Choosing the best hardwood floor for your home can be daunting, with dozens of species available. The key is to find the right balance of style and durability.

Durability is vital because your flooring is likely to take a beating daily. If you have kids or pets, a more complicated wood will withstand more abuse than softer species.

Style

The style of your home will play a significant role in the ottawa hardwood flooring you choose. Dark shades can create a rustic touch, while light colors give your space a modern look. Hardwoods also come with varying grain patterns, which can add texture to your floors and complement different color schemes.

Durability is another factor to consider. If you have children or pets, a more complicated wood species will stand up better to everyday wear and tear. Hardwoods with a more rustic, textured appearance, like hand-scraped woods, are great options for cottage-inspired or eclectic-style homes.

You’ll also have your choice of finish, with matte and satin finishes offering the slightest shine. Be sure to bring home a sample and see how it looks with your cabinetry and paint colors under varying amounts of natural and artificial lighting.

Light or Dark

Dark hardwood floors have become a prevalent option in recent years and tend to raise the value of your home. They are long-lasting and don’t show sun damage as much as light floors.

Choosing the right wood color will depend on the overall look you want for your room and your budget. Darker floors can be more expensive than lighter options.

Lighter hardwood floors are easier to keep clean, especially in rooms where messes tend to occur. Kitchens, for example, are often messy, and light hardwood floors hide dust and crumbs better than dark ones do.

Natural Light or Dark

When choosing your wood floor color, it’s essential to consider the amount of natural light in a room and your furniture. Light floors open up spaces and make them feel more significant, while dark flooring can add a rich and dramatic look.

If your space is naturally bright, lighter hardwoods are a good choice because they show less dirt and debris than darker options. Light hardwoods are a more practical choice for pets or kids, as they hide pet hair and dirt.

If you plan to sell your home, choose a darker option, as it increases your property value more than light flooring. Dark hardwoods also complement various design aesthetics, making them a versatile option.

Comfort

Hardwoods are soft, warm underfoot, and easier on the knees and back than tiles. They also are non-electromagnetic and attract less dust, dirt, mildew, allergens, and mold than carpets. They are softer than vinyl and span minor variations in floor height better than other flooring materials.

Domestic species like Oak and Maple are good options for traditional or modern settings. They have moderate color tones and graining patterns and can be sanded and refinished several times.

You can customize hardwood floors with various stain colors, wood species, board widths, and styles. Grain patterns can be uniformly straight to distressed, wire-brushed, and hand-scraped. Many mills offer local purchasing, which can help you cut costs. Buying directly can help you make a more ethical choice as well.

Maintenance

Hardwoods add a timeless elegance and sense of class to any room. They are warm and comfortable underfoot and are easier to clean than carpets.

Color plays a significant role in hardwood flooring selection. Dark hues can create a rustic or classic feel, while light tones give a modern or contemporary feel. It is also essential to consider your cabinetry, trim work, furniture, and paint colors to ensure the floors match seamlessly with your decor.

Maintaining wood floors is an ongoing process that requires regular inspections and promptly addressing any issues. Protecting your floors with abrasive-resistant underlayment, using chair leg tips and furniture sliders to move furniture, and avoiding high heels are ways to minimize damage to your hardwoods.