Barefoot Floors offers a variety of hardwood flooring, available in several colors and finishes. To help you avoid being overwhelmed when shopping for flooring, we've suggested five factors to consider when choosing the perfect wood floor for your home. Our design team is waiting to lend a hand in our showroom and look forward to assisting you as you design or renovate your existing home. 

Lifestyle

When you're ready to pursue a flooring purchase think about how you plan to use the room(s). Does your household include pets and kids? What is the traffic within your house? Whether you live alone, throw large parties or travel a lot are all factors to consider. With so many options available, the design team at Barefoot Floors can help you define your style and determine which hardwood characteristics are best for you.  

Style Preference

When choosing a wood, think about the existing design elements. Are your furnishings traditional or contemporary? You will want to coordinate with aspects like natural light, wall colors, ceiling heights, all things your design expert will help you with at Barefoot Floors.

The Look

Hardwood flooring evokes images of charm, richness, and classic looks. Wood floors can last a lifetime and gain character with age. Things you should consider:

• Board width
• From narrow to oversized, the choices are many. From traditional strips to contemporary squares and rectangles, the look of your flooring can change drastically depending on board width.
• Wood choice
• Hardwood species vary in durability, grain patterns, and color. Common species include, oak, maple, and cherry. Typically, exoctic species are not as durable but prized for their striking appearance.
• Color
• You can find hardwoods in a number of color options. From blond to black, depending on the species and finish.
• Textures
• At Barefoot Floors you can find hardwood that looks shiny and new or rustic and antique. You will find that many manufacturers offer a diverse selection and if that handscraped and distressed look is something you desire, you're sure to find it. 
• Finish
• The type of finish will determine the overall appearance of a wood floor. Different species will look completely different with various finish applications. 

Durability

For families with pets and kids, it's a good idea to choose the hardest wood species available. Consider how long the flooring will last based on your daily usage of each room. Hard species, such as red oak, will withstand wear and tear, while softer species, such as pine, tend to show scratches. You'll want to investigate the choice between engineered and solid hardwood as well. Solid hardwoods can be repeatedly refinished, while engineered hardwood can be refinished a limited number of times due to the thickness of the top veneer. Keep in mind that engineered hardwood flooring is quite durable and generally won't need frequent refinishing.

Budget 

With a wide range of flooring options and prices, factoring your budget into your decision will help you find a good match without breaking the bank. Although price is an important factor, keep in mind that what you're looking for is the best flooring to fit your home. Don't forget to ask about installation.

At Barefoot Floors, we're waiting to interpret your flooring needs and exceed your expectations when it comes to choosing and installing your new hardwood floors. Whether budget is your main focus or the appearance is your central concern, our Lake of the Ozarks flooring center is determined to help you find the right wood for your rooms!