Choosing Oak Hardwood Flooring

Oak hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners, owing to aesthetics and durability. Making the right choice for your room isn’t trivial, though, but it doesn’t have to be an ordeal either. With a bit of research and forethought, and the advice of your local flooring contractor, oak hardwood flooring can be the perfect match for you home.

The first consideration is how the hardwood looks, both on its own and as part of the room. Oak wood is divided into red oak and white oak, named for their darker and lighter shades, respectively. Within those categories, the color can vary somewhat further. The finish used on the wood also affects its appearance, tinting it or giving it an antique or glossy look. Your contractor or local store should offer samples to browse and compare.

Consider the layout of the planks as well: the dimensions of the individual planks and how they fit together. For a distinctive look, check out parquet – a geometric design of interlocking shapes, like a mosaic. Ask your contractor about these options.

Another major factor of choosing oak hardwood flooring is the maintenance it’ll need. Hardwood comes in two forms: solid wood, being a single, thick sheet or plank; and engineered wood, layers of hardwood and plywood with a veneer on the top surface. Engineered hardwood is resistant to warping or swelling from temperature or moisture. Solid hardwood is easier to sand and refinish since it’s one thick layer. In either case, professional installation is preferred, but especially so for solid hardwood because of the necessary accommodations for expansion and contraction.

Finally, check for warranty. You want a reputable contractor with a longer warranty that can cover for any faults in installation. Also, consider the most likely wear or damage that will occur and make sure that your contractor will cover for that too. You don’t just want the perfect oak flooring – you also want it done right.