Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your lifestyle is important to ensure its longevity.
Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that brings warmth, beauty, and durability to any home. With so many options available, selecting the right hardwood flooring for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re prioritizing aesthetics, functionality, or budget, we have some suggestions to help you make the best choice.
Consider Your Lifestyle Needs
Your daily activities and household dynamics are crucial in determining the type of hardwood flooring that will work best for you.
- High-Traffic Areas: If your home sees a lot of foot traffic, such as in hallways or living rooms, consider harder woods like oak, hickory, or maple. These are more resistant to scratches and dents.
- Kids and Pets: Households with children or pets might benefit from prefinished hardwood with a strong, durable finish. Look for flooring with a matte or satin sheen to help hide minor scuffs and scratches.
- Low-Maintenance Living: For those who prefer minimal upkeep, engineered hardwood might be ideal. Its layered construction offers stability and resistance to moisture changes.
Select the Right Wood Species
The species of wood you choose will influence both the durability and aesthetic of your flooring.
- Durability: Janka Hardness Scale is a great way to evaluate the hardness of wood. For high durability, oak, maple, and hickory are excellent choices.
- Color and Grain: Each species has unique grain patterns and colors. Walnut offers deep, rich tones, while ash has a lighter, contemporary look. Consider how the color complements your home’s interior.
Choose Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood
Both solid and engineered hardwood have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to know which aligns with your needs.
- Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it ideal for longevity. However, it may be more susceptible to humidity and temperature changes.
- Engineered Hardwood: Composed of multiple layers, this type is more stable and versatile, especially for areas with fluctuating humidity or radiant heating systems.
Think About Finishes and Textures
The finish and texture of your hardwood flooring play a significant role in maintenance and style.
- Matte or Satin Finishes: These finishes are less reflective and do a better job of concealing imperfections, making them a practical choice for active households.
- Smooth vs. Distressed: Smooth finishes offer a clean, modern look, while distressed or hand-scraped finishes provide a rustic, lived-in feel.
Understand Your Budget
Hardwood flooring is an investment, so setting a realistic budget is key.
- Material Costs: Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry or teak tend to be more expensive, while domestic species like oak or hickory are more budget-friendly.
- Installation and Maintenance: Consider the cost of professional installation and long-term maintenance, such as refinishing or repairs.
Test Samples in Your Space
Before making a final decision, test samples in your home. Observe how the wood looks under different lighting conditions and how it complements your furniture and decor.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 5 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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