Carpeting may be the most popular flooring material in America, but hardwood flooring is coming in at a close second, and it’s easy to see why. From the kitchen, to the hallways, to the living room, hardwood provides a beautiful natural flooring option that is loved by many homeowners. When it comes to solid hardwood flooring, you may have some questions. Fear not, the experts at the Poulin Design Center here in Albuquerque are here to help you every step of the way to ensure your get the right flooring installed in your home! Read on to get the basics on solid hardwood flooring.
Selecting a Species
One of the reasons hardwood flooring is used so widely throughout the home is the long lifespan this flooring can have. Solid hardwood flooring that is properly cared for can last for decades. With that in mind, it’s important to select a species of wood that you’ll want to look at for many years to come. Hardwood flooring provides timeless style, so you can rest easy knowing your flooring investment will never turn into a cringeworthy fad. You’ll want to select a species of hardwood flooring that is hard enough, but beyond that, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. Do you want bright cheerful options like ash, maple, or oak? Or do you prefer darker shades like cherry or mahogany?
Choosing Plank Width
There are many customizable features of hardwood flooring. Do you want it installed in a pattern? Do you want one species of wood or two? And of course, how wide do you want your planks to be? It’s important to give this some thought as the plank width can alter the appearance of the hardwood flooring dramatically. Wider planks are becoming quite popular especially in living rooms and bedrooms, but slimmer plank widths can also offer a unique look.
Finished vs. Unfinished
Think all hardwood flooring is finished in the same way? Well, it’s not! There are a variety of ways to finish your hardwood flooring. Do you want a shiny high gloss finish? Or are you looking for a more rustic, natural appearance. Leaving your hardwood flooring completely unfinished may achieve the look you’re after, but make sure you are extra careful when it comes to any potential moisture damage.
Still have Questions about solid hardwood flooring? Call the experts at the Poulin Design Center. We’ll listen to your specific needs, show you flooring samples, and help you understand what hardwood flooring is best for your home!
