Choosing a flooring material is a basic and important decision when designing a home or renovating as it underpins every other element in the space. And there are many options to consider, ranging and carpets and vinyl to laminate.
Hardwood flooring, however, is especially popular owing to its natural warmth. Moreover, there are many species available. This means there are many options, but it makes your choice all the more difficult.
Of course, not all hardwoods are created equal, with some more suitable for certain applications than others. That’s why it’s necessary to consider some important factors before choosing hardwood flooring in Mississauga or elsewhere in Ontario.
Let’s take a look at some of the most vital ones.
Take a look at important things to consider when shopping for hardwood flooring in Mississauga.
1. Wood Species
Hardwood flooring is available in numerous species, which makes this one of the first considerations when choosing the material for your home.
Each performs in different ways when exposed to elements such as fluctuating humidity, temperature, and traffic.
Each also has unique characteristics, including graining patterns, colours, and strengths.
By knowing about the different species, it is easier to narrow down your choices and pick one suitable for your space.
2. Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood
Whether you should go for engineered or solid hardwood flooring depends upon the room as each has its advantages and disadvantages. Find out what they are to make an informed decision.
This option is made using a single piece of hardwood in strips or planks. Typically, there are three varieties to choose from: planks, strips, and solid parquet. The planks are generally wider than three inches; strips are narrower than three inches, and parquet varieties are made in decorative geometric patterns. The strips are the most cost-effective option but are not as dense as planks.
Engineered hardwood is made with multiple layers with plywood at the bottom and hardwood on top. Hence, the top layer is considered natural as it has 100% hardwood. Engineered varieties are made in varying thicknesses which determines how frequently it needs to be pre-finished. This is done as most varieties have a thin layer of hardwood on top, so it’s not possible to constantly refinish them without damaging the surface.
3. Interior Style
When choosing hardwood flooring in Mississauga, you need to think about the style of your home. This means taking the different interior elements into consideration, including the furniture, trim work, and any other design element in the space. By thinking about them beforehand, you ensure you create a cohesive design and have floors that match the rest of the decor.
Moreover, there are numerous popular combinations that are bound to invest your home with a unique appearance, no matter its design scheme.
4. Appearance and Grain Pattern
Another factor homeowners need to decide upon is the flooring’s appearance and grain pattern. Depending on how the wood planks or boards have been cut, it produces varying patterns on the planks.
This type of hardwood has consistent long grains without wood grain patterns (known as cathedrals). This is one of the most expensive types of grain patterns available.
This variety is similar to rift-sawn but comes with irregular specs that result in unique patterns that look 3D.
This hardwood is the most popular and most commonly seen in homes. It comes with more traditional patterns known as cathedrals.
Ideally, you should contact a reputable flooring provider in Mississauga like Super Choice as we can offer hardwood flooring in a combination of different grain patterns. This creates a unique flooring design that won’t be available elsewhere.
You should also think of the width of the wood boards as they come in various sizes. This can help create a great design, depending on how the boards are installed.
If you are looking to create a luxurious feel and want something with fewer seams, choose wider planks. However, keep in mind that such varieties will most likely be more expensive.
5. Stained vs. Natural Colours
As mentioned, hardwood species come in varying colours and grain patterns, including light-coloured, moderate, and dark varieties. So, when buying hardwood flooring in Mississauga, consider natural colours and decide which you like most.
Keep in mind that it’s better to choose darker colours for well-lit areas as this flooring won’t reflect much light. Alternatively, for a dimly-lit room, you should choose lighter varieties as they will do a great job at reflecting light, whether natural or artificial.
Also, remember that visible signs of damage such as scuffs and scratches are more apparent with darker varieties. Some of the most common dark species you can choose are walnut and mahogany.
If your flooring is exposed to high foot traffic or pets, go for lighter varieties, like birch, poplar, or pine.
The finishing details will make or break how your hardwood flooring looks, so it’s best not to cut corners. Instead, think of new flooring as an investment rather than an expenditure. By weighing your options, you have a better chance of ensuring you find hardwood flooring that is perfect for your Mississauga home.
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