Wood floors: characteristics and trends

Because we want to create a cozy, welcoming home, wood floors are always popular. But choosing from among all the types, texture and colours of wood and finishes available can be quite a challenge. Here’s a brief look at what’s available and how to choose.

Solid or engineered wood?

While the look of the floor and its cost often influence our choice, its composition is equally important. There are two main options to choose from: hardwood floors, or floors of engineered wood.

The first are made of full-thickness wood, whereas the second are made from wood on the surface, bonded to and layered over several thicknesses of plywood. The difference in composition gives them different properties.

Hardwood is known for its durability; it can be sanded and refinished several times. Engineered wood, on the other hand, can also be sanded depending on the thickness of the top layer, and has the advantage of adapting to variations in humidity. It can be installed on all floors including the basement, and on all types of sub-flooring.

The kind of wood to choose

Before choosing a type of wood, it’s important to know that some are stronger and tougher than others. As a result, it’s a good idea to make your choice bearing in mind the function of the room where the floor will be installed, and your way of life.

Hard woods such as hickory, maple, oak, ash and yellow birch hold up well in high-traffic areas. The look wanted also influences the type of wood to choose. Some woods, including oak and ash, have a more pronounced grain, making it easier to hide wear over time.

At the other end of the spectrum, maple, cherry, yellow birch and pine – which are very popular with those who want a rustic look – provide less contrast. Popular kinds of wood include maple, walnut (bleached), hickory, and oak, which is making a marked comeback.

Colours and finishes

Thanks to our current interest in natural materials and a more contemporary style of house, light colours are in style…particularly in that they require less maintenance and their imperfections are less noticeable.

The same applies to matte finishes, which hide scratches and go well with textures. Oil-finished floors – a finish that heightens the natural appearance of the wood – are currently sought after. Their raw, rustic look and the character they display is popular.

For the same reason, brushed and antique finishes are on trend. In other words, purchasers are looking for beauty, authenticity, and ease of maintenance.

Other aspects to consider

The width of the planks starts at 2 ¼” and can go up to eight inches for engineered wood, whereas their length can be random. The larger and longer the planks, the grander the look.  CRAFT Artisan Wood Floors, which manufactures handmade engineered-wood floors, offers wider planks that can be up to 10 feet long.

“They also offer types of wood and textures that we don’t see a lot elsewhere,” says Nicole Brault, Mont-Tremblant designer and the only retailer in the Laurentians offering these high-end products, among which you’ll find hundred-year-old recycled pine.

Other manufacturers offer custom-designed floors in which, for example, unique designs can be inserted. Because the companies use creativity and ingeniousness to distinguish themselves from each other, the only limits are your imagination…and your budget!

 

 

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