04th Mar 2009
A Wood Floor
Wood flooring is one of the most enduring trends in home design. It goes with pretty much any theme and color, and never fails to give a warm, inviting glow to any room. So it’s no wonder that every homeowner wants the perfect hardwood floor to complement their home. But like any other floor, wood has its own pros and cons. Sometimes, although it works visually with your room, it doesn’t suit your personality or lifestyle.
There are several things to consider when buying a wood floor. First of all, it doesn’t come cheap—a hardwood floor can easily cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the kind of wood and the size of your room. Some woods also last longer and look better than others. If you’re considering a wood floor, take your time and get to know all your choices. Here are some things worth keeping in mind.
Hardwood or softwood?
If you’re after top quality, hardwood flooring is easily the best choice. Its name says it all—it’s hard enough to last years and years of abuse. Its timeless look also ensures that it will look great even when you redesign your home. The only drawback? It’s expensive. Some hardwoods actually cost more than marble, granite, and other high-end flooring types. Expect to pay around $10 per square foot on a quality hardwood floor.
If hardwood is beyond your budget, you can look into cheaper wood varieties. They won’t last as long as hardwood, of course, but with a little maintenance they can come quite close. Pine and spruce are the best softwoods for flooring purposes; pine is especially ideal if you’re going for a country look.
Alternative options
Manufacturers have also come up with non-wood materials that look and feel just like the real thing. If you want an eco-friendly floor, bamboo flooring may be your best choice. Bamboo is actually a type of grass; the part used for flooring is its extremely hard stem. Because it grows very fast, it’s in no danger of being depleted like most regular woods. Bamboo floors look great with Zen and Asian-inspired themes.
If you’re on a budget, you may also want to consider laminate flooring. Laminate is made from several layers of kraft and wood chips, pressed together and sealed with a urethane coat. The top layer is a photographic print, usually of wood or some other natural material. That means you get the exact same look for a fraction of the cost, and with much easier maintenance!
Wood finishes
The type of finish you choose can affect the look and quality of your wood floor. A common question among homeowners is whether to go for an unfinished or finished floor. A finished floor will be much easier to install, but it tends to create gaps between the boards where dirt and moisture can gather. A finished floor will need more maintenance in the long run.
Unfinished floors, on the other hand, create a flatter surface with little to no dirt traps. Installation may be difficult and more expensive, and you’ll probably need professional assistance to avoid costly mistakes. However, if properly done, it will look much cleaner than a finished floor. It’s also easier to keep clean.
Staying in style
Wood flooring may be timeless, but it has its weaknesses just like other floors. Over time, the finish and color will fade from constant foot traffic. If you want to keep it looking new, you’ll need to keep it clean and reapply the finish once in a while. Refinishing wood floors is as simple as applying a fresh coat over the worn parts. Do it as soon as you see the problem; don’t wait for it to spread over the room.
A bit of decoration can help bring out the natural beauty of your wood floor. Since wood goes with any color, it’s just a matter of picking a theme and laying it over the room. If you’re going for a country room, complement it with wooden furniture and other rustic pieces. For a contemporary look, combine it with solid, neutral colors and a few brightly colored accessories.
Maintenance tips
Regular maintenance is key to keeping wood floors in top shape. Most of them will do with daily sweeping and vacuuming. Make sure to use a soft bristle broom or a soft vacuum attachment, as the coating is easily scratched. Pay extra attention to beveled edges and crevices where dust can pile up.
Flooring problems are best addressed in the early stages, before they spread to other areas of the floor. This is especially true with squeaks and cracks, the most common problems in wood flooring. Fixing cracking wood floors involves getting to the root of the problem—this means pulling up a few boards and doing some handiwork yourself. If you’re not familiar with flooring structures, have a professional help you.
Tags: unfinished or finished floor | unfinished or finished floor | fixing cracking wood floors | fixing cracking wood floors | refinishing wood floors | refinishing wood floors | bamboo flooring | bamboo flooring | wood flooring | wood flooring
July 6th, 2010 at 5:06 am
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