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Your choice in wood plank flooring depends largely on how much you can afford to spend and what effect you wish to achieve.  One of the popular choices is unfinished oak flooring, and like other types of flooring, it has its own share of pros and cons.

Pros

Strength

Oak is a very sturdy type of wood which is why it is preferred by many carpenters and professional floor installers.  Even in its unfinished state, oak floors are very reliable and can be expected to last a very long time, making your investment worth its cost.

Rustic Appeal

Using unfinished wood plank flooring can also have a rustic and vintage feel which would be a great contrast with modern homes.  If you are going for a moderately contemporary design for the interiors, this flooring would fits just right.

Affordability

Unfinished floors are less expensive than finished ones so a significant amount of money can be saved when electing the former.

Cons

In general, unfinished floors are more prone to scratches and stains.  You should consider this fact before you make the decision.  You might also want to consider the upkeep of unfinished floors to keep them in great condition.

Large versus Small Planks

There is always a debate when it comes to choosing between large or small wood plank flooring.  Of course both have certain advantages as well as disadvantages but what it comes down to is what you want your home to look like.  Your choice in flooring will greatly affect the general feel of the entire house so giving it more thought is necessary before starting construction.

Cost Considerations

Oak is considered as among the pricey type of wood.  However, you can  get excellent deals if you buy online especially when you place a bulk order. Sellers usually give discounts to customers who order a large number of merchandise.

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The fragile state of our economy has caused a lot of homeowners to reassess their plans to sell their house and move up to something more in line with their dream home. While things seem to be starting to stabilize and the real estate market is showing signs of movement, many Americans have decided to stay where they are and create the home they want through upgrades and remodeling.

While redoing the kitchen with new appliances, cabinets and countertops, installing that Jacuzzi tub in the master bath or converting the basement into a media room will always top many lists, probably the most popular place to start is the flooring. Watching them install a wall-sized high-definition television will certainly generate a lot of excitement, but there is very little that will add more long term value to your home than ripping out those carpets and installing hardwood floors.

There is a major difference that needs to be considered when making the decision for wood flooring. When you’re picking out that new refrigerator or TV, you know that thee is a limit as to how long it will last and that you will be replacing it with a newer and better model in a few years. That is not usually the case with wood floors. Because of this, it’s very important to choose a type of wood that will complement your preference in décor and match your lifestyle.

The denser varieties such as oak and walnut hardwood flooring are much better suited to families with active lifestyles. While oak has a higher hardness rating than American Walnut, the Brazilian Walnut tree produces the densest wood available for flooring. Beyond durability, each type of hardwood has a different character and the color variations are considerable.

Whether you choose the classic, warm glow of an oak floor or the vibrant richness of walnut or another of the hardwoods is a choice that only you can make. For those who intend to create the home they plan to stay in for perhaps the rest of their lives, this is no small decision. The best advice is to find examples close to what you are considering. Never make your choice based on a color chart or even a sample. Always see how it lays out in a room.

With research and patience, your hardwood floor upgrade may be the best investment you ever make in your home.

Read more of Walnut Flooring vs Oak Flooring for Your Dream Home…