When remodeling your home or working on a construction project for your new property, choosing the correct flooring is one of the most basic but crucial decisions you have to make. There are many different options to choose from, such as terrazzo, carpet, tile, etc. However, no matter the style you want for your indoor space, there is one material that can fit perfectly: standard hardwood.
Despite that, not all hardwood flooring is made the same way, so selecting the product is not as simple as choosing the correct color. Factors such as the types of hardwood floor moldings and many others can impact both aesthetics and performance of your hardwood flooring. That is why we bring you this article to guide you in choosing the hardwood floor you need!
How to Choose Hardwood Flooring
Step #1. Look for Solid Flooring
In the past, hardwood flooring used to come in thick planks of solid timber. Nowadays, solid hardwood planks are still available, but companies now provide customers with engineered flooring; manufacturers make this type of hardwood flooring with a few layers of hardwood bonded to prevent the floor from warping.
Engineered floors are perfect for houses, apartments, and basements with concrete subfloors, as you can glue them directly to the concrete. However, despite the advantages engineered flooring offers, some owners still prefer solid hardwood planks.
Step #2. Choose Prefinished Hardwood Planks
When purchasing hardwood planks, you have two choices. One is to buy hardwood planks with an unprepared face that an expert can finish after doing your installation, and the other option is to purchase prefinished hardwood planks, which come already prepared. The second choice is way easier to install because there is no need to put in color or sealant.
Wood Types
There are many wood types you can choose for your new floor. In the U.S, oak is the most purchased, and for a good reason, as this type of wood is very durable and takes stain very well. It has attractive natural wood grains, and it is very affordable due to its wide availability across the region.
If you desire a darker finish for your room, walnut is perfect for you due to its darker color. Even though it is slightly softer than oak, it is another popular option you can choose and buy for your new floor.
Here are other options you can choose for your hardwood flooring:
- Hickory
- Cherry
- Maple
- Ash
Grain Pattern
There are many grain patterns you can choose from depending on how companies cut their logs. There are three ways: plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn; each yield three different grain patterns. In most cases, hardwood flooring is a combination of rift-sawn and a quarter-sawn or just a plain-sawn. However, there is no wrong choice when choosing a grain pattern; it all depends on its application and the looks you want to achieve.
Plank Width
Last but not least, you must determine the plank width you need. A 4 to 6 inch plank was the standard specification people used to choose. However, people tend to choose wider planks depending on how large their room is. That is why nowadays, despite their costs, seven inches has become the new standard wide plank floor.
Now you are capable of choosing the hardwood flooring you need. If this article was helpful, do not hesitate to share it with your friends and family. Let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts or questions!