Why Fall is the Best Season for New Floors

Football, foliage, and floors...all things that the fall season brings in with great finesse. Yes, floors! Fall is the perfect time to install new flooring in your home. We asked Cheryl Munday of Munday Hardwoods, Inc. in Lenoir, NC why fall is the best season. The team at Munday Hardwoods, Inc. has been serving the Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, and surrounding areas since 2005 and are experts on all things flooring. As we expected, Cheryl was the right person to ask! We are so excited that she shared her great tips and advice with us.

While any season is the best season for new flooring, the fall is definitely more cooperative especially when installing hardwood floors. "The cool, crisp air and low humidity are great for installing wood because it is already acclimated to the right temperature," Cheryl said. With hardwood floors and some luxury vinyl flooring, the flooring needs to be acclimated to 72 degrees before it can be installed in a home.

One of our favorite moments in the fall season is that first chilly night when you can finally light the fireplace. Ahhh, it's just so cozy. But, you don't have to wait for those cozy vibes; there are other ways to capture that feeling throughout the season. Nothing gives more warmth and style to a home than new hardwood floors or floors that look like hardwood such as modern luxury vinyl plank and tile options. Cheryl said, "With the cooler weather, we want to stay inside more and make our homes cozy and inviting. Fall is a great time to grab that book that you've wanted to read and enjoy the warmth of your home."

It's not all about feelings, though. The fact is new flooring increases the value of your home. While hardwood floors top the list for home improvement, waterproof flooring is also hugely attractive to today's home buyers. Cheryl explained, "Your new flooring makes a huge impact in your home. Hardwood floors are a big investment that never goes out of style," she continued, "We've also seen many people choose waterproof luxury vinyl because it captures all the character of hardwood flooring, but is scratch-resistant and easy to maintain."

We like for the fall season to have its full moment in the spotlight, but it is hard to deny that all those changing leaves are a big indicator that the holidays are right around the corner. Before new paint or new furniture, getting your home ready for holiday guests begins with gorgeous new floors. Cheryl agreed, "Fall gives opportunities to brighten up your space right before the holidays."

You will want to make your new flooring selection early in the season. On average, it can take 4-5 weeks for the entire flooring process between choosing y

our floors, acclimating them to your home for four to seven days, and then having them installed. Prefinished hardwoods take less time to install than unfinished hardwood because you have to allow extra time for sanding and staining. With many people planning on new floors before the holidays, quality installers' schedules fill up quickly so, it is best to begin the process as early as September. That's not to say if you haven't made your flooring choice by early November that you can't get new floors for the holidays. With so many options in flooring, an experienced flooring dealer can find you the best choices to work within your timeframe.

The mountain towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Hickory, and Lenoir are absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall. In those areas and throughout the Southeast, rustic hardwoods are very much in style. Cheryl said, "Many people in our area are interested in hickory and oak predominantly with darker stains, however we are beginning to have more people ask for lighter colors. For the rustic look, the handscraped, sawmark, and wire brushed textures are perfect. Wider boards and longer planks with a low-gloss, matte finish are also very popular."

Munday Hardwoods, Inc. offers a large selection of hardwood flooring in their showroom in a range of styles and price points from leading brands such as Palmetto Road, Somerset, Azalea Lane, and Hearthwood Floors, to name a few.

Cheryl shared with us that many homeowners see flooring options online, such as on Twenty & Oak, and come into their store with an idea of what they want, but it's ok if they don't. She said, "We are here to help. We take pride in our one on one customer care and treat our customers like family," she continued, "We always ask what color scheme they are going for in their homes and go from there. We can help them match their flooring to their walls or cabinets." One big piece of advice that Cheryl offers is to take flooring samples home with you to help select the right color. She said, "You can easily choose the wrong shade or tone if you don't place a sample next to your home furnishings and cabinets. We can help you coordinate all the elements to make your home warm and cozy, like a home should feel."

Choosing the wrong shade of flooring for your home is a big mistake that a quality flooring dealer can help you avoid, but according to Cheryl it is not the only mistake a homeowner can make when beginning a new flooring project. "It is very important to get accurate measurements to determine the amount of flooring you need," she advised.

If you live in the Lenoir, NC area and need expert tips and advice on your flooring project, be sure to reach out to Cheryl Munday yourself - you will be glad you did! You can connect with Munday Hardwoods, Inc. here.

Having new floors installed this fall? We'd love to see them! Be sure to tag us in your projects on Instagram.