Hardwood flooring has been one of the most sought-after floor coverings for generations and many good reasons. It's stunning in appearance, matchless in lifespan, and has extensive durability that meets the needs of most households. It's no wonder that homeowners reach for this flooring option again and again.
If you've never seriously considered these flooring options for your own home, now might be a great time to do so. You'll find out how they can be beneficial to you and how you can maintain them for the best possible lifespan. That means you'll likely never need to replace these floors, as long as you own your home.
It's important to note, right away, that solid wood is not a feasible option for below-grade spaces. If you have a room that is below grade, and you need flooring, engineered wood is an excellent alternative. It handles dampness, humidity, and temperature changes very well to leave your floors in the top condition under the harshest circumstances.
In choosing any wood floor, you'll want to start with a species selection that is rated for your particular lifestyle. Heavier traffic demands a species that is extremely hard to alleviate the possibility of extensive and premature wear. In areas of lesser traffic, softer woods can work well, especially in closets and pantries.
Choosing an excellent stain color not only helps bring out the beauty of your selected species but can work to perfectly match your décor options that are already in place. Some woods, like cherry, have a naturally beautiful color of their own. In situations like this, sometimes, a clear coat is chosen to allow that natural beauty to shine through.
The extensive durability you'll find for wood floors can deliver more than 100 years of lifespan, especially with proper care. Part of this care is refinishing your floors once wear becomes evident. The refinishing process trips away years of wear and allows you to start over with a fresh, new layer of wood.