How to Choose the Right Type of Wood Flooring for Your West Los Angeles Home. ELITE Floor Covering - The Trusted Flooring Artisans. Call 310-912-3045 for a Custom Quote
- Front Office
- Aug 13, 2024
- 6 min read
ELITE FLOOR COVERING WEST LOS ANGELES SINCE 2007
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Wood flooring is a popular choice of flooring throughout West Los Angeles. It adds warmth, comfort, character, and value to your living space. But with so many wood flooring options available, it’s essential to consider which one will be the best fit for your Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades home and make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and the specific requirements of each room.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various types of wood for flooring and what you should consider, from the wood design and process to the tone and finish.
Steps to Consider When Choosing Your Wood Flooring
Selecting the perfect wood flooring requires careful consideration. It’s essential to break down each step of the decision-making process. Start by assessing your lifestyle and the volume of foot traffic in the area where the floorboards or engineered flooring will be installed. Consider the aesthetic appeal you desire and how well different types of wood flooring would complement your decor.
Evaluate the durability and maintenance requirements of various wood types, ensuring they align with your lifestyle. Additionally, factor in budget constraints and explore sustainable options by carefully following each of the next steps so you can find the type of wood flooring that best suits your West Los Angeles home's needs.
1. Type of Wood Flooring
What are the types of wood Flooring? Wood flooring is available in an array of types, and each has its own unique characteristics. It’s important to make an informed decision about the ideal flooring for your home so that you get the best mix of value, style, and longevity.
The primary types of wood flooring include solid hardwood, known for its timeless elegance and durability; engineered wood, a versatile option suitable for various environments; and laminate, a cost-effective alternative that tries to mimic the appearance of hardwood. Understanding the distinctions between these types of wood for floors is essential for making the right choice.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Let's start off with the most cost-effective flooring alternative, laminate flooring. This type of wood flooring allows to replicate the charm of hardwood. Constructed with multiple layers, this synthetic flooring achieves its unique aesthetic by printing a high-resolution image upon its surface, and aims to mimic the grain and texture of real wood. Laminate flooring can combine practicality and a certain style, offering homeowners a budget-friendly option that can suit a range of existing aesthetics.
SOLID HARDWOOD FLOORING
Next up is solid hardwood flooring, a timeless choice that maintains a warm, elegant feel in any space. Crafted from solid wood planks, hardwood flooring promises durability. This type of flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a sustainable and long-lasting investment.
There is a rich variety of types of wood for floors, including oak flooring, maple, and walnut. Each one has its own distinctive grain and patterns. Hardwood floors not only enhance the appeal of a room but also contribute a sense of timelessness, making them one of the very best types of wood flooring.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING
Now, the best option for your wood flooring, engineered. Engineered hardwood flooring consists of a real wood veneer layer on top of several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This intricate design enhances its resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, making it suitable for areas where solid hardwood might be impractical and areas with fluctuating humidity levels, such as basements.
Engineered hardwood comes in various wood finishes and designs, allowing homeowners to choose the type of flooring that works best with their existing aesthetic and style choices. Engineered hardwood flooring is an outstanding choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
2. Room in Your Home
Consider the specific room where you plan to install the wood flooring. Different areas have varying requirements. For instance, solid hardwood is not recommended for basements or kitchens due to its susceptibility to moisture. In contrast, engineered hardwood may be more suitable for such spaces.
3. The Design
Selecting the perfect wood flooring design is important for enhancing the style of your home. There are countless designs available, from classic design panels to modern engineered herringbone and more. Make a statement with flooring that complements your unique vibe.
PLANK
Plank flooring is the most common design for homes, characterized by longboards that create a traditional and spacious look. It works well in larger spaces, can make a room feel more expansive and are a great addition to smaller homes and commercial spaces. This design works well in both contemporary and classic interiors.
HERRINGBONE
A Herringbone pattern, often called parquet flooring, offers a timeless and sophisticated design. This layout involves arranging rectangular planks in a crisscross pattern, creating a visually appealing and unique flooring style.
CHEVRON
Similar to herringbone but with a different angle, chevron patterns involve angled ends but create a more continuous, V-shaped pattern, adding a modern statement. This design choice creates a more contemporary feel.
DESIGN PANEL
Design panels incorporate different shapes and patterns, allowing for unique and customized flooring options, making a bold statement in your home. These panels can be customized to suit style preferences and add a touch of personality to your space.
4. The Tone of Wood
Wood flooring comes in various tones, and choosing the right one can significantly impact the overall feel of a room. Light-toned wood or white wood floors can make a space feel brighter and more open. This is an excellent choice for smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light.
On the other hand, medium-toned woods strike a balance between light and dark, providing warmth without being too overpowering. They work well in a variety of design styles and are versatile enough for both traditional and modern spaces. While dark-toned woods creates a sense of luxury and warmth. They are often used in more formal settings and can add a touch of elegance to a room.
5. The Wood Grain and The Grade of Wood
The wood’s grain pattern is another factor that contributes to your floor’s overall appearance. Some may prefer a more pronounced grain for a rustic look, while others may opt for a smoother, more uniform grain for a sleek, modern style. Wood flooring is graded based on the natural characteristics present in the wood, such as knots, mineral streaks, and color variations. Grades can be prime, where minimal imperfections are shown, to natural, which embraces the raw features of the wood for a more rustic look.
6. The Width and Thickness of the Plank
The width and thickness of the wood planks contribute to the overall look of your floors. Wider planks are popular for creating a more contemporary and open feel, while narrower planks can provide a classic and traditional look. The thickness of the plank contributes to the durability and longevity of the flooring.
7. The Wood Finish
The finish of your wood flooring can influence its appearance and maintenance. Consider whether you prefer a matte or glossy finish. A matte finish provides a more natural and rustic look. A matte finish hides scratches and imperfections better than a glossy finish and is ideal for high-traffic areas, as well as homes with pets. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a low-maintenance option.
While a glossy finish adds a sleek and modern touch to your flooring but may require more maintenance to keep it looking pristine. It also reflects more light, which can be a positive or a negative, depending on the size of your space.
Upgrade Your Wood Flooring with ELITE Floor Covering
Selecting the right type of wood flooring involves careful consideration of factors such as the type of wood, room dynamics, design preferences, tone, grain, grade, plank dimensions, and finish. By taking the time to explore these aspects, you can ensure that your chosen wood flooring not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the overall appeal of your home. At ELITE Floor Covering, we offer the best kept high-quality hardwood floors in West Los Angeles.
ELITE Floor Covering - West Los Angeles' Best Kept Secret for Quality Flooring. Call: 310-912-3045 to Schedule a Free Estimate.
For more information on Shaw Floors Carpet and Hardwood Flooring products, feel free to contact us. ELITE Floorcovering, Southern California flooring artisans serving West Los Angeles and surrounding areas, such as Beverly Hills, Malibu, South Bay, Calabasas and across Southern California. We will help you have the dream floors you have always wanted and fulfill your home improvement plans.
ELITE Floorcovering
Southern California flooring artisans
Elite Floorcovering Since 2007
2255 South Sepulveda Boulevard
West Los Angeles, CA 90064
We offer free in-home estimates!
Call us: 310-912-3045
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