One of the best-looking types of flooring is also one of the oldest: hardwood. Hardwood plank flooring used to exist in a wide variety of quality levels, ranging from bare unfinished wood all the way up to the finest and shiniest varieties. Now, however, there isn’t as much call for the kind of hardwood seen on the floors of hardware stores in Western movies. Therefore, today’s varieties are almost all highly finished and made so that they look distinctively upscale.
When choosing hardwood in Lancaster PA, one of the most important factors will be the species of wood used. Some types of wood have beautiful natural colors and patterns, while others are much plainer. Hardwood that has a prominent natural grain is usually finished with stains and sealants that allow that pattern to show through, and the same is true of woods with unique colors. Varieties that aren’t so distinctive on their own, on the other hand, are usually given dark, rich finishes that become the most prominent aspect of the floor.
Those who prefer that antique look aren’t out of luck. A company like Heritage Floors, Inc. offers flooring from a wide variety of makers. One such manufacturer is U.S. Floors, which has a wide range of reclaimed-style options. These options look very authentic and antique, but include finishes that make them more beautiful than what you’d actually see in an old store.
For those who want the modern styles, many more options exist. A large number of manufacturers cover options like wood types, grains, sizes, and both solid and engineered hardwood types. Engineered hardwood is made by fusing many smaller boards together under high pressure, and often offers more durability than the solid versions.
Current environmental concerns have brought about improvements in how hardwood is harvested for flooring. Now, companies focus on using wood in a sustainable way and on reducing or eliminating toxic glues and finishes from their lines. Some hardwood in Lancaster, PA is even 100% FSC certified and its use can help a home or building get LEED certification. This certification shows that a structure is environmentally friendly, and many buyers look for it when they shop for homes and other buildings.
