They say you can’t go wrong when you choose hardwood for your floor. The beauty and charm of hardwood flooring make it a popular option for home and business owners. Some of the most beautiful houses you can find sport hardwood floors in several, if not all, of their rooms.
Because we have different tastes and budget allocations, hardwood flooring comes in a variety of styles and types. This is ideal because you can get the type of floor that will match your home décor. If you are building a house and considering hardwood as your flooring material, here are your best options:
Solid Hardwood
This flooring option is 100% wood, so it’s durable and can be finished or refinished multiple times to achieve the desired look. It comes in a range of thickness to suit the different needs and preferences. The only problem with solid hardwood is that changes in humidity affect its form and quality. That said, this type of wood flooring is not ideal for some parts of the house. Consult your contractor to see if you can use solid hardwood for a specific area.
Engineered Hardwood
This type of flooring is like plywood that has layers of real wood glued together. That means it is ready for installation. Many people prefer this because of the convenience and ease of installation. Its stability makes engineered hardwood a good flooring option for any part of your house. It is available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your construction needs.
Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished hardwood gives you the option to stain and finish your floor the way you want. You have the freedom to add a protective coating and customize the stain to achieve a unique appearance. You can also match the color of the hardwood with the color of the existing floors in other areas of the house. Work with your interior designer or contractor when choosing the best type of finish for your flooring, depending on the design of your house.
Finished Hardwood Flooring
If you want a quick and easy flooring installation for your property, then go for finished hardwood. This type of material is already sanded and sealed, so there is no need for chemicals and other finishing materials. Another good thing about finished hardwood is that you can choose from different designs and finishes. The manufacturer or supplier will help you learn about your options.
Best Species for Hardwood Flooring
Of course, the best types or species of wood for hardwood flooring are those that are extremely hard. Some of the most popular options include maple, oak, mahogany, ash, and cherry. Bamboo, which is a type of grass, is also favored because of its durability and eco-friendly features.
When buying hardwood, make sure it comes from legitimate sources to ensure the quality of the flooring, as well as avoid legal problems. More exotic species can be more stunning and unique on your floor, but they command a higher price and may be subject to environmental restrictions or regulations.
Now that you’ve learned more about hardwood flooring, it’s time to plan your flooring installation project. Use these ideas to make the right choice for your property.