There is nothing that adds more warmth and charm to a home’s décor than a hardwood floor. This flooring whispers that these homeowners value family and stability. Those in the real estate profession also know that houses with hardwood floors sell at a much better speed and sometimes a higher price. Unfinished oak flooring is one of the numerous flooring options to consider.
As the name indicates, unfinished oak is floor that is installed without any application of a sealer coat or finish color. There are numerous varieties, prices and choices available from both online and physical retailers. While unfinished red oak flooring seems to be most prevalent, there are other types available including white oak floors; the white variety is a more blond color than its red cousin.
Many variations exist when it comes to unfinished oak floors. Things like grain, hues and even how the wood is cut all come into play. When it comes to purchasing this type of floor, there are factors to consider, some of which may seem a bit strange. Who would have thought that it is important to make sure that the wood repels insects and also has resistance to fungi?
More common factors to consider are the durability of the product and its ability to absorb the selected finish well. The cut and grain are important from a home décor standpoint. The darker colors and more roughly hewn woods can be just the ticket for a house that favors a country or shabby chic décor. The lighter oak plank flooring types are a perfect match for a house with a more contemporary flair.
Unfinished Oak Flooring
For those who are trying to make their lives and homes more green, here are some facts regarding the harvesting of hardwoods and their impact on the environment. Today in Canada, there are more than one billion acres of forest and in the United States, about 730 million acres exist. Surprisingly, more hardwood trees are growing now than 30-40 years ago, to the tune of 70% more. Those who are harvesting hardwoods in the U.S. are planting twice as many trees as are being used for a multitude of purposes.
Another reason to consider unfinished oak flooring is if someone in the family has problems with allergies. When it comes to pollens in particular, it seems that the levels keep rising each and every year. What many people do not realize is that staying inside to avoid the trouble outdoors can expose an allergy sensitive person to many indoor allergic problems. Carpeting has a role in gathering and holding indoor allergens like dust mites.
These nasty little critters can cause a number of problems like headaches, sinus issues and even asthma. While carpeting has many great features, it is no match when it comes to the cleanliness of unfinished oak flooring. There are even vacuums that are recommended for use on hardwoods. These tend to be canister models or even hand held types, and they get rid of any lingering allergens without damaging the beauty of the wood finish.
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