The Key Steps to Selecting the Right Hardwood Flooring
The Key Steps to Selecting the Right Hardwood Flooring
When trying to decide how to upgrade a room's flooring, the first step is selecting the kind of flooring that is right for you. Sometimes, plush carpeting works best; other times, tile more than fills the bill. If you've run through all of the available options and have settled on Hardwood Flooring, the decision making is not over. Wood floors involve more than just strips of generic wood; nowadays, there is a dizzying array of options, styles, configurations and designs available. While some people prefer to just look around at random until they find something that piques their interest, there is a measured approach that can be applied to the process; the following tips can help.
Deciding Between Dark and Light
Chances are that you have already visualized what your finished project is going to look like. Would the room in question look better with dark floors or with light ones? Hardwood flooring is available in many tones and colors, so it's simple enough to find a hue that will work. In many ways, it can be broken down into lighter woods and darker ones; by making this decision early on, you will save yourself a lot of time later. Of course, the right flooring may not fall firmly onto either end of the scale; there are many mid-toned wood flooring options out there, too.
Is Engineered or Solid Wood Right for You?
As you begin shopping for your wood flooring in earnest, you will quickly learn that there are two main categories at play: engineered wood and solid wood. As the name implies, engineered wood is wood flooring that has been processed for enhanced strength, durability and uniformity. One of its biggest advantages is that it is generally a lot more affordable than solid wood. However, solid wood brings classic style and undeniable elegance to the table. If your budget can handle it, you may be a lot happier with solid wood. In the end, the decision is purely yours to make.
Narrow Planks or Wide Planks - Which is Right for You?
For the most part, this decision is going to depend on your aesthetic preferences. In some cases, narrow planks work especially well; in others, wide planks look more flattering. There are a few practical points to keep in mind, too. Hardwood flooring that is comprised of wide planks may involve a little more cost and maintenance over the long haul. If one of the planks needs to be replaced, for instance, you will have to pay more for it - after all, it is a larger piece of wood. Narrow planks are less likely to warp or become damaged, too. As long as you stick with a high-quality wide plank, though, you shouldn't really have to worry.
Considerations to Make about Texture
These days, hand-scraped and distressed wood flooring is all the rage. Much of the time, this style fits right into a room's overall design scheme. Needless to say, though, it isn't right in all cases. Once again, this decision boils down to your own personal tastes. Don't rule out either look right off the bat; you never know - a look that you'd never consider could end up surprising you. Keep an open mind and consider several different styles, including scraped and distressed looks, to find the appropriate texture.
A Note about Wood Species
In addition to all of the considerations we already mentioned, you need to pay some attention to the species of wood that you select. Some species of wood are exceptionally strong and durable; others, like pine, are softer and may be more susceptible to scuffs, dents and other forms of damage. Do some research about the pros and cons of various types of wood. Be sure to investigate exotic wood species, too, since they can add a little spice and style to a room.
Which Wood is Right for You?
After making all of the preceding decisions, you should be able to whittle your list down to a few great contenders. The last step, which is making the ultimate decision, will depend on your overall feelings about each candidate. Do your best to visualize the room in question with each style of hardwood flooring; keep the room's furnishings and walls in mind. The right option won't just look amazing - it will be something that will stand the test of time. Most importantly, it will add a great deal of value and elegance to your home.
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