Choosing Hardwood Flooring for Office Building – Factors to Consider

Choosing Hardwood Flooring for Office Building – Factors to Consider

With the variety of wood choices available today, shopping for a wood floor can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider in this regard.

Is your office building in need of a makeover? If you are planning for a quick makeover to your existing office space, flooring is an important consideration. The floor is more of a permanent base – while you can always repaint the walls and ceiling. As there are different types of flooring, choosing the best type of flooring is important as it can add an element of elegance to a dull work space.

Hardwood flooring evokes an image of charm, richness and classic looks. Wood floors are durable, easy to clean, and can drastically increase your property’s value. Available today in a myriad of choices, colors and finishes, shopping for a wood floor can be a bit challenging. Not every type of wood flooring is suitable for every application. Reputable distributors offer engineered wood flooring in New York in a variety of styles that can be made to fit any stylistic preference. The right wood flooring blends aesthetics with functionality. When exploring flooring options for your office interiors, many factors need to be considered.

Here are five things to consider when choosing the perfect wood floor for your office building –  Type of wood flooring–Choosing the specific type of flooring is one of the initial decisions to make. There are primarily two types of wood flooring - solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Milled from solid wood logs, solid hardwood is www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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available prefinished or unfinished, in strips and planks in various thicknesses. Engineered wood on the other hand, comprises multiple layers of plywood and composite material, and are topped with a layer of solid hardwood. While both types offer the beauty of real hardwood, there are several benefits which differentiate each from the other. Engineered hardwood is less likely to warp and buckle, installation is faster and it can be installed on all levels of a building. The cost is lower, but it can’t be sanded down and refinished as often as solid hardwood. While engineered floors react better to seasonal changes, they generally don’t last for multiple decades like solid hardwood.  Lifestyle and traffic – Another factor to consider when choosing hardwood flooring is the everyday traffic in the specific office area to be floored. For instance, let’s consider the dining area in an office; the floors might experience considerably more wear and tear. In that case, it is important to choose wood that is more durable. Consider installing hand scraped and distressed or wire-brushed hardwood which conceals even small scratches and dents more than your standard smooth finished hardwood floor. However, if you desire a smooth finished hardwood floor, you should go with a www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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dense and harder wood finish which will function well even under heavy use.  Style of building – The interior décor of your building plays a crucial role when selecting flooring. Consider all interior elements including cabinetry, trim work, furniture, wall colors and other design elements that should match the floor choice.

Pick a floor that will allow you to change and pull your décor in the future without limiting your options. Keep in mind that shades of hardwood that mix darker and lighter pieces go well with a traditional style.  Weather effects – The climate in the region where your building is situated is an important part in your decision to install hardwood flooring. Natural planks vary in size. If the indoor humidity levels are not controlled carefully, they tend to expand and contract continually, causing swelling and potentially splintering.  Extent of natural daylight – The amount of daylight is another factor to consider when installing hardwood floors.

Dark floors provide a better contrast, if you are planning to install the hardwood floor in a room with plenty of natural light. On the other hand, if the room has a minimal amount of natural light, you should select a light-colored hardwood floor. www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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 Grain, Color, and Appearance – As wood flooring comes in different styles, species and finishes, it is important to select a floor that perfectly matches your specific building décor. For traditional interiors, hardwood flooring in oak, maple, or walnut style will be perfect choice. On the hand, for a countrystyle interior, wide plank floors with highly defined wood grains and a distressed appearance will be a good fit.  Type of finish – The finish is one of the top determining factors in the overall appearance of a wood floor. There are several gloss levels and finishing techniques that can completely change the overall appearance of the wood floor.

Hardwood finishes fill floors with color and luster, while protecting the surface. Hardwood comes prefinished, which simplifies installation and eliminates dust, chemical fumes, and waiting time. These finishes generally have a longer warranty as they are longer lasting and more durable than site-applied finishes.  Hardness – Hard species like red oak will withstand wear and tear, whereas softer species, such as pine, tend to show scratches. The choice between engineered and solid hardwood will be determined by location, subfloor, and preferred installation method. www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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 Cost and installation–The cost of wood flooring depends on the type, the wood species, and the finish. The average cost of installation usually runs about half as much as the flooring but depends on the type of flooring. In most cases, both solid and engineered wood flooring are installed by nailing, stapling or gluing planks to a subfloor. However, there are a variety of new engineered products available that can be easily installed and floated above the subfloor.

Flooring options for your office building are numerous, but choosing the perfect one depends on the look you want to achieve and your budget. No matter which option you choose, the flooring should be strong and resistant to damage. Regular care and cleaning helps to maintain the good looks of any type of flooring. Today, hardwood floors come in a wide range of patterns to fit every budget and lifestyle. Partnering with a reliable and reputable engineered wood distributor in New York is crucial as this will help you choose the right wood flooring option that perfectly matches your building style.

www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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Phone: 914.665.0654 | Toll Free: 888.773.2845 | Fax: 914.665.0869 Email: info@prospecllc.com

www.prospecllc.com Ph: -- 88.773.2845

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