Wood flooring is beautiful and increases the value of your home. They continue
to be loved more than stone flooring or slate flooring. Wood has depth and
warmth that looks great and gives your home a warm feeling.
A variety of
choices are available in both hard woods and other wood types. The type of wood
you will choose depends on your personal preference and the décor of your home.
Wood is suitable for nearly every room in your home. It may not be best in
kitchens and bathrooms due to the amount of moisture found in these areas.
Choices in Wood Flooring Hardwood remains a popular choice in wood floors. You
have the choice of several different hardwoods.
Popular choices include oak,
cherry, hickory, maple, walnut and bellawood. These can be stained a variety of
shades and tones. Consider leaving the wood in its natural color. Some
hardwoods, such as walnut and cherry have a rich tone without the need for
staining.
Once you have chosen the material, consider your finishing
options. You may decide to purchase pre finished wood. This is already stained
and protected with a clear coating. Pre finished is generally more expensive,
but saves a significant amount of time.
Another option is to install the
floor and then finish the wood. You will need to sand, stain and urethane the
floor. After each coat, the floor will need to be sanded. This process takes
several days to complete. The more coats of urethane you need the better
protected the surface.
Another option is distressed or reclaimed
flooring. These floors don't have a smooth texture. However, they are beautiful
and have character unlike other finishes. Another major benefit of these is they
won't show scratches as easily as urethane floors.
You have some choices
other than traditional hardwood. Laminate flooring offers a choice in flooring.
These are made to resemble real hardwood at a lower price. With good quality
laminates, it can be difficult to tell the difference between this and real hard
wood. Companies such as Armstrong flooring make high quality laminates. Other
choices include cork flooring or bamboo floors. Caring for Wood Flooring Proper
care will ensure your wood flooring has a good, long life. Whether you choose
hardwood, laminate or other options, the care is basically the same.
-
Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep dirt and dust to a minimum. Dirt and
grit on the floor wear away the surface and leave scratches in your
floor.
- Use mats at the entrances to your home. This way feet can be
wiped, preventing much of this dirt from entering your home in the first
place.
- Lightly clean the floor when needed. If occasional mopping is
needed, use a nearly dry mop. Too much water can seep between the slats and
damage your floor. This can cause warping, damage the surface or cause water to
become trapped under the floor. This can result in damage to the backing and
mold can grow under the floor
