With so many choices available in the market, it might be difficult to make a decision as to what type of flooring is best for your home. Read on for some useful suggestions.
Reasons for choosing wood flooring
There are many advantages wooden floors have over ceramic or fitted carpet floors. Perhaps the most significant advantage lies in wood’s longevity. While initial costs may be higher when compared to other types of flooring, wooden floors have a shelf life of up to a century, if maintained regularly and adequately. Therefore, wood flooring is a good long-term investment.
Wooden floors require minimal maintenance and cleaning them is an easy and hassle-free task. As a result, wooden floors are ideal in those homes whose residents suffer from environmental allergies. There are never dust build-ups, animal dander and other allergens trapped in wooden floors.
Wooden floors are aesthetically pleasant. Wood adds a delicate and classy touch to any floor. Also, due to the huge variety of woods, wooden floors are highly versatile. Homeowners can choose to create both modern and traditional looks, since there is a colour, cut and style of wood for every need.
Last but not least, woods can be recycled and therefore are a green option when it comes to home decoration.
Wood types
Maple
Maple wood is a step above oak in terms of durability. The colour range goes from creamy white to brown, including some reddish tones. The lighter tones can be used in kitchens or living rooms, to open up the space and bring in some brightness. Darker tones can be combined with orange or cream-painted walls to create a welcoming and warm space.
Walnut
Walnut is a relatively soft wood. Black walnut wood in particular will add a touch of formality to any room, therefore being ideal for office and studio floors. Combine a dark walnut wooden floor with a colour-block rug for a striking effect.
Ash
Ash wood is available in colours going from light cream to dark chocolate. Mix, match and contrast with your existing decoration to create a homely feel in bedrooms and living rooms.
Oak
Red oak is one of the most popular choices, although it is not as durable as white oak. The natural highlights in both white and red oak can immediately warm up a room, so they are ideal to be used in bedrooms. Red oak floors are a great match to rooms painted in vivacious colours, such as children’s rooms or modern studios.
Dark oak tones can be used to create a comfortable atmosphere in living rooms decorated in contrasting tones (such as deep reds or indigo blues).
Black oak is a rare wood that can add a sober and elegant touch to a room. It is a perfect match to a minimalist-style dining room.
And remember, wooden floors are always in style!