Are you wondering what to look for when deciding what hardwood flooring to install? You have so many questions to answer before choosing hardwood flooring for your home. Timeless elegance, clean lines, durability and strength as well as the ease of cleaning and maintenance and classic good looks make hardwood floors an excellent choice for your home. No matter what your personal taste and style, there is a great flooring option for you due to the unlimited selections. But before rushing out to purchase your hardwood floor, read these basic tips to make a smart flooring decision:
Tip 1
Setting a budget is a good idea. The wide variety to choose from is great, but the downside is that you easily get overwhelmed. Be sure to balance style and quality with your budget when you make a final decision.
Tip 2
Choose your flooring material based on the function of the room. As an example, be careful with hardwood floors in a bathroom with the high levels of moisture it receives. Different rooms of your home need different types of wood. For example, very light or very dark finishes are usually not the best choice for a kitchen.
Tip 3
Choose hardwood flooring with an appropriate finish for your lifestyle. A little used room will allow a lighter finish. However, a hallway or living room with heavy traffic requires an option with a tough finish that can withstand the wear and tear.
Tip 4
How will it be installed? It is much easier to hire a professional, but choose your hardwood flooring installer wisely. You should be absolutely sure that it will be installed properly. Is he/she a member of the National Wood Flooring Association? Did you check their rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Tip 5
Selecting the color and style of the floor can be the fun part. Choose a hardwood that suits your personal taste and your lifestyle. The relatively high cost of the flooring and installation requires choosing a wood that will not go out of style quickly.
Why Wood Floors?
Living an environmentally-friendly lifestyle is becoming more of a priority with the green movement. Wood is not only practical, but beautiful.
Wood Flooring is Natural
Timeless…wood is a life-long product of natural beauty and durability. The useful life of a wood floor is about 100 years and is completely biodegradable. Wood’s role as flooring is really just a minor interruption in its life cycle.
Wood Flooring is Renewable
On the 500 million acres of forestland in the United States classified as commercial, substantially more wood is added in new growth each year than is harvested.
Wood Flooring is Recyclable
Recycled wood used as flooring is becoming a more popular design trend. Previously used wood from a variety of sources, from old barns to old factories, is a high-end enhancement that is ecologically positive.
Wood Flooring is Recyclable
Recycled wood used as flooring is becoming a more popular design trend. Previously used wood from a variety of sources, from old barns to old factories, is a high-end enhancement that is ecologically positive.
Good for the Planet and Good for You
Millions of people suffer from sensitivity to chemicals and toxins. Hardwood floors are becoming a frequent choice for chemically-sensitive individuals with allergies because wood doesn’t harbor dust and microorganisms as other floor coverings do.
The Wood Flooring Industry is Green
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has passed a number of regulations that affect the wood flooring industry. A national standard of Volatile Organic Compounds (mineral spirits) has been in effect and manufacturers have been bringing VOC-compliant products to the market for some time.
Wood Floors are Easy to Maintain
Routine maintenance is a little more than simple sweeping and vacuuming, and making sure your hardwood floors are protected from moisture and heavy wear which causes scratches. Preventive maintenance like area rugs, floor protectors, and routine maintenance with proper hardwood floor cleaner should always be exercised (we recommend BONA products.)
Wood Floor Styles and Trends
The Wood Data – Searchable database by common or scientific name.
“The best in Denver is Van Camp’s Quality Hardwood Floors.”
-Joe S, Business Futures in Golden
