What exactly do we mean when we say hardwood flooring? Strictly speaking, hardwood floors are made of timber (except bamboo which is often considered a hardwood but is in fact made from a sturdy grass) and are cut from one piece of wood (as opposed to engineered floors which are composed of 3 to 5 layers of wood glued together to make a whole.) Originally hardwood floors were used to add structure to wood homes, and the floor planks were laid across the beams at a right angle. Today, with modern construction techniques focused on concrete and metal hardware, hardwood floors are used mainly for their aesthetic qualities and high durability in a variety of climates and room purposes. The most common design types for a modern hardwood floor, are strip, plank, and parquet flooring. Strip flooring may be the most common, as it features 1.5 to 2.25 inch wide boards installed in a linear fashion. Plank flooring is the same as strip flooring except that it is available in widths from 3 to 14 inches. Finally, parquet flooring can be composed of combinations of strip and/or plank flooring, and is installed in geometric designs that may also include other flooring materials such as tile, metal, cork, or leather. Hardwood flooring is also widely available in finished or unfinished types, with a number of treatment options for each.
For high traffic areas, such as the hall or entryway, a lighter wood with a natural stain will show the least amount of wear. Kitchens and family rooms also do well with this treatment. For living rooms, bedrooms, offices, as well as low traffic guest bathrooms, a darker wood with a warm tone can add a sophistication that complements any decor. While maple, bamboo, and oak are very popular choices, other woods available include pine, fir, birch, cherry, cinnamon, and walnut. Each type of wood has its own advantages in hue, durability, and texture. Additionally, the use of area rugs can not only complement your floor and protect it from wear, but also they can break up larger rooms into differently purposed areas. Laying your flooring in patterns or using more than one type of wood or stain can also give the effect of breaking up larger room spaces. It should also be noted that while hardwood flooring can be installed in any room or for any application, it does fair better in rooms that are drier. High traffic bathrooms or snow filled mudroom entryways might be better protected with another type of flooring unless you plan to be vigilant in keeping water and humidity away from the floor with mats or regular mopping.
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful choice for your home and with proper care you will enjoy the look and feel of it for as long as you own your house. With such a variety of styles and patterns available, you’ll be sure to find one that you can be satisfied with for years to come.