When renovating your living area, selecting the type and material of flooring is a crucial decision that must be done right. Every aspect of your flooring, from the colour to the overall design, can heavily affect the aesthetic of your home and how you feel towards it. Depending on you and your home’s needs, certain materials may be more ideal than others. However, one option that would accustom to any need of any kind is hardwood floors. Not only do they come in countless designs and shades, they also have various functionality benefits. For instance, they go great with just about any room in your home because of their versatility and authentic look. Furthermore, the material of hardwood floors feels great on the feet, they are warm and comfortable. Because there are so many options to choose from, it may be a bit difficult to decide on just one hardwood flooring choice. So, here is what to look for and how to choose hardwood floors that would be ideal for you and your home.
Type of Hardwood Floor
You must decide if you want natural or manufactured wood flooring first. Solid wood floors were formerly the most common type of flooring. These flooring are made of high grade, solid wood planks that are linked with a tongue and slot on both sides. Many individuals like the original visual style and authentic feel of solid hardwood floors, plus they are also a superior long-term flooring solution. Because the panels are thicker than engineered wood planks, you may sand and restore these hardwood floors several times. Manufactured wood flooring is gaining popularity. They are constructed with a fine layer of hardwood veneer on top of many sheets of synthetic materials and plywood. These numerous layers were created to assist the flooring from moving over time. Unfortunately, some engineered floors have a very thin top layer, which might make future sanding and refinishing more difficult. These flooring may only be refinished once or twice. So, you decide which type of hardwood floors would be best for you, considering what they have to offer.
Wood Type
Another important consideration for your planned project of renovation is the choice of wood. You have a variety of types of wood to choose from and each type contributes meaningfully in the style of your space. You should not, however, stop at the colour or pattern of the wood species. Distinct woods will have different functional benefits, as well. Some wood types are tougher than others, making them more durable. Consider installing a tougher wood if you are remodelling a section of your house that will see a lot of foot activity. Among the general public, oak is a popular option. It is long-lasting, works well with several tints, and has an appealing, natural pattern. Furthermore, oak wood flooring is widely available from most manufacturers. Red and white oak are excellent choices for various applications around the house. Walnut, on the other hand, is a softer wood than oak and has a rich, natural glow. Harder wood than oak wood are hickory and maple. You may also choose from more exotic woods such as Brazilian Cherry, Ash, Bamboo, and Mahogany. Reclaimed hardwood is another option that you can choose and this may be purchased by homeowners from scrap lumber yards. This is a much more affordable choice, although you may have to rummage through some worn-out parts. Reclaimed wood flooring, on the other hand, may bring a distinct touch of character to your house if you discover some wonderful pieces.
Pattern and Design
One of the most important considerations in choosing the style of your wooden floors is the grain pattern. The design on the planks of wood will vary depending on how a piece of wood was cut. Plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn are the three primary types of wood planks. The most familiar and popular type of wood is plain-sawn wood. It features typical wood grain with cathedral motifs. The grain of rift-sawn wood is long and regular, yet there are no cathedrals. It is the most costly grain pattern. Quarter-sawn wood is close to rift wood, but it also contains uneven specifications that produce a distinct, occasionally three-dimensional pattern. Something to be aware about is that some manufacturers may sell flooring that combines different grain patterns to create a unique design on your floor. The board width should be considered next. Hardwood flooring boards are available in a range of sizes, allowing for a good design with assembly. Narrow planks are generally 2-3 inches broad, however some hardwood panels can be six or seven inches wide. Because there will be fewer splits, bigger planks will give your property a more luxurious appearance. It is crucial to note, however, that the broader the plank, the more costly it is. Additionally, seams in broader boards might become visible over time as the wood expands.
Finishing Options
How you maintain and cleanse your wooden floors will be determined by the finish of your flooring. When purchasing new wood flooring, you can choose between prefinished and unfinished options. When you buy prefinished hardwood, they will come with a stain and protective coating already applied. This approach allows you to see precisely what your flooring will look like from the start. You may also be able to examine samples in your house to determine how they will complement your current design. Prefinished wood flooring means less time spent on installation. Unfinished flooring, or site finish, will arrive in your house raw and untreated. After the setup is finished, your contractor will add the finishing coat. This process gives you more control over the shine and staining of your wood flooring. If you want to match new planks to existing flooring in your house, this might be a fantastic alternative. Site finish flooring is frequently smoother in appearance. Most of the time, after the flooring has been nailed down, they will be sanded and stained. This implies that one layer will cover the whole floor and bond it together. When it comes to site finishes, though, you must work with a reputable contractor. With that being said, it is best that you conduct research to identify a specialist with the necessary experience and equipment to produce what you want.
Installation
The ideal technique for placing your wooden floors will also be determined by the type of wood used, as well as the shape and size of your planks. If you’re doing it yourself, your flooring supplies may come with an installation guide. It’s also a good idea to acquire all of the essential tools, such as a pneumatic flooring nailer, drill, pry bar, and saw. The ordinary homeowner may find it difficult to install hardwood flooring in their home. Because real wood floors are an investment, they must be installed properly the first time. Furthermore, many professionals will be able to get rid of your old floorboards correctly. That is why many people opt to engage a professional installation company to assist them. These people arrive prepared with the necessary expertise and equipment. Underlayment is frequently required when laying hardwood flooring. Then, as a general guideline, start laying boards against the largest wall first. Engineered flooring is frequently built atop concrete, a soundproofing mat, or radiant heat.
It is important to choose the right flooring option when renovating the interior of your home. With that being said, hardwood floors are an amazing option that most choose when considering upgrading their flooring. To decide on which type of wooden flooring would best fit your home, you need to consider the type of hardwood floor, the wood type, the pattern and design, the finishing options and the installation process. If you follow the tips given above, finding the right hardwood floors for you will be a breeze.