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BEST HARDWOOD FLOORING OPTIONS FOR YOUR OUTDOOR DECK
When it comes to outdoor deck flooring, hardwood is a popular choice due to its durability, natural beauty, and timeless appeal. However, not all hardwood flooring options are suitable for outdoor use. In this article, we will discuss the best hardwood flooring options for your outdoor deck.
Ipe Wood
Ipe wood, also known as Brazilian walnut, is one of the most popular choices for outdoor decking. It is extremely dense and durable, making it resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. Ipe wood has a rich, dark brown color that can add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. While it is on the pricier side, its longevity and low maintenance requirements make it a worthwhile investment.
Teak
Teak is another excellent hardwood flooring option for outdoor deck flooring. It is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. Teak also has a beautiful golden brown color that can weather to a silvery gray over time, giving your deck a rustic, aged look. Like ipe wood, teak is a long-lasting and low-maintenance option for outdoor decking.
Cedar
Cedar is a popular choice for outdoor deck flooring due to its natural resistance to decay and insects. While not as dense as ipe or teak, cedar is still a durable and attractive option for outdoor use. It has a warm, reddish-brown color that can complement a variety of outdoor design styles. Cedar is also more affordable than ipe or teak, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for hardwood flooring for their outdoor deck.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a luxurious hardwood option for outdoor deck flooring. It has a rich, reddish-brown color and a smooth, fine grain that can add a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space. While mahogany is not as dense as ipe or teak, it is still a durable and long-lasting option for outdoor use. It does require regular maintenance to preserve its color and finish, but many homeowners find the beauty of mahogany worth the extra effort.
In conclusion, hardwood flooring can be a beautiful and durable option for your outdoor deck. When choosing the best hardwood option for your deck, consider factors such as durability, resistance to moisture and insects, maintenance requirements, and budget. With the right hardwood flooring choice, you can create a stunning outdoor space that will stand the test of time.
Classic Floor Designs Answers the Top 10 Questions about Hardwood Floors
Hardwood Floors Are More Popular Than Ever
If you love the idea of having hardwood floors in your home you’re not alone. In fact, hardwood flooring is so popular, the wood flooring market is expected to register a growth rate of 4.8% from 2018 to 2024. Whether you’re making the switch to hardwood floors or wishing to revamp your existing flooring, the professionals at Classic Floor Design are here to help.
So you’re ready to get started, but you’re not sure what you’re looking for when it comes to the ins and outs of hardwood flooring options. Here are 10 frequently asked questions we hear a lot related to installing or refinishing hardwood floors.
Which Wood Species Is Best?
Simply put, your personal preference will determine what the best option is for you. To achieve a cozier aesthetic, we recommend going with oak or hickory. If you’re more interested in establishing an open, airy atmosphere, maple or ash will do the trick. No matter your style, we’ll help steer you in the right direction.
Prefinished Vs. Unfinished: What’s The Difference?
Much like its name suggests, prefinished hardwood floors are sealed with multiple coats of finish in advance. Aluminum oxide, which is the second hardest substance after diamond, is included in the final coats to ensure optimal protection. Meanwhile, unfinished floors are finished after the installation. Aluminum oxide isn’t used because the particles within would sink to the bottom of the finish.
Can A Hardwood Floor Be Floated?
A floating hardwood floor refers to a floor that doesn’t need to be glued or nailed to the subfloor. Some prefer this method because it allows the wood floors to change based on the room’s humidity without buckling. A solid hardwood floor can’t be floated, but an engineered hardwood floor can.
Are Wood Floors Worth It?
As hardwood floor installation experts, we’re well aware of how beneficial this flooring solution can be. In addition to increasing the value of your home or building, wood floors are also easy to maintain. Best of all, they’re durable, customizable, and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Will Pets Ruin The Hardwood?
Depending on the pet you have, you may want to consider a more durable hardwood floor. Bigger, more playful dogs will warrant more protection, while an outdoor cat won’t be much of a problem. We recommend using the Janka hardness test to determine what type of wood will hold up against your pet. Between this proven method and our industry insight, we’ll help you make the ideal selection.
How Do I Prevent Wood Floors From Fading?
Much like cheese, wood floors get better with age. In other words, while it’s essential to care for your hardwood floors, they do an excellent job preserving themselves. To increase their life span and prevent fading, periodically move furniture, rugs, etc. to limit their exposure to the sun.
Can A Hardwood Floor Be Installed Over A Concrete Slab?
Thinner wood floors can be installed over concrete, but standard wood floors shouldn’t be because excessive moisture can cause swelling and contracting. Engineered hardwood would also work because it’s less likely to expand and warp over concrete.
When’s The Best Time To Install Wood Floors?
Unless you’re building or restoring a home or property, any time is a good time to install wood floors. Otherwise, you’ll want to wait until the renovations are nearly complete before moving forward. Installing wood floors prematurely makes them more susceptible to damage.
To Sheen Or Not To Sheen?
Once again, this is entirely up to you. A gloss finish will deliver a shiny finished look and reflect the greatest amount of light. A semi-gloss finish will produce the same effects, but they’ll be subtler. For the lowest level of shine, a matte or satin finish will be your best bet.
How Much Do I Have To Order?
For your peace of mind, we suggest ordering about 10 percent more wood flooring than is needed. Ordering the exact amount is ill-advised because you’ll need extra to account for corners, stairs, doors, etc. By purchasing more than you need, you’ll have enough when it’s time to trim, cut, and fit the floors into your desired space. At Classic Floor Designs, we’ve mastered the art of hardwood installation. No matter your questions or concerns, we’re qualified to answer and address them. Give us a call today at 202-872-9860 to see how we can assist with your installation needs. If you prefer, you can also fill out our online form by following this link.
Hardwood Flooring: Everything You Need to Know
Hardwood is the most popular flooring option in the United States for a reason. Its durability, beauty, and versatility instantly make your home look great. Hardwood is highly sought after by home-owners and potential home buyers, and offers a look and feel that other types of flooring simply cannot provide. There’s more to simpling picking a type of hardwood for your home. The options available to homeowners may turn out to be a taller task than previously imagined. Here are a few things you should know before making the leap to a hardwood home.
Two types of hardwood floorboards
Solid hardwood
Each board of solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood. It has a beautiful appearance but comes with some drawbacks. The single piece of wood will expand and contract based on temperature and humidity in the room it’s been placed. Avoid installing solid hardwood in a basement or kitchen as it may be damaged easily. The hardwood flooring will also need to be acclimated.
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood is made up of several pieces of wood, bonded together in layers. This allows for a much simpler, and cheaper, installation. Engineered hardwood will not expand and contract due to temperature and humidity
Finishes and species
Two huge considerations for new flooring in any home is the finish and the species of wood. Popular options for wood species include oak, birch, cherry, maple, bamboo, walnut, and hickory. When it comes to your floors finish, you can opt for a factory finish or site finish.
A factory finish will limit your options, but the installation will be much faster and less expensive than a site finish. The world is your oyster with a site finish, but the drying and curing process could take days or weeks. For a brand-new home, this is a more popular option. For a renovation, which is usually time-sensitive, a factory finish usually makes the most sense.
Other considerations
Check out other articles on our blog for tips and tricks on hardwood care, flooring trends for 2020, and signs that it’s time to replace or refinish your hardwood flooring. We cover refinishing, remodeling, and more!
Contact Us
Classic Floor Designs has been Washington DC’s premier flooring source for over 40 years. Our experts are here to help you tackle your project no matter the size or scope, and we are proud to have earned the trust and respect of our clients when it comes to hardwood. Call us at (202) 872-9860 to schedule your FREE consultation. Let us help make your flooring dreams become reality today!
Five Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition to any home and certainly adds a lot of value, but it’s no secret that its value decreases over time. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your hardwood floors, but how do know when the time has come to hire a professional to refinish your hardwood floors? Here are the top five signs to look for!
Water damage
Water is no friend to your hardwood floors. Quick spills in the kitchen or dining room are usually no big deal, but we’ve all had the problem of catching a leak or spill a little too late. For severe cases, such as a storm causing a large leak, a professional service should come in as soon as possible to attempt to save the wood from buckling or warping. A dark stain may be all that’s leftover for a less severe case. Nevertheless, whether it be extensive water damage or just a few stains, a full or partial refinishing is worth a look at.
Extensive scratches
This is most common in homes with pets. Large dogs may seem like the most likely culprit, but smaller animals, like cats, can also damage your hardwood. Dragging furniture over your hardwood is another common way for scratches to appear. Most scratches only impact the stain and not the actual wood itself, making this strictly a cosmetic issue. Sanding and restaining may be all that’s required, but deeper or extensive scratches may call for a refinishing.
Sun discoloration
Natural light is considered a desirable feature of a home, though your hardwood would disagree. Sun exposure can damage your hardwood flooring over time. Reapplying stain to discolored areas is only a temporary fix. Classic Floor Designs recommends a full refinish when the damage becomes too noticeable.
Some boards are turning gray
You may be wondering why some of your hardwood is turning gray. As the polyurethane wears off, your hardwood absorbs water much more easily. Water dragged in by your shoes, spilled drinks, or even water from cleaning products during normal maintenance, all speed up this process. If not addressed, the wood will eventually turn black. Refinishing is the only way to fix this issue.
Change in style
A refinish is a perfect opportunity to change the style of your flooring. If you have been pondering a change and have damage or discoloration, refinishing your hardwood floors kills two birds with one stone. Especially if you are putting your home on the market, a new style can be the perfect way to increase the value of your home to potential buyers.
Contact Us
Think it’s time to refinish your hardwood floors? Give us a call at (202) 872-9860 for a FREE consultation with one of our flooring experts! With over 40 years of experience, we are proud to be one of the most trusted names in flooring in the DC metropolitan area. Our team can help with your new construction, home improvement, restoration or maintenance project.