Choosing the best hardwood flooring may seem daunting at first. There are so many idfferent options available on the market.
The first consideration when shopping for wood flooring should be what species of hardwood fits your needs, this will be the most visible difference in the final product.
An attractive wood for cabinet and molding work is American Cherry. This wood is widely used because of its distinct rich color, and can be a great addition to any room. American Cherry is not as suitable for flooring as other types of woods, however, because it is susceptible to damage and wear if placed in areas of high traffic. Oak is a better choice when looking for a wood that will stay looking great even after years of heavy wear. Red oak is a favorite choice for many because its warm tone and consistent grain fit well in any room. An even more durable choice is white oak, which is lighter in tone and will take even heavy wear without damage or excessive aging.
Other varieties of wood can offer both some of the durability of oak and the style of cherry. Ash is a good decision for anyone looking for an oak finish, but with a lighter tone and softer grain. Walnut, in particular, is a good choice for someone who is looking for a rich tone to make a striking statement in a room that might get a good deal of everyday wear. Those that choose walnut generally appreciate a more rustic style that contrasts nicely with lighter colored molding or wood cabinet work. Finally, hickory offers great contrasting feature between its lighter tone and dramatic, darker grain. The darker streaks in the sapwood and knot textures can help transform a room.
The other important decision when finalizing hardwood flooring plans involves the type of finish that the wood flooring will have. Unfinished flooring is perfect for anyone looking for an entirely customized floor. The contractor will generally do all of the work onsite, and will put the floor together piece by piece. The better companies will even perform a final sanding before the final coat of finish is applied. This ensures that the final product is as smooth and uniform as possible.
For a more economical option, many flooring companies will offer prefinished flooring. This is a great option for many projects, but some quality checks should be made before finalizing a decision. The most important check involves the size of the bevel, which is the area between every board in the floor. Nearly all prefinished flooring has a bevel, but quality flooring will have a much smaller spacing. To test the size of the bevel, run your hand across the sample, looking for bumps. The bumps you feel are the bevels. Smaller bumps equal a smaller bevel, and a higher quality of product.
For those that want something a little more than an unfinished wood floor, many companies offer finishing touches that can turn wood flooring into hand-crafted works of art.
Wood flooring is a great product that can add to the charm and value of any home.
Written by jeffwend