When it comes to choosing new flooring for a space, there are many options to choose from. Carpet, vinyl, laminate and wood floors are just some of the choices to start with. If you want a long-lasting and charming option for your space, hardwood flooring is the way to go. However, there are many choices to choose from with hardwood flooring and it can be a tedious process choosing which type to ultimately go with. To make things a bit easier, below are some of the top tips for picking your new hardwood floors.
Choices For Installing New Hardwood Floors
There are many style choices when it comes to your new hardwood flooring. The following are some of the main options to consider when looking at purchasing new hardwood floors:
•Board Widths- You can choose the width of your new floors to go with the look of the room. The boards can come in slim strips as small as a few inches to much bigger widths of up to half a foot or more. More recently, there are the options of getting wood flooring in the shape of squares and rectangles for a more unique look. However, traditional wood planks are best to make the space look bigger and more open.
•Wood Types- Along with the width, you can also choose from many different wood types as well. Maple hardwood flooring and oak hardwood flooring are top choices in the market of wood floors. However, the type you choose will be best chosen depending on the overall look you are trying to accomplish in the space. Grey hardwood flooring is a great choice for a more subtle and modern look.
•Colors and Textures- Colors for your new flooring range from light to black. The colors are typically dependent on the type of wood that you choose to go with. As for textures, the wood can come Aluminum Oxide finished or Penetrating Oil finish. The Aluminum Oxide finished wood can give a shiny or matt, new look to your space while Penetrating Oil finished wood type can give your space a more antique or rustic feel. Many wood floor manufacturers offer wood that is hand-scraped or distressed to help disguise heavy usage over the years.
Hardness And Finish Choices
If your home is busy with lots of walking traffic or kids and pets, installing hardwood floors with the hardest wood species is the best choice for durability. Red oak hardwood flooring is an example of a wood species that is able to easily withstand much wear and tear. Softer wood species such as pine are vulnerable to heavy use and can easily show scratches and scuffs. Choosing between a solid hardwood floor and an engineered floor will typically be determined by your subfloor, preferred type of installation and your location. If you are having trouble making a choice, keep in mind that choosing a solid hardwood floor will mean any scratches or scuffs caused to it can be easily sanded out and refinished any time you need. Ultimately, your choice in floors will be up to you. No matter what you choose, your floors can look great for many years with proper maintenance and preventative care.
The finish of the wood is another choice you will have to make when installing new hardwood flooring. Most commercially created floors will come prefinished. This helps to simplify the installation process and will help to eliminate chemical fumes and dust in your home. Also, it will be installed in a much shorter time frame. Factory-applied finishes will generally come with a longer warranty because they last longer and are much more durable than finishes that are applied during the installation process in your home.
Factors To Consider With New Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floor types are best for just about any room in your home except for laundry rooms, bathrooms and any room that has a lot of water or moisture. They are moderately pet friendly if you keep your pet’s nails adequately trimmed to help avoid scratches and scruffs. If any water or urine ends up on the wood, it should be cleaned up immediately so it won’t leave marks or warp the wood. Because the surface of wood flooring is hard, pets should be given soft bedding or mattresses to sleep on and be comfortable.
To provide a good base for your new wood floors, you will need to pick an underlayment type. Underlayment products provide a base for your flooring to help limit noise and to add insulation. Cushioned materials like form and cork are perfect bases for floating wood floors. Plastic-lined and vinyl-lined underlayments are best for wood floors that are in areas prone to moisture. Wood floor manufacturers offer many choices and options for underlayment which come with a multitude of benefits and prices.
The choice to add new wood flooring to your home is not a hard one. Hardwood is the top choice for flooring surfaces because it can create a durable and classic look to your home. It is also very hypoallergenic and can add value to your home. Unlike carpet that needs to be replaced after years of use, hardwood can be refinished over and over to keep it looking great.
