Hardwood flooring can create a nice warm atmosphere in your home. It’s also a very durable flooring option that has many benefits like durability and stain resistance. Selecting the best wood flooring for a home requires considering many factors such as color, texture, and overall design. You should also think about the type of wood as they provide different patterns and aesthetics.
Hardwood flooring has become a popular choice for its natural feel and design possibilities. If you’re planning on installing some wood flooring for your home, the following factors can help you choose the best option for your home:
1. Think About The Type of Flooring
First, you should consider whether solid or engineered wooden flooring is a good option for your home. Solid hardwood is made of thick hard planks of wood joined together with a tongue and groove. People love solid wooden flooring because of its authentic aesthetic. They also have a long life span after installation, and you can sand down the flooring as much as you want. You may check out this guide for some best options you can choose from.
Meanwhile, engineered hardwood flooring can be made with a thin veneer layer that lies on top of many layers made of composite materials and plywood. The layers help ensure that the flooring doesn’t shift over time. Some engineered hardwood flooring is too thin to sand down, so don’t sand down too much.
2. Consider The Species Of The Wood
The type of species of wood you choose for your flooring is also crucial. Different woods provide different functionalities, so take your time when deciding. Some wood species are harder than others, making them very durable. If you have an area in the house that gets a lot of foot traffic, such as the kitchen, consider installing a hard type of wood.
Oak is an excellent hardwood option. It’s very durable and has a beautiful, natural grain finish. Oakwood flooring is also easily available at most supply stores, so you’ll easily find it. Walnut is another wonderful option that can bring a warm ambiance to your home. If you want to go a little more exotic with your choice, you can pick from several favorites, such as bamboo, ash, and Brazilian cherry.
3. Choose The Best Grain Pattern And Appearance
The grain pattern is a vital factor to note when choosing the best wood flooring. The way the wood is cut can create different designs for your floor. Some great options include:
- Plain Sawn. This is the more common type of pattern with wood grains that are called cathedrals.
- Quarter-Sawn. This wood has irregular specs that can create a beautiful one-of-a-kind pattern and sometimes even 3D prints.
- Rift-Sawn. This wood is long, and the grain is consistent. It’s also one of the more expensive options.
You can also purchase wood flooring that combines two or more of these patterns to create custom flooring for your home.
4. Decide On The Finishing
The finishing options of the flooring will determine how you care and clean your floors. When you buy new wood flooring, you have the choice of getting it pre-finished or unfinished. If you order pre-finished flooring, the stain and top-coat will arrive already applied. This way, you can observe what the state of your flooring will look like even before installation. You can also order samples before making your final choice.
Unfinished flooring is raw without any finished layer. This means you have more customization options for the sheen and stain of the floor. There are many finishing options you can choose from, such as:
- Oil Finishes. This type of finish can make your flooring appear softer and more natural. Yet it can also be prone to getting stains and scratches. However, it’s easy to maintain as you can easily cover up the colors and blemishes.
- Polyurethane. This type creates a hard top-coat that lies on the surface of the wood flooring and is very durable. If it does get a stain or scratch, though, you can replace it or recoat the damaged section.
Conclusion
The choice of wood flooring you install in your home will affect the cost. Solid pre-finished wood flooring can be more expensive, while engineered pre-finished hardwood is more affordable. By considering the options provided in this article for choosing the best wood flooring, you’ll be able to pick the best high-quality wood flooring to elevate your home. The goal will be to turn it into a warm, inviting place that guests and families will enjoy.
