All throughout history, hardwood floors have been used by the noblest people in their mansions and estates. Certain building jobs around the home such as installing hardwood floors exude sophistication, elegance and a sense of permanence compared to manufactured wood floors. A hardwood’s rich color, strength and durability, will not only give a home a natural, timeless feel, but will also enable its flooring to survive the toughest tests of time.

Builders, architects, and house designers alike all vouch for the grandeur a hardwood floor brings to a home. Homeowners with exclusive taste also tend to gravitate towards the quality and natural feel of hardwood floors. They bring old-world warmth and charm. The classic splendour of hardwood floors is unparalleled and can never be duplicated in any factory.

The smooth, flowing patterns, rich color and natural texture of hardwood are timeless. Its color and graceful curves can survive the passing fads and trends in home design. While some designs become outdated, the earthy tones of hardwood never go out of style.

Choosing a hardwood is no easy task, though. One needs to familiarize himself with the different types of wood. Hardwoods differ in color, texture, weight and durability.

In getting a hardwood floor for your room, you have to match the type of hardwood that will have to go with it. Different areas of the house demand different types of wood. Woods that have very dark finishes does not fare well in the kitchen because it makes it look too heavy.

Modern types of parquet hardwood floors or wood strip flooring are easier to lay and much cheaper than the traditional 25mm thick hardwood blocks. When installing, consider whether it is better to do it yourself or hire a professional carpenter to cut out the tongue and groove of your hardwood tiles.

For the hardwood tile-laying, you can also hire a reputable tiling company whose staff have undergone special staff training for the installation of hardwood tiles. Furthermore, to better ensure durability of the wood, waterproofing is also necessary to keep moisture at bay.

HARDWOOD FLOORING TYPES

Although hardwood flooring are more expensive compared to other flooring options, the durability and increased home value is worth the cost. Installing hardwood floors in your home is a true real estate investment that will retain its value. In most cases, the hardwood floors generate a return on investment far greater than the actual cost of installation.

Among the different species of wood that make up hardwood flooring, oak and maple are the most preferred. Also popular are pine, fir, cherry, walnut, cinnamon and birch. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can seek advice from your local builders and designers about the most preferable wood for hardwood flooring.

There are also three types hardwood flooring: solid, engineered and acrylic impregnated. Solid hardwood flooring are those which are made from solid hardwood blocks which are then cut according to the specific size and dimensions. In the case of engineered hardwood flooring, three to five layers of wooden and plastic sheets are adhered together to increase strength. Regarding acrylic impregnated hardwood flooring, sealant and color are inculcated throughout the wood, thus making a uniform finish.

The styles of hardwood flooring are also diverse. Some of them are plank, strip and parquet wood flooring. For strip style, the wood planks are available in specific width, but with thickness. On the contrary, plank hardwood flooring comes with set thickness and variable widths. For parquet style, geometrical shaped wood pieces are joined to create a unique pattern. These patterns include: basketweave, strip, standard, and herringbone.

Once you decide the type of hardwood floor that you want to install, then laying them can be accomplished with correct measurement and basic carpentry skills. While fixing them, make sure you consider sound and heat insulation for better comfort level. You can check for modern hardwood flooring types with such additional features like anti-termite treatment. However, pest control should not be forgotten. Annual pest inspections should still be availed just to make sure your hardwood floor will endure.

Select the color of the hardwood floor, so that it complements the room accessories and furniture. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for hardwood floor installation to create a rich texture and beautiful flooring surface.