Whether your home is traditional or contemporary, brand new or centuries old, hardwood flooring endures and inspires, and will adapt to your changing lifestyle and home decor. Only hardwood flooring transcends all of the variable tastes and trends we’ve seen over the years with the natural beauty, warmth, and timeless style it brings to your home.
The appearance of wood flooring is unique to each individual wood species. Each will have a different color, grain, and characteristic. Wood is also categorized by grade, and grades are determined by the physical characteristics of the wood. Generally speaking, all grades are equally strong and serviceable, but each looks different. Some homeowners prefer more character (and even distressed looks are popular), while others prefer a more consistent appearance.
- Clear wood has minimal character marks and a uniform color and appearance.
- Select wood has natural color variations and includes knots, mineral streaks, and other natural characteristics.
- No. 1 Common has a varied appearance, light and dark colors, knots, mineral streaks and wormholes.
- No. 2 Common is rustic in appearance and emphasizes all wood characteristics of the species. This is also known as “builder’s” grade.
Hardwood is at the top of the list for most potential homebuyers, and will bring positive returns when it comes to your resale value. In other words, installing hardwood flooring in your home is a good long-term investment. Most homeowners are installing solid hardwood, the more traditional option, as opposed to engineered wood. Engineered wood saves resources, and can be installed in high moisture areas and below grade (basement level). Read more about solid vs. engineered.
Visit Earth First Flooring to view our displays of solid and engineered hardwood samples, and talk with our experienced staff about hardwood options. We can also explain how to protect and maintain your hardwood flooring to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Schedule a Free Measure/Estimate.