Wooden floors can add a touch of elegance to any room in the house. They are durable and can withstand heavy traffic with ease. They look more hygienic than carpets and are easy to clean. They also do not nurture parasites such as fleas, dust mites or spores that can cause allergies.
Wood floors can be found in a wide variety of species and grades which allows them to adapt to almost any interior design theme that you may have. The various colors, shades and swirls of the grain will give a natural beauty to any home. They can also be refinished to make them more vibrant and give the same look as new floors. They will also last longer than other types of flooring and are considered a good investment for anyone who is considering selling their home in the future.
When compared to laminates and vinyls, wooden floors are far easier to install. It is much easier to lay them yourself and some even come with a click system which means they can be laid without the need for nails or glue. This makes them more affordable to install and is also a lot safer for children. They are also a great choice for homes with pets and are non-toxic. They can reduce hollow sounds and vibrations making them a popular choice for dance and music rooms.
Many people do not know the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring. Solid wood floors are milled from a single piece of timber that is then kiln or air dried depending on the desired appearance of the floor. It can then be sanded and stained to the desired color or finished in the factory for installation in a pre-finished plank. Solid wood flooring is a superior product to stranded and engineered hardwood as it can be sanded more times than other types of flooring and will not warp or shrink with age.
Solid and engineered wood flooring are both available in a wide range of prices, allowing them to be affordable to everyone. The two different types are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye and both will enhance a property and add value.
Both solid and engineered wood floors are available in a wide selection of finishes, widths and wood species. Many homeowners can not tell the difference between the two.
It is a good idea to get the advice of a professional when choosing your type of wood and having it installed. They can help you choose the best wood to suit your lifestyle and the design of your home as well as advise you on how to take care of your flooring.
If your wood flooring has become scuffed or scratched, it is time to refinish it. If the scratching is a result of dragging furniture or dropping items on it, then you should use soft cloths and a mild solvent such as mineral spirits to remove the scratches and refinish the surface.