Nothing gives your home a more classic look than hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are beautiful and natural that set them apart from other floor covering options. Even though real hardwood floors come with quite the price tag, they are gorgeous and will last a lifetime if well maintained.
Hardwood floors are also proven to be much more sanitary and hygienic than carpeting and increases the value of your property as well. You’ll noticed that it’s always gets mentioned by real estate agents in their sales pitches. Real hardwood floors can also be refinished many times without replacement whereas pre finished floors are very limited on re-finishing.
When you make the decision to add hardwood floors to your home, it is important that you understand the differences in hardwood floor types. You can select from a variety of hardwood floor types, from antique heart pine, cherry, beech, oak, to bamboo. You will also have to consider what kind of hardwood you want, construction, finish, and more.
A floating hard wood floor is placed over a cushioning surface whereas a nailed down hard wood floor is not. You can feel the difference in the comfort – the floating hardwood floor feels much like a carpet that is placed on a layer of cushion.
Distressed floors look worn and distress and give a room a well lived-in look. If you have a more rustic home, this option may suit you. One of the advantages of having a distressed texture, is that the ordinary bumps and scrapes that are part of family living, may blend into your hand scraped floor to a large extent. Hand scraped floors have a naturally worn look and no two planks are alike. This is perfect if you want an antique look. Wire brushed floors offer a grainy feel and effect.
You can also choose engineered hardwood. These are made from multiple layers of wood, pressed and glued together for durability. Engineered floors are suitable for dry, above-grade areas such as a living room and damp, or below-grade uses such as a bathroom.
These are just a few of the distinguishing characteristics of the different hardwood floor types. If you want to see and feel the different types for yourself, it is a good idea to visit the nearest home and hardware store, or you can simply order samples online.
So, before you start your new home renovation project, remember that real hardwood floors are simply unbeatable for performance, character, and value. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting beauty and value.