Brian's House Building Blog

What to Think About When Investing In Hardwood Flooring

by Peyton Sanders

If you are contemplating flooring materials, undoubtedly hardwood is one of the more popular choices that you could gravitate towards. This type of flooring adds a degree of elegance to any space, thus making it ideal for both residential as well as commercial spaces. Nevertheless, hardwood flooring materials can be quite expensive. Thus, it is important to know what you are getting into before you pay for your flooring. So what are some of the questions that you should ask before you invest in your hardwood flooring materials?

Which species of hardwood would be suitable for your space?

Hardwood timber comes in an assortment of species. Ultimately, your choice of hardwood would heavily rely on your personal taste as well as your style preferences. For instance, if you are looking to make the space appear brighter and airier, you should opt for hardwood species such as ash or maple. This is because this type of hardwood has a characteristic lighter brown finish, which creates the illusion of a space that is open.

On the other hand, if you are looking to create a formal aesthetic in the room, then you should consider species such as mahogany or walnut. These types of hardwood have a darker finish, which creates the illusion of professionalism and formality.

Lastly, if you are installing your hardwood flooring in spaces that will be exposed to heavy traffic such as a playroom or an entertainment area, then you may want to consider species such as cherry or maple. These species of hardwood are hardier than other forms of hardwood, making them less susceptible to superficial damage.

How do you prevent premature damages to your hardwood?

Another important question to have in mind would be how you can prevent your hardwood flooring from acquiring premature damages. There are several ways that you could do this. Firstly, you may want to consider investing in heavy area rugs for spaces that endure high traffic. This is most commonly in hallways, living spaces and more.

Secondly, if you have pets in the home, it would be prudent to ensure their nails are trimmed on a regular basis. This will go a long way in keeping your hardwood flooring free from scratches. You should also try to enforce a no-shoes policy in your home, especially for high heels.

Lastly, if your hardwood flooring acquires some superficial damage, it is prudent to address it as soon as you can. Rubbing a wax stick on a scratch can prevent the finish from succumbing to disrepair.

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