How to Guide

Choosing the Natural Beauty of Wood Flooring

The right type of flooring will showcase your home.

Wood flooring adds a classic, elegant look to any room. This flooring is long-lasting and easy to maintain. Its natural, inviting look makes wood flooring a great option for homes and businesses.

The type of wood you choose will define the room. Be sure to use the appropriate wood to enhance the ambiance.

Because it has a smooth surface, wood doesn’t allow dust or other allergens to hide. It can last a lifetime if installed and cleaned correctly. It is an excellent option whether you want exotic wood for its unique look, reclaimed wood for its style, or laminate for its lower cost.

SOLID WOOD

Solid wood can make a room cozy or lush, depending on the type of wood you select. You can purchase it unfinished or finished, though most people prefer to select one of the many striking finishes on the market.

Oak, maple, walnut, and cherry are some of the most durable woods available. They give the room a clean, luxurious look. Softwoods, such as southern yellow pine and fir, give a homier feel.

ENGINEERED WOOD

Engineered wood is another viable option. It has an authentic appearance that is perfect for slab construction. Most kinds are pre-finished in an array of colors. They offer features such as tongue-and-groove construction.

This wood is fantastic for homes and other buildings that aren’t appropriate for wood flooring. It is an especially good choice for areas that get lots of foot traffic. Its flexibility in challenging environments, and durability, make it popular in the West and Southwestern United States.

EXOTIC WOOD

Exotic wood flooring can make your home or business memorable. Natural exotic woods are usually rich in color. Laminate, solid and engineer versions come in teak, bamboo, and more.

Teak, mahogany, and other trees are raised on plantations. Using these types of wood cuts down the number of trees being harvested in the wild. That makes exotic wood a strong choice for people who care about the environment.

RECLAIMED WOOD

Another environmentally-friendly option is reclaimed wood. Materials from old barns and other buildings can provide a rustic look when installed properly. The wood has a straighter, tighter grain rarely found in modern harvested wood.

Recycling old wood eliminates the need to cut down trees. It can also give your room an elegant, rustic look.

LAMINATE

While it is not a wood product, laminate can give your room the look of wood for less money. It is a common choice among do-it-yourselfers.

Installation is usually an easy project, so you won’t have to worry about making mistakes. It can also be durable, so you won’t need to replace it for another 20 years.