How to Pick the Best Hardwood Floors for Your Home
Have you ever looked at your carpet and thought how nice it would be to have hardwood instead? Some people actually prefer the plush feeling of carpet, but I personally love classic smooth hardwood floors. I will always be proud of the original hardwood floors in my old home because it complimented the traditional-nature of the house so well. Depending on your style and preference, it’s important to know how to pick the best hardwood floors for your home.
Why Hardwood Floors?
Not only will hardwood add a beautiful aesthetic, but it can also increase the value of your home. But you don’t want to purchase and install any hardwood. The right material, expert installation, and selecting the color are all critical factors to making hardwood floors seamless and eye-catching.
Choosing the Best Type of Hardwood for You
Before choosing the color of your hardwood, you’ll want to find the best material. There are so many different varieties to choose from. One popular type of hardwood is red oak. If you have small children or pets, red oak is a great option because it’s low maintenance and easy upkeep. Installation may be pricey though because it takes longer to drive the nails and screw into it. Another popular choice is Bamboo – especially if you’re looking for darker shades of wood.
Hardwood for Outdoor Spaces
If you have an outside deck area, you might be contemplating real wood vs composite decking. I recommend consulting with experts at Brazilian Wood Depot because they offer a variety of hardwoods and help figure out style, budget, and overall preference. They’re super knowledgeable about how to make your indoor hardwood seamlessly compliment the outdoor decking.
How to Choose the Right Hardwood Color
- Sun Exposure
Depending on where you want to install your new hardwood floors, you’ll want to look at how much sunlight the room or area is getting. Natural light does change the appearance of wood flooring throughout the day. If you are installing wood in a room that gets a lot of sun, it will look different in the daytime vs. at night. The UV rays can also damage the wood overtime or even bleach or darken it. Make sure to ask your flooring specialist about how the sun will affect the wood you choose. Even if your heart is set on a material and color, limiting the sun’s exposure through window treatments might be another cost to to factor in.
- Go Lighter In Smaller Rooms – Let’s say you want to add hardwood floors in a coat closet. Pick a lighter color for this room to make it look bigger. Off-white or beige hardwoods are great options.
- Darker Colors – Bamboo is one dark option that is eco-friendly and appealing to a lot of homeowners. Keep in mind that dark floors can also make the room seem very small. It’s common to install these in your kitchen or bathrooms to make a statement for your guests.
- Patterns – Patterns are a new way for your hardwoods to take center stage in your home. There are different shades that complement many various styles and decor. Reclaimed wood planks are becoming popular because they have a natural variance in their colors which creates rich texture. Some woods have darker knots including mixed grain, cherry, or hickory. Patterns look amazing in entryways and mud rooms.
- More Colors – Natural woods with lighter tones are trending right now. There is a bit of a gray trend as well, but most people are looking for very light and subtle colors. Talk with your installer to get a better idea of what’s going to be timeless instead of what’s currently trending. You want to love your home year after year, and make it market-friendly.
Picking out floor options for your home can be time-consuming, costly, and downright frustrating, because you essentially want to get it right the first time. But think of your home as the bigger picture. Before making a decision, grab samples of the colors and textures, then put them in the desired room. If it’s a good match, you’ll feel great about your decision. Be confident in your choice and enjoy what hardwood floors for your home can bring today, tomorrow, and in the future.
