Many first time homebuyers and even young homeowners who have owned a home for a few years already can benefit from this overview of wood flooring.
Let’s say for the sake of argument that you have never had wood floors before. You’ve always admired the floors that friends, neighbors, and relatives always seemed to maintain. So now that you’re in a position where you can do the same, you want to know more. Many first time homebuyers and even young homeowners who have owned a home for a few years already can benefit from this overview of wood flooring.
Unfinished and Finished Wood Flooring
First of all, you need to decide if you want to have finished or unfinished wood flooring. When you aren’t sure of what you’re looking for, then you might not be able to tell the difference. Choose unfinished wood if you want to add a different layer of stain. That change can alter the color of the floors, especially if you want it to match the rest of the theme for the room. The finishing is part of the floor installation process, and it matters so much because it helps the floor last longer. Putting unfinished wood flooring is even better in the kitchen.
At first, you might not be sure why this is a good idea – after all, the kitchen is going to be one of the wettest places in your house, and you don’t want to ruin your shiny new floors – but this gives the finish a better to soak into the wood. When all of the seams are filled in, there is less chance of moisture seepage leading to catastrophic water damage.
The finished wood flooring is better suited for other rooms in your home. Since they are sanded and sealed before they arrive, all that needs to be done is lay them down where you want them to go. You won’t have to worry about strong odors or chemical fumes wafting from them.
Solid and Engineered Wood Flooring
Now let’s take a look at solid and engineered wood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring is just that – wood. One catch is you won’t want to use them in the basement. For that purpose, you will want to look into engineered hardwood flooring. But know this: engineered wood flooring isn’t as durable, especially if you need to sand it down multiple times over the years.
Some Different Species to Consider
Finally, let’s look at some of the species you can choose from when it comes to wood floors. Oak, maple, and cherry should be at the top of your list. Even so, you can also rely on walnut, ash, mahogany, and bamboo!
Ready for a Beautiful Hardwood Floor? Trust John K Eareckson & Co.
When you work with John K Eareckson & Co., Flooring, we will ensure your hardwood floors undergo a stress-free acclimation process and that they sparkle for years to come; from a seamless and beautiful installation to years of maintenance, John K Eareckson & Co. Flooring has the expertise to care for your home’s hardwood floors. For a consultation and more information, visit us online or give us a call at 410-788-4200. You can also look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.