subject: Choosing The Best Hardwood Flooring For Your Home [print this page] Few people could argue that hardwood floors really are an attractive addition to any home. Often the fact that a home has at least some hardwood flooring is a major selling point as well should the homeowners decide to move on. The biggest decision you have to make when choosing to have hardwood floors installed is which of the many options should you choose? Rich dark black walnut, or a more neutral wood, such as maple or oak? Warm cherry? A look at some of the most popular:
Blond/White Oak - White oak has a very traditional and timelessly elegant appearance that blends well with almost any decor. Although it is light in color white oak is very easy to maintain and is far more durable than you might imagine. The heart wood of the white oak is particularly attractive as it can vary in hue from a very light blond to a warm dark brown while featuring a number of unique and distinctive patterns.
Black Walnut - Rich and dramatic, black walnut is another excellent option for hardwood flooring, especially if you are trying to add warmth and character to a large bland room. Often featuring dramatic nearly purple swirls black walnut makes a bold flooring statement. While it is not quite as dent resistant as oak it is still a great, durable hardwood flooring option.
Maple - Maple is probably the most practical of the solid hardwood options available today. It is tough, very tough, making it perfect for a busy home. Since its heartwood can vary in color from a pale yellow to a rich red it is also incredibly versatile, lending itself to almost any decor scheme.
Cherry - The warmth of cherry hardwood flooring is can lend itself to any dcor scheme from the most traditional to the ultra-modern. Cherry hardwood flooring usually has a smooth, satiny texture, and an appealing reddish-brown color. It is a little weaker than some hardwood flooring options but finished correctly it can last just as long as any other type.
These are just a few options. There are many others as a visit to a good hardwood floor supplier can show you. Ultimately which material your choose for your new hardwood floors is very much a personal design preference, dictated by both a homeowners personal sense of style and the overall layout of the home. Working with experienced professionals though can help you make the right decision.
