If you’re thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, you may have stopped by a hardwood floor showroom or two to see the many different options. But, while you were there, did you notice people using a lot of words you weren’t familiar with? Were you unsure of how to talk to the sales team about what you were looking for? There are a lot of terms you should know to ensure you are making the right choices for your home. Here’s a handy guide to help you understand some of the most common ones:

Prefinished Flooring

If you order prefinished hardwood flooring, it means the planks will be stained to the appropriate color and sealed with a protective coating prior to coming to your home. Doing this before the installation reduces the time it takes to complete this project, so many customers prefer prefinished wood.

Reclaimed Wood

Some customers order reclaimed wood, which is hardwood that has been salvaged from another building. This type of wood goes through a refinishing process prior to being used in someone’s home. Even though it is refinished, it won’t look brand new once installed. Reclaimed wood is preferred by customers who want a unique, imperfect look.

Strip Flooring

The term strip flooring refers to the width of each hardwood plank. Strip flooring is narrow, usually less than three inches wide, while wide plank flooring is wider than three inches.

Finish

Applying a finish is one of the last steps involved in the hardwood installation process. Finishes can be oil, polyurethane, water-based, acid - cured, or many other types to choose from.

Refinishing

Now that you know what a finish is, what exactly is refinishing? If you no longer like the color of your floor’s stain, or if there is a lot of damage on the surface of your floors, you may need to have them refinished. This means a professional will come to your home and sand your floors to remove the current finish and stain. Once it has been sanded down, a new stain and finish can be applied to completely change the look.

Natural Stain

Many customers choose a colored stain to alter the look of the wood, but some still prefer a natural stain. A natural stain has a clear finish, so it will protect your wood without adjusting the color of it. With a natural stain, you can still see the natural grain running through the wood. This is often used in homes with a rustic or country feel, but it is versatile and can complement almost any type of interior design.

Are you ready to install hardwood floors in your home? Or, are you hoping to get more information on hardwood flooring before making a decision? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.