How to Select the Perfect Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

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Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home is an exciting yet challenging task. With a myriad of options available, from different wood species to finishes, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure that your investment not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also stands the test of time. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the decision-making process.

1. Understand Your Style and Aesthetic Preferences

Your hardwood floor should complement your home’s interior design. Here are a few considerations:

  • Color: Hardwood floors come in a variety of colors, ranging from light to dark. Light woods, like maple or oak, can make a room feel larger and more open, while darker woods, like walnut or mahogany, add warmth and a sense of coziness.
  • Grain Pattern: The grain pattern of the wood can also impact the overall look. For a more rustic or traditional feel, woods with pronounced grain patterns, like oak, are ideal. For a sleek, modern look, opt for woods with subtle grains, such as maple.
  • Plank Width: Wider planks can create a more contemporary or rustic vibe, while narrower planks are often associated with traditional settings.

2. Consider Durability and Lifestyle Needs

Different wood species have varying levels of hardness, which affects their durability. The Janka hardness scale is a standard measure used to determine how resistant a wood species is to wear and dents.

  • High-Traffic Areas: If you have pets, children, or high-traffic areas, consider harder wood species like hickory, maple, or oak. These are less prone to scratches and dents.
  • Low-Traffic Areas: Softer woods, such as cherry or walnut, may be suitable for bedrooms or other low-traffic areas where the risk of damage is lower.

3. Evaluate Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is a crucial factor to consider when selecting hardwood flooring.

  • Finish Type: Floors with a matte or satin finish can hide scratches and dust better than glossy finishes, which require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
  • Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-lasting choice. Engineered hardwood, while less durable in terms of refinishing, is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making it suitable for basements or areas with fluctuating humidity levels.

4. Think About Your Budget

Your budget will significantly influence your choices. Hardwood flooring prices can vary depending on the wood species, quality, and whether you choose solid or engineered wood.

  • Wood Species: Exotic woods, such as Brazilian cherry or teak, tend to be more expensive than domestic options like oak or maple.
  • Installation Costs: The installation method (nail-down, glue-down, or floating) can also affect the overall cost. While DIY installation can save money, it’s often recommended to hire professionals for the best results.

5. Consider Environmental Impact

If sustainability is important to you, consider eco-friendly options:

  • FSC-Certified Wood: Look for wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that the wood is harvested from responsibly managed forests.
    Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed or salvaged wood is a great eco-friendly option that adds character and history to your home.
  • Engineered Wood: Engineered wood typically uses less hardwood per plank, making it a more sustainable option than solid wood.

6. Test Samples in Your Home

Before making a final decision, it’s wise to order samples and see how they look in your home’s lighting. Natural light, artificial light, and shadows can all affect how the wood appears, so place samples in different rooms and at various times of day to ensure you’re happy with your choice.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your home involves balancing aesthetics, durability, maintenance, budget, and environmental considerations. By carefully evaluating your needs and preferences, you can choose a flooring option that not only enhances your home’s beauty but also stands the test of time. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of oak or the rich warmth of walnut, the right hardwood floor will undoubtedly add value and charm to your living space.

Rustic Hardwood Flooring

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Rustic hardwood flooring has become a popular choice among homeowners and designers seeking to infuse warmth and character into their living spaces. This type of flooring is characterized by its natural, rugged appearance, showcasing the wood’s unique grains, knots, and imperfections. Unlike traditional polished hardwood, rustic hardwood flooring embraces these flaws, turning them into aesthetic features that add depth and personality to a room. This flooring style is particularly favored in country, farmhouse, and cabin-style homes, but it can also be used to add a touch of nature and authenticity to modern interiors.

One of the key benefits of rustic hardwood flooring is its durability. Made from strong, high-quality wood species such as oak, hickory, or pine, these floors are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and the wear and tear of daily life. The natural textures and patterns of rustic wood also help to conceal scratches and dents, making it a practical choice for families with children or pets. Over time, the floor’s patina develops, enhancing its charm and character rather than detracting from its appearance. This longevity makes rustic hardwood flooring a worthwhile investment for any home.

In addition to its durability, rustic hardwood flooring offers versatility in design. The wide variety of wood species, stains, and finishes available allows homeowners to customize their floors to suit their personal style and the overall decor of their home. Whether opting for a lighter, more contemporary look with a whitewashed finish or a rich, dark stain for a more traditional feel, the possibilities are endless. The natural variations in the wood ensure that no two floors are exactly alike, providing a unique and personalized touch to each installation.

Installing rustic hardwood flooring can also enhance the value of a home. Real wood floors are highly sought after by potential buyers due to their timeless appeal and durability. Rustic hardwood, in particular, can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that resonates with many people. The organic, earthy tones of the wood can complement a wide range of interior styles, from minimalist to eclectic, making it a versatile choice for those looking to update their home’s aesthetic. Overall, rustic hardwood flooring is not only a practical and durable option but also a stylish and valuable addition to any living space.

Visit Classic Floor Designs to find out about Rustic Hardwood Flooring options or call 202.872.9860

TYPES OF CARPET FOR YOUR HOME FLOORING

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When it comes to choosing the best carpet for your home, there are a few key factors to consider. From material and style to durability and maintenance, the right carpet can make a big difference in the look and feel of your space. Here are some of the best types of carpet to consider for your home:

1. Nylon Carpet: Nylon is one of the most popular carpet materials due to its durability and resilience. It is great for high-traffic areas and is resistant to stains and abrasion, making it a great choice for busy households.

2. Wool Carpet: Wool is a natural and luxurious option for carpeting. It is known for its softness, durability, and natural stain resistance. Wool carpet is also environmentally friendly and has excellent insulating properties.

3. Polyester Carpet: Polyester carpet is a budget-friendly option that offers a soft and luxurious feel. It is also naturally stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it a great choice for homes with pets and children.

4. Cut Pile Carpet: Cut pile carpet is a popular choice for its plush and luxurious feel. It is available in a variety of styles, including Saxony, textured, and frieze, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your home.

5. Berber Carpet: Berber carpet is known for its looped construction, which creates a durable and textured surface. It is a great option for high-traffic areas and is resistant to stains and wear.

When choosing the best carpet for your home, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your space, as well as your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for durability, softness, or stain resistance, there are plenty of options to choose from.

TOP 5 HOME FLOORING TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2024

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Are you looking to update your home flooring this summer? Here are some of the top flooring trends to consider for 2024.

1. Sustainable Materials: With a growing focus on sustainability, many homeowners are opting for eco-friendly flooring options such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. These materials not only look great but also help reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Bold Patterns: Make a statement with your flooring by choosing bold patterns and designs. Whether it’s geometric shapes, intricate tile patterns, or colorful motifs, adding a pop of personality to your floors can really liven up a room.

3. Luxury Vinyl: For those looking for a durable and low-maintenance option, luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice. With advancements in technology, vinyl now comes in a wide variety of styles and can mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood or stone.

4. Mixed Materials: Get creative with your flooring by mixing different materials in the same space. For example, combine hardwood with tile or use different types of carpet to create distinct zones within a room.

5. Warm Tones: Embrace the warmth of summer with flooring in rich, warm tones such as honey oak, caramel, or terracotta. These colors can bring a cozy and inviting feel to your home.

Whether you’re looking for a sustainable option, a bold statement piece, or a low-maintenance solution, there are plenty of exciting flooring trends to explore this summer. Consider these options to give your home a fresh new look for 2024.

TIPS ON PROTECTING YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORS THIS SUMMER!

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With summer just around the corner, it’s important to think about how to protect your hardwood floors from the potential damage that can come with the season. From increased foot traffic to humidity and direct sunlight, there are several factors that can take a toll on your beautiful hardwood floors. But fear not, with a few simple steps, you can keep your hardwood floors looking great all summer long.

1. Use Area Rugs: One of the easiest ways to protect your hardwood floors is by using area rugs in high-traffic areas. Not only do they add a decorative touch to your home, but they also act as a barrier between your hardwood floors and the wear and tear of summer activities.

2. Control Humidity: Summer often brings higher humidity levels, which can cause wood to expand and contract, leading to warping and buckling. To combat this, consider using a dehumidifier to maintain a consistent level of humidity in your home.

3. Protect from Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your hardwood floors to fade and lose their luster. Consider using curtains or blinds to block out the harsh rays during the sunniest parts of the day.

4. Clean Regularly: With more outdoor activities happening during the summer, it’s important to keep up with regular cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from scratching and dulling your hardwood floors. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a floor brush attachment to gently remove any dirt and dust.

5. Use Protective Pads: Whether it’s furniture or heavy appliances, consider using felt or rubber pads on the bottom of these items to prevent scratches and dents on your hardwood floors.

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your hardwood floors stay in top condition throughout the summer months. With a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.

Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors

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Hardwood flooring enhances the appearance of any room in your home, but these rugged surfaces represent a big investment. Like any investment, you want to be sure that you get the highest returns possible. When it comes to flooring, proper cleaning of hardwood determines your ability to enjoy their beauty for many years without worrying about damage or repairs.

Here at Classic Floor Designs, we recommend a regular cleaning regimen to maintain the original appearance of your hardwood floors. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about what products to use, what methods to avoid and how often to clean. We hope that these tips will help clear up any confusion and guide you in preserving the floors you love.

Know Your Floor Type
There are two types of wood flooring: solid and engineered. Both offer the beautiful appearance that makes hardwood so attractive, but the materials differ slightly when it comes to routine cleaning and long-term care.

Solid floors are made from single pieces of hardwood that are generally about three-quarters of an inch thick. Most come finished with a protective coating that creates a reflective “high gloss” look. Solid wood is available in many common and exotic varieties that can be sanded and refinished up to ten times over the life of the floor.

Engineered flooring is pieced together from three to five layers of high- or medium-density fiberboard with a thin hardwood veneer on top. Because of the minimal amount of hardwood used, these floors can only undergo one to two rounds of refinishing. However, they tend to be more durable than solid floors when it comes to handling high foot traffic and varying levels of humidity.

Invest in Mats and Rugs
Preventative maintenance cuts down on the amount of dirt and grime that comes in contact with your floors. Place a heavy-duty mat outside your front door for people to wipe their shoes on, and position another mat just inside the threshold. Have visitors and family members remove their shoes before stepping inside. Use a boot or shoe tray to keep footwear organized and away from the wood surface.

Area rugs are perfect for high-traffic spots or rooms where kids spend a lot of time. Rugs keep messes off the floor and are generally easier to clean than the wood itself. Use rugs with backings to reduce the risk of slipping, but make sure that the backing material is something that won’t damage the floor.

Grab a Broom
Quick cleaning on a daily, bi-weekly or weekly basis can be done using a soft-bristled broom and a dustpan. This removes superficial dirt before it becomes ingrained in the floor surface. Small brooms and handheld vacuums are useful for cleaning in corners. To get rid of even more dust and debris, try a sweeper that uses electrostatic dust cloths. Pay special attention to areas where dirt is most likely to build up, such as the kitchen, the front hallway and the bathroom.

Take Care With the Vacuum Cleaner
Opinions differ on how often you should vacuum hardwood floors. For high-traffic areas, daily vacuuming may be necessary to remove deeper dirt. In other rooms, bi-weekly or weekly vacuuming should suffice.

One thing that everyone agrees on is to never use a beater bar. The harsh bristles can damage the finish and leave it looking dull. Instead, use the hardwood floor setting or a floor brush attachment to lift away dirt. Electric brooms are also gentle enough to use for frequent cleaning. Don’t be tempted by the “deeper clean” that floor buffers claim to offer. The abrasive pads can ruin the surface of the wood.

Be Smart About Deep Cleaning
Even with preventative maintenance and routine cleaning, wood flooring still winds up with grime, oil and stubborn dirt on its surface. That’s why it’s important to clean the floor more aggressively once or twice a year. However, you have to use the correct kind of cleaning products and tools. Your goal should be to leave no standing water at all and avoid harsh substances that can scratch or dull the finish.

The best cleaning solutions are mild and include mixtures of dish soap and water; a solution of water, olive oil and lemon juice; hot water and borax; and lukewarm black tea. Apply your chosen cleaner using a damp mop by dipping the mop into the solution and wringing it out until it’s almost dry. Finish off by buffing the floor with a towel. Alternatively, you can place the cleaner in a spray bottle and mist the floor as you go.

Never use any of the following cleaning methods or solutions on a wood floor:

• Wet mopping
• Steam cleaning
• Vinegar solutions
• Ammonia-based cleaners
• Furniture polish
• Wax- or oil-based cleaners

All of these can cause damage or result in slick floors that pose a hazard to you and your family.

Spot Cleaning
Diligence in regular cleaning will prevent the most serious messes, but it’s impossible to completely avoid scuffs, marks and spots. If you discover any blemishes on your wood floor, sprinkle the area with baking soda and clean it with a damp sponge. The dirt should lift right off.

Drips, spills, sticky streaks and food that can dry onto the floor should be cleaned up immediately. If you miss something and find an unidentifiable substance stuck to the wood, use a cleaner formulated to remove tough dirt and wipe with a gentle cloth. Deep stains and spots may require sanding and refinishing to remove.

Following these tips may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort when it comes to maintaining your hardwood floors. As you begin to incorporate each step into your regular cleaning regimen, you’ll see the true beauty of the wood begin to shine through. All it takes to continue enjoying that beauty is to devote a little extra time each day to proper floor care. In our opinion, it’s time well spent.

 

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Household Color to Go with Hardwood

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Unless you’re going with a completely eclectic design, decorating your interior living space is all about adhering to a theme (and indeed, eclectic designs can be considered a theme in of themselves). Many times, a theme has a lot to do with color: the floors, the paintings, the furniture, and so on. So with that in mind, what are the best color options to match your hardwood flooring with your walls? In this article, we will talk about the easiest and best ways to make your living space really mesh between the walls and floors.

The great thing about wood, other than its elegance and its ease of maintenance, is that there is a wide abundance of colors to choose from. There is no such thing as a “standard” color of wood floor: you can pick from a wide variety of tree species, undertones, and stains. Indeed, there are so many options that it can even be overwhelming when trying to match a floor to a wall, but that’s what we’re here for!

The simplest thing you can do to coordinate color between the floor and wall is to pick a neutral tone of paint for the walls. Virtually any color of wood pairs nicely with a neutral wall (white is a very popular option). Even mixed wood floors will do well when put against a neutral background, allowing you a bit of creative freedom when it comes to installation. If you’re worried about the space not having enough personality, throw in some colorful furniture and/or rugs to make it vibrant.

For some people, however, neutral colors are boring. So many people have white or similarly-colored walls, so perhaps you want to break the mold and do something off-kilter. Perhaps you should consider choosing a wall shade comparable to your floorboards. If your wood has golden or reddish undertones going for it, paint your walls a warm color as a complement. Orange flooring pairs nicely with rust-colored or terracotta walls, and rich, red woods look gorgeous next to a wine or burgundy paint. Pair gray or ashen woods with cool colors like blue or green.

Now, what if you want to take it one step farther and go for an off-the-wall, bold look? That’s simple, as well: play up the contrast. Find out what shade of wood you have, look opposite the color wheel, and bam, there’s the color of your walls. As an example, if your wood has a warm color like orange or gold, paint the walls a cool blue or gray. Both surfaces end up popping when you go with such a paint scheme, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

What colors do you like on your walls?

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Flooring for Stairs

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We talk a lot about the various points in your house that are covered with flooring: the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and so on. Have you ever thought about the flooring options that are available for your stairs, however? It isn’t something that is often covered, so without further ado, here are some suggestions for your staircases regarding safety and design.

First of all, let’s talk about that safety aspect. No one likes to think too hard about it, but the cold hard facts show that falls on stairs are one of the leading reasons that Americans have to visit emergency rooms. That is why it is critically important to consider the overall safety of any flooring option you decide to go with, especially if you have children or elderly people living in the home that may have to go up and down stairs.

Now let’s talk about the various types and styles of flooring that you have at your disposal. We’ll talk not only about the visuals, but the safety concerns as well. There are two very common options that homeowners will go with when flooring their staircases:

1) Hardwood flooring. Everybody loves the idea of hardwood: it’s elegant and lends a fine aesthetic to any household. It can be installed in any variety of patterns and colors, further modified by stains. It is easy to clean and hard to mess up, ensuring that it will last for a long time with a minimum of upkeep. On the con side of things, it is often slippery, especially when one is wearing socks. It is important to make sure that your stairs are not too tall when considering hardwood. For added safety, think about installing safety strips every couple of steps.

2) Carpeting. This is especially great if you can get it to match whatever carpet you have on the adjoining levels and adjacent rooms. It does require a bit more maintenance and cleaning than a floor such as hardwood, but it has the benefits of being quiet underfoot, feeling nice on the soles of your feet, and serving as a cushion in the event of a spill down the steps. Another note: you can combine carpeting over hard wood if your bottom or top floors do involve wood; a strip of wood on either side of carpeting will make sure that your stairs don’t look out of place!

For more information regarding other types of flooring such as tile, laminate, or cork, give us a call!

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Flooring 101: History of Floors, Pt. 2

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The last time we talked about flooring, we dug all the way back through human history to the days when a floor was little more than a simple patch of dirt. Over time, humans developed the technology and know-how to turn these dirt surfaces into something more, going from primitive straw-and-cow-dung cement to wood planks to heated stone floors within a few millennia. Carpets and rugs began to pop up around the known world in Asia and the Middle East, eventually being brought back to Europe and beyond. But where did we go from there?

Interestingly, a lot of the flooring options other than stone and hard wood came to us largely by accident. You likely either have or know someone who has linoleum flooring in their kitchen. This material was developed in England by a man named Frederick Walton in the mid-1800s. At the time, rubber floors had fallen out of favor and had been so for two centuries. Walton was a rubber manufacturer and noticed that linseed oil formed a flexible skin when it solidified, not unlike rubber. Once he perfected the process of manufacturing sheets of this skin, we had our first linoleum flooring.

Along with Walton’s linoleum, materials such as cork and asphalt became popular in tiled floors in the late 1800s and continued to be so until the early 20th century. It was at this time that an American inventor named Waldo Semon accidentally created what we now call PVC, or vinyl. He was attempting to bond metal with rubber in the year 1926 and in the process, invented PVC. At first, his material was used in shock absorbers, synthetic tires, and wire insulation. After the end of World War II, however, it became a popular flooring material that you can still buy and install to this day.

The truly remarkable thing about floors these days is that nobody is limited to a single type of floor, and indeed, I’m willing to bet that you have multiple materials in your own home. What kind(s) of flooring materials are you interested in or do you already own?

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Flooring 101: History of Floors, Pt. 1

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If you have a computer, possess an internet connection, and are reading this article right now, chances are very high that you have some type of flooring that isn’t just a bunch of dirt. You may have carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl, linoleum, cork, or any combination of the above. It’s no surprise that we have an abundance of options that are available for use in our home flooring designs. However, this was not always the case. Where do floors even come from? Who had the idea to actually put floors down in their homes? In this article, we go way back to explore the foundations (pun intended) of flooring throughout world history.

In early human civilization, a floor was usually just the dirt contained within the walls and ceilings of a residence. The most advanced humans got for a good long while was to strew hay, straw, and cow dung across the surface. This would get packed down after use, solidifying into a cement-like material. In early European, some peasants would actually spread mint across these dirt floors to make the room smell more pleasant.

The ancient Egyptians are the first people we can pinpoint that used stone floors. It wasn’t long before they were using the stone not only as a practical flooring surface, but also an artistic medium. This is where we got such artwork as tiles and mosaics. Stone flooring continued into the modern day, with the Greeks using oblong stones and pebbles in their work and the Romans learning how to use stone floors to heat their living spaces by lighting fires under the rooms.

During the middle ages, we saw the rise of wooden flooring. To begin with, the planks were rough and asymmetrical. Over time, the planks were sanded and smoothed. Varnishes and stains were created to add to the floors’ longevity. Carpets and rugs began to spring up across the globe, with rugs being developed by the Romans and perfected by the Persians (modern-day Iran). Carpets can be traced back to the Chinese Sung Dynasty throughout the 10th to 13th centuries. These wonders found their way back to Europe, due in no small part to explorers such as Marco Polo’s adventures eastward.

Stay tuned for our next installment in the history of floors!

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