Investment propertySay It With Hardwood, New Homes Or Old
When walking into a home, old or new, what surfaces do you see that give you
the feeling that the interior speaks of craftsmanship? Many agree that
nothing can substitute for the richness of wood, whether in banisters,
cabinetry or flooring. With so many flooring choices available through
builders" fancy design centers, it"s interesting to note how natural surfaces
are still among the most popular buyer choices for their new homes. Perhaps a
subconscious hearkening to days past, when the every room of a home was built
with hardwood floors, is the reason many new homebuyers choose this ageless
surface for at least a segment of their flooring selections.
The revival of hardwood floors has also been spurred by the ingenuity and
technology of hardwood flooring manufacturers these days, adding durability
and easy maintenance to the equation. This new technology is putting
hardwood in places in which many of us may have balked at in years past;
places like kitchens and breakfast areas, where major spills could result in
certain ruin to old-style hardwood floors. The new hardwoods are indeed
versatile, as well as easy maintenance. In many instances, they rival tile
surfaces in price, and can be an excellent alternative to tile or vinyl in
high traffic, active areas.
With most new production homes constructed with concrete slab foundations,
hardwood can be warmer under foot than tile. It can also be more "forgiving"
in areas such as kitchens, where little ones (or grown adult klutzes, for
that matter) can drop breakable items that would literally shatter into
pieces on tile, or make heavy cuts into vinyl. With the new, tough finishes
built into today"s hardwood floors, care can be as easy as dust mopping.
To gain insight into the world of hardwood flooring, I asked Tim Crais, Brand
Manager Manager for Hartco Flooring Company,
headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, for some expert advice.
"Our customers tell us that rich, natural wood grain gives the feeling of
intimacy in their new homes. The strength of the wood, coupled with the new,
modern finishes give a longer lasting product than ever before. Hardwood can
increase the value of your home, and also enable you to change the "look" of
your home by allowing you the versatility to change area rugs and furniture
easily."
Hardwood is suitable for most rooms, including kitchens, but not recommended
for traditionally high moisture area, such as bathrooms or wet bars. Styles
and colors with varying wear warranties abound in hardwood floors. From
custom, modular flooring to strip flooring, to planking and parquet squares,
an almost infinite number of looks can be achieved. One may also choose the
"character" of their hardwood floors by deciding how many visual wood
characteristics, or how much natural "character" they want in their flooring.
According to Crais, hardwood character is judged by the amount of
naturally-occurring mineral streaks, knots, and pinholes are visible. The
length of the accompanying warranty, however, can be longer for woods that
have less "character". Hardwood flooring manufacturers, such as Hartco,
offer different "cuts" to hardwoods to enhance the natural grain of the wood.
The different cutting techniques bring out the unique character of
hardwoods, such as oak or maple species.
Care of your hardwood is related to the quality of the seals or coating
applied by the manufacturer. Some hardwoods are truly "no wax" surfaces,
while others may require an occasional "spot and wax" type cleaner. The
configuration of planking or construction of your hardwood floor may also
determine the ease of cleaning. Planking that displays grooves (perhaps more
rustic looks) can create some extra cleaning, while wood floors with an
almost seamless tongue and groove type installation can be as easy to clean
as vinyl surfaces by dusting. Some newer hardwoods undergo an impregnation
process that forces acrylic through the wear layer to create a surface that
is harder than the hardwood alone. Stain also may permeate the wear layer
for longer lasting color.
Many builder"s design centers and professional decorators warn against
"mixing" hardwoods in a given room, such as honey oak tinged cabinets with
dark oak floors. Matching of contrasting surfaces is considered preferable,
such as white laminate cabinetry with light oak flooring, but woods that
match are also acceptable. Check with your decorator or design center person
on this.
It"s easy to gather literature on hardwood flooring, and search the Internet
for picture displays of gleaming hardwood floors, but nothing substitutes for
walking, touching and seeing a surface of laid-out hardwood. Model homes,
flooring showrooms, and builder design centers may all have floors installed
so that you can feel it underfoot. Some even have videos for you to review.
Hardwood is one of those ageless, natural surfaces that we hope will continue
to be around for generations to come, with its history anchored in
generations past. It is also one of those rare surfaces that grows more
beautiful with the passing years, no doubt a comment on aging we can take
delight in pointing out.
Also See:
Wood You ... or Woodn"t You?
Pergo"s Look of Wood Adds Perceived Value
Turn of the Century Trends in Architecture and Interior Design
Be Careful What You Wish For In Design Center Choices for Your New Home