In Alexandria

Think you can't have hardwood floors in Minnesota? Think again!

A carefully selected hardwood floor can be a valuable addition to your home or business in Alexandria. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your local hardwood installation: 

• Seasons Change: Our changing seasons mean a full spectrum of climates, with freezing winters and balmy summers. When the thermostat shifts and humidity rises, your floors can swell or shrink, so choosing woods and finishes is wise to manage these changes. 
• Species Specifics: Choose wood species that are harder, more stable, and less likely to react to humidity. Oak, hickory, and maple are just a few options. 
• Hire The Pros: Professional installation ensures your subfloor stays level and dry. Professional flooring installers will also ensure your hardwood planks are properly acclimated to your room, preventing future problems. 
• Stay Dry: A moisture barrier should be used during installation to prevent splashes from sinking into your subfloor. You must maintain a consistent indoor humidity level at all times. 
• Stay In Touch: Our local flooring experts know the region best and can guide you as you shop, select, and install your new hardwood floors. 
• Do Your Part: Having a hardwood floor means committing to regular cleaning, polishing, and refinishing when necessary. When you clean, use products made especially for hardwood, and avoid using too much water. 

Best Types of Hardwood Flooring 

There's more than one way to do hardwood flooring. Each type has its own unique character traits, perks, and limitations. Both types of hardwood can be made using domestic or exotic wood species. Choose wisely. 

• Solid Hardwood Flooring means that each plank is carved from one solid hunk of natural wood. Most planks vary in thickness, ranging from 3/4 to 5/16 inch. Solid hardwood is nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Popular options include maple, cherry, walnut, hickory, and oak. Solid hardwood cannot be installed below grade. 

• Engineered Hardwood Flooring is a layered product made from high-density fiberboard and plywood. A genuine hardwood veneer sits at the top. Most products are between 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. Engineered hardwood can be installed below grade and is generally more stable in humid climates. It can be nailed, stapled, floated, or glued over various subfloors. Certain engineered products can be refinished once or twice, depending on their thickness. 

Choosing The Right Hardwood Floor For You 

The hardwood floor you choose will be part of your home's landscape for a long time. That means taking a long, honest look at your budget, needs, and style preferences is essential. 

What's a typical day like in your household? Do you have pets or little kids at home? Do you have a growing family, or are you an empty nester? Busier homes with lots of activity can benefit from harder wood species.

Helpful tools, like the Janka Hardness Scale, can be useful when you are unsure which hardwood species is best for your space.  Harder woods are more resistant to dents, scratches, and worn spots. 

Additionally, your hardwood floor can be either unfinished or prefinished. Prefinished hardwood has a factory-applied finish for a quicker and less messy installation- but unfinished hardwood is easier to customize. 

How Are Hardwood Floors Installed? 

Hardwood installation can be accomplished using several different processes. 

As mentioned earlier, nails and staples are usually the best option if you have a wood subfloor, especially if you choose solid hardwood floors. 

Engineered hardwood floors are easier to install: some even have a click-lock system to be floated over concrete subfloors and radiant heating systems. 

In either case, professional flooring installation is usually the smartest (and safest!) choice. 

Where Can I Find The Best Hardwood Flooring Near Me? 

When it's time to refresh your room, you can trust the local flooring experts at Carpet One Floor & Home. As Alexandria's locally owned and operated flooring store, we fully cover you and your home. We carry the best hardwood flooring brands and offer many professional and personalized services. 

Want to learn more about hardwood flooring or browse your many options? Please visit our showroom soon at 3809 Highway 29 South in Alexandria, MN, or contact us today to plan your free onsite project estimate.