What is the most commonly used flooring material? The answer, wood. According to Bob Vila, “wood remains the most used flooring material. Its warm feel and appearance, affordability, and sheer variety probably account for its popularity.” Wood flooring can be used in virtually any room of your house and it comes in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
The most common option is called strip flooring. Strip flooring is made of solid wood that has tongues and grooves on the sides of each piece. The planks or boards, are held together using a technique called “blind nailing” where the nails are driven through the tongues of each board so the nail heads are hidden.
Another commonly used option is called plank flooring. With plank flooring, the boards are typically wider, 4-6 inches. Some choices of plank flooring include Oak, Maple and Cherry among others.
How to choose the best flooring for your home? It really depends on the overall style and decor of your house. If you have an ‘antique’ style home, recycled flooring and wide plank flooring may be your best bet. If you want a more durable and practical flooring option, strip flooring is probably your best choice. However, it is important to consult with flooring experts, like the professionals at Hall Flooring, to help guide your decision.
You should also take into consideration the type of finish used on your flooring. The two options are water-based and oil-based. Flooring experts often have conflicting opinions about which type of finish is better, arguing that oil-based finishes last longer and are more durable than water-based. However, water-based finishes give off less noxious fumes and are more eco-friendly.
Give the hardwood professionals at Hall Flooring a call to discuss wood flooring options that are the best fit for your home. We will gladly go over any details and provide you with the knowledge you need to make the best choice! Contact us today at (516) 352-1919.