So you’ve decided you want to install hardwood flooring, that’s fantastic! Hardwood is a beautiful and classic look that is sure to add value to your home. But there are still many options when it comes to types of hardwood flooring, so today we’re going to talk about five things you need to consider when choosing your hardwood floor.
1) Installation
One of the first choices you will have to make is whether you want natural or engineered hardwood. While each choice has its own set of advantages (read more here), you’ll want to pay special attention to where you are going to be installing the flooring. Generally speaking, if you are installing hardwood below grade, meaning below the level of the ground outside, you are probably going to want to use engineered hardwood to help prevent any damage to the flooring by the additional moisture that comes up through the ground. The subflooring is also going to play a part in what kind of hardwood you should choose. Concrete subflooring is best with engineered hardwood, while plywood allows for almost any kind of hardwood to be installed.
2) Lifestyle
Some hardwoods are more suited to heavy traffic than others, so you’ll want to spend some time thinking about what kind of activity goes on in that space. Do you have pets or children? Do you like to host large parties? If so, you might want to consider choosing a harder wood. If you know your lifestyle might cause dents or scratches in the wood, be sure to looks at grains and finishes that help hide the marks.
3) Aesthetics
Is your home rustic, traditional, or modern? What kind of cabinets and other wood accents do you have? Some woods lend themselves more easily to certain styles than others. Maple, for example, has a clean look without a lot of variation in the boards and pairs well with most modern design elements. Wider planks, particularly if they have knots or a heavy grain, are easily incorporated into a rustic design. If you are looking for a sense of formality, you might want to consider parquet squares – the geometric design and a darker finish are great ways to give your space a formal appearance.
4) Maintenance
Harder woods hold up better over time, but you should also pay attention to the stain. Traditional polyurethane finishes have a semigloss sheen that are beautiful and add formality, but they also show the dings and scratches more easily. Oil finishes are becoming increasingly popular because their matte finish helps hide wear and tear. Hand Scraped and wire brushed finishes have a rough, lived-in look that fits well with the increasingly popular rustic farmhouse design.
5) Cohesiveness
No matter how beautiful you think the dark cherry stain is, it may not be the right look for your home. The last think you want to do is install 600 feet of hardwood only to decide that the cherry stain clashes with their existing cabinets, furniture, or adjacent carpeting. It’s always a good idea to ask for a sample with the appropriate stain and finish so that you can check it next to your paint colors and other décor.
More Questions?
To hear more what options are available and to see samples, come visit our showroom! At Unique Carpet and Floor, we are proud to offer free consultations where we can talk with you about the unique goals and desires for your project and help you find that product that best meets your specific needs.