If you’ve made the excellent decision to install hardwood flooring in your home, the next step is to choose a wood flooring type and pattern. The design you choose can instantly transform the look of your space, whether you’re going for a minimalistic aesthetic or a classic style. Without further ado, let’s dive into the options you have for wood flooring in Calgary.
Different wood flooring types
It’s no secret that hardwood flooring has been around for a very long time – in fact, beautiful, durable, and classic hardwood can be found dating centuries back in both residential and commercial spaces.
Hardwood flooring has come a long way since then. Today, you have endless options of species, stains, and finishes to choose from. As an alternative to solid hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring can mimic the look of the real deal at a fraction of the cost. The different types available to you include:
- Species – This refers to the type of tree that the solid hardwood is made from. The print layer on engineered hardwood flooring can closely resemble the grain lines while each solid hardwood plank is completely unique. Each species offers a different texture and grain pattern. Some of the most popular hardwood species type include:
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- Oak
- Maple
- Birch
- Red oak
- Bamboo
- White oak
- Walnut
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- Stain colours – When it comes to solid hardwood, choosing the stain is a big decision. Although you can redo a stain, it’s costly and time-consuming to do. The species you choose also plays a factor, as some species can hold stains better than others. Some solid hardwoods don’t need to be stained because they look beautiful in their natural state. There are a range of stains available, from light blonde to ebony black. We recommend asking your local flooring company for samples to help you narrow down your choices.
- Finish types – Hardwood flooring finishes come in a variety of glossiness and bases. Some of the most popular finish types are water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane, and waxes. All finishes are designed to protect your floor and prevent scratches.
Different wood flooring patterns
Once you’ve decided on the type of hardwood flooring you want, it’s time to choose the pattern. In vintage homes, it’s common to see hardwood installed in gorgeous and timeless designs. In modern homes, hardwood is typically installed in uniform horizontal strips. However, in recent years, some of the classic and traditional “luxury design” patterns for hardwood flooring have made a comeback and are featured as home trends today.
Some of the most popular wood flooring patterns include:
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- Classic herringbone
- Gorgeous chevron parquet
- Contemporary diagonal
- Unique 3D parquet
- Timeless square basket
While the above patterns take a longer time to install and typically require a professional, the results are beautiful and well worth the investment.
Where to find quality hardwood installation in Calgary
It’s true that the hardwood flooring type and pattern you choose can enhance the look of any space, but they’re only as good as the quality of the product and the quality of the installation. Simply put – subpar wood will give you subpar results and hardwood flooring that’s not installed correctly will give you a headache in the long run.
If you want the best hardwood floors in Calgary, you need to go to an independent flooring retailer instead of a big-box chain store. Specialized flooring stores like Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring are focused and knowledgeable in one area, instead of being a jack of all trades. Furthermore, most top-of-the-line flooring brands only work with independent retailers, which means you won’t find the same quality from a major distributor.
