No matter how beautiful your apartment is, it will look unpleasant if the floor isn’t in good condition. Cracked and stained floors can ruin the appearance of an entire room, no matter how nice the furniture or decorations are. It’s essential to ensure that the floor is always in good condition to keep your apartment looking its best. Are you looking for a new flooring option for your apartment?
Wood flooring is a beautiful and timeless choice for any apartment. It adds character and warmth and can be refinished to look new again and again. With wood flooring, you get the best of both worlds – the natural beauty of the wood combined with the durability of a hard surface. You’ll never have to worry about scratches or stains, and it’s easy to keep clean.
There are so many types of wood flooring on the market that it can be hard to decide which one is right for your apartment. We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best type of wood flooring for your needs. So whether you’re looking for a durable hardwood that will withstand everyday wear and tear or a soft and luxurious cork floor, we have something for you.
Types of Wood Materials Available for Flooring
Wood flooring can be made from different woods, but some are more popular than others. The most common types of wood flooring and their properties are listed below so you can make the best decision for your apartment or office.
1. Solid Or Hardwood
Solid hardwood floors are made entirely of wood and usually measure 5/8″ to 3/4″ in thickness. The term “solid wood floorboards” refers to wooden planks that are solid throughout their entire length. These boards are common in older houses and can be sanded down multiple times before needing to be replaced.
Pros
- It’s strong and looks natural, for starters.
- It doesn’t get damaged as quickly as other materials and tends to stay warm.
- Unlike other types of flooring, hardwood is easy to keep clean.
- Hardwood flooring has a considerably longer average lifespan.
Cons
- Among all types of wood, hardwood is the most expensive.
- Hardwood flooring is more sensitive to water and the environment than other alternatives.
- If you live in an area with high humidity or plan to put wood floors in your basement, know that the material may expand or contract too much.
2. Engineered wood
Engineered hardwood floors are made of many layers of wood chips or residue bonded together with a resin or glue. Engineered wood flooring has the same appearance as genuine hardwood on the surface. Still, it’s constructed of a high-quality plywood core with only a thin layer of natural hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is less expensive to install but can’t be refinished to increase its lifespan.
Pros
There are many benefits to choosing high-quality engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwood, including:
- Increased resistance to warping and water damage.
- Its ability to install with radiant heating systems.
- It has a more authentic genuine wood warmth and feels.
- It is also easier to install than solid wood flooring, making it an excellent choice for do-it-yourselfers or those working with limited time or budget constraints.
Cons
- Different batches frequently vary in color and shape.
- Scratches and scuffs are more likely to occur on engineered wood floors than on solid ones.
- With continual exposure to UV radiation, it is prone to fading.
- Due to the thinness of the veneer, it can only be refinished a few times.
3. Unfinished wood planks
Unfinished hardwood flooring is made of solid natural wood and has no finish installed at the factory. Instead, you may select a unique finish that is applied to the entire floor once the planks are in place. If you want a personalized stain or to match the color of your existing floors, unfinished hardwood flooring is an excellent choice.
Pros
- After installation of hardwood flooring and staining, it receives several applications of protective varnish.
- The floor is fully covered with a moisture-resistant surface, which is sealed after installation. The seams of the floor are also coated in sealant.
- It’s easy to maintain and service, so it may be sanded and refinished as often as you like.
- Bevels are considerably less apparent than prefinished planks.
Cons
- You will have to reseal floors sooner with this method rather than the prefinished option.
- It is labor-intensive to complete and seal the work.
- A seal is not as durable as factory-finished planks.
4. Finished/Pre-finished wood
Hardwood planks that are solid and prefinished come with a factory-applied, multi-layer finish that is baked on. This provides the flooring material with a uniform appearance and a durable finish. When you choose prefinished hardwood flooring, the factory is sanded and sealed already.
Pros
- There is no finishing work required on-site, reducing installation time significantly.
- There are also no odors or VOCs associated with on-site finishing work
- you can walk on the floors immediately after installation.
- Unfinished planks offer a more disheveled appearance.
- A multi-layer finish that is built to last.
Cons
- Particularly vulnerable to water damage and deformation from liquid seeping into the unsealed gaps between planks
- Repairs may be hard to conceal, as it’s tough to replicate the original appearance.
- Bevels and seams become more visible.
5. Reclaimed Vintage Hardwood Planks
Made from reclaimed wood, these planks were used in building ancient structures. Reclaimed hardwood flooring has a distinct appeal. Because these planks are made of heartwood (the tree’s innermost portion), they offer your apartment some history and provide an intriguing topic for discussion.
Pros
- It has a unique aged appearance.
- Scarce – If something is scarce, there is a limited supply, and thus it has more value.
- Upcycling is more environmentally friendly since it avoids the use of new wood.
Cons
- It is an expensive option for flooring. Reclamation, restoration, and scarcity all Raise the price.
- Sourcing enough good-quality reclaimed planks to cover an ample space may prove difficult.
- If planks aren’t entirely baked, they may be infested by woodworm and other pests.
6. Distressed, Sculpted Wood Planks
Hand-scraped planks are the way to go if you’re looking for a rustic, old-fashioned look for your floors. These boards are scraped by hand to create a distressed appearance that will add character and charm to any space.
Pros
- A weathered appearance implies that scratches, dents, and other forms of damage blend in.
- Character is added to an item when it features minor damage and scuffs.
- It’s simple to take care of.
- This product is ideal for families with pets and children.
Cons
- It is also an expensive option to install.
- The hand-scraping technique is labor intensive; therefore, the cost goes up.
- This product requires professional installation.
Popular Species of Hardwood Available in the Market
With any project, you have to decide what kind of flooring you want before anything else. After that, you’ll need to think about the coloring and grain pattern of the wood. The cost and how easy it will be to take care of are also essential. People often forget to factor in hardness when making their choice, but it is just as crucial, if not more so, than some other things on this list.
The Janka hardness scale ranks woods by the hardness level, with higher numbers meaning a hardwood.. 1,000 should be your aim for floors made out of hardwood, although getting something slightly lower won’t hurt too much either, depending on the rest of your criteria.
- Oak – Setting the Standard (Janka rating around 1300).
- Ash – It is a fashionable and sturdy material (Janka rating around 1320).
- Hickory – Amongst all American wood species, hickory is the hardest (Janka rating around 1820).
- Maple – Fashionable and paddled (Janka rating around 1450)
- Ebony – A Rare But Durable Wood (Janka rating around 3320).
- Teak is an excellent wood for anyone looking for a water-resistant and glossy finish (Janka rating around 1820).
- Bamboo – Durable and Exotic (Janka rating around 2330).
- Hemp – The Newest and Most Long-Lasting Material (Janka, around 3500).
- Pine – The best easy-fit flooring for small spaces! (Janka rating around 1570).
The Best Colors for Hardwood Flooring
Timber flooring is flexible and may be utilized in various design styles. However, the color you pick should consider more aspects than your decorating style.
1. Pale Grey and White Wood Floors
This hardwood flooring color is commonly made from Ash, Maple, and Beech woods. This type of wooden flooring is ideal for low-traffic areas due to its light color that adds brightness to a cramped space. They will, however, rapidly show signs of dirt and dents because of their contemporary and bright nature.
2. Warm Honey-Toned Wood Flooring
Unique flooring stained in a honey tone made of oak and beech wood will come with natural intrinsic patterns. Not only will this disguise dirt, but it creates a cozy feel – perfect for large open spaces. Mid-toned wood is less contemporary than paler options, making it ideal for those who want a more relaxed and traditional finish.
3. Dark Wood Floors
Dark wood floors may be the answer if you’re looking for something to ground a space and add a touch of sophistication. Dark matt lacquer flooring matches well with beech wood, as does oak, with some lighter colors along the grain to bring out its natural pattern.
Are You In The Market To Upgrade The Look Of Your Apartment With Wood Flooring?
Valet Works is a company that provides professional wood flooring installation for your apartment. We offer various colors and species to choose from, and our team is dedicated to providing quality service that will last. We take care of everything for you and ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more!