Hardwood Floors: How to Choose the Right Product For Your Home

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options, and for a good reason. It is beautiful, durable, hypoallergenic, and quite easy to clean and maintain. If you've been checking floors online, then you probably know that hardwood floors come in many different styles, colours and sizes, which makes choosing the right one for your home a little more complicated than simply buying one you like and slapping it down.

In addition to deciding the aesthetics of your flooring, if you choose to buy hardwood floors online, you will also need a plan. In your plan, there should be the proper amount (meters) you will need for your space, installation method, shipping rates, insurance, and warranty. This will save you from future headaches associated with your flooring.

Below, we provide some tips from the experts for choosing the right wood floor to suit your home.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Whether you are single and not home most of the time or have a busy family with children and pets will determine the type of hardwood and finish that will suit your home the best. For example, a busy household will benefit from a distressed or wire-brushed look with a matte finish, which will make scratches and dents less apparently than a clear grain or high-sheen grain wood.

Which Type of Wood

When it comes to hardwood, you have two choices: solid wood and engineered wood. Engineered wood floors are made up of multiple layers of plywood topped with a layer of solid wood. Different than solid wood, engineered floors make a great option for environments where moisture is present. Considering the fact that the top layer is made from solid wood, this means you can also sand down an engineered floor just as you sand a solid wood one. A high quality engineered floor will look the same as a solid wood floor, but it will offer you the added benefit of size adaptability. If you are after the look of wider planks, than engineered wood floors is probably your best bet due to its stability.

Location

Because solid wood can be quickly damaged by moisture that comes up through the ground, it is not recommended for below-grade floors. Experts recommend engineered wood floors for basements as it can be installed on a concrete slab floor. For above-ground floors, you can consider both choices as solid and engineered wood can be installed on top of a plywood surface.

Keep in Mind Your Design Elements

Consider your furniture, cabinets and paint colour to ensure your flooring option won't clash with these design elements. A darker house may benefit more from a lighter floor to brighten it up while a house with plenty of windows will probably have enough light to balance out dark floors.

Price

When searching floors online you will find companies offering great deals on hardwood. But experts warn against being too price-focused and recommend choosing a reputable company instead.