2013 is here and if you are like most people, you are probably looking to give your home a makeover. Well, one of the best places to start is by revamping your floor. One of the best options when choosing flooring material is wood. This natural material is beautiful and gives the home a classic look that will stand the test of time.
Other materials may come and go but wood will be around for a long time. Having a wooden floor installed in your home will not only raise the value of your home, it will also give you an elegant looking home.
Features of the material
It is important to understand the characteristics of the wood when choosing it as a flooring material. Some of the features to look out for include the dark marks or knots and the grain pattern. These occur as a result of the climate, soil and sunlight.
The natural minerals affect the appearance of the wood and the material is often graded depending on the variations present. Being a natural material, wood will vary from one board to the other and this helps to create the unique look that makes the flooring attractive.
Variations in color
The differences or variations in the materials mean that each strip or plank stains differently. Some of them appear darker than others do. Using dark stains on the wood masks the natural variations, while lighter stains make the natural characteristics more prominent. Most people who like the look of wood prefer the lighter stains that leave the materials looking as natural as possible. If, on the other hand, you choose a wood of lower grade, a darker stain will be much better as it helps to hide most of the flaws.
If you want a floor that is durable and will withstand the daily wear and tear, you should invest in a hardwood floor. This floor will last for a very long time and it is not unusual to find homes that are over one hundred years old still having the original floor. It is however, important to note that as a natural material, wood will dent or gash if heavy objects are dropped on the floor.
Having heavy furniture will affect your floor over time as the fiber in the wood becomes compressed. It is very important to avoid moving heavy or sharp objects across the floor, as this will cause the surface to splinter or chip.
Changes in the flooring
One of the characteristics of a wooden floor is that while it is milled to exact specifications to ensure a flat or level floor, the planks will often vary slightly. This is something you will notice when walking barefoot on the wooden floor. You also need to note that the floor will tend to change color over time with lighter colors becoming darker. This is mainly due to exposure to direct or indirect sunlight. This means that the floor will wear differently depending on the climatic conditions in your area.
Remember, understanding your floor will help to ensure that you choose the best materials. You can also learn how to take care of your floor to ensure it maintains its good look over time. Hopefully, you can put the tips to good use and gain to enjoy a great wooden floor throughout 2013!
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