Hardwood flooring is versatile and beautiful, which is what makes it a good choice for flooring materials. It has a beauty and charm all its own, and when installed in a bedroom, kitchen, or hallway, it adds beauty and value to the home.
Solid hardwood floors are created by laying planks milled from the same source of timber. Cut and joined together in a pattern, hardwood floors were originally used to maintain the structure of the home by providing a base of support for walls. They started becoming popular as a design feature because of how beautiful they look when stained and polished. Engineered wood flooring has gained popularity in the last few years as well. However, solid wood floors are still the most popular choice.
Solid wood flooring is popular because when it begins to age and lose its luster, it can be sanded down and refinished to restore it to its former glory. Something that is not always successful with engineered wood flooring, which is a layer of hardwood over a plywood base.
Differences Between Softwoods and Hardwoods
How can you tell the difference between types of wood? What are softwoods, and what are hardwoods? Softwoods are often sourced from trees such as Pine, Fir, and Cedar
Softwood flooring:
These varieties mature quickly and are readily abundant. However, the wood itself is less dense and therefore less durable. Because it is not as hard as hardwoods, it is susceptible to dents and scratches. Also, sanding is not recommended as it can leave holes in the softer wood surface.
Hardwood Flooring:
The trees that are used for hardwood floorings like mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut grow much slower, and are thicker and more durable. They tend to last longer and require less maintenance than softer woods.One of the best things about hardwood flooring is that it’s been used for thousands of years and withstands all kinds of wear and tear and still looks amazing. Hardwoods make a connection with nature. When you install wood flooring, you’re bringing nature inside. The feeling of being a forest of thick trees can be achieved even in the most modern environments. Hardwoods include: Maple, Beech, Cypress, White Oak, Red Oak.
What Makes Hardwood Floors So Popular?
Wood changes over time. It will get small scratches, nicks, and dents, which gives your floor its own unique personality. That is the kind of character that cannot be bought but can only be attained over time.
Wood flooring is a particularly good material for big spaces like kitchen and dining room areas. They help to create a continuous line of consistency throughout the home. This can be achieved by the use of decorative hardwood installations.
Every piece of wood used on a hardwood floor is different and has its own individual patterns, and colors. There are dozens of different species of domestic and imported hardwoods to choose from, each has its own grain pattern, color, and unique characteristics.
Hardwood flooring installation may cost a little more than other types of flooring, but its durability makes it a good buy. These floors last much longer and resist damage from accidents and age.
Wood flooring is a particularly good material for open spaces like kitchen and dining room areas. They help to create a continuous line of consistency throughout the home. This can be achieved by the use of decorative hardwood installations.
How Hardwood Floors Feel Under Your Feet
Hardwoods make a firm surface that resists kicks and scratches, feels firm to the touch, and stays warm year-round. This type of flooring works well with in-floor radiant heaters.
Squeaks and creaks in the floorboards are a common occurrence. Neighbors or family living downstairs may hear the noise more than you do. However, installing a foam underlayment can eliminate the squeaks.
Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of restoring the beauty of a wood floor by sanding and smoothing, and adding a coat of varnish or stain. Beautiful wood stains are waterproof and resist beading and pooling to protect the wood from water damage.
Hardwood floors make a great addition to any home. It lends a feeling of warmth and a unique look that invites people to gather and socialize. Family holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are occasions to celebrate with a mug of hot chocolate beside a crackling fire.
