Various trends in hardwood flooring have emerged, from smokey tones and rustic textures to rich colors and whitewashed floors. These floors enhance your house's appeal, enrich air quality, and offer value for your money. Selecting the right hardwood flooring is the surest way to achieve all these elements. Since the process could be a little too complex, ensure that you focus on the following aspects during the selection process.

Browse for a Grain Pattern

Various grain patterns are at your disposal. You will need to compare the different options and select one that meets your preferences and needs. In most cases, you'll have to choose from three main options: rift-sawn, plain-sawn, and quarter-sawn.

Suppose you want an esthetically pleasing yet significantly accessible grain pattern. In this case, it would help to choose plain sawn grain patterns. It comes with traditional patterns called cathedrals. You could also opt for the rift-sawn hardwood patterns, which come with long and consistent grains. Alternatively, there is the quarter-sawn option that offers unique 3D designs.

Decide on the Finishing

You have two choices: polyurethane and oil finishes. The hardwood flooring choice will depend on your budget and personal preferences. If you are looking for a significantly appealing and smooth finish, the oil option will suffice. It ensures that the floor appears modern and bright. Oil finishes make the floor significantly easy to maintain. However, they could be a little more susceptible to scratches or stains.

On the other hand, polyurethane guarantees durability and easier maintenance. While they are not susceptible to scratches, these polyurethane finishes can sustain hard-to-repair scratches in the long run. In this case, the repair costs could be unbearable, requiring you to re-coat an entire section of the floor.

Choose Between Engineered and Solid Hardwood

Choosing the right floorboard assures you of an excellent return on your investment. You'll have to decide between engineered and solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is much narrower than engineered hardwood. Its tight seams make it an excellent choice for all flooring projects. You could get it either pre-finished or unfinished. While it is a little costlier, this option lasts a long time.

If you are looking for a more contemporary appeal, engineered hardwood will be a perfect choice. This option is somewhat more affordable, making it ideal for different budgets. Besides, its installation is considerably straightforward.

To conclude, as you look forward to installing hardwood flooring in your home, consider the elements above. These guidelines ensure that you make more informed decisions.