Hardwood color

1/22/2012 at 12:17:52 PM

Hi Amy:

Hardwood is great, but there are so many types, widths, finishes and tones that to say "hardwood" is like being out in the middle of the woods with no idea of where you are! Then, what is it made of? how durable? do you have pets or kids of any age? will shoes off and slippers on be the norm? do you live in town (grass/pavement, or in a rural setting (gravel, grass)? Then, there is your price range. Not always is the most expensive the best. We have pets and live in the country as well. Our hardwood is a low sheen, made from white oak, and can be touched up with just a wipe of a gelled stain to match. It is in the mid price range, and one of the few of its kind. Stay away from birch, as it is the softest of the hardwoods.

GO to a qualified hardwood store. ASK the questions and then decide on the tone. Take samples home and put them down on the floor in various areas where different intensities of light can shine on them.

We have found that a mid range brown to just slightly darker hides most everything. Darker is not popular. Keep a little hint of red in the tone to give it warmth, but not too much, as it is hard to match with anything else.

A high sheen looks great but it is impossible to hide any scratches or scrapes. A scraped finish looks great in small patches, but a run of 20 ft reflects all of the contours and they turn out to looking like just exactly like they are: continual machine markings. Remeber, your floor has to last a great many years, so the best deal may not be the best one for you in the long run.

I hope this helps. Ask ALL the questions.

Chuck

1/24/2012 at 8:36:52 PM

Thanks for your advise. Do you have any suggestion regarding the store to go, or a style??

Any help would be appreciated.