There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to investing in new floors for your home. However, many will agree that not all flooring materials have the same appeal as solid hardwood. Solid hardwood flooring is beautiful and lasts for decades, and it comes in several varieties. Read on to learn more about how to choose the right hardwood flooring for you, and contact Good Ol’ Boy Hardwood Floors in Kansas City today for professional hardwood floor installation!
How To Choose The Right Hardwood, Part 1
Color
You probably already have an idea in mind of what you want your future hardwood floors to look like — let’s start with color. Solid hardwood is available in several different species and several different colors, from a nearly purple brown-black to soft white, so chances are good that you will be able to find a variety that can bring your dream to life. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, start with Good Ol’ Boy Hardwood Floors’ online showcase!
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that if you plan to stain your floors, then the natural color of the wood can affect the outcome. Red oak floors – as the name suggests – will have a reddish tint, and that red color will likely come through to the final results of whatever stain you choose. Try to find a wood variety that is naturally as close to your ideal color as possible for the best results.
Grain
The natural grain of wood is a lot of what lends solid hardwood flooring its warm, welcoming, natural look. A strong grain can create a bold aesthetic, while a more subtle grain makes for a softer, more consistent look.
The species of wood you choose will affect the strength of the grain, and so can the way the your hardwood floor planks are cut. Plain-sawn wood has the wood grain you are likely picturing in your head right now, with arcing lines called a “cathedral” pattern. Rift-sawn boards, on the other hand, have a longer, linear, more consistent wood grain without the swirling patterns.
You may choose rift-sawn boards or wood with a more subtle grain for a more modern look. If you want your floors to look all-natural or rustic, then plain-sawn wood with a strong grain can create the perfect effect.
Stain
Staining your hardwood floors is a great way to achieve a color you can’t find naturally and it is a great way to match your floors to the rest of your home design aesthetic. The type of wood you choose to use will affect your success, however. As we mentioned, the natural color of the wood can change the end color of the stain. The hardness of the wood will also affect how well it absorbs the stain. We’ll discuss the relative hardness and durability of different wood species in part two of this series.
Looking for a starting point? Oak floors typically take stain very well, and white oak can be a great, versatile choice for many different colors. Contact Good Ol’ Boy Hardwood Floors today for a stain consultation and ask about our custom stain colors!
Bring Home Your Perfect Hardwood Floors With Good Ol’ Boy
When it comes to solid hardwood flooring, you want a team of experts on your side. Good Ol’ Boy Hardwood Floors has more than 30 years of combined experience in the industry, and we only work with licensed and insured contractors so you can enjoy peace of mind with every project. Look for part two of this blog for more information on how to choose the perfect hardwood for your home, or contact Good Ol’ Boy for a personal consultation! We look forward to working with you.