Select the Best Wood Flooring for Your Home

Spruce up your home with wood flooring and significantly increase its value in the process. Not only do they look beautiful for years, but hardwood floors are easier to keep clean compared other flooring such as carpet. There are many options available when selecting your new wood flooring. Narrow down the wide selection by considering floor type, board widths, wood species, and finish.

Wood floors traditionally come in thick planks of solid timber. While solid wood floors are widely available, homeowners are starting to select engineered flooring as an alternative. Engineered wood floors have a thin top layer of wood supported by high-density fiberboard. Solid wood goes through expansion and contraction cycles, and the design of engineered wood floors helps prevent that shifting.

Hardwood floors are typically 2 ¼ inches to 3 inches wide. This traditional width can help make a room look more spacious. Over the past few years, plank flooring has increased in popularity and offers a more rustic look in comparison. Choose boards wider than 3 inches to achieve this look. Mixing and matching a varietyof widths within a couple of inches of each other also creates a unique look. Use your board width selection to establish a traditional, modern, or rustic look.

There are a variety of hardwood species, each with different hardness, color, and grain pattern. Hardwoods range from blonde to black offering a broad range of styles for any home. As you are selecting a wood species, it’s most important to consider the species’ hardness. In busy households with pets and children, it is best to choose the hardest wood possible. Softer woods will show scratches and wear much faster than harder wood species. Oak and maple are the most popular woods due to their hardness and durability.

The finish on your hardwood floors helps protect the surface and maintain the color. There are two types of finishes, factory and on-site. Factory finished wood floorsare typically longer lasting and more durable. However, on-site finishing can offer a wider variety of stain colors and make it easier to repair any future damage. Finishes can also range from shiny, high gloss, or matte. Consider your desired final floor style when selecting the finish.  Installing new wood flooring is a great way to gain value and spruce up your home. Identify your desired final look and choose the floor type, board width, wood species, and finish to achieve it. Visit this website for more information about your nearest wood flooring store in Waco.