Few things you should know before you upgrade your home with hardwood flooring.
One can’t deny the fact that hardwood flooring brings a nice, warm, classic old-school charm to your abode. It is not only ‘oh-so-beautiful’ but also environmentally friendly, and comes with a ton of pros.
There is a reason why hardwood flooring is considered to be the finest option by home-decorators and owners. One of the biggest benefits of installing hardwood flooring in your house is it’s easy to maintain attribute. Wood is not only inherently resistant to stains and dirt but is also easy to clean. Simple vacuuming or cleaning with a wet mop or cloth is enough to keep your floor clean. Plus, hardwood flooring is extremely versatile and can complement any décor and colour scheme. That’s not all, quality hardwood flooring is tough and can last up to a home’s lifetime. Even though wood flooring costs a fortune, you don’t have to worry about its durability, because if properly cared for hardwood flooring can easily last for 100 years, which means it is actually cost-effective.
However, selecting a type of hardwood flooring isn’t simply about picking up your favoured colour. A range of factors actually impact not just the performance of your flooring but also its look and feel. If you are ready to invest in hardwood flooring, weigh the considerations mentioned ahead.
How To Choose Your Hardwood Flooring
The first and foremost step to consider is choosing the right type of hardwood flooring that best suits your budget and is apt for your space. There are two main types of hardwood floors to consider – solid wood flooring or engineered wood flooring. As the name suggests solid hardwood planks are made from single pieces of wood, which are available in both unfinished and pre-finished versions. While they look extremely elegant, one has to keep in mind that solid wood flooring isn’t recommended for below grade basements because it is susceptible to changes in humidity. They can be used in any room that is on or above ground and has to be fixed down during installation. It cannot be laid over an underlay and cannot be used with underfloor heating. One of the many benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times, however, it is also the most expensive option when opting for hardwood flooring.
On the contrary, engineered wood flooring is easy on the pocket and can be easily used for basements and apartments with concrete subfloors, as they expand and contract less than solid wood flooring. Engineered wood floors, like solid wood floors, are also made of real wood, but they also include multiple layers, with the top layer made of high-quality wood. And while they have good durability too, this type of flooring can’t be sanded and refinished as many times as
solid wood flooring.
The Wood Type
Once you have made the decision about what type of wood flooring appeals to you the most, the next crucial step is choosing the perfect wood type. Depending on your settings you need to choose a wood type that is ideal for your décor. For example, light wood is perfect for a casual setting, whereas dark wood is more appropriate for a formal surrounding. There are too many wood types available in the market – red oak, white oak, birch, pine, and cherry, among others, opt for the one that suits not just your setting but your budget as well.
Type Of Finish
Like the wood type, there is also a whole spectrum of finishing products that can be used on your wood flooring. From penetrating oil to oil-like hybrids to site-finish polyurethanes to prefinished UV-cured urethane finishes… the options are many. While oil-based finishes penetrate the wood and give a more natural softer look and feel, polyurethanes create a layer on the surface of the wood and are more resilient against wear and tear. Polyurethane finishes are highly durable, water-resistant and ideal for rooms with high or heavy footfall. They are not that expensive and needs to be refinished every seven to 12 years. On the other hand, oil finishes need to be re-oiled every three to five years. If longevity is on your mind then polyurethane finish is suitable for you. If you are looking for beauty and easy application then oil finish is definitely apt for you.
Other Variants
One can also opt for other types of wood flooring which are gaining popularity among homeowners lately – bamboo flooring and cork flooring. Bamboo flooring comes in a variety of styles and it is not only resistant to moisture but also environment-friendly, thus making it an ideal choice for those looking at more eco-friendly options. Bamboo flooring is softer than traditional hardwoods and isn’t noisy as opposed to other wood flooring options. It also does not cause pain if one stands on it for long periods of time. Similar to bamboo flooring, cork flooring is also an alternative to traditional hardwood flooring and is also environmentally friendly.
These basic guidelines about wood flooring are sure to guide you to bring some lasting elegance to your homes. So, go ahead and get floored!