subject: Five Things You May Not Know about Hardwood Flooring [print this page] Five Things You May Not Know about Hardwood Flooring
Whether you've been doing a ton of research about hardwood flooring or have barely read a thing about it, it helps to learn as much as you can before taking the plunge and having it installed in your home. There's a lot of conventional wisdom floating around out there about finding the right wood floors; there's a lot of misinformation, too. The trick to getting what you want at the price that you need is doing a little extra digging - and taking your time when making your selection. Five interesting facts and tips about hardwood flooring are outlined below for your convenience!
1. Smooth Flooring isn't Your Only Option
Hardwood flooring is usually depicted as being smooth, sleek and shiny. While that's a masterful look - and one that looks phenomenal in a number of different situations - it is certainly not your only option. Textured hardwood floors are becoming more popular all the time as people try to come up with totally unique looks for their homes. Distressed hardwood floors have a naturally aged look to them that goes well with a huge array of interior design schemes. Reclaimed wood floors are also becoming increasingly popular. Hand-scraped hardwood floors are also something that you should look into if you're after a look that's timeless and classic. In addition to looking great, textured wood masks imperfections a lot more readily than smooth wood does.
2. Natural Colors Produce Amazing Results
In order to achieve a truly coordinated and put-together look, many homeowners opt for hardwood floors that have been painted or specially treated. While this style of wood works well in a number of different scenarios, you shouldn't overlook the beauty and sophistication of naturally colored wood. Cherry, walnut and hickory are just a few examples of woods that have sumptuous natural colors that can really enhance the look of a home. Before opting for painted or treated wood floors, make sure to check out all of the natural colors that are available.
3. Many Different Sizes are Available
The most common or standard size of hardwood flooring is 2-1/4 inches. At that width, installing the wood is extremely easy and flexible. That width also happens to be very pleasing to the eye, which is a huge part of the reason for its enduring popularity. However, 2-1/4-inch wood is not the only option out there. Wider planks of wood can produce dazzling results; thinner planks can, too. You might have to make a special order for an unusual size, but the wait will be more than worth it. It's amazing what a slightly different size can do in terms of style - when all is said and done, your floors will stand out in a truly special way.
4. Engineered Wood is Best for the Basement
There is no reason not to put hardwood floors in your basement. However, you should definitely stick with engineered wood flooring instead of solid hardwood varieties. Special considerations have to be made for installing wood floors in a basement; most importantly, moisture tends to be an issue in any room that's below ground. Engineered wood floors can be glued down; there is no need to use nails, which makes them easier to install. When you are determined to have beautiful hardwood floors on every level of your home, make sure to buy the right style for the basement.
5. Stick with Pre-Finished Wood for Convenience
Purists often insist that natural, untreated wood is the only way to go when it comes to having hardwood flooring installed in a home. Once it's laid down, though, that wood has to be sanded down and finished. That process can be very time-consuming - and extremely messy. You'll have to wait for a long time before you can enjoy the use of your new floors. A great way to get around that frustration is by opting for pre-finished wood. The installation process will fly right by; once it's installed, you will be ready to go. Best of all, you won't have a huge mess on your hands!
Knowing what you now do about hardwood floors, you should have a much easier time making your decision. Whether you're looking to install a hardwood floor in your basement or just can't decide between painted or natural wood, the preceding tips are sure to come in handy. Ultimately, though, the right flooring will just "feel" right to you - in other words, you will know it when you see it!
