Wood is one of the most beautiful floorings you can choose for your home. No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty and value of wood. There are not only countless colors available but there are also many different species as well, each with their unique characteristics.

 

This is why choosing the right wood floor to meet your specific taste and decor needs can be a challenge. According to Michel Collin, Marketing Director of Mercier Wood Flooring, one of North America's leading hardwood flooring manufacturers, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing wood flooring.

 

First, you should consider the finished look you want to achieve for your decor. "It's always best to start with your floor when decorating," advised Collin. "If you want a modern or contemporary look, you should consider wood species that have a cleaner look with less texture and grain such as Maple, Birch, or Cherry. If you prefer a more rustic look, then White Ash or Oak would be best."

 

Another factor to consider is the type of furniture you select for the rooms. If it's wood furniture, it's important to ensure it doesn't clash with your new wood floor. "You can either match the wood furniture to the floor or you can opt for a contrast which gives a very nice look," he added. Dark mahogany, oak or cherry furniture, for example, will show up much better on a light colored wood floor than it would on a dark wood floor.

 

There are also many different sizes of width and lengths of wood flooring available to consider. Keep in mind smaller widths and shorter lengths will give off a busier look since there will be more variation, while wider widths and longer lengths tend to open up the look of a room.

 

Then there's the finish. Solid hardwood floors come either unfinished or prefinished. "Prefinished wood flooring is a popular choice today because you avoid the labor, dust and fumes that come with finishing a floor," added Collin. He should know Mercier Wood Flooring has been the leader in factory-finish wood flooring since it introduced the concept 29 years ago.

 

Trends to watch

 

North American hardwoods like red oak, maple and walnut are traditional favorites, but more exotic woods are gaining popularity today. "Our South American wood species like Santos Mahogany and Brazilian Cherry are sought after by discerning homeowners for their rich tones, beautiful grains, and superior hardness," Collin added.

 

Another popular trend is toward engineered wood flooring, a veneer of hardwood in the species of your choice glued on top of three to seven thin sheets of wood. Solid wood will expand or contract with heat and moisture, whereas engineered wood flooring, because it's made of crossbanded layers of wood, offers more dimensional stability. It's ideal for kitchens and basements where moisture is a factor. More information and tips on wood flooring is available at www.mercierflooring.com. 

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