Oak? Southern yellow Pine? Brazilian Walnut? Unfinished or prefinished? Hardwood flooring is an increasingly popular choice for many interiors. Not only is it durable, beautiful and versatile, but it can complement almost any decor, from the traditional to the contemporary. But with so many different types of hardwood available, choosing the right type of floor to fit your space and needs can be challenging. Here are a few things to consider:
- Which wood? While most hardwoods are durable enough to stand the test of time, some woods used for flooring are harder than others. Species like Brazilian walnut and teak receive the highest marks for hardness on the Janka scale—a standard measure used by flooring manufacturers. If your floor gets a lot of traffic and your concerned about scratches, look for a Janka rating of 2,000 or more.
- Age can add beauty: While softer woods like Southern Pine are somewhat more susceptible to nicks and scratches than species rated higher on the Janka scale, these marks add character, leading to a surface that looks more beautiful and authentic over time—particularly in a country or cottage-style interior.
- Unfinished or prefinished? Many homeowners and contractors nowadays choose to install prefinished hardwood flooring—which is sanded and finished at the factory. This allows more layers of finish to be applied without having to worry about the mess, smell and inconvenience that often result when unfinished floors are installed and must be sanded and finished on-site. However, unfinished floors are often a better fit in older homes and can be custom-stained to complement existing wood trim.
- The right finish matters: On floors in moderate to heavy-traffic areas, avoid wax or shellac finishes, which can leave your floor prone to scratches and dents. Layered polyurethane and aluminum oxide finishes will stand up to day-to-day wear and tear, making sure your wood floor looks fantastic for decades to come.
Be sure to visit Carpet Barn Carpet One in Georgetown for all your flooring needs. Not only do they have a wonderful selection of high-quality hardwood flooring, but their customer service is outstanding. Contact Carpet Barn Carpet One today at 877-515-0458 or visit www.carpetone.com for more details.