A Guide to Choosing Hardwood Flooring for Your Home
Hardwood flooring is an elegant and timeless option that can add warmth and character to any home. With so many different types of hardwood available, it cannot be easy to decide which one is right for you. This guide will walk you through the various factors to consider when choosing hardwood flooring for your home.
Budget
Hardwood flooring can range from affordable to very expensive, depending on the type of wood and the quality of the product. Before you start shopping, establish a budget for your flooring project. Keep in mind that installation costs will also need to be factored in. It's important to find a balance between the quality of the product and your budget.
Wood Species
The wood species will significantly impact the overall look and durability of your hardwood flooring. Some popular options include oak, maple, cherry, and hickory. Each wood species has its own unique grain patterns, color variations, and hardness levels. Harder woods like Brazilian walnut and teak are more durable and resistant to scratches and dents, while softer woods like pine and fir are more prone to damage.
Finish
Standard finishes for hardwood flooring include oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane finishes. Our experience, and opinion, is that a two component water-based finish is far superior to a traditional oil-based or polyurethane. These finishes range from a gloss to a matte sheen. Our other favorite is a hard wax oil finish. It protects the floor without the look and feel of a film finish. When asked our advice about all the available finishes, we always 100% recommend either the two component water-based finish or the hard wax oil finish.
Grade
The grade of your hardwood flooring refers to the quality and appearance of the wood. Some of the most common grades are clear, select, and common. Clear grade has very few knots and natural variations, while select grade has slightly more knots and color variations. Common grade has more knots, color variations, and other natural imperfections. Keep in mind that the grade can also affect the price of the flooring, with clear being the most expensive and common being the least costly.
Width
Some of the most common widths are 2 ¼ inches, 3 ¼ inches, and 5 inches, but wider options can go up to 7 inches or more. The width of your hardwood flooring can affect your space's overall look and feel. Narrower planks create a more traditional and formal look, while wider planks can give a more rustic and casual look.
Installation
Hardwood flooring can be installed in many ways, including nailing, stapling, and gluing. The installation method of your choice will depend on the subfloor you have and your preference. Nailing and stapling are the most common methods for solid hardwood flooring, while engineered hardwood can be glued down or floated over an existing floor.
Key Takeaway
Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home requires careful consideration of a variety of factors, including your budget, wood species, finish, grade, width, and installation process. By taking the time to research and explore your options, you can find the hardwood flooring that perfectly complements your home and your personal style.
1st Class Flooring is dedicated to helping you find the perfect hardwood flooring for your home. Our custom hardwood flooring installers in LaFayette can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right wood species and finish to choosing the best installation method. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!