If you have decided to get some wood flooring in your home, then you’ll probably have seen the wide array of options that you have before you. Wood flooring comes in a range of styles and types which suit different tastes and different budgets, and there are some decisions which you are going to have to make when it comes to making sure that you get the right flooring option for you.
Wood flooring offers a beautiful option for your home, and you really can’t go wrong when you install this flooring in the rooms of your house. Let’s have look at what your options are.
Engineered or Solid
Engineered wood flooring is made using layers of plywood or another softwood option, which has then been pressed and given a veneer which is made from hardwood. This option is durable and has a long lifespan thanks to the ease by which you can repair any scratches or damage.
Solid wood flooring, on the other hand, offers a similar finish, but it is 100% hardwood and usually comes in at around 3/4 of an inch thick. Both have their pros and cons, and of the two it is solid wood flooring that will cost more money.
Finished or Unfinished
Finished wood flooring will give you the option of installing your flooring and having a ready-made wooden floor that you can begin to use right away. Unfinished flooring suits those who wish to have a custom stain applied to a flooring type in order to fit in with the decor and design of the space.
If you opt for solid wood flooring then an unfinished option may be best, because the stain will not only add color to the wood, but it will also penetrate the wood and seal the seams between each wooden board, reducing the risk of water seeping through.
Flooring Types
There are many options for you when it comes to the wood that you use for your flooring, and this decision will have to factor in cost, natural appearance, ease of installation, and durability. Generally, the most common flooring options which people go for are oak, maple, and cherry, which all have beautiful natural finishes and are both cost-effective and durable.
If you are renovating an older house then choices such as salvage flooring or reclaimed hardwood can add great value, and if you prefer to look for a premium option then teak, jarrah, and mesquite are the top levels of wooden flooring options.
Maintenance
Pay particular attention to the maintenance difficulty of each flooring choice, especially when it comes to cleaning them. Cleaning or Moping hardwood floors require a different type of care compare to ceramic flooring.
Remember wood flooring is something you are putting in your home for both style and practical use, and damage can and does happen with frequency. Some woods are easier to sand down and refinish than others, and some are far more durable when it comes to preventing damage.
The last thing you want is to invest in flooring which damages easily and is tough to repair, so ensure that you research the maintenance needs of the flooring that you are looking at.
Any more questions related to wood flooring, feel free to ask away in the comments.
A related article that may interest you: “What is the future of the wooden floor business?“