Explore the Timeless Elegance of Hardwood Flooring

Regardless of the architectural style of your home, hardwood flooring is a classic feature that enhances any decor by adding a touch of charm and sophistication. Not only does it add value to your home, hardwood floors lend beauty to the space, a benefit you’ll enjoy for as long as you live there.

Need more incentive? Wood flooring is an excellent option for anyone with environmental allergies, as unlike carpeting, it doesn’t allow pollen, pet dander, and mold to thrive and hide. Easy to care for and clean, with proper maintenance, stunning hardwood floors retain their luster for decades.

But before installation begins it’s important to choose a pattern that best compliments your space as the arrangement of the boards greatly impacts the flow of the room as well as furniture placement.

Create an inviting ambiance with classic patterns

Evoke a one-of-a-kind feel by selecting a pattern which provides a built-in focal point. Popular in Europe, Herringbone flooring features strips laid in a diagonal zigzag pattern. While challenging to install, these intricate designs add instant elegance to an entryway or library.

Chevron pattern flooring showcases boards that are cut in an angle to create a V-shaped layout. When installed properly, this design can make a room appear more spacious than it is.

Straight patterns, in which boards run parallel to each other along the width or length of a room, offer easier installation and are less expensive than other, more complicated patterns which require extra wood and can take longer to install. The standard layout works nicely in a narrow entryway or hallway.

Enjoy the rich character of a wide plank

What’s the distinction between a strip and and a plank of wood? Strips have a board width of less than three inches, while planks are traditionally three inches or wider.

Choosing the right board width is crucial as it greatly impacts the look and feel of a room. While wide planks offer a lovely rustic feel in a large space, they can often overwhelm a smaller area. Selecting too wide a width may cause issues over time as gaps can form between the planks as the home settles.

Strip hardwood flooring is ideal for narrow spaces such as long hallways and galley kitchens. If budget is a concern, these slim strips still offer a luxurious feel at a lower price point.

Embrace sustainability without sacrificing style

Cork and bamboo are beloved for their eco-friendly sustainability and often cost far less than other hardwood options. Cork flooring is very durable, and, when properly maintained, lasts just as long as more traditional hardwood floors. A great choice for high-traffic areas, cork flooring is easy on the back and feet, making it a popular pick for kitchens.

Bamboo features similar benefits but isn’t suitable for rooms with high degrees of moisture and humidity as it comes from the fast-growing plant. Strand Woven Bamboo, known as toughest in the bamboo family, is twice as hard as oak and is made by compressing bamboo fibers under extreme pressure and heat. With hues ranging from light, natural shades to rich, chocolates and deep burgundies, it’s as versatile as it is durable.

Both cork and bamboo are softer than hardwood and offer an added layer of insulation which prevents cooling and heating loss, again, making them an environmentally-friendly option.

Complement your decor with an area rug

If you’re looking to bring in additional colors or a bit of warmth, consider complementing your hardwood flooring with an area rug, which also protects those high-traffic areas.

While bare hardwood floors are perfect on their own, adding an area rug to a bedroom lends a comforting softness to the space. Runners placed in an entryway serve as a decorative yet practical way to help your home make a memorable first impression with guests.

Unlike carpeting, area rugs are free of chemical-heavy backings and adhesives, making them a healthier choice. Because they’re not permanent, if you change your decor these pieces are easily replaced. Should you move, simply roll up the rug and take it with you.

If you’re looking for a surefire way to elevate the look of any room in your home, hardwood flooring will do the trick while increasing your home’s value and style.