Selecting Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring For Every Room
Today there are more wood flooring fashions to choose from than ever before. At last count there were over 1,000 species of wood, cork and bamboo floors available to you. The popularity of a wood floor is because of one thing – its design warmth! Wood is as cozy as it is practical. Wood is timeless. It never goes out of style. Wood floors last a long time which makes them an excellent investment.
Whatever your décor design objectives are, the experts at Bretz Interiors can help you discover the perfect wood floor for you. Because of the variety of species, colors, widths and installation techniques, you can create a custom work of art for your home.
Solid hardwood is 100% solid wood. Most solid hardwood flooring needs to be nailed to a subfloor and is susceptible to shrinking and expanding from excessive moisture and extreme temperature changes. This makes it unsuitable for installation directly over concrete and is not usually recommended for below grade use. It is normally nailed or stapled to a wooden subfloor.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is also 100% wood. Its cross-ply construction allows installation below or above grade even over concrete. It resists expansion and contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes. Engineered flooring is typically glued-down, stapled-down or floated over an existing floor. It is manufactured by permanently bonding together multiple layers of solid wood in a cross ply construction. Engineered hardwood is usually the only type of hardwood that is recommended for use below grade.
Species of Flooring
The first step is to look at the different species of hardwood. This is important because the species will influence the appearance and durability. Not all species of hardwood are equally hard. If your floor is in a high traffic area or in a heavily used room then you should consider oak, maple or ash for extra durability.
Traditional oak has pronounced variations in grain and shade while the grain in maple is cleaner and more understated. There are also exotic species available such as lapacho, tigerwood and Brazilian cherry. These have a distinctive combination of origin, color and surface characteristics.
Additional Considerations When Selecting Hardwood Flooring
- Color – Color will have a huge influence on your buying decision. There are many colors available because of the natural color and graining of the species and the stain that’s applied to the wood. The lighting in your room also plays a role in how the wood will appear.
- Width – Hardwood flooring is generally described by board width. A strip is less than 3” wide. Planks are 3” or wider. The width of individual boards has a dramatic influence on the look of your floor. Wide widths will complement a large room but could overwhelm a small area. Select the look that you like the best and one that works with your style and the architecture of your home.
- Edge Detail – The way that the edges and ends of boards are cut is called edge detail. Edge detail options include square, microbeveled, eased and beveled. If you’re going for a dramatic effect you should select a beveled edge. This emphasizes the definition of individual boards. Square edges bring a smooth and seamless appearance.
- Finish – Today many manufacturers offer extra tough urethane finishes which means that the hardwood flooring will hold up to heavy use and traffic. These urethane finishes allow the wood to maintain its luster for years without having to wax or refinish them.
- Installation – Once you have decided on your new hardwood floor, the next important step is to have it installed. You’ll have to decide in what direction the floor will be laid. There are also design accents like borders and medallions that will add another design dimension to your room. Installing a floor with the boards running across the width or on the diagonal of a narrow room will create a more spacious environment.
Where do you start? The first decision to make is whether solid or engineered hardwood is appropriate for your home. Visit our Lakewood, CO showroom to see all the possibilities.
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Hardwood Flooring Options in Denver, Arvada CO and Surrounding Areas
Meet with one of our design consultants to discuss your flooring or window covering project. We offer all types of flooring including wood, stone, tile, luxury vinyl and carpeting. Our custom window coverings from Hunter Douglas include blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and motorization options. With more than 100 years of combined experience, the staff of Bretz Interiors can handle any project.
We Are in Your Neighborhood
Our Showroom is in Lakewood, CO but we also provide free in-home appointments throughout the Greater Denver area including Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Westminster, Littleton, Morrison, and the neighborhood of Applewood, CO, and surrounding areas.