Wooden floors are very appealing to the eyes. They evoke a classic look and are warm to the feet as well.
Other than the aesthetic aspect, though, wood is an environment-friendly material. It comes from a renewable resource that can be replaced over time. Additionally, it promotes better indoor quality and can last for hundreds of years. And being durable, homeowners won’t have to replace it as often as the other flooring materials including the carpet.
Many families who renovated their homes have opted to remove their wall-to-wall carpeting and use wooden floor instead. They are on the right track because firstly, carpets are made with chemicals and secondly, dust and dirt can easily build up in its fibers. With carpets, homeowners will also need to wash them on a regular basis.
Another major benefit of the wooden material is it low cost compared to the marble and other stone materials. Solid timber flooring should not be confused with laminate floors which are cheaper and are made from laminated photographs of wood.
Kinds of Wood
The various choices available for this hard wood material are also an advantage. Different types and colors of wood are on hand thereby giving homeowners the opportunity to choose one that suits a particular room and design theme. Among the wood materials people can choose from are cherry, pine, ash, maple and oak.
Cherry – This type is ideal for kitchen floors. Homeowners can also choose to use the same material for their cabinets in the room to blend with the flooring.
Maple – This is a strong wood that features a texture many people find very appealing. It evokes an elegant appearance and requires little maintenance.
Oak – This type is a popular choice for people wanting to have light colored flooring. The red variety which is dent-resistant is most widely used in North America.
Ash – This one is harder than oak and is normally used in making baseball bats and gardening tools. It is ideal for homeowners who want light colored floors.
Pine – This kind is actually soft wood and features holes and knots. But it is a popular construction material used in homes.
While wooden floors need little maintenance, it is very important for homeowners to ensure a clean surrounding all the time inside their abode. Members of the family should cooperate in maintaining cleanliness because wood can also suffer from scratches due to the presence of dirt and sand. Mats should be placed in areas with high foot traffic such as doors while felt pads should be placed under furniture legs.
Image via bestlivingroomdesign
About the guest author:
Jaquie prefers wooden flooring in her home because of the warmth and comfort it brings to her feet. For the latest in timber flooring materials, visit Lifewood Floors.