Tips for Selecting Wood Flooring

Choosing the right type of wood flooring for your home can be nerve-wracking. Consider different wood species and finishes’ styles, durability, cost, and maintenance. Make an informed decision. Here are four tips for selecting the best wood flooring.

The Location of Installation

Consider the room where you want to install the wood flooring. Different rooms have different levels of traffic, moisture, and sunlight exposure, which can affect the performance and appearance of wood flooring. For example, if you want to install wood flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, you should opt for a more water-resistant and durable type of wood, such as engineered wood or bamboo. For wood flooring in a living room or bedroom, you can choose a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable type of wood, such as solid hardwood or cork.

Style and Budget

Choose a wood species that matches your style and budget. Hundreds of wood species are available for flooring, each with its unique grain pattern, color, hardness, and price. The most popular wood species for flooring are oak, maple, walnut, cherry, hickory, and pine. Oak is a classic choice that offers colors from light to dark and textures from smooth to rustic. Maple is a light-colored wood with a fine and uniform grain pattern, making it ideal for modern and minimalist interiors. Walnut is a rich, dark wood, adding warmth and elegance to any space. Cherry is a reddish-brown wood with a smooth and lustrous surface for a sophisticated look. Hickory is a durable and resilient wood that withstands heavy traffic and wear and tear. Pine is a soft and inexpensive wood with a natural and cozy charm.

Lifestyle and Preference

Select a finish that suits your lifestyle and preference. The finish of the wood flooring refers to the protective coating applied to the surface of the wood to enhance its appearance and durability. There are two main types of finishes: pre-finished and site-finished. Pre-finished wood flooring has a factory-applied finish ready to install and use immediately. Site-finished wood flooring requires sanding and finishing on site after installation, which allows for more customization and control over the final result. Pre-finished wood flooring is more convenient and less messy, but it may have more visible seams and less uniformity than site-finished wood flooring. Site-finished wood flooring is more time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it may have a smoother and more seamless look than pre-finished wood flooring.

Plank Size and Installation 

Decide on the plank size and installation method of the wood flooring. The plank size of the wood flooring refers to the width and length of each piece of wood that makes up the floor. The plank size can affect the visual impact and proportion of the room, installation time, and cost. Broader and longer planks create a more spacious feel in the room, yet they also require more cutting. The waste more material than narrower and shorter planks. There are three main installation methods: nail-down, glue-down, and floating. Nail-down installation involves nailing each plank to a wooden subfloor with nails or staples. Glue-down installation involves adhering each plank to a concrete or wooden subfloor with adhesive. Floating installation involves locking each plank with a tongue-and-groove system without attaching them to the subfloor.

Maintain your Investment

Maintain your wood flooring properly to extend its lifespan and beauty. Wood flooring is a natural product. It requires regular care and attention to keep it in good condition. Some essential maintenance tips for wood flooring are:

• Sweep or vacuum your wood flooring regularly to remove dust and dirt that can scratch or dull its surface.
•  Use damp mops or cloths to clean your wood flooring with a mild cleaner formulated for wood floors.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, or steam cleaners on your wood flooring, as they can damage or discolor its finish.
• Protect your wood flooring from moisture by wiping up spills immediately and using mats or rugs in areas with water.
• Protect your wood flooring from scratches by using felt pads under furniture legs, lifting rather than dragging furniture when moving it, and keeping your pets’ nails trimmed.
• Refinish your wood flooring periodically when it shows signs of wear or damage, such as fading, staining, or denting.

Add Value

Wood flooring is a significant investment that adds value, beauty, and comfort to your home. Raise your selling price to any home on the market. Following these four tips, you can choose the right type of wood flooring that meets your needs and preferences. 

For more information on foundation repair or home improvement tips check out our blog.

Sources-By How Much Can Hardwood Flooring Increase My Home’s Value? – From The Forest, LLC

How Much Do Hardwood Floors Increase Home Value? (listwithclever.com)

Best Flooring for Increasing Home Value | Family Handyman

How to Clean Wood Floors Properly (thespruce.com)

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-and-maintain-hardwood-floors

https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-clean-hardwood-floors/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9003d4dbd3

https://www.housedigest.com/1146315/the-floor-trends-that-will-take-over-in-2023/

Types of Kitchen Flooring | UK Flooring Direct