So, you have decided that you want hardwood flooring in your home. But what species of wood, size of plank, stain or natural color, type of finish, and The questions can go on and on.
There are many things to consider when picking out a hardwood floor, and there is usually no right or wrong answer. It usually comes down to personal preference and décor.
But there are some things to consider that can make the answers to some of the questions you may have more right in your situation. Here is a list of some of the main things you should consider when selecting your hardwood flooring:
This is an important question to consider. If your space has high traffic, lots of heavy furniture, or a place where a dog with long nails will be spending a lot of time, you may want to have hardwood flooring that is “harder.”
Some species are harder and more resistant to dents and traffic. Maybe you want to put wood flooring in a formal dining room or home office, and the traffic will be light, not much day-to-day activity. This may be where you can use a softer species because the risk of dents and wear from traffic is limited.
So, knowing the use and where your space will be encountered is an essential question to ask.
This is another question to consider. Each species of hardwood has its look. No two species are the same. Some have large grain patterns; others have no visible grain at all. Depending on how a raw piece of wood is milled, the look of a species can change greatly.
For instance, oak is usually milled to show a prominent grain pattern, but if it is milled in what they call quarter-sawn, the grain pattern is different and much more subtle. There is such a large variety of wood species that you should be able to get that exact “look” you want.
Color is another big question to consider when selecting your hardwood flooring. As stated above, there is no wrong answer to this question.
Some people like to match their floors with trim or cabinets, while others want the floors to contrast these elements. One of the main questions to consider is how the species of hardwood you are thinking of except stain.
Not all species of hardwood except stains are the same. The harder the species, the less stain it excepts and the harder it may be to get a deep, rich color.
I have only mentioned a few things to consider when selecting your new hardwood flooring, and there are many more. But I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by the process. The best thing to do is contact a hardwood flooring expert, like The Ohio Floor Company.
We have the knowledge and experience to help you answer your questions and even ask questions you may have not even considered. We can help you select the perfect hardwood flooring for your home by walking you through the process.