Add Character to Your New Home with Wood Floors

Moving into a new home is exciting. One of the first things you want to do is make it your own and add your own flare and style to it. An easy way to get started is to focus on your flooring. Not only does wood flooring add character and charm, but it?s also an investment, adding value to your home. It remains one of the best choices for flooring that is safe and easy to clean and maintain. The long-term benefits, along with the overall lifespan of a hardwood floor, outweigh the initial cost.



Why Replace Flooring in Your New Home?



Moving into a new to you home, you are never quite sure about the wear and tear of the existing flooring. If it already has carpets, they may have been exposed to pets, smoke and everyday foot traffic, which can result in residual odors and stains that rigorous cleaning cannot rectify. It is often necessary to remove existing carpets and opt for a different flooring option. There are pros and cons to each flooring option out there, but the luxurious aesthetic and longevity of wood flooring is unmatched. Hardwood floors are timeless, and never go out of style. Speaking of style, there are many varieties of wood to choose from, making it easy for you to choose the right grain patterns to fit your overall design theme.



Benefits of Hardwood Flooring



Sustainability: One of the main advantages of wood floors is that they?re the most abundantly renewable flooring material available. This type of flooring uses less water and energy to produce and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. If you?re comparing carpeting to hardwood, the production of carpet requires the use of more synthetic materials and is treated with more chemicals than hardwood.


Safety & Cleanliness: Hardwood floors are a sanitary option. Unlike other floor options, they do not absorb dust and germs. There isn?t a place for debris to hide, which makes it easier to keep clean, creating a safer living environment.


Low Maintenance: One of the greatest things about hardwood floors is that they are easy to maintain. They are typically sealed surfaces with a protective finish making them stain resistant. Hardwood floors can be repaired and refinished?meaning scrapes, scuffs, dents, scratches, and other damages can be sanded, smoothed, and refinished. It is very rare to have to replace wood flooring in general.



Popular Hard Wood Options



Oak


Oak is a durable and popular species that works in almost any room. It is widely available making it one of the more affordable hardwood flooring options. It is classically yellowish-brown in color, but board colors can vary with some being whitish-gray with hues of pink or red.


Maple


After oak, maple is the next most popular hardwood choice for flooring. People like it for its predictable pattern and color. It is light in color, resembling a cappuccino or a latte with a less pronounced grain. The combination of durability and the unique high-end pattern styles available, make this a top choice for homeowners. Two of the most sought-after patterns are fiddleback, which has a velvety rippling affect and bird?s eye pattern which has a peacock feather look to it.


Hickory


If you?re looking for your best return on investment, hickory may be for you. It is well known for its strength, character, and durability. It is harder than oak and resistant to scratches and dents. Hickory also takes five times longer to mature than oak does, making it a bigger investment up front.


Brazilian Cherry


With tight, flowing grains, this strong wood floor option has a reddish hue that deepens over time with exposure to sunlight. This type of hardwood is known for its longevity and beauty. A great flooring option that can last as long as your home does.


Mahogany


Mahogany hardwood is known for its rich, brownish-red color. It is a durable flooring option that can last a lifetime. It adds rustic character to a home, lending to a classic overall look and feel. It is very appealing to the eye and adaptable to suit any interior design styles. It does not fade when exposed to sunlight and it is naturally water and scratch resistant. A great investment for a new homeowner.


Walnut


Walnut is a wonderful choice for hardwood flooring. It brings an elegant, warm beauty to your home. It has some of the best grain characteristics of any of the hardwoods. It was one of the most popular wood choices for building purpose for hundreds of years. Black Walnut (American Walnut) was so popular in fact that it became pretty scarce in the eastern part of the US. It is now one of the most valuable tree species in the country. It is preferred not only for its dark color, but because it is naturally decay resistant and does not bow or deform easily. This is a low maintenance, premium flooring option that is very worth the investment.



Hardwood Flooring Installation In Westchester County


Choosing your hardwood flooring material is only the first step in the process. Once you have decided which option is best for your home, then there is the business of installation. While some homeowners choose the do-it-yourself approach, there is value in relying on professional hardwood flooring installation services. To get the most out of your flooring, it is important that it is installed properly. With professional installation comes warranties, expertise, and insurance.

Kanter?s has been serving homeowners and businesses with top quality flooring installation services throughout Westchester County since the 1940?s. Our reputation has been built on the quality of our products and the integrity of our service. If you?re ready to discuss hardwood flooring options and the installation process for your home, please reach out to us today. We look forward to helping you make your new house feel like home.