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Hardwood Flooring
by Julie Lohmeier
In simpler times, when you wanted hardwood floors, you had one
choice: Oak. You could be daring and choose Maple or decide
between Red Oak or White Oak. Then mahogany and teak started
showing up. But now, the hottest trends for hardwood floors
aren't even woods. Cork is a popular choice for an
easy-on-the-feet floor that is environmentally friendly as well
very durable, but let's look at some the latest "wood" flooring
trends.
Bamboo. Environmentally friendly, this is a grass, not wood.
It matures in three years and requires no replanting. With a
very distinctive pattern and narrow 3/8" strips, it provides
for a very striking floor. Inexperience in production and
installation may cause problems however with this option.
Unless you really love the look or especially want an
eco-friendly home, I'd wait a few more years before using
bamboo flooring. See how it looks at:
http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm?fileName=061005c.xml
Brazilian Cherry. A truly beautiful hardwood (shown above)
that's becoming very popular right now. With an open grain like
Oak, this hardwood darkens in sunlight to a deep cherry color.
In fact, it darkens very quickly, so keep the throw rugs up for
at least three months to keep the color even. See an example at: http://www.exoticwoodflooring.com/exotic_woodfloor_species/brazilian_cherry.htm
Bolivian or Brazilian Rosewood. Very similar to it's cherry
cousin in look and quick darkening color. It's also very
popular. Take a look at: http://www.exoticwoodflooring.com/exotic_woodfloor_species/bolivian_rosewood.htm
Santos Mahogany. Another hardwood from South American that
offers the look of Mahogany but is harder or more durable.
Check it out at: http://www.exoticwoodflooring.com/exotic_woodfloor_species/santos_mahogany.htm
And if that weren't enough, see these other exotic hardwood
flooring options: http://www.exoticwoodflooring.com/exotic_woodfloor_species/woodspecies.htm
Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling
and building projects. From working hands on and doing much
of the work herself to hiring contractors and construction
managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement.
She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and
other various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com.
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