As you and your flooring company discuss your new wood floors, they should help you understand that over the life of the flooring, it will look different. Although this is true to some extent with all flooring materials, it’s most true with hardwood and engineered wood flooring.
Wood Ages Beautifully
One of the reasons many homeowners choose wood for their new floors is its unique beauty. No two pieces of wood are the same. The grain, knots and color of the wood is what gives your floor its own look.
Nearly all homeowners choose something slightly different for their floors stain and finish.When we apply their choice of stain and finish, it’s not only to enhance the beauty, but also to protect the wood. However, it doesn’t freeze it in time. Depending on the wood species, type of finish and the amount of both direct and indirect sunlight it is exposed to, over time wood flooring will change color.
Examples of Species Changes
The most common wood species in homes today are red and white oak. As they are exposed to sunlight, they generally become lighter, however, the change is quite gradual. Heart pine, another popular flooring species, is one that does the opposite. It actually darkens over time. As do most cherry floors. You may notice over the first few weeks a lot of change and that the speed and intensity of the change slows over time.
The finish on your flooring can react to sunlight or artificial light as well which can slow the change you notice or the finish itself can change. Oil based polyurethane turns a yellow-orange color over years of exposure. Water based products don’t affect the wood the same way.
How to Lessen the Impact of UV Exposure
If you have windows in the room, your floors get exposed to sunlight. Whether direct or indirect, your wood floors will change over time. If you have newer windows with Low-E glass, much of the UV rays are blocked. If you don’t and aren’t ready for new windows, consider adding a Low-E window film to your windows, you’ll find that you’ll not only protect your floors, but that your utility bills are lower as well!
One piece of advice we give homeowners is to move their area rugs, decor and furniture around regularly. By doing this you’re helping the floors get exposed to the sunlight in different areas. Although your flooring will still change color, this helps lessen drastic differences.
Trust Authentic Hardwood Flooring with Your New Floor Installation
Not only will we install your flooring as it should be installed, but we’ll also talk with you about the finishes we offer. We want you to love your floors for decades to come. We do that by making sure that they start off as you want them to look and finish them so they maintain that appearance for as long as possible. Call us today for your free in-home consultation at (727) 786-6330.
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