Thinking of starting home renovations soon? Before you settle on a flooring choice, consider your lifestyle. Hardwood is ever-popular for a good reason. But if you don’t start the process by evaluating how you live, you might not be happy with your decision.
Hardwood flooring has always been a popular choice due to its timeless beauty and durability. However, finding the perfect hardwood flooring match for your lifestyle goes beyond appearance alone. It involves considering factors such as the level of foot traffic in your home, your pets, and your cleaning routine. Whether you have a busy household with pets and children or you prefer a more minimalist lifestyle, consider your options to make an informed decision that suits your unique needs.
Assessing your lifestyle
Imagine for a moment: brand new hardwood floors, and your child leaves the water on, and the tub overflows. Not a pretty picture, right? It could happen to anyone, but in some households, it’s more expected. You know how your family lives day to day, and you understandy what to expect.
The beautiful thing about technology is hardwood flooring has many different meanings. What works for one might not be the best for others.
Which is why the best place to start is by evaluating how your family’s lifestyle and activities will impact your flooring choices.
Do you have young children or pets? If so, you may want to select a hardwood flooring option that offers durability and resistance to scratches and stains. Hardwood species such as oak or hickory are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and pet activities. Or maybe engineered hardwood would be a better choice to suit your needs with special finishes to withstand moisture and spills.
A busy household with a lot of coming and going will require a more resilient and durable hardwood flooring option compared to a quieter, more low-key household. Consider hardwood options with a high Janka hardness rating, indicating their ability to resist denting and wear over time.
If you enjoy hosting gatherings or have kids who love to play sports indoors, you may want to consider a hardwood flooring option that can handle the stress of these activities. Engineered hardwood flooring, which consists of multiple layers of wood topped with a hardwood veneer, offers increased stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid hardwood, making it a suitable choice for areas prone to spills or fluctuations in humidity.
Some hardwood species, such as pine or birch, are more susceptible to scratching and require regular refinishing to maintain their appearance. Conversely, harder woods like maple or teak are more resistant to scratching and may require less maintenance over time. Natural hardwood flooring is incredibly versatile, offering a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic that can complement a range of interior styles. However, if you prefer a more contemporary or eclectic look, you may want to consider engineered hardwood, which comes in a wider range of finishes, colors, and patterns.
Durability and wear resistance
Why do homeowners invest in hardwood? Hardwood is a popular choice known for its beauty, longevity, and timeless appeal. And that starts with durability and the ability to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Yes, it comes down to what brand and style you buy. The hardwood species matters, too.
Hardwood flooring is available in a variety of species, each with its unique characteristics and level of durability. Let’s explore some popular hardwood species renowned for their durability and wear resistance:
Oak
Oak is a beloved hardwood choice known for its durability and strength. It boasts a distinctive grain pattern and comes in two varieties, red oak, and white oak. Both varieties are highly resistant to scratches and dents, making them perfect for high-foot-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Oak flooring can withstand heavy furniture, pets, and active children without losing its natural beauty.
Hickory
Hickory is one of the hardest and toughest hardwood species available. Its strong, dense composition makes it resistant to impacts, scratches, and dents. Hickory flooring is an excellent choice for areas that experience heavy foot traffic, such as entryways and kitchens. Additionally, it offers a beautiful rustic appearance with its natural color variations and distinctive grain patterns.
Maple
Maple hardwood is known for its durability and resistance to wear. Its dense composition makes it highly resistant to scratches and dents, making it suitable for active households. Moreover, maple flooring provides a light and elegant appearance, making it a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian Cherry, also known as Jatoba, is an exotic hardwood species prized for its exceptional hardness and durability. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is highly resistant to scratches and dents. Brazilian Cherry flooring offers a rich, reddish-brown color that darkens over time and adds warmth and elegance to any space.
Ash
Ash hardwood is known for its durability and shock resistance. It has a distinct, light-brown color with prominent grain patterns. Ash flooring is an excellent choice for areas with high foot traffic, as it can withstand heavy impact and resist scratches and dents. It also has good dimensional stability, making it suitable for humid environments.
Of course, this is just a start. There are many different types and styles of hardwood, just like there are many different products to choose from.
There isn’t a right choice. But there is a suitable choice for your lifestyle. Start there, and you’ll never regret the hardwood you choose for your home. You’ll love it as much on day 1,000 as you do on day 1.
Expert advice …
Are you remodeling? Ready for new flooring? Ultimately, finding the perfect hardwood flooring match for your lifestyle requires balancing your practical needs, personal style, and environmental considerations.
No matter where you are on your journey, we can help. Stop by today and see our complete collection. Talk with one of our flooring consultants and discuss your unique situation.
We’ll help you find the perfect hardwood flooring to suit your needs.