Top 6 Considerations when Selecting a Wood Floor
We have a variety of finishes, sizes and materials available for your hardwood floors. When selecting a new flooring material, consider how you live and even how you clean. Be sure what you select will stand up to numerous footsteps, high heels and paw prints. There is a specific floor type for every lifestyle, explore the possibilities below.
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WOOD SPECIESThe most popular wood floor species are: red oak, birch, maple, cherry, white oak, and white ash. Sometimes for a more rustic finish, walnut, hickory, pecan, and pine will be used. If you’re looking for a unique exotic hardwood floor, consider one of the following: brazilian cherry, natural liptus, tigerwood, jatoba, or cumaru. |
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PLANK SIZEIn recent years, many different size wood planks have become available. The traditional 2.5” or 3” wide planks are still popular but 5” wide planks have become the latest trend. You can even get planks from some manufacturers in widths as large as 8” or 10” wide for a casual or rustic look. |
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PRICEHardwood flooring is generally sold by the square foot and installation is added on separately. The price depends on the popularity and availability of the wood, since it is a natural product. The cost may vary a bit based on the location of the retail, as well. |
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LOCATIONDepending on where you want to install your hardwood floors, solid hardwood may not be a good option. Solid hardwood needs to be nailed down into the subfloor, which means it can’t be installed over concrete. Concrete or below grade areas are also not good for hardwood due to moisture exposure, which can ruin the floor. Fortunately, you can get the look of hardwood for a basement or concrete subfloor if you use engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood has a thin wood layer on top that is bonded to several thin layers of plywood or other substrate and mounted to a backing. The layers stacked on top of each other create stability so the engineered hardwood v will not warp even if there is moisture. |
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SURFACE TEXTURETraditionally hardwood flooring has been smooth, flat, and glossy. In recent years, people have become interested in a natural or distressed look. Reclaimed wood flooring has become popular as an eco-friendly alternative as well. Many people prefer a textured authentic look, yet without a smooth glossy finish, it is harder to keep a distressed floor clean. Some engineered hardwoods now come in a textured, almost wavy finish to give that natural look, yet they offer a polished surface for an easy cleanable surface. |
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CARE & MAINTENANCEThe beauty of your hardwood floors can be enjoyed for years to come if maintained properly. To clean, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Be sure to sweep up grit or dirt as these tiny particles can slowly wear away the top finish. Trimming pets nails to prevent scatch marks is recommended. Depending on how hard or soft the wood floor species you have, beware of leaving marks from heels. It’s important to keep your hardwood floors at room temperature to limit the amount of expansion and contraction. Be sure to ask a professional flooring representative about the best way to care for your specific floor type. |
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