Considerations for Choosing a Wood Flooring Product

DANVILLE — When choosing a new wood flooring product for your home, you’ll need to consider several factors to make the right decision. A good starting place is to consider the size and character of your household, as this will inform the criteria on which you’ll base your decision. For example, if you have an “active” household with young children and pets, you’re going to have very different criteria than a retired couple.

One of the most important characteristics to look for in a flooring product is durability. If you have an active household, you’ll want a floor that can stand up to wear—a dense product like oak or maple as opposed to softer wood like poplar or alder. Additionally, you may want to consider a flooring style that will hide marks and other signs of wear, such as a distressed wood floor. Since distressed wood is intentionally given a worn aesthetic, wear and tear will enhance its character rather than diminish it.

Another, more design-centric consideration for hardwood flooring is plank size. The width and length of the flooring planks you choose can have a surprising impact on your home’s visual aspect. Longer planks can add length to your home, while wide planks go well with an open concept floor plan.

In addition to the product itself, you’ll need to choose a finish for your new hardwood floor. There are three different finishes used on hardwood floors: urethane, UV oil and oil-based. Each has different maintenance requirements and performs differently over time. For example, an oil-based finish requires the most maintenance of any finish; however, if properly maintained, it can perform the longest.

As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing a hardwood flooring product. To make an informed choice, consult a local hardwood flooring expert who can further educate you about your options.