Four tips for choosing the perfect hardwood

Few things are as elegant and glamorous as wood floors, but choosing the right one is a lot more than just selecting the color. Here, from Neilson Bros & Sons, a family-owned, 75-year-old company, are our suggestions for finding the just-right floor for your home.

1. Make a list of requirements

Everyone wants a floor that will perform well and last for years, and the best way to do this is to be sure whatever you choose is aligned with your needs. For example, do you have extra durability needs? If so, you must understand that not all hardwood is the same. Make sure you choose one that registers 1000-1200 on the Janka Scale of Hardness, which determines a hardwood's ability to withstand impact (not scratching).

2. Research across our site

Logs are cut in three ways: plain, rift, and quarter-sawn, and each has a distinctive grain pattern. Decide what will work best with your style. Discuss the pros and cons of prefinished (factory) or on-site finished floors with your flooring expert. Do you prefer domestic or exotic species? Again, this is according to your style, as well as budget. You can make informed decisions after referencing the other blogs on our site!

3. Define your style

Nothing needs to be a complete match, but the colors, floors, accessories, and other furnishings should harmonize with each other, so you have a cohesive look. Please make sure you pay attention to undertones (secondary colors) as they can impact a remodeling project as much as a primary color.

4. Consider solid vs. engineered hardwood flooring

Engineered wood flooring is genuine hardwood with a similar look and can be refinished and add value to a property. It appeals, however, to people who want both beauty and practicality; because of different construction, it is stable with a more remarkable ability to handle water.

Your hardwood flooring experts

Neilson Bros & Sons will help you sort through it all so you?ll get a hardwood floor that will make a design statement! For more information and a free quote, visit our showrooms at any of our three locations: Bellevue, Auburn, and Lynnwood, WA. We can also tell you about our ?Shop at Home? services with a fully stocked mobile showroom, which you may find even more convenient. We service Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, and surrounding areas.