Wooden Flooring
Wood has been used for flooring for hundreds of years. Today, hardwood floors
are found in homes of all price ranges and has become the flooring of choice in
many homes because of its beauty, strength, long life and easy maintenance.
In this part of the country -- where oak has long been considered almost sacred -- designers and builders are slowly branching out and using some interesting varieties of wood flooring coming from places such as Africa, Australia and Greece.
Designer wood
Exotic woods -- such as movingui, brushbox-tristania conferta, jarrah and padouk
-- are becoming part of designers' specifications for fine homes because of
their color, grain and superior durability. And wood is becoming popular in
foyers, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and even bathrooms. Intricate inlaid
patterns, borders and medallions that combine different woods are being used
to define a space, add wonderful detail and give a home a custom look.
Most people base their wood flooring choice mainly on color, which is determined by the wood species, the finish and whether a stain is applied. Each wood has its own range of color. Few are stained, unless a specific color is desired, because most hardwoods will not absorb the stain evenly. Some woods, such as Brazilian cherry and jarrah, will darken quite a bit with age. This is important to know if you want to maintain a lighter color.
The National Wood Flooring Association has established a test for measuring the hardness of different wood flooring, called the Janka rating. It is a good indicator of the ability of a species of wood to withstand denting and wear as well as how hard or easy it is to nail or saw. White oak, for example, has a Janka hardness rating of 1,360. Brazilian cherry, with a rating of 2,350, is almost twice as hard. Hard maple has a rating of 1,450, black walnut 1,010 and Australian spotted gum 2,473.
You've got choices
If you're considering wood flooring for your home, the best way to decide what
type to use is to learn about the choices. Visit a hardwood flooring specialist
who has many types on display and can answer technical questions. It's also
a good idea to see an actual installation in a room setting, if possible.
Equally important as the wood type is the quality of installation and the finishing. The best installations usually are finished on site, but prefinished floors also can be successfully installed. Wood floors are finished with either an oil-based or a water-based finish. The oil-based finishes have been used for years, but may tend to yellow or turn amber over time. Water-based finishes will not yellow as fast and provide a harder finish than oil-based.
Finally, realize that wood is a natural product that expands and contracts with humidity. Normal squeaks and creaks may develop over the years. Regular vacuuming and sweeping to remove grit will keep your floor looking good for years. Buffing and recoating may be necessary after five to eight years to keep the surface smooth. Refinishing is usually required only if deep scratches or excessive wear have occurred.
Whether your style is rustic, casual, formal or traditional, wood floors are a good investment that will withstand the test of time.