There’s nothing like the look, feel, and warmth of quality hardwood flooring. The only problem is deciding which is best for you, your family, or your business. With all the different wood flooring types available on the market today, it can be challenging to know where to start. So we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision about your new flooring project.
Why Work with Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is an excellent option for homeowners today. This type of flooring offers beauty, durability, and a variety of styles. Hardwood floors are also the best choice for homes with children and pets because hardwood floors can withstand wear and tear better than other types of flooring.
Hardwood floors can be installed in any room of the house and are available in many different colors, so you can find one that matches your style perfectly. The best part is that they’re easy to install without hiring a professional if you have some basic carpentry skills. Take your time to plan out what you will need and whether or not you wish to have an experienced team do the work, and you could be well on your way to enjoying stunning new floors in your home. Think about:
1 – Material Type
Hardwood flooring is made from regular hardwood, softwood, or engineered wood. The difference is in how the wood was treated. Hardwoods are dried out slowly and stored for years to achieve strength and stability before being milled into planks for installation on your floors.
Softwood, however, has dried quickly to maximize its utility in construction projects or furniture production. This means it’s less durable than hardwood floors, though not necessarily less expensive.
Another form is engineered wood flooring. This is created from multiple layers of wood and composite materials with a top layer from solid hardwood. You get a bit more range in thickness and styles because they can be created on demand from local companies. This makes it easier to replace sections as you can match the previous types of engineered wood used in your home if needed.
2 – Species of Hardwood Materials
There is no such thing as “the best” wood species. What works well for your home will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and climate. For example, if you need the flooring to be durable and last a long time in high-traffic areas or in a humid climate, you would choose one of the stronger hardwoods like oak or maple.
Working with a flooring company in Virginia gives you the advantage of finding those hardwood flooring options that account for the humid summers and snowy winters, depending on what part of the region you are living in.
3 – Choosing the Look
The pattern of the wood is called grain. Most hardwoods have a straight grain, though some are curly or wavy. You want to pay close attention to the grain and color of your hardwood flooring options in case you need to do hardwood floor restoration.
Many homes in Virginia are from an older time when hardwood was the standard flooring option. Pulling out the natural qualities of these older floors while maintaining the look, color, appearance, and grain is a skill. You may want to use a professional to get the best result.
If you go with a brand new hardwood floor, think about what style and look you want to achieve. There are grain and colors that lend themselves to a more classic appearance and others for a modern/nouveau rustic appeal.
4 – Finished vs. Unfinished
There are many different types of finishes available for hardwood flooring. Choosing the right finish for your home depends a lot on what look you’re going for and what type of wood flooring you choose. For example, if you want to create an elegant, high-end look, then a semi-gloss finish might be best. If you’re interested in creating a rustic look with lots of character, then consider an oiled or waxed finish instead.
Some homes look better with unfinished wood flooring, while others need to pay close attention to the type of wood used in the floor when deciding on hardwood floor refinishing. It all comes down to your personal tastes and the overall feel you want for your home. In general, unfinished floors are cheaper, but require a lot more maintenance.
5 – Pricing and Ease of Installation
As with any job, the cost of installing hardwood flooring will vary depending on the size of your home and how much work is involved. If you’re having a home built or remodeled, it’s worth asking your contractor to price out the project for you. The price tag can surprise people who aren’t familiar with wood floors. They can be expensive because they require skilled labor, specialized tools and machinery, and high-quality materials—all of which add up quickly.
6 – Type of Use in the Home
Hardwood flooring is a great choice for homes with pets or children, high traffic, and moisture. These are highly durable options, with engineered wood flooring slightly better than regular hardwood. The reason is the many layers prevent moisture from warping or creating a “hump” in the floor. That matters to many of our customers seeking a hardwood floor restoration because of previous moisture exposure.
7 – Location & Maintenance
Hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. They’re also low maintenance compared with other flooring materials—you won’t have to worry about sealing them regularly or refinishing them every few years as long as you give them a little TLC every now and then.
Finding a Quality Supplier
So what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster when it comes to wood flooring. There are so many different types of wood from which to choose, and each one has its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking for something more traditional or modern, we’re sure our experts at Hatcher’s Floors can find a solution for your home that is durable, easy to maintain, and gorgeous to look at.
As a leading hardwood flooring company in Virginia, we understand the unique demands of our local climate and the needs of families with many sets of little feet running around. Reach out to our professional sales team today and experience the difference in quality hardwood floors in your home.
