I thought that when we were ready to install hardwood flooring in our house it would be easy. Hmm, not so much. I think we are ready, I hope we are ready, but now I'm scared. There are so many options! Two years ago when we moved in to this house, I KNEW that I wanted dark hardwood floors. Now, I'm realizing that I would never keep them clean and that would drive me nuts. Also, I like the look of more natural, weathered wood. So, I ordered some samples and, so far, they haven't helped me.
Do you know how hard it is to choose a wood color/texture based off of a 8 inch square? Impossible!
I have a few places to check out in town before I commit to a company or style, but I thought I would keep you guys in the loop.
Here are my inspiration floors:
I'm pretty sure most of these floors have the following criteria: large plank, matte, and unfinished. So, we are gathering sources, pricing, and more information on this type of floor.
We are planning (and hoping) to install it on the front circle stairs, loft area, upstairs, upstairs hallway, master bedroom and possibly the main living room. Price, of course, will further determine what gets replaced. The lowest on the list is the living room because it has the best carpet out of the ones listed.
Any of you have any great recommendations for suppliers or color? Any other advice?
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Charlotte
I think you will be glad you are not going with a dark floor - they are so pretty, but so very hard to keep clean. We have a really dark floor in Audrey's room and it shows every.spec.of.dust. I really like the wide plank style. We just got ours from the big box stores, but we have a new Lumber Liquidators that I'd like to check out before we do our kitchen/dining area. You could always try to pop a picture of your floor area into Photoshop to get an idea of how the floor would look.
Ashley Mayes
We went to Lumber Liquidators a few weekends ago. I wasn't impressed, but our store is pretty small. I ordered four samples from Build.com (check them out when you guys are ready) and it is so hard to tell from the samples. I've been super-impressed with their customer service. My Mom bought hers from Cardins (I'm not sure if they are just local or not), but they are a discount flooring place here in Springfield. It's the same place as where we got our bathroom tile. They are hit and miss and you have to buy it all (or never see it again). We still need to check out the big box stores. I'm sure Audrey's look amazing. I love how the dark looks, but I know they would drive me nuts. Good idea on PS, I will definitely try that.
Charlotte
I saw your samples on instagram and agree they look super small to get an any idea from. Cardins much be local, I haven't heard of them. I'll have to remember the build.com
The dark floors do look great, but I'm really glad we have a rug in there or I'd go crazy trying to keep it clean. And it's a small room, I can't imagine them in a large space!
Can't wait to see what you decide!!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
They are all so so pretty
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Julia. I'm going to look through some of your pictures to get a good idea of what you have since you said you love them.
Marybeth
I've nominated you for a Liebster Award! You can find out more about it here:
http://undercoverdiyer.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/impromptu-post-coolest-thing-that-has-happened-to-this-blog/
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Marybeth!
Lauren
I love all your inspiration photos! I'm looking to get hardwood floors in my home, and am looking for the same kind of finish! I'm wondering what you ended up going with.
Ashley Mayes
We went with a weathered oak stain and an eggshell finish.