Hardwood is a natural material and is popular in both residential as well as commercial use. Property owners swear by it for its durability, easy maintenance and health value. However, if you feel that all subfloors respond well to a wooden floor or you can get it done because you want it, won’t just be enough!
Choosing hardwood flooring is an intelligent decision but before installing it, it is important to consider a few factors. These factors help in determining the success of wooden flooring in your home or business. One can either go for hardwood flooring or drop the idea if the factors don’t favor it completely.
The main questions that arise before choosing hardwood flooring and need your consideration include the following:
What is your lifestyle?
Your lifestyle plays a key role in determining the hardwood type and the finish required by your household. If you have children and pets in your home or you live with an extended family, you will need matte finish or something similar to hide the scratches that will be evident in high traffic areas. Moreover, a clear grain wood works best if you are a working single as you might not require a concealed look for the floor.
What type of wood you will use?
Now that you have planned to install hardwood floor in your home, you can either opt for solid wood or the engineered variety. The former is available in the form of thick planks of wood whereas the latter has a layer of solid wood on top layers of plywood.
If you are planning to install hardwood flooring in a moist environment such as basement or garage, then engineered hardwood is a better choice as it is more stable in such conditions. However, if you want the classic charm of wide solid planks of hardwood, then solid wood is the right choice for you!
What is the location of wood floor installation?
The location is also an important determining factor as other factors such as moisture; temperature and humidity play a critical role in the success of flooring. If you have a below-grade floor such as basement, the engineered hardwood is better.
In case, the area where you need to install hardwood flooring has a concrete slab floor, you can use engineered flooring there as well. In case of above-ground floors, solid wood can be used as it is a lot more appealing and enhances the interior décor styling.
What interior style you follow?
How about matching the hardwood floors and its finish with the other décor elements inside your house? Your cabinets, walls, furniture, ceiling and other furnishings need to have a complimentary flooring style used against them. An incorrect choice can result in clash between the flooring and the other elements in the room.
For instance, one can use a brighter wooden color against dark furniture and wall color. However, if you have bright colored furniture and styling elements, it is recommended to go for a dark wooden finish.
What would be the cost?
The expenditure can be high when it comes to hardwood flooring. Once you have finalized your choice, remember to budget the cost properly. At the same time, it is also recommended to focus on the quality of hardwood to be used. If you choose poor quality wood on discount prices, you might well end up paying more for a new installation pretty soon!
Can you get a sample home?
Lastly, if you have decided on a hardwood variety, bring home a sample that is finished with the stain that you wish to have as the final product. The sample needs to compliment the other furnishings in your home and only then you may proceed with the installation of hardwood flooring.
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