Hardwood floors look great and they never go out of style. They always look good, no matter what. There are a few things to consider when investing in hardwood flooring.
Some woods are more durable than others. If you have pets, live in a damp climate, or get a lot of foot traffic, these things need to be taken into consideration.
Types of Floors
There are two main types of hardwood, solid and engineered.
Solid hardwood is exactly that. Each board is made of a single plank of solid wood. They are usually ¾ of an inch thick, which is great as they can be sanded down and refinished for years to come.
Engineered hardwood is manufactured wood. The top and bottom portions of each plank are about 4mm thick. They are made of natural wood from different species. The middle of each plank is made of several layers of man-made plywood, making them stable and resilient.
With solid wood, you can sand down any scratches or damage that happens over the years. You can repair a single section without having to do the entire floor.
However, if you live where there is a lot of moisture, like near a beach or a rainy area, the wood can become swollen and warped. Depending on the type of wood, it can also be very expensive.
With engineered wood, it will hold up much better in moist conditions. This type of wood is a better choice for not only people who have a lot of humidity but for use in basements or your laundry room. Engineered wood, overall, tends to be more durable.
Colors
One of the benefits of using hardwood flooring is that you can always change the color. Depending on the type of wood, you can use stain to make it lighter or darker or just clear finish to enjoy the natural grain of the wood.
Wood floors can be painted any color you choose, stained and the finish can be satin, matte, or glossy. The natural look of wood is often best and preferred.
A lighter stain or color of wood is best for smaller spaces. Darker stains look nice but they show scratched and dents much easier and will highlight even the tiniest bits of debris that lands on them.
Finish
Finished for hardwood are oil or polyurethane. There are others, but these are the main two. The oil will soak into the wood, where polyurethane gives it a hard coating.
The oil gives the wood a softer look but doesn’t protect the wood as well. It is easy to do spot repairs with an oil finish.
Wood Types
Oak is the most popular choice for hardwood flooring. It is also one of the most durable and because it is popular and widely available, it is priced lower than many other types of wood.
It has a yellow-brown color but those colors can vary. Oak flooring will last many many years.
The next popular wood is maple. Maple is a good choice as it is lighter than oak and doesn’t have as much detail in the grain. People often choose maple to match an antique maple cabinet or cabinets, to bring it all together.
Choices
As always, it is up to you and your personal taste and budget when making the final choice. Some people want their floors to be the highlight of the room, while others want to accent the rest of the furnishings.
Contact us here at Karin Ross Design for any questions you may have or to book a consultation.
