Learn how to pick the perfect hardwood for your upcoming floor project.
Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home can be difficult, not only are there many, many options, but your hardwood floor will be a central point of your home’s design. From color, size, and type of wood, every option has its benefits and potential cons.
Solid or Engineered Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring has been used for eons, made from solid planks of solid timber wood is hardy and natural. Some say it feels different underfoot and can be quieter. However, timber moves in three directions which means it can suffer from contraction and expansion cycles. Engineered wood, on the other hand, the movement of the wood is minimized, so it works well in situations where solid wood does not.
Choose Prefinished or Site Finished
If you want quick and easy installation with a completed finish with stain and topcoat, a prefinished hardwood might be right for you. Prefinished options are useful for knowing exactly what the finished product will look like. If you want to have more control over the final result and shade, a site finish might be better suited.
Choose the Type of Finish
The types of finishing products available on the market run the full spectrum of options, but most fall into two categories; oil-based or polyurethane. Oil has a deeply penetrating ability that gives the wood a soft, matte look that isn’t as resistant to stains or damage. Polyurethane looks less natural, but it is more resilient and perfect for areas of your home that need more care.
Consider Wood Types
Oak has become the staple of American flooring for a good reason, its durable takes stain well, and is widely available leading to reasonable prices. Different types of oak will have different shades, white oak, for instance, doesn’t have pink tones like red oak does. Many other varieties of wood are available and create different results regarding grain and color. Some of the most popular include cherry, walnut, hickory, maple, and ash.
CALL MAHOGANY INC. TODAY
If you’re ready to see all the ways wood can revamp your home, Mahogany Inc. is here for you. We possess both the expertise and experience to handle whatever problem you need tackled. Call us with any questions at 410-727-0334 and a licensed professional will be sure to help. To see examples of our work and to gain inspiration for your next project, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.