Improving Your Home

By changing the type of flooring in your home, you can transform an old house to a modern, minimalist style or make a boxy loft more charming and cozy. Below are five aspects of flooring you need to consider that will drastically change the look and feel of your home. 

Type of Wood

There are several types of wood used for hardwood flooring in the United States. Common types include Red Oak, White Oak, Cherry, Maple, Birch and Pine. The type of wood you select will determine the hardness of your floor. It also creates the base color and grain pattern for your floor. If you will use a heavy stain and finish that covers the natural features of your floor, then you should select your type of wood based on the hardness and durability that you desire. However, if you will use a natural, light stain that features the color and grain of your wood, this will be an important choice for you.  

If you have wood furniture in your home, you will want to choose a floor made out of the same wood, even if you select a different finish. This will help unify your home. If your furniture does not include many wood pieces, you are free to select whichever type of flooring appeals to your taste and works well with the finish and stain you select. 

Grain 

Grain patterns can vary within a single type of wood. However, woods such as Oak, Walnut, and Pine tend to have much more visible grain patterns than Hickory, Ash, or Birch. 

If you are going for a classic, traditional look, you will want a wood with a heavier, more obvious grain. However, if you want a modern look, you may select a wood that has a lighter, more subtle grain. 

Another way to decide which type of grain you want is to assess how cluttered a room is. If a room is busy, with many small pieces of furniture and art on the walls, or if your furniture features many patterns, you may select a less dominant grain so the room does not become overwhelming. In an emptier room, you should feel free to feature intricate, heavy grains. 

Stain

Modern stains come in almost any color and opacity. For a traditional room, you will want to choose a natural stain that allows the natural features of the wood to shine through. You may select a dark but translucent stain to match antique furniture or give the room a more formal feel. 

If you are going for a more modern look, consider white, black, or a primary color stain. These can make a room look fun and funky, especially when paired with contemporary furniture. 

Finish 

The finish not only protects your floor but also contributes to the formality and style of your room. A high gloss finish tends to look more formal while a matte finish tends to be more cozy. If you intend to use a lot of throw rugs or are installing a floor in a small room, consider a matte finish. For large, open spaces with less furniture, you should choose a glossy finish. 

Layout 

Finally, the layout of your flooring can change the look and feel of your room. Parquet, plank lengths, and the direction of installation all make a statement about your room. Traditional, staggered planks will look great in most rooms, but if you want a modern feel, you need to try an alternative layout for your planks. 

The perfect design of a room depends on finding a balance between these five features. If you are matching your flooring to a furniture style you already own, you should try several samples laid against your furniture to find the style that complements your home perfectly. For more informaiton on your flooring options, take a look at the site here.