Updated 16/10/2023
When you’re ready to make floor renovations, choosing the right flooring can be a huge challenge. You may want hardwood floors; however, which one is best for your home? Not only do you have to choose the type of wood and stain colour, but it’s also necessary to pick out the right texture, too!
Some people prefer shiny floors, while others would rather have a textured, grained finish. So, if you’re not sure what textured hardwood flooring to choose for your home, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve created a quick guide to help you choose the best hardwood texture flooring for you and your home.
Does Wood Flooring Texture Really Matter?
The answer is yes because the floor is one of the main focal points of a room. In addition, texture adds “life” to a room and creates a unique character and personality. You may want to consider these ideas if much of the hardwood floor will be exposed.
In addition, if you walk around the room barefoot, the feel of the flooring on your feet affects your perception of the floor and the room together. And if you have pets or your kids, flooring texture is also important to them.
So, it’s essential to choose the right hardwood floor texture that works best for your household.
Most Common Hardwood Flooring Textures
Here are some of the options you can choose from when considering which texture is best for your hardwood flooring:
Smooth: this is one of the most common hardwood floor textures. Smooth wooden floors are created by sanding the boards until they’re evenly thick and the surface is flat.
Brushed: these types of hardwood floors are most often seen in rustic homes such as farmhouses. They have distinct lines that run along the length of each board. Brushed flooring is treated with a wire brush to create small scratches and grooves over the wood surface. Over time, these scratches and grooves become a darker colour than the rest of the wood, creating a natural distressed wood texture.
Distressed: offers an authentic vintage look to your home. Distressed flooring is created by using a hammer and chisel to create subtle cracks and lines in the wood without altering the structure of the planks. The “distressed” look resembles the worn-out flooring in older homes.
Hand-scraped: this is a traditional way to create a distressed wood look. This flooring is created using hand scrapers, knives, and chisels to create grooves and streaks on the wood to make it look distressed.
Now that you know about the most common hardwood flooring textures, how do you choose the right flooring texture for your home? We’ll cover this topic in the following sections!
How to Choose the Right Hardwood Flooring Texture
What should you consider when choosing the right hardwood flooring texture for your home? Following are some examples of different aspects to review to find the right texture for your flooring.
1. Create a Feeling of Warmth: Brushed Surface Texture
Brushed flooring offers a textured surface that looks as natural as possible. You may want to consider brushed hardwood floors if you’d like to add a classic, warm touch to any room. The textured hardwood surface works to bring out the wood’s natural beauty. It also adds a rustic touch with each unique knot and grain in the flooring’s upper layer.
You might choose this flooring if you have kids and pets. Brushed hardwood flooring’s texture has the ability to hide minor scratches and scuffs, unlike other solid wood flooring textures. In addition, these floors are usually finished with a lacquer or oil finish that makes the floors durable for decades.
What’s more, brushed flooring comes in a wide range of shades and patterns, so your flooring matches your décor.
2. Go for an Old-World Look: Distressed Hardwood Flooring
Distressed hardwood flooring has a more rustic, worn look than other wood textures. It’s most often found in older homes and has a rustic appeal. Newer homes can achieve the same look with distressed hardwood flooring. What a great way to add a beautiful floor to your rustic décor.
Distressed flooring is a great choice for farmhouse and cottage décor. The wood shows off larger knots, imperfections, and blemishes found naturally in the wood. The wood has that older look many people prefer.
In addition, distressed hardwood flooring is another way to hide minor scuffs and scratches caused by pets’ claws, kids and their toys, furniture, and more.
3. Hand-Scraped Finish: Perfect for a Traditional Look
If you’d like to achieve a traditional look for your room, why not consider hand-scraped hardwood flooring? One consideration, however, is that the flooring has been hand-scraped by a craftsman. That means this hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive than other options. Even so, you’ll have the real look and feel of wooden floors that look authentic and beautiful.
Hand-scraped flooring usually comes in darker colours, such as coffee and chocolate to create the rustic feel of authentic, traditional wood floors. However, these floors can also be used in homes that want to achieve a more industrial look and feel.
In addition, hand-scraped flooring is also a great choice if you have pets and kids. The wood naturally hides some minor scratches and scuffs. Plus, the wood is often treated with lacquer and oil, which make the wood more durable and offers more protection to the top layer of the flooring.
4. Smooth Flooring: a Modern Look
Finally, if you’d like to create a more modern look, you may want to consider smooth flooring. Smooth hardwood flooring is a great way to create a contemporary look and feel that’s light and minimalistic.
The smooth, flat surface of these hardwood floors also are finished with lacquer or oil. That means the floors will have a modern look yet retain their beauty for years to come. Smooth hardwood floors are also easy to clean and maintain.
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s a wide range of textured hardwood flooring to consider. However, with our quick guide, you’ll have an easier time choosing the right texture for your home and décor.
Hardwood flooring is a great option for any home, whether you’re trying to achieve a rustic look or something more contemporary! They’re also easy to care for and last for years to come.
If you are looking to get a new floor, be sure to get in contact with us. Our friendly team are always happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain textured hardwood flooring?
Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping will keep your textured hardwood flooring looking its best.
Can I install textured hardwood flooring in a kitchen or bathroom?
It’s best to avoid hardwood flooring in areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms. However, if you’re set on the look, use proper sealants and keep water exposure to a minimum.
Does textured hardwood flooring require more maintenance than smooth finishes?
Yes, textured finishes may require more maintenance, as they can trap dirt and dust in the grooves. Regular cleaning is essential.
Is engineered hardwood a good option for textured finishes?
Yes, engineered hardwood can be a great choice, as it offers stability and durability while allowing for various textured options.
Can I change the texture of my existing hardwood floors?
While it’s possible to refinish hardwood floors to change their texture, it’s a complex process best left to professionals.
Are textured hardwood floors suitable for homes with children or pets?
Yes, certain textured finishes like hand-scraped and wire-brushed can hide wear and tear, making them suitable for such homes.
