You made the right choice if you have decided to use unfinished hardwood flooring for your new home. This type of flooring solution offers flexibility since it can readily complement the overall interior of your home and can be installed at any time. Unfinished hardwood also provides a unique and elegant look that other flooring types cannot deliver.
Given the many kinds of Unfinished Hardwood Flooring for sale, it is best to plan and know what you want before looking for suppliers. Below are some of the essential things you need to consider when selecting the most suitable unfinished hardwood floor for your dream home:
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Wood format: Solid versus Engineered
Authentic wood floors come in two formats – solid and engineered. Solid floorings are pieces of lumber that were kiln-dried to reduce their moisture content significantly. After this process, the wood is then milled using a method known as ‘tongue and groove’ to create wood planks. This type of wood flooring is ideal if you intend to customize, and if your house is in a dry environment.
Engineered unfinished hardwood flooring, on the other hand, uses thinly cut lumber instead of a single solid piece of wood to create floorboards. Engineered flooring solution is the right choice if you want faster installation or if your home is in a high-moisture environment.
Width of the wood planks
Do not forget to determine the width of the wood planks as it directly impacts the aesthetic value of your flooring. While this factor largely depends on your taste and style preference, it is important to note that the width affects the gap on your floors.
The wider the wood boards, the more they will create noticeable gaps when the environmental conditions become too dry or too moist. Note that you can prevent wide floorboards from moving by gluing the wood in addition to nailing it down.
Species of the Wood
Another essential consideration when choosing unfinished hardwood floors is the species of the tree where the lumber originated. The species of the wood affects the quality and overall appearance of your flooring.
For instance, if you are expecting high foot traffic in your home, you should consider using wood from species that are known for their hardness. Maple, Red Oak, White Oak, and Hickory are some examples of trees that produce highly dense (hard) wood.
Geographical origin of the lumber
Apart from wood species, it would be best if you also take note of the areas where the lumbers were made. You may not realize it, but the environment and climate where the tree grows significantly affect the kind of lumber it will produce.
For instance, wood harvested from trees in the northern region of the United States is typically regarded as a premium product. Trees in this region grow slowly, resulting in denser and more evenly colored lumber.
The opposite is true for timbers harvested in the southern area since trees here tend to mature rapidly. As a result, the lumber generally has different grain patterns and more hues.
Make sure to ponder on the factors mentioned above before buying Unfinished Hardwood Flooring for sale. Once you have a clear idea of the type of hardwood you want, make sure to source your materials from a reputable supplier. Find a company that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and is a member of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) to purchase top-quality wood.
