Bubinga. Purpleheart. Bloodwood. Sandalwood.
If you’ve been looking at high-end hardwood flooring, you may be stretching for something beyond the standard oak or maple.
Whether you’re designing a home or business interior, sometimes only the best will do. If you want something that stands out from the norm, that takes people entirely by surprise when they enter the space, high-end hardwood flooring may be just the thing you’re looking for.
Hardwood flooring has been around for centuries. It hasn’t lost its popularity even with many new entries to the marketplace. It’s still one of the most sought-after flooring choices because of its classic good looks, and easy maintenance.
Still, why settle for just the “norm” when you’re designing your dream space?
What is high-end hardwood flooring?
If you shop for hardwood, you’ll quickly notice the wide variance in looks and price. What sets hardwood apart is the accessibility of the wood. High-end hardwood flooring in either residential or commercial grade is made from more refined materials with a higher concentration on the details. High-end wood flooring isn’t always created from newly crafted wood. A popular choice right now also includes reclaimed hardwood, which is salvaged from a variety of places.
What you’ll notice with high-end hardwood is the difference in the details. High-end hardwood adds personality and character you won’t find in standard materials.
While high-end hardwood flooring can be created from a variety of resources, you’ll also find them in various sized planks up to 20 inches in width. These wider boards allow the personality of the wood to shine through, putting more emphasis on the individual grain patterns. If you want to make a statement from the bottom up, this is a great way to do it.
Reasons why high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you
People invest in hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons. Whether you prefer a different look from what you see in other homes, or you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home, a high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you.
High-end hardwood flooring can:
Let your personality shine – let’s face it, the reason most of us turn to hardwood is because we love the classic design. Hardwood just looks good inside your home or business. But sometimes you want to stretch past what everyone else is installing, and create a look as unique as you are. That’s when high-end hardwood materials shine. If you can dream it, you can achieve it when looking towards higher end products. Whether you stick with one material, or incorporate several different materials for dramatic effect, you’ll find rich color and pattern combinations that will set the stage for any room you’re remodeling.
Make maintenance even easier – just because you install something different from the norm, doesn’t mean you want to spend more time cleaning and maintaining it. Depending on the hardwood you select, it may be even easier for your weekly cleaning routine. Hardwoods are ranked according to hardness based on the Janka rating. Select one at the harder end of the scale, and your routine may include daily sweeping and occasional deep cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come.
Make your home more valuable – if you are building your forever home, selling it may be the last thing on your mind. But it is nice to know that when you install certain features, they hold up well over time. Hardwood flooring is seen as an upscale feature that buyers want. Studies show that you can expect up to 80 percent return on investment when you install hardwood, and increase the market value of your home by as much as 2.5 percent. If you use an exotic hardwood that sets your house apart from others on the market, that price bump may continue to rise.
Create a healthier environment – many families turn to hardwood because it creates a hard surface area. Dust bunnies can’t hide. You sweep or vacuum away problems that may exacerbate allergies or asthma attacks. In today’s environment, it’s nice to know that a solid flooring choice allows you to reach the nooks and crannies easier, ensuring your floors are as clean as you can get them.
Ensure you use environmentally friendly materials – hardwood most often comes from trees. [Materials like cork and bamboo are the exception.] High-end hardwood comes from trees that are rarer, or more difficult to harvest. As such, it can lead to problems in the supply chain, and less than stellar harvesting practices. No matter what hardwood flooring choice you settle on, be sure to do your research to ensure it’s harvested ethically and meets guidelines of regulatory organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Provide durability for years – when you install hardwood flooring, it’s nice to know that clean up will be easy. Another thing to think about is how durable the materials will be throughout the years. Durability comes from standing up to all your family can dish out. If it scratches easily, or dents when you drop something on it, you may fall out of love with your hardwood flooring choice just as quickly as you fell for it. Overall, hardwood is a great choice because it stands the test of time. When it begins to wear and show marks, you can sand it down and refinish it, making it truly a flooring choice you can enjoy for decades.
Are you ready to give high-end hardwood flooring a try?
People turn to hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons – what’s yours? But sometimes you don’t want “normal,” but prefer to select something that says “wow” instead.
High-end hardwood can give you the color, pattern, style, or personality you’ve been longing for. It can give you a chance to create a room you’re happy to come home to, and equally as happy to share with family and friends.
Are you ready to install high-end hardwood flooring in your home? Stop by today and see our full selection.