Selecting flooring for your new home can be a confusing task. Whatever you decide, it has been to be considerate of the future needs and must offer returns on investment, besides adding aesthetic value to the interiors. Hardwood or solid wood has been a traditional choice for classic homes, and even in current times, many contemporary homeowners prefer it over marble, tiles or other flooring options. In this post, we take a look at solid wood flooring and things you must know before taking a call.
Hardwood vs. engineered wood
When you are looking at finish and optimal wear and tear, solid wood has some serious advantages over engineered wood. Yes, the upfront costs are considerably high if you compare to laminates and engineered wood, but hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished a number of times, and therefore, replacement isn’t a concern for the longest period. Also, not all solid wood species cost the same, so if you are on a tight budget, you can still go for hardwood. Laminates have the biggest advantage of being budget-friendly, which works well for most homes, but you can cannot refinish the flooring more than once or twice.
We are not against engineered wood. In fact, it is a better choice for areas that are more prone to water damage, but hardwood has a natural charm that’s hard to ignore, as long as you can afford the price.
What are the best hardwood options?
When it comes to wooden flooring, a lot of people prefer oak, which is a classic and comes with even graining. Both red and white oak species are widely available. If you don’t mind spending a tad more, maple is a good choice, and is cherry. Teak and mesquite are also preferred. To be fair, it really depends where you live and from where the hardwood is being sourced. Consider the finish of the wood and whether that’s coming from a sustainable source before taking the final call. Grading is another aspect that influences the price, so talk to the installation service about that. For those who don’t mind paying a tad more, options like ash, walnut, hickory, and ash are also choices.
Final word
Hardwood flooring definitely adds value to interiors, and it all depends on how much you want to spend. We recommend that you get in touch with a reliable installation service, and they can help you in sorting all the different options, based on the needs of your home. There is also a choice between finished and unfinished hardwood. If you are opting for wooden flooring for kitchen and bathrooms, go for the unfinished products, which are later painted with a protective finish that prevents or at least minimizes water damage. Get an estimate from the installation service to know the costs better. In general, engineered wood is easy to install, but with hardwood, you need to be sure that the installer is following the right methods and practices.
Check online now to find more on installation services near you and review the various hardwood options available with them.
