One of the most sought-after options for flooring is hardwood. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it can increase a home’s value, is highly durable, and is easy to maintain. When it comes to hardwood floors, there are many options to consider.
If you’re planning on adding hardwoods, here are some practical tips for choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home. We’ll also highlight why hardwood flooring is such a wonderful addition to most rooms in your home. Let’s get started!
1. Assess Your Lifestyle
We recommend that you begin your hardwood flooring journey by taking a closer look at your lifestyle and how your space is used. Consider your daily routines, the type of foot traffic your floors will endure, and whether you have pets or young children.
If your home experiences heavy foot traffic, particularly in common areas like the living room or kitchen, you’ll want a hardwood species that can handle the abuse. Durable options like oak or hickory are excellent choices, as they can withstand the wear and tear of busy households.
Think about your willingness and ability to maintain your floors. If you prefer low-maintenance solutions, choose a hardwood species that is less prone to visible scratches and scuffs. This allows your floors to always look their best with minimal effort on your part
2. Select the Right Wood Species
When choosing the right hardwood flooring, deciding on the appropriate wood species is a pivotal step in your selection process. Each wood type has its unique characteristics, which can greatly influence the overall look and performance of your floors.
To start with, oak is a popular choice known for its durability and versatility. It’s available in both red and white varieties, each with its own distinct grain patterns.
Red oak tends to have a warm, reddish hue, while white oak offers a more neutral, lighter tone. The bottom line is that oak is a reliable option for a wide range of home styles.
Maple is another good choice. It’s admired for its fine, uniform grain and light color. It adds a bright and airy feel to a room, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to create a sense of openness. It’s also a popular pick for modern and contemporary interiors.
Other good options include cherry and walnut, the latter of which is known for its dark, rich tones and striking grain patterns. It brings a sense of luxury and sophistication to a room, making it ideal for upscale decor styles.
3. Choose the Right Color and Grain Pattern
Next, it’s important to consider the right color and grain pattern for your hardwood flooring. This is a crucial step in choosing the right hardwood flooring, as it sets the mood and style of your space.
Lighter wood colors, like natural maple or light oak, create a sense of openness and airiness. They work well in smaller spaces or rooms where you want to maximize the perception of space.
Medium-toned woods, meanwhile, such as classic oak or hickory, strike a balance between light and dark. They’re versatile, complementing various design styles and making them suitable for most rooms.
Dark woods like walnut or cherry bring depth and drama to a room. They create a cozy and intimate atmosphere and work best in larger spaces or rooms where you want to add a touch of elegance.
As with color choice, grain patterns add character to your hardwood flooring. It’s a good idea to choose a grain pattern that aligns with your aesthetic vision. Straight grains are clean and modern, while more pronounced patterns like cathedrals or swirls lend a unique, rustic charm.
4. Installation and Maintenance
Once you’ve selected the perfect hardwood flooring, it’s time to ensure proper installation and long-term care. Hiring a professional installer is crucial to ensure your hardwood floors are installed correctly. Here in Kansas City, consider SVB Wood Floors for our excellent installation services.
One big benefit of hardwood flooring is that maintenance is straightforward. All you need to do is sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris that can cause scratches. Occasional mopping with a damp (not wet) mop or microfiber is usually sufficient for cleaning.
It also helps to use felt furniture pads to prevent scratches from furniture, and place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear. Also, avoid excessive moisture as it can damage hardwood over time.
Benefits of Hardwood Floors
To finish up, let’s look at some of the undeniable advantages of opting for hardwood floors. These benefits show the real value of choosing this classic flooring option.
Timeless Elegance
One of the primary reasons people opt for hardwood flooring is its timeless beauty. Hardwood exudes a classic charm that never goes out of style. Whether you have a modern or traditional home, hardwood flooring complements any decor.
Durability
Hardwood floors are rightly renowned for their durability. When properly maintained, they can last for generations. Unlike some other flooring options, hardwood can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist wear and tear.
Increased Home Value
Installing hardwood flooring can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers often view hardwood as a premium feature, making your property more appealing on the market. Research shows that hardwood floors can increase a home’s value by around 2.5%, which is great if you have plans to sell your property.
Versatility
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of wood species, colors, and finishes, allowing you to find the perfect match for your design preferences. From rich, dark oak to light and airy maple, the options are virtually limitless.
Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring in Kansas City
Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home can be both rewarding and transformative. The value of hardwood extends far beyond its innate beauty. It can enhance your living space, increase your property’s worth, and provide years of durability and elegance.
Why Choose SVB Wood Flooring?
With over 20 years of residential and commercial experience in hardwood installation, refinishing, and repair, you can trust us to do the job right. Our exceptional customer service is just the icing on the cake.
