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 wide plank 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.

What type of wood do I really want to have?

Hardwood floors can be stained, but in some cases leaving the wood natural 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.

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.

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.