DIY Interior Decorating: How to Choose a Hardwood Floor

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pine distressed hardwood flooring
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Hardwood floors are a classic choice that can last a lifetime, and they make a beautiful addition to homes. They also come in many varieties, so there are factors you need to consider before you install a new hardwood floor in your home.

3 Tips to Choosing Hardwood Flooring

When you choose to install hardwood for your home’s floor, you need to decide on the species, color, stain and any other elements you want your floors to have. Here are some tips you can follow to help you find the best hardwood floor for your home:

1. Research the Material You Want

You want a floor that can keep up with your lifestyle. The hardness of the wood used for your flooring matters when determining what will be best for your home. Floors go through a lot of wear and tear, so you want to make sure the hardwood can withstand all the force applied to it throughout the day. With very active life style, harder wood is better for kids or pets who run around a lot, but it is not easy to install. You can also consider distressed materials either scraped or wire brushed. All hardwood can dent and scratch, distressed hardwood do a better job masking damages.

If you have a more active home, research the types of hardwood species that are durable and relatively easy to maintain to determine your next steps. Oak and maple are a couple of the most durable hardwood floor materials you could choose, but there are many options that suit various lifestyles.

2. Consider the Room

After you determine what kind of material you want for your hardwood floors, you can decide what color you want the floors to be. Take into consideration the size of the room and how much sunlight it gets. Sunlight can change different types of wood over time, so you want to settle on a wood color that can withstand UV exposure while visually enhancing the size of the room.

Light colors can make a room appear bigger than it is, while dark colors can add sophistication and contrast to a room. 

3. Look at the Wall Color

In any room where you install hardwood floors, you want the floor color to complement or contrast the wall color. Light hardwood floors are a popular and versatile choice. They pair well with soft neutral colors but can also provide a stunning contrast with a bolder wall.

Dark hardwood floors also pair well with neutral colors. A good practice to determine what colors will work with your dark floor is looking at the undertones of the stain used. Considering the undertones and color temperature can help you find a color that complements the walls and gives the room a sophisticated feel. Also remember lighting choice used in the house and room can show wall and flooring color tone differently during daylight vs. nightlight.

Make a Decision With District Floor Depot

Our professionals can help you pick a hardwood floor that suits your home’s aesthetic and your family’s lifestyle. We’ll even do in-home consultations so you can see our flooring options with your lighting and paint. Contact us today to set up a consultation!

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