Buying a hardwood floor is an important decision. Before investing a considerable amount of money, it is essential to know your priorities when it comes to floor coverings. You should consider possible designs, choice of wood species, durability, installation methods, maintenance and the numerous benefits you will get from a hardwood floor.
Wood flooring is timeless; it is a natural resource, renewable and recyclable. For natural beauty, it's hard to beat the warmth of real hardwood flooring. It enhances and complements all decors and styles.
Like a piece of fine furniture, wood flooring increases in value and becomes more beautiful with time. In a national survey, 90 percent of real estate agents said houses with wood flooring sell faster And, because wood does not collect dust and other allergens, many leading health associations agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home.
Wood floors are ecologically friendly. Since it is a natural resource, wood is both renewable and recyclable. Many of yesteryear’s old wood ships, warehouses, barns, and other structures often find a second life in wood flooring.
The state-of-the-art technology and almost limitless choices of today's stains, finishes, styles and designs make wood flooring one of the most practical, easy maintenance and versatile floor coverings today. Maintained properly, wood flooring should never have to be replaced. From traditional 3/4" solid oak, maple and other hardwood species, to pre-finished engineered or long-strip flooring, Douglas Hardwood Floors will help you choose the right hardwood floor for your decor and busy lifestyle.
Species: The most popular species of hardwoods are Red and White Oak, Maple, Yellow Birch, White Ash, Cherry and Beech. The choice of species is usually made according to the grain of the wood appearance and the desire color. Wood floors have come a long way in the past few years. Today, there are more styles, colors and species of wood flooring available than ever before. Whether you’re looking for traditional Oak, rustic Pine, exotic Wenge or trendy Bamboo, you’re sure to find a color and style to fit your décor.
Grades: Grade is a technical term used to categorize wood according to its natural appearance and/or the degree of the manufacturing quality. For example, a "select and better" grade would be a more uniform color and without any color defect of the natural grain of the wood. A lower grade as "rustic" or "antique" is naturally with more pronounce color variation.
Widths: Strip flooring is generally offered in widths of 2-1/4, 2-1/2 and 3-1/4 inch. Plank flooring is generally offered in widths of 3-1/4 up to 12 inches wide. The choice between strip and plank flooring will depend on the desired appearance of the finished floor. Strip flooring usually gives a more traditional or formal look to a room; whereas, plank flooring gives a more country or open feel to a room and should be reserved for larger job sizes.