When it comes to interior design, hardwood flooring is the cream of the crop. This material adds warmth, character, and natural beauty to virtually any room in your home. Tough and durable hardwood last can for decades and can even boost your home’s value, but it’s important to choose the right product for your space. The experts Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Designs of Waynesboro, VA, will help you find the right material for every room.

As you browse their selection, there are three factors you need to consider.

Solid or Engineered

Though both solid and engineered hardwood flooring are crafted from real wood, they differ slightly. As the name implies, solid planks are formed from a single piece of solid wood. On the other hand, engineered products feature a wood core topped by a veneer.

Solid hardwood flooring can only be installed above ground level or atop a plywood subfloor. However, it can be sanded down and refinished over the life of your home. Engineered hardwood can be installed in most areas of your home atop a concrete subfloor, even in moisture-prone spaces like a bathroom or laundry room.

Species

When you’re selecting a wood species, look for one that is beautiful and able to withstand your family’s activities. For spaces that receive heavy foot traffic, check the hardwood hardness scale to find a durable species. Red oak is the benchmark for comparison. Softer woods such as mahogany and American cherry should be used in spaces that don’t get much wear and tear, while species such as Brazilian walnut and Bolivian cherry will stand up to whatever your household can dish out.

Style

Gorgeous hardwood flooring is a show-stopping addition to your home, and ultimately your personal style can steer the selection process. Think about the color, texture, grain pattern, and finish of each type of wood you consider. Do you love dark and dramatic flooring or a light-colored surface underfoot? Do you prefer weathered, hand-scraped textures or a sleek floor that looks pristine? Collect magazine pages that show flooring ideas that spark your interest.

Choosing the right hardwood flooring doesn’t have to be complicated. For high-quality interior design and installation services, turn to the experts at Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Designs in Waynesboro. Visit their website or call (540) 943-2911 to learn more about their products.