Here are 5 design tricks for you
Replacing hardwood flooring is expensive. There are alternatives for those whose floors show some wear and tear, whether from age, children, or just regular use. The right products in the hands of a skilled professional can enhance the longevity and looks of your hardwood flooring.
- Cover up or clean upWith a professional power scrubber and a hardwood-specific cleaner, months and years of grime ground into flooring can be removed. Follow this with a good polish and shine to add a luster and a little protection from scuffs and scrapes.
Invest in a large, stylish rug or a collection of rug tiles to cover dents and dings that are too deep to merely scrub away. With minimal effort, a sophisticated look can be achieved.
- Change the SheenChanging the sheen of your floors with a new top coat can be a powerful change to your overall design. For a farmhouse look, consider a matte finish, or for a contemporary, sleeker feel, you could use a glossy finish. Keep in mind that the more light reflects, the higher the sheen. More imperfections in the floor will be noticeable with a higher luster. Professional cleaning and prep work will help to create a more flawless look. Some products are specifically designed for heavy-traffic areas. When deciding on the sheen for your flooring, consider your lifestyle and how much protection is needed from the top coat you choose.
- Consider Changing the Color
Matching the color of your stain to your home’s color scheme is a way to renew hardwood floors. In terms of stain color, the browns are a more classic look, the grays more modern, and a whitewashed look will add an airy, relaxed feel, like a beach house.
Based on the type and brand of stain, you may be able to mix colors and hues to come up with a custom color. Once again, the design and scheme of your home should be your guide to the right color.
Many stains come with fast-dying and low-odor ingredients that can make things less stressful. If you plan on staining, the floors will require sanding first, so develop a plan with a professional.
- Enhance the DepthGrain patterns, which naturally occur in wood flooring, is part of what makes it seem so luxurious and artistic. Natural oil finish can enhance the character and bring a work feel to floors if you prefer a matte finish. An added benefit is that they are greener, having the lowest VOCs (volatile organic compounds), compared with water- and oil-based finishes.
Two tones blended together will give you a custom look. Some natural oil finishes will dry in 8 hours, some less. Natural oil finishes stain, seal and protect all in the same application.
5. Add some Texture
If textured floors are your dream flooring, it is best to hire a professional who can wire-brush your existing floors. The process removes the softer grains highlighting the visually appealing hard grain. It usually takes a two-person crew one day per 1,000 square feet of flooring, which includes wire brushing and sealing the floor.
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