Hardwood flooring options to fit your lifestyle

Changing the flooring pattern of your room can change its entire look. Since the floor is the foundation of the whole visual aesthetic of your room, using a style that aligns and best fits with the image you are trying to create is essential. Simply, there is no alternative to making the wrong floor selection. In case you are looking for sophistication and traditional beauty, hardwood floor is the popular and safe choice.
Once you have made up your mind on hardwood flooring, although you choice selection process has just begun, there are several hardwood options to consider. There are several ways to personalize hardwood floors, starting from the wood type and finishing pattern. Each room has a unique feature and your floor should be a reflection of such characteristic. Every other minute component of the room depends on the floor and this must be considered.
When going for a wood flooring, the first thing to consider is the type of wood to use on your floor. Each type of woods has their own unique grain pattern and unique designs to them. For instance, Maple has larger patterns and a smaller grain, which makes it perfect for an elegant formal study or dining room. On the other hand, oak has a broader and larger grain which produces more of a rustic and homey appearance. Ensure to consider carefully the grains patterns before selecting a type of wood as they have a notable effect on your finished floor.
After selecting your wood type, the next thing to decide is the shade. Darker shades are popular in a more formal setting while lighter ones appear to be more open and entertaining. Also, do not forget that there would be furniture sharing the room together with the floor. So, ensure that the type of shade you select matches with the existing furniture or those you have in mind. Selecting floor shade color that goes with your existing furniture is essential except if you plan to change them completely.
Selecting the wood type and shade is not enough; you still need to make decisions on the boards cut. The width and thickness of planks have a tremendous effect on the final look of your floor. Narrow boards (popularly called strip boards) are known to give a room a more contemporary appearance. If a larger number of small boards is it on the floor, it will create the impression of a larger space. On the other hand, wide boards create an earthier and country appearance. However, combining wide boards with light shade will create a comfortable atmosphere.
Aside from all these, you will be required to choose an edge style for your floor. For each board, the edge can either be beveled or flat depending on the look you want your floor to assume. A flat and square edge gives room for a single continuous solid floor space. By far, this is the most popular hardwood form and it produces a smooth and finished feel. As for beveled edges, your floor will have a sense of depth and a three-dimensional effect. Bevels can also me made to custom sizes.
The next factor is the installation pattern. The way you lay your boards have a remarkable effect on the look of your floor. The straight patterns are the most popularly used type and it includes placing each board in a straight line that is perpendicular and parallel to the walls. This pattern can be slightly modified to a diagonal format whereby the boards are laid at a diagonal angle to the walls. The herringbone and parquet patterns are also available for those who want to modify the pattern.
There can be further customization of parquet patterns. Herringbone, for instance, is a style whereby the boards are arranged in a zigzag shape where each end forms a V with the next board.
To round off the hardwood floor, there are several options available for coating your new floor and to give it a perfect look. Local oil finishes have been the most popular and commonly used finishing used for centuries on hardwood surfaces. Before oiling, brushing should be done I order to remove splinters and give the floor a more improved look. Other finishes include polyurethane like varnish and lacquer can give you floor a glittering and mirror-like look.
Conclusively, hardwood flooring is a great choice for home furnishing if you can take your time to consider all the available options that will give your home that awesome look you desire.