Choosing the Right Hardwood Floor - Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision
by David Nikzad
Is this a high traffic area?
The finish and color will be affected by this. Darker colors tend to show traffic quicker, where as natural wood colors of oak and maple do not. High traffic areas need special attention when it comes to re-coating. Screening (light sanding) should be a part of the preventative maintenance program for your wood floors in these areas. Application of 1 or 2 coats as needed (every 6-18 months) is a good sound way to protect your investment. Make sure the finish being applied is compatible with what is there and is of the shine that will work well in that area. Satin or low shine urethane`s tend to show less traffic patterns than do the higher gloss finishes. Walk-off mats are strongly suggested for these areas, i.e.- working areas of a kitchens, entry ways, and entries/doorways from the outside.
What type of wood do you like or will fit the area? Some types are more traffic friendly than others; is this species to "grainy" or busy looking? Some species are harder than others. Maple is harder than oak; has less grain, yet maple can not be stained. Remember, the type of finish and number of coats can also determine how well your floor will fair in high traffic areas.
What color will work with the decor?
Some darker colors make rooms look smaller and show traffic patterns quicker. Lighter, or natural color (oak & maple being the most popular) of wood floor species can give an open, airy feeling, making the room appear larger. With today`s color trends this is of the most popular selections now being made by the consumer, in home and office alike. Your floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the room as a whole. The most popular color is red oak natural with maple natural running second, but with today`s eclectic decoration styles, anything goes. Darker colors are more used for formal or traditional interiors while lighter colors are used for country, casual and contemporary settings. There are many choices when selecting the right floor for the rooms in your home, as there are many species, colors and grain variations for you to consider.
Who is helping you make these choices?
Builders tend to stay with they same product that has worked for them before; decorators tend to use color as the number one reason for choosing a particular product, which may not be suited for the area. Whether a pre-finished or job finished product, have a sample of the wood floor material to make comparisons with other products and materials, such as the fabrics, paint colors and furniture being used in the room.
Who will maintain these floors?
That person needs to know the product as does the purchaser, most of time that is the same person, but not always. Knowing The Do`s & Dont`s and Maintenance Procedures is very important. Make sure that information is provided to you and is a part of your contract. After the floor is installed, and this material is provided to you, this is a good time to purchase a wood floor cleaning kit, right from the get go!
Most importantly, as we go through the selection process getting an experienced and knowledgeable contractor who knows wood floors is one of the best things you can do.
DO NOT depend solely on your general contractor or design consultant.
In the end, an improper installation will only cost you the home owner, more money, more down time or having to involve an attorney, or all of the above. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable wood flooring retailer/contractor. Trying to determine what wood floor product is right for the conditions they will be installed; what conditions they will be subjected to; and last but not least, is this the right floor for you? Some floors are more pleasing than others, but may not work in your conditions, or may not work well with the traffic they will receive. The color you like may be OK with the decor, but bad for wear patterns. The type of wood, pine for example, (not a hardwood), does not stain well and is softer than oak causing it to "dent" more. Many factors should play a part in your decision about the choices you make when it comes to hardwood floors.
David Nikzad is President and Founder of Floorsbydavid, a hardwood floor portal specializing in high quality, custom, exotic hardwood - Bamboo - Laminate collections. Visit us today to get a collection of free hardwood flooring samples not available elsewhere.
Bring a touch of class to your home with fine wood flooring products and accessories at FloorsbyDavid.com
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