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Walk on Wood
| Walk on Wood |
| Hard at Work |
| Keep Out the Cold |
| Bursting into Bloom |
| Design Trends |
| PAST ISSUES |
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Photo courtesy of Just Floors Inc. |
There is no denying that when it comes to beautiful flooring, wood stands out like no other material. Whether it’s a deep Brazilian hardwood or a rustic pine, a wood floor adds value and attractiveness to your home. With its hard surface and easy maintenance, wood flooring also can cut down on germs and allergens trapped in other types of floor coverings. And if you’re worried about cost, with the variety of truly appealing laminate options today, the look is available to any budget.
Which wood?
Pine is generally the least expensive choice, followed by oak, and walnut is more expensive than oak. Though oak is still the most popular wood choice, according to George Miller of RCS Inc. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or merbau—from South America and the Philippines—are the most expensive way to cover your floors. The type of wood you choose will also make a difference in the overall feel of the space. Pine and hickory impart a more casual feel, bamboo is more contemporary and dark, exotic hardwoods look more formal. Contributing to its popularity, oak is versatile and can be finished with a dark or light stain.
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Photo courtesy of Absolut Remodeling |
Talking trends
A major hardwood flooring trend right now is wider plank size. Traditionally, planks were about 2¼ inches wide, but today, they are getting as vast as 5 to 8 inches wide. Another trend is the distressed look. This Early American style can be found in synthetic products, hand-scraped natural wood or, most authentically, by using reclaimed wood. According to David Acord with Southern Heritage Woodworks, the older wood has a tighter grain, giving it more structure.
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Photo courtesy of Authentic Pine Floors |
Southern Heritage Woodworks gets materials from old textile mills and barns; then they bring the wood in, de-nail it, mill it and grade it, and the character marks remain. “It gives you a piece of history in your home,” Acord says. Reclaimed wood has grown in popularity, because using it is also good for the environment. However, it can be 50 to 75 percent more expensive than using comparable new materials, but this upgrade is apparent in the finished product—your floor.
Eco options
Bamboo and cork have both gained acceptance due to their renewable nature; they grow back quickly after being cut. Typically, bamboo is light-colored, but it can also be hand-scraped for a distressed look. It is also
very durable.
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Photo courtesy of Floor & Decor Outlets of America Inc. |
Cork comes in plenty of different shades, colors and tints. Also, it has a natural microbial quality, resists moisture and can be put in on a floating floor (meaning easy installation). Cork is also quiet and feels great to the bare foot. Bamboo and cork both provide a contemporary style. Another fast-growing tree is lyptus, although with its reddish color, it has not yet achieved the popularity of bamboo and cork.
Laminate look-alikes
Laminates are made with core board from faster-growing trees and topped with a photograph of real wood. They are less expensive than solid wood, easier to install and, by their nature, eco-friendly because they are not affecting hardwood forests.
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Photo courtesy of Floor & Decor Outlets of America Inc. |
“It’s hard to tell the difference between a hardwood floor and a laminate,” says Clint Gorham with Floor and Décor Outlets of America Inc. Laminate flooring can duplicate any species, and cost effectiveness is a huge draw. For example, solid African wenge might cost $18 to $20 per square foot, but a laminate version could be less than $3 per square foot. Laminates are installed as a floating floor. That means instead of attaching them to the concrete or subfloor, they are just fitted on top and clicked together. “You put it together like a puzzle,” says Bret Perkins of Samy Santa Flooring Depot.
Pick a pattern
Whatever the type of wood selected, home-owners can have fun playing with patterns. Herringbone patterns, framed patterns or diagonals can make a room look larger, according to Miller. Still, most Atlanta homeowners are leaning towards tradition in hardwood flooring. While some woods, like tiger wood, allow for designing planks in contrasting colors like red and black, shades of brown have remained the standard. Semi-gloss and matte finishes are also both used, and the choice should be determined by the overall style of the home.
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Photography by Blayne Beacham and Company. Floors by Northside Wood Floors |
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Photography by Blayne Beacham and Company. Floors by Northside Wood Floors |
A look at lifestyle
Before planning your new wood floors, you will want to take your family’s lifestyle into consideration. How many people are in the home? Do you have pets? What about large furniture like pianos and pool tables? All of these things will lead to wear and tear on your hardwood floors. For regular maintenance, damp mop your floors and keep them dirt and dust free. Stay away from using wood polish products that you might use on your furniture.
Hardwood floors offer a variety of beautiful options to complement any home’s interior. The budget ranges are just as diverse as the style choices, and with the benefits of simple maintenance and eco-friendly selections, they can add an ideal upgrade to your home’s interior that might just last a lifetime.
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Photo courtesy of Absolut Remodeling |
The Right Choice Solid Hardwood (all kinds) Oak Pine Exotic woods (Brazilian cherry, merbau, African wenge, etc.) Bamboo Cork Reclaimed wood Engineered products Laminates |