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Choosing Hardwood Flooring
Choosing Hardwood Flooring – A Complete Hardwood Flooring Selection Guide
The Most Important Decision in Selecting Hardwood Floors Is Finding the Right Color
SCV Floorsmith Can Help You Select the Right Color
- When choosing hardwood floors and selecting the right color, room size, texture of the walls, furniture, ceiling heights, and the room’s lifestyle purpose (like relaxing or entertaining) should be your main considerations.
- Be careful of darker colors, which can make a room look smaller and make the space feel gloomy and dense.
- While darker shades usually translate into a more formal look, they also bring out the warmth in other elements of décor, especially in living rooms and formal bedrooms.
- Light-colored walls and light-colored floors are recommended for rooms with low ceilings and compact kitchens.
- A matte finish with natural color hardwood will conceal scratches the best and reduce long-term maintenance.
- Remember that the color of your floor should not match (or be identical to) the color of your furniture or walls. Choose contrasting and complementary tones to reflect your home’s unique style line.
- Get ideas from interior design magazines or virtual decorating software for inspiration. Most importantly, visit our SCV Floorsmith showroom in Naperville. Take home a sample to see how the color fits your home’s lighting, kitchen flooring, or even the look of your bedroom.
- Natural unstained wood or traditional shades of brown like chestnut or walnut offer a classic style.
- In modern homes, popular hardwood flooring installations include deep tones like black or espresso. These go well with sleek furniture and minimalistic wood veneer cabinetry.
- Bold and deep colors — like red shades in natural Jatoba, Santos Mahogany, or stained oak and ash — add character to public spaces or offices where flooring becomes a centerpiece.
The Second Most Important Factor in How to Select the Best Hardwood Flooring: The Right Options
- Board width can come in narrow strips (less than 3 inches), giving a more traditional look and the illusion of more space in a room. A wider plank (more than 3 inches) offers a rustic appearance.
- Wood species vary in durability, grain patterns, and color. Naperville’s hardwood flooring installation industry often uses oak, maple, and cherry. For a more striking appearance, consider exotic woods like mahogany and Brazilian cherry.
- Colors can run the gamut from blond to black, depending on species and finish.
- Texture for hardwood floors can be new and shiny or offered in distressed or hand-scraped looks that disguise heavy use over time.
- Hardness is crucial for households with pets and young kids. It is a good idea to consider species such as red oak, which withstands wear and tear. Avoid softer species such as pine, as it tends to show scratches.
- Most engineered floors are pre-finished. These factory-applied finishes generally have longer warranties as they are longer-lasting and more durable than site-applied finishes. Some homeowners prefer site-finished floors due to the wider selection of stain colors and the opportunity to hone the surface and even out imperfections after the boards are in place. Boards are also easier to repair if damaged. Urethanes are the most common type of finish in the hardwood flooring selection guide.
The Third Most Important Factor: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Hardwood floors are ideal for living spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, but avoid full bathrooms and laundry rooms due to excess moisture.
- Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to protect your floor. Use mats in kitchens, near sinks, or under water bowls to reduce wear and tear.
- Immediate spill cleanup extends floor life, especially in areas prone to accidents or water use.
- Use the right underlayment to minimize sound, provide insulation, and add comfort. Choose cork or foam underlay for floating floors and vinyl-lined underlayment for moisture-prone spaces.
- Floors in high-traffic areas benefit from durable surface finishing, helping reduce the need for frequent refinishing.
- For those who love woodworking aesthetics, hardwood floors offer unmatched beauty and craftmanship, enhancing your home’s long-term appeal.
We listen to your needs and help guide you through the hardwood floor selection process. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, living room, or designing your dream bedroom, we have the experience and knowledge to make it easy.
📞 Call us at 630-333-0925 to schedule a free estimate. Same-day appointments available!