6 Types of Hardwood Floor that Are Perfect for Your Home
Since many types of hardwood floor exist, choosing the right one is often challenging for homeowners. At Carpet To Go, our expert crew aims to help by providing the best hardwood flooring buying guide available.For over 20 years, we’ve helped pair homeowners with the right type of wood flooring for their needs. Whether you’ve already narrowed down the popular species you want to use or don’t know where to start, our team is here to help. The following guide offers solid hardwood flooring options alongside the best installation tips. Discover the best type of wood flooring for your home or business.
Hardwood Flooring Buying Guide
Our hardwood flooring buying guide examines everything you need to know about buying a new hardwood floor:
Choose Either Solid or Engineered Flooring
Two main types of hardwood floors exist; solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Solid comes from a single wood pane and is generally best for installing in your home’s upper or main levels.Unlike solid, you can install engineered wood virtually anywhere because it’s not as prone to temperature or humidity changes.
Choose Prefinished or Site Finish
For choosing wood planks, let’s explore the differences between prefinished and site-finished wood. Prefinished have a factory finish, giving them a uniform appearance.
Choose the Type of Finish
Besides prefinished or site-finish wood, you can also choose:
Many different types of hardwood flooring solutions exist. However, you’ll need to consider hardness, which is essentially another term for durability. You’ll need to know the difference to avoid buying softwood.At Carpet To Go, our crew recommends the following options:
Next, select the right grain variations and patterns. Multiple variations exist, determined by how a manufacturer cuts the wood. Choose the best pattern that fits your home.
Determine Plank Width
Most planks range from 2-1/4 inch to 3-1/4 inch strips, but you can choose more customized lengths. Wide planks will cost more but also carry a more luxurious look and feel to them.
Colors and Designs of Hardwood Flooring
One of the most important things to consider when choosing hardwood flooring is the color. Numerous colors and designs of hardwood flooring exist, but we’ll explore four options homeowners should consider:
The Traditional
Traditional types of hardwood floors feature warm and natural tones. You can choose lighter options to make a room feel brighter and bigger. Alternatively, darker woods will bring a unique richness to any room.Some timeless classics are maple hardwood flooring and white oak, complete with semigloss or satin glosses. Conversely, you can opt for subdued red tones or robust browns.
The Contemporary
Some homeowners prefer the modern or contemporary look. Woods like gray, beige, or honey will bring a certain modern feel to any space, especially when complemented by minimalist decor and furniture. Our team recommends woods like maple, bamboo, cork, and oak.
The Global-Inspired
Flooring installation using exotic wood can drive up your installation costs. However, the unique look your home will have generally makes up for this difference.These exotic woods typically feature excellent durability and sustainability as well. Some excellent wood options are bamboo, tigerwood, and Brazilian cherry. When it comes to color finishes, aim for deep browns or dark reds.
The Rustic
Rustic hardwood options are perfect for country, coastal, and cottage-styled homes. Their imperfect finishes also let your floor easily conceal scratches and other defects. Appearing aged, rustic flooring is ideal if your home has high traffic, making it a top choice among families.
How to Choose the Right Types of Hardwood Floor for Your Home
Choosing the right type of wood flooring for your home can depend on various factors. Of course, the overall budget will be a significant factor, but you should also consider the following:
The room you’re installing a floor in
Whether you want to accentuate certain furniture pieces or decor
If you have pets, children, or many family members
If you need wood with a high heat-resistance
Ultimately, you want your hardwood floors to be both beautiful and functional.
Contact Our Carpet To Go Team!
Picking the right types of hardwood floor for your home or business can take some serious considerations. However, you can make this complicated process easier by speaking with our Carpet To Go team.Homeowners in Seattle, Bellevue, and all surrounding areas can call our Carpet To Go team today to discover our many services and obtain a free quote!
