There are a number of things you need to consider when you are talking about the perfect Wood Flooring for your New Zealand home. You want to ensure that your flooring not only provides an aesthetic complement to your home but also is sustainable with the unique and various kinds of climatic conditions that New Zealand experiences. Wood flooring is a popular favorite with homeowners. The many reasons may be its adding warmth, giving character, or simply infusing a dose of nature indoors. The truth is, however, that this takes careful consideration of several factors, from the type of wood to finishes and even maintenance.
Understanding Wood Flooring Options
Wood Flooring never seems to go out of style, but the type one chooses has to suit all the needs. Three common types are solid wood, engineered, and laminate wood flooring. Each type is characterized by a typical set of advantages and disadvantages.
Solid Wood Flooring: This is the kind of flooring that gives a prestige image to a place; it is built from one piece of timber. Solid wood flooring, if well taken care of, might just last several decades. It can be sanded and refinished as much as often, therefore, keeping on renewing the appearance over time. However, solid wood responds to changes in humidity and temperature by expanding or contracting. This means that it cannot be applicable to areas of very high moisture.
Engineered Wood Flooring: It is formed by a top layer of real wood veneer bonded to layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, making an engineered wood floor. It is far more stable against changes in humidity or temperature when compared to solid wood. It has been a go-to option for the longest time for those who crave the look and feel of natural wood but need added strength and more painless installation. It also works well in places where solid wood may not be suitable, like basements.
Laminate Flooring: Laminate looks like wood but is totally man-made. It is a cost-effective solution compared to real wood, and in terms of durability, it is great and has very good resistance to scratches and wear. However, it cannot be refinished like real wood, so once it's worn out, it will have to be replaced. It works very well where there is a lot of traffic, as well as in households with pets and children.
This is important to note: while wood flooring creates a good deal of warmth and character in any room, it will eventually fade if exposed to direct sunlight and will also scratch. Proper care and strategic placing will help to minimize these problems.
How to Choose the Right Finish
The Finish on your Wood Flooring is among what ensures a prolonged look. A proper finish will enhance the wood's beauty and deliver a protective layer from wearing because of foot traffic. There are various types of finishes applied to wooden floors, each delivering several differential benefits to the same.
Matte Finish: Matt finishes are good at avoiding minor scratches and imperfections. This makes them a great option for house owners who have pets or kids around. They also provide a more natural and underplayed look and thus are very good for those who want to go realistic about inculcating a very classy, hushed kind of look.
Satin finish: Satin gives that slight luster, enhancing the natural grain of the wood. It is a medium level of finish durability and appearance. Satin is, therefore, very popular in living rooms and bedrooms for the very reason of this medium between the two extremes.
Gloss Finish: Gloss finishes yield a clean, sparkling, polished look, luxurious in feel for any room. They are prone to showing scratches, dust, and dirt more evidently, thus needing a lot more maintenance to keep them at their glory.
Consider the amount of foot traffic your home receives, and then decide on a finish that will look great for years to come. If your floors can support engineered wood, then our Engineered Wood Flooring Collection will offer various finishes that meet your taste.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
When your Wood Flooring is installed properly, it gives good performance. Getting professionals for proper execution will be nice and smart. Good installation should make the flooring look better while also improving longevity and performance with long-lasting beauty.
After installation, the finish on Wood Flooring needs regular maintenance to keep it in perfect shape. Here are several pointers on how to keep your flooring beautiful:
Sweep or vacuum regularly to eradicate any abrasive debris and dirt. Use the soft brush attachment with your vacuum to ensure you do not scratch the surface.
Do not mop with a wet mop; wetness is highly inimical to wood. You should, therefore, mop with a cloth dampened with cleaner meant specifically for wood floors. Spills must be wiped up at once to avert water damage.
Scratch Prevention: To ensure that the furniture's feet don't leave some unpleasant marks whenever you decide to slide them around, simply slide a felt pad underneath each leg. Consider using an area rug for high-traffic areas.
Resurfacing: Over time, a wooden floor will dent or scratch and look dull. Resurfacing is a method in which its luster is restored. It is possible to resurface solids several times. Most engineered wood can be resurfaced a couple of times, depending on how thick its veneer is.
The worst you can do to your wooden flooring is to install it in high moisture areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or basement since it may result in warping. Choose those places where the flooring has a chance to outshine: the living room, bedroom, or hallway. For the best of both worlds — low maintenance and aesthetics — select from our AquaREPEL Laminate Flooring Collection, with not only durability but an appealing look.
Conclusion
Balancing acts, choosing wood flooring from Power Decor for your New Zealand home, is as fine a balancing act between beauty, practicality, and sustainability. The choice of the right materials, finishes, and aftercare can make your wooden floor look especially beautiful and at the same time, organic in your home for many years. To meet your family's particular needs and your specific environment, choose the perfect floor that can only add value and appeal to your home.
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