Upgrading your home’s flooring is a simple way to improve the value of your house. Nothing adds character and beauty to the space like quality hardwood flooring. However, if you’re just transitioning from carpet or are looking to make a statement with your home’s interior design, finding the right wood can be a real challenge. Before you start receiving estimates and browsing products at your hardwood floor showroom, it’s important that you ask yourself these questions:

What flooring do I really want in my house?

Within the realm of hardwood floors, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types to choose from. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the type of wood you want to install. Consider if you would prefer the charm of a reclaimed floor or if you want a more traditional live sawn material. Will your room look better with wide or narrow planks? The more specific you can get about the type of flooring you want, the easier it will be to make an appropriate choice based on what will fit your home and your needs best.

How much can I afford to invest?

Some hardwood flooring costs more than other options. Before you start shopping, take a look at your renovation budget and decide how much you want to dedicate to flooring. Take note of this number and do your best to only choose options that fit your budget. Going over-budget on flooring will take away from additional remodeling projects and may leave you wishing you had done things differently. That said, you may want to be a bit flexible when speaking with an installation specialist. The right flooring can add value to your home, making it well worth spending a bit more than you’d initially anticipated.

What type of wood do I really want to have?

Hardwood floors can be stained, but leaving their natural color intact is typically the best option. Not only does it give you more versatility when redecorating your house, but it also makes the space more approachable should you ever decide to sell to another family. When making the choice, think about the type of feel you want the room to have. Ash, maple, and birch all make the space look bright, increasing the amount of natural light that gets reflected throughout the room. Woods like cherry or mahogany make the room darker, but also add an air of sophistication. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer—picking the color of your floors is a matter of personal preference.

Which finishes are the best for my house?

Hardwood floors come in different finishes ranging from satin and matte to high-gloss. Satin finishes give the wood a softer appearance, reflecting less light and keeping glare to a minimum. High-gloss floors are heavily polished and reflect even small amounts of light vibrantly. The finishes are, like wood choice, a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that high-gloss floors will show more dirt and dust than matte or satin sheen floors. If you have lots of pets or small children, a finish with less sheen may be better for your home.

Do you want to reduce noise or focus on durability?

Traditional hardwood floors are designed to withstand extensive traffic without showing significant wear. This means woods like hickory, oak, and maple will be able to withstand high levels of foot traffic without scratching or denting. However, these floors are often louder than softer woods. If you’re worried about mitigating noise over reducing the frequency of scratches. The hardwood industry rates floor loudness using the Janka rating system. Floors with a higher Janka rating will be louder, but more durable while woods with a lower Janka rating will muffle noise, but are more susceptible to scratches, dents, and wear.

Have I considered existing woodwork?

Hardwood flooring needs to match the rest of your home’s interior design. If you’re upgrading to wood in the kitchen, consider the colors of your cabinets, walls, wood trim, and any other existing woodwork in the room. Choose a tone and type of wood that matches your existing décor. This way, you’ll be able to keep the interior you love while upgrading your floors. Remember, the less you have to change about your existing interior, the more money you’ll save in the long run.

How much do I need to order?

When determining how much wood you need to buy to upgrade your home’s flooring, you’ll want to look at how many square feet you need to cover. Asking a professional to provide you with an accurate estimate will eliminate any guesswork on the size of the rooms you wish to redo. Though it may be tempting to purchase the exact amount of wood for the total square footage you want to cover, it’s best to order more than you think you’ll need. Remember, mistakes happen and if you don’t order more than the exact square footage, you’ll be in big trouble if a cut is misplaced. As a general rule, order at least 10 percent more wood than you’ll need to cover the room. This will give you leeway for a few mistakes without forcing you to run short on materials.

Do I want to replace any vents?

Replacing your hardwood flooring is the perfect opportunity to replace worn out air vents and grates set in the floor or along the floorboards. Before you finish the project, consider which grates you want to replace and make sure to select a material and color that works with your new flooring. Your installation team will often be able to install these new grates at the same time as your floor, saving you both money and time.

Ready to start thinking about replacing your home’s flooring with quality hardwood? Browse the full collection of products at Ward Hardwood Flooring and find the perfect match for your space. Our dedicated staff is on hand to help you explore your options and find the best materials for your budget and your family’s unique needs. Schedule an estimate today and let our friendly staff help you transform your home.