How to Choose the Right Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

 Hardwood flooring adds timeless beauty and elegance to any home. It also increases resale value, and lasts for decades. Wood floors create a warm ambiance in any room, are easy to clean, and help prevent dust allergies. There are many types of hardwood to choose from, and each has its own unique grain pattern, color variations, knots and textures. You can find hardwood to fit any style, from traditional to modern.

 A natural product that comes in various sizes and shapes

Solid hardwood is a natural product that comes in various sizes and shapes, but it’s the wood species that has the biggest impact on how a floor looks. Oak, maple and cherry are all good choices, but you can also opt for a harder exotic species like jarrah or mahogany. The graining on these more expensive hardwoods is bolder with more variation, and some species even have filled knots or large mineral streaks that add to their appeal.

Darker stains will work better with richer, deeper furniture

Choosing the right stain is also important, as it’s what really gives your hardwood floor its color. Light or dark stains both work well, but you should consider your furniture and decor when deciding what shade to go with. Darker stains will work better with richer, deeper furniture while lighter stain colors can complement more casual pieces. If you have a lot of sunlight in your space, a lighter stain might be best to avoid yellowing over time.

Traditionally

Another consideration is the cut of the wood you choose. Traditionally, this is a decision that was only relevant to solid types of wood, but some engineered brands are starting to offer different cut patterns in their products. Live sawn planks are perpendicular slices through the tree going bottom-to-top, and they tend to have the most noticeable natural variation in color and texture.

If you’re considering installing your hardwood yourself, be sure to read up on the process before getting started. It takes a lot of skill and precision to install hardwood floors that look beautiful and last for years. It’s usually best to hire a professional, especially if you’re working with solid wood.

 Maintenance your hardwood requires

The type of installation you choose can also make a difference in how much maintenance your hardwood requires. Surface finishes are the most common and are durable, but they require regular reapplication. Penetrating finishes soak into the surface and can be reapplied less frequently. However, they may require waxing to maintain their luster.

Conclusion

Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of wood, visit a flooring specialist to see some wood samples. A design expert can help you decide what Hardwood flooring  would look best in your home, and they can recommend a contractor for the job. Be sure to ask about their experience, credentials and track record. Some contractors may have connections to local lumber mills, which can sometimes lead to lower prices. You should also ask about acclimation times. Wood can shrink and swell as it adjusts to the humidity in your home, so you’ll want to make sure it has ample time to settle before installation.