The choice of flooring finish for a home can be a tough decision because there are many available options to choose from. Apart from numerous options, factors like your budget, the house’s style, the durability of the wood, and the environmental condition of your location also have to be taken into account. However, if, in the end, you still decide to go with hardwood flooring, here are some other essential things that can make your decision easier and also ensure you are making the right call.
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Type of Hardwood
There are two major types of hardwood; solid and the engineered. The solid hardwood flooring is made using naturally occurring wood species, and they usually come in single layers. In contrast, the engineered hardwood flooring is made by bonding different species of wood together.
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Budget
Your budget has a significant impact on your choice of hardwood flooring because you have to consider the cost of a wood choice, whether solid or engineered, the cost of installation, and the cost of other unforeseen expenses. Generally, engineered hardwood floors are cheaper than solid hardwood floors. In case you are not sure whether your budget can cover your choice, you can talk to a professional to provide you with options that suit your budget.
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Consider your Styling options
The color of your floor finishing contributes to the overall appearance of the interior of your home. Hardwood floors can come in different colors depending on the wood species and the finishing used in their processing. When considering the available styling options, remember that the style of the remaining parts of the house determines your hardwood styling options.
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Level of Durability
Many factors determine the durability of a hardwood floor, and these factors include the species of the wood, its water-resistance level, and the type of protective finish. When choosing hardwood flooring, it is best to find out about the best combination of wood species and finishing type that will ensure that your floor can withstand wear and tear. Engineered hardwood is usually more durable than solid hardwood.
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Pet Adaptability
If you are someone that happens to have pets in the house, you may have to pay extra attention to your floor. Urine and poos from pets, if left unchecked, can mess with your floor. Also, the nails of your pets can also scratch the floor. It would be best to take preventive measures like training your pet to handle its business outdoors and trimming its nails.
The factors to consider are not limited to the ones listed above, but we believe these are some of the most important ones. Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment should you decide to have it installed in your home because it will likely raise your home’s market value.