Laying down new hardwood flooring is a great way to boost your property value while enhancing the look and feel of your home, but it’s not always the most straightforward project. Unless you know right off the bat which type of floors you’re choosing, you’ve got a lot to think about. Ask yourself the following questions before visiting Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co., your trusted lumber yard in Seattle.
Do I want solid or engineered wood?
Hardwood floors can either be made from one solid piece of wood, or manufactured using multiple pieces. Solid wood floors range in thickness between 3/4” to 5/16” and can be installed in any level of your home but the basement. They’re a terrific option for practically any room in your home! Engineered floors, meanwhile, are made from multiple pieces of wood and are stapled or glued to a subfloor. These floors can go anywhere in your home, even in the basement. Engineered floors are hardly any different than solid wood, except for the fact that they can’t be sanded and refinished as many times as solid wood.
Which wood species do I want?
After you’ve decided whether you want solid or engineered wood, you’ve got to pick out a wood species. This decision depends on your budget, personal style and even who lives in your home. Some types of wood floors are much more expensive than others, so you’ve got to keep your budget in mind before you decide on your wood species. Regarding style, each type of wood gives a room a different feel. Light colored woods will make a room feel open and airy, while dark woods give a room a refined look.
Hardwood floors are all durable, but some are more durable than others. If you live in a home with kids and pets, you’ll want to choose a wood with a higher durability rating. Feel free to browse the large selection of wood at our lumber yard in Seattle. We guarantee we have the right wood for your home!
How much wood do I need?
When it comes to buying wood for floors, experts always recommend purchasing 10 percent more than you think you’ll actually need. So, if your room is 400 square feet, you’ll need to order about 450 square feet of wood. This is because the wood has to be cut to fit certain angles, which results in some waste. Your best bet is to hire a contractor who can guide you through the ordering process to ensure you buy the correct amount of wood.
What kind of finish do I want?
Wood floors can either have a gloss finish, semi-gloss finish or matte finish. The choice is obviously yours to make, but keep in mind that scratches are more noticeable the more sheen a floor has. For this reason, families with kids and pets may consider going with a less glossy look.
These questions are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to choosing new floors. Be sure to stop by our lumber yard in Seattle to get answers to all of your questions and to order your new hardwood!