subject: A Few Thoughts On Hardwood Floors [print this page] If you have chosen to remodel your home, you are considering many options to improve the look and mood. One thing that you will likely consider is whether to go with carpet or hardwood floors. For some people this is an easy decision as it is simply a matter of personal taste. However, you might not be so sure which one is best for your home or your design ideas. The best thing to do, then, is to compare the benefits and see which ones really fit your needs the most.
Obviously, the first two things you will notice about the difference between carpet and hardwood flooring are the look and the feel. Perhaps it is because it is so common, but carpeting provides a cozy appearance and can be the beginning of a soft warm touch in your home. Carpeting absorbs light and sometimes heat, so you don't get the glare you do with panel flooring. It also is an obvious cushion for your feet as you walk, and makes it very easy to play on the floor with children, especially very young ones who are perhaps at the age where they are learning to walk.
Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is sleek, elegant and provides a touch of class that you can't get with carpeting. Most people consider panels more versatile because you can not only choose from a variety of wood types, but grade of varnish too.
It is a bit easier to maintain since you don't have to vacuum it, but you will find yourself sweeping every day. You can also put carpets and rugs over an area of hardwood to change the look and mood of the room. This is very common in living rooms where the family might huddle around on the floor and furniture for movie night or games.
There are many types of materials that manufacturers use to create hardwood flooring. This is important because not every kind of wood is appropriate for every room. For instance, some species of wood handle humidity better than others. Some handle radiant heat better.
The difference between domestic and exotic can be staggering so you need to know as many factors as possible. Common woods include maple and oak, but you need to be careful because "oak" can actually imply several different species. You should also know how you want your wood finished too.
When it comes to hardwood flooring, not only do you have many materials to choose from, but manufacturers and installers too. To save yourself some time, and potentially a lot of money, head to the internet to get some quick information on the companies in your area.
You will likely find a few national chains, probably through a hardware or home store, as well as many smaller local companies. Who you choose will solely depend on the quality of service they provide in comparison to the price. In the end, the most important thing will be that your final product is something you can be happy with for many years to come.
