If you are trying to create an elegant and sophisticated ambiance in your home, choosing the right flooring is crucial. While carpets may be comfortable and vinyl floors are easy to care for, these types of flooring often have a short lifetime, and your furniture and decorating choices are limited to designs to match the style and color of your tile or carpet. If you are looking for versatile, durable, and elegant flooring, choose wood flooring.

Wooden floors are available in a variety of lumber types which provide you with a broad range of color options, from a dark mahogany to a lighter oak. Wood also brings with it variations individual to the tree, such as color, wood grain, and knot holes. This—combined with the finish or stain applied to the wood, as well as the lighting in your home— ensures your flooring will have a unique look.

The differences in wood type and finishes also affect the durability and lifetime of your floors. Non-engineered hardwood, for instance, is in its natural state which makes it more susceptible to expanding and contracting when exposed to moisture and other elements. Engineered hardwood is also 100% wood, but is constructed in compressed layers to resist damage from moisture and excessive use. Similarly, certain types of wood such as oak, maple, or ash are excellent for high-traffic areas of your home because these woods are members of the hardwood family. However, if you prefer a softer wood such as pine, cedar, or fir then applying a urethane finish over the wood can protect your floors from damage, even in high-traffic areas.

Despite the variations in color and wood type, hardwood floors can be more versatile than virtually any other type of flooring. You can choose to decorate with bright colors or soft neutrals. The wood also pairs well with stainless steel appliances and modern, metal furniture, as well as classic wooden designs. With its cozy feel and timeless elegance, a hardwood floor is sure to complement any design aesthetic.

If you are interested in installing wooden floors in your home or business, Abbey Carpet of Maui can help. Located in Kahului, Hawaii, and serving the area for nearly 25 years, these flooring installation experts specialize in carpets, wood, and laminate flooring. To learn more about hardwood floors and other types of flooring, visit the Abbey Carpet of Maui website. To schedule a consultation with a flooring expert, call (808) 871-5825 today.