When buying or moving into a new home, flooring is one of the first things new homeowners think about and address. This comes as no surprise, as few parts of your home have a bigger aesthetic impact on your house as a whole than your flooring. With today’s markets and trends, many homeowners are opting for durable and elegant hardwood flooring. However, most people know very little about the intricacies of hardwood flooring and what choices are available to them. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of light and dark hardwood flooring can help ensure you make the best investment in your home.
Hardwood flooring can make a big impact on the aestetic of your home
Functional Differences
Aside from design differences, there are a few different durability and maintenance concerns when selecting what kind of hardwood flooring to purchase. The first thing to consider is that darker woods show dirt, debris, and scratches more noticeably than lighter ones. For this reason, those who keep very clean homes tend toward darker woods as it shows off this feature. Likewise, those who are looking for a more relaxed look or households with children who are liable to dirty or mark the floor often opt for lighter woods. Although darker woods show imperfections more sharply, they are usually more durable. Light woods, especially beech and ash, are softer than other hardwoods and are more liable to damage such as denting or warping from sustained heavy foot traffic.
Aesthetic and Design Considerations
Personal taste is not the only thing to consider when examining the aesthetic value of different shades of hardwood flooring. Contrast is often the best option when looking for a hardwood floor, especially the darker varieties. When well designed, lighter colored furniture combined with dark hardwood floors can give your home a unique elegant look. Lighter woods, on the other hand, create a more relaxed feeling and can make rooms appear brighter. If a room does not have enough sources of natural light, dark wood floors can make it look dim or cold. Picking the correct finish for your hardwood floor is also very important for achieving the desired look. You can learn more about different options for hardwood finish here. If you are in the market for a flooring contractor or refinisher, John K. Eareckson & Co. can help you find the perfect fit for your home.
John K Eareckson & Co. – An Exceptional Flooring Contractor
At John K. Eareckson & Co., we pride ourselves on providing the best quality and craftsmanship in the Baltimore-Washington area, from custom hardwood installation and repairs to refinishing. So if you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, pick up the phone and give us a call today! If you have any questions about New Hardwood Floors, please contact John K. Eareckson & Co. by calling 410-788-4200 or visit today for a free quote regarding any of your hardwood flooring needs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!