Hardwood flooring has several positive qualities. It infuses your house with a touch of nature’s beauty and blends well with virtually any kind of design, whether classic, modern, rustic, or eclectic. Wood floors need time and financial commitment, but they nearly always pay for themselves when everything is said and done. Here are some things to think about: whether you want to install hardwood in your entire house or just one area.
7 Facts to Check Before Choosing Hardwood Flooring
1. Your Lifestyle
Your way of life. Your lifestyle will most likely impact whether hardwood will work for you. Do you have kids or animals? Do you frequently rearrange your furniture in high-traffic areas, like your den, for parties or movie nights? Are you prepared to overlook dings, dents, and flaws caused by your Aussiedoodle’s nails or a spilt soup can? “Or are you alright with a floor that depicts the history and existence of your family and you? If so, hardwood is priceless and can be your best option.
2. Solid Wood Vs. Engineering
Solid wood from wood suppliers in Melbourne sounds like a piece that can be polished and refinished several times. It is generally 34 inches thick. Engineered wood is a plywood core covered in a layer of superior wood that can be paper-like, thin or 14 inches thick. Engineered flooring can only be refinished a maximum of once or twice, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Engineered flooring is resilient and adaptable. Manufacturers may also incorporate qualities like water resistance, which makes this flooring option a possibility in moist spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
3. Look
The most challenging choice, whether with solid or engineered wood, is what kind of wood to choose. While some could have knots or fluctuate in colour, some have finer grains or a more consistent texture. What type of appearance are you attempting to achieve? Dark walnut complements a classic look, while light oak provides a sleek Scandinavian impression. Bring big sample boards of any wood you consider home before deciding; don’t rely on a 3-by-3-inch block or a single plank. Move the planks around the space to get a feel for how they will appear. The colours you see at home and in the shop are different. Place the samples close to the baseboards and furnishings.
4. Durability
Although it may seem obvious, hardness matters. The hardwood flooring business uses the Janka scale to gauge a particular wood type’s hardness. The test gauges the amount of pressure required to drive a steel ball measuring 0.444″ through wood halfway. Red oak is the median, at 1,290. Hickory and pecan are tougher than black cherry, teak, and Douglas fir. At 2,350, Brazilian cherry is one of the toughest fruits. There is no “good” or “bad” Janka grade; instead, it serves as a guide to how much abuse solid wood flooring can withstand over time. Instead of using walnut in your kitchen, consider a tougher species like oak if you have a busy household with children and pets or if heavy use is a worry.
5. Prefinished
Both unfinished and prefinished solid hardwood are offered. After installation, a stain and finish are applied to the unfinished wood in your home. You get to test out several stain colours, resulting in a uniform colour over the entire surface. Professionals offer the following advice: Request that your installer retain a note of your color or formula or give you a small can if you need to replace a damaged area. On the other hand, prefinished floors supplied by a wood supplier in Melbourne are stained and sealed by the manufacturer.
You should also think about the finish when choosing any product. From matte to high gloss, this is available. Even some woods already have an oil or wax finish for a smooth, hand-rubbed appearance.
6. Weather
Although hardwood may be used in any environment, your location must be considered. In both high and low humidity, wood expands and shrinks. Any potential problems may be mitigated, as your installer can explain. To maintain a more constant humidity during the winter, you should use a humidifier if you reside in a dry climate. You could require air conditioning if you live somewhere with long, humid summers. According to experts at a wood supplier in Melbourne, engineered flooring is more stable and adjusts to temperature and humidity fluctuations than solid wood.
7. Cost
Solid wood can be more expensive than engineered wood. For instance, engineered red oak costs about 20% more than a three-inch-wide typical redwood, but installation expenses are the same. People tend to believe that buying wood that isn’t finished is more affordable. So, consider purchasing it from wood providers who offer finished wood.
There are a few things you might want to think about if you have a budget:
- Depending on the size of the plank, the type of wood used, and whether you select engineered or solid wood, the hardwood flooring cost can vary significantly.
- Hardwood flooring often costs more if the boards are broader and longer.
- The cost can also be impacted by the thickness of the floor, with thicker planks being more expensive.
- Solid wood flooring often costs much more than engineered wood does. This is because more hardwood was used to make the flooring planks.
- Make sure to consider the wood type. Prices vary according to how rare a specific wood species is. For instance, oak flooring is inexpensive because it is a popular wood for flooring, but walnut, which is far more uncommon, is marginally more costly.
Contact Greenhill Timbers for Hardwood Floor Installation
Making a wise choice when choosing hardwood flooring is crucial for a long-lasting investment. To suit your lifestyle and design choices, consider the wood species, durability, and finish options carefully. If sustainability is a top concern, carefully analyse installation costs and consider eco-friendly possibilities. Verify warranties and upkeep specifications and ask for referrals to reliable installers.
By carefully considering these fundamental details, you’ll not only improve your area’s appearance but also ensure that your hardwood flooring endures and provides beauty and practicality for many years to come.
