Buyers Guide Series: Hardwood

Hardwood doesn’t only have the ability to transform a room into a bucolic, warm space; it is also highly durable, practical and can increase the value of your home significantly. It is no surprise then, why we have so many different styles of hardwood flooring to choose from. For many homeowners, such variety in both cost and taste can make buying new hardwood flooring a bit overwhelming and even discouraging. But buying the right hardwood flooring for your home doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

When buying hardwood, it’s important to have an understanding of the basics and that means getting to know and choosing the hardwood species and grade for your project. Being a natural product, each species of hardwood has a distinct grain pattern which makes them unique and valuable. Exotic hardwood such as bamboo, for example, is very popular because of its distinct color and grain patterns. Once you’ve established the species and grade you prefer, finding flooring within your budget will become much easier.

Keep in mind that buying prefinished hardwood floors that are already stained and finished is an option. Though factory or prefinished hardwood floors can be significantly more expensive up front, a factory finish is nevertheless warranted by the manufacturer and makes for a more efficient and convenient installation. Additionally, prefinished floors often last much longer than an on-site finish, meaning you save money over the long term.

Other things to consider when shopping for hardwood flooring are dimensions and size of the planks, photo sensitivity (how natural light will affect the color and look of your floors over time), as well as the wood’s hardness or ability to resist damage from common use. With proper care, top quality hardwood can last a lifetime; follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for information on weather-proofing, floor updates and suitable cleaning products. Whether oak, hickory, or any of the other of the many species available, hardwood flooring will add charm and natural beauty to your home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.