Hard wood flooring has really been making a comeback in recent years. In some old houses it is possible to pull back the old carpet and reveal original hardwood that can be refinished. There is also the possibility of using refurbished hardwood that has been salvaged from a demolition. However, there are many other options to consider before making the final decision.

How wide are the boards?
Board width has a major impact on how a floor looks, and ultimately how a room feels. Narrow strips (less than 3 inches) usually make a room feel long and narrow. Wider planks can give a room more rustic look and feel. Parquet floors, with smaller pieces of wood placed in a design give a room a distinctive geometric design and suit more formal rooms.

What type of Wood is Best?

Hardwood species can vary in terms of durability grain patters and color. Oak, maple and cherry are among the most common species because of their hardness. There are also exotic woods like mahogany and Brazilian cherry that are used for their striking appearance, but they do not have the durability of the hardwoods.

Colors and Stain

The natural color of hardwoods can be very intense, and can be brought out even more with different types of clear finishes or even stain. The natural colors run from the light blond of oak to the dark mahogany of a deep cherry.

Textures

Many manufactures offer distressed and hand-scrapped hardwoods that give an antique and timeworn character to your floors while also giving the consumer a way to disguise heavy use over the years.

At Sparkle Floor and Carpet we specialize in helping you decide between all the choices available to come up with the ultimate floor for your home.