Using Hardwood To Make A Statement

There are numerous ways to create beautiful and unique hardwood floors. Although a hardwood floor by itself is nice enough, using a little creativity can take a floor from beautiful to absolutely gorgeous! All it takes is your creativity and a little help from a qualified flooring professional like Just Around The Corner Flooring.

A well designed hardwood floor can become what we refer to as functional art. With the proper design, combined with the expertise of your flooring provider, you can create a floor that not only serves a practical purpose, but also makes a statement.

Designing With Hardwood Index

Wood Species top

Let's start with the simplest design element - the wood itself. There are literally hundreds of wood species on the planet that can be used for hardwood floors. From Amendoim to Zebrawood, there is a wood out there that will satisfy your creative side. Our Hardwood Guide has a list of many exotic and domestic species, along with color characteristics and photos of each species.

Cost

One of the biggest single drivers for hardwood selection among our customers is cost. Most consumers want something unique but they don't want to sink a lot of money into the project. There are a few, however, that have the appreciation and the budget to work with some very nice exotic species. A professional flooring consultant can assist you in finding the most appropriate species for your home that will also fit into your budget.

Design

The next biggest driver of species selection is design- how will the floor fit into the home's decor. If a home is more traditional, a select red oak may fit the need. If more contemporary, perhaps a maple. Some exotic species will fit into either home style.

You can even mix species within the same home. For instance, brazilian cherry in the library, but select red oak everywhere else. Too many variances of species can be distracting, but there is a mix that will work in every situation.

Pattern

How the wood is laid can also perform a design function. Generally, laying wood the length of a room will contribute to its spaciousness. Wood can also be laid on a diagonal or in a pattern, such as herringbone. Numerous options are available.

Finishes top

Oil Based Polyurethane

Applying an oil based polyurethane finish brings out the wood's richness and deeper tones. An oil based poly has a rich, yellowish color to begin with, so it has the ability to make a floor look much warmer. And, over time, an oil based finish will amber, giving the floor an even nicer patina as it ages.

Water Based Polyurethane

Applying a water based polyurethane will result in a different look. This product is completely clear and will remain clear for the life of the floor. Therefore, it really doesn't do anything to change the look of the wood. Of course, with exotic hardwoods the objective might be to let the natural beauty of the species shine through. In this case, a water based polyurethane can be the perfect solution!

Even with exotics, though, you may get a different look with one finish versus the other. For example, applying an oil based finish to brazilian cherry will bring out the dark tones of the wood. A water based finish will result in a lighter colored floor. Which finish to use depends totally on the look you're going for.

Stains top

Probably the single biggest impact to a floor's look is the color of stain used. There are literally thousands of different shades and hues that can be created by an expert craftsman. The harder a wood is, the more difficult it is to stain. In addition, special sanding preparation may be required, depending on the desired darkness of the final product. This is why it's usually a good idea to have a professional complete the work.

Stains can also be used to create accents in the floor. For example, a room border, stained darker than the rest of the floor, will stand out and provide you with a unique effect.

Borders top

Borders can add a dramatic effect to a room. Borders can be used to accent a room, define a room in an open floorplan or create a nice accent at your doorway.

A border can be created by laying a different species of wood around the perimeter of the room, usually 12" to 18" from the wall. Multiple species can also be laid together to create an even more dramatic effect.

There are numerous manufacturers of very ornate borders as well. We prefer the work of Oshkosh Borders and Designs for custom borders. You can visit them by clicking on their logo at Products & Services>Products>Major Brands.

Flush Mount Vents top

A relatively easy way to make your floor even more beautiful is to rid yourself of those surface mounted metal HVAC vents! A wood flush mount vent gets installed into the floor and is flush with the surface of your floor. It will also be stained to match the floor.

The vent grills come out when the need arises and they come with air flow regulators if required.

Medallions top

Want to create a dramatic impact as your guests walk into your foyer? Then think about installing a custom medallion.

From standard to custom designs, wood medallions can create a "wow factor" like no other wood accent.

If you're interested in seeing what's available in medallion designs, go to Products & Services>Products>Major Brands and click on the Oshkosh logo.