What MCM homeowners should know about wood flooring
Part of what gives MCM design its enduring quality is its concern for materials, and this extends to flooring. So if you’re thinking about swapping out or upgrading your flooring, what does wood flooring have to offer and what factors should you consider? We put these questions to STUGA CEO and Founder, Marc Bacher.
What are the advantages of hardwood floors in terms of function? What about aesthetics?
Marc Bacher: One of the best functional benefits of wood floors is their longevity. A good quality hardwood floor will last a lifetime, and in that time it can be repaired and even refinished. That’s something that can’t be said for a lot of synthetic materials.
White oak floors complement the mid century aesthetic beautifully. We keep our range curated to a handful of super versatile colors that are really easy to design with. If you have a lot of teak or walnut furniture, a floor like our Tivoli is the perfect, classic option with just the right amount of warmth. Or, go with something more modern like a bright wide-plank; Greta is the perfect tone for mixing with vibrant colors or warmer-toned woods.
Ease of cleaning is a pro for hardwood floors over carpet, but what’s the advantage of hardwood floors over other flooring types such as tile, travertine, terrazzo, concrete?
One of my favorite things about wood floors is how they engage your senses. They don’t just look good, they feel good, sound good, and even smell good. Wood patinas over time, making it more beautiful as it ages. It can even be refinished if you want to change the color. Inorganic alternatives are uncomfortably cold and hard by comparison. Plus, they’re tough to repair if they chip or crack.
What’s required for maintenance of hardwood floors? Are hardwood floors advisable if you have pets? What happens if the wood gets scratched?
Absolutely! Pets love a warm floor just like humans do. One thing we love about oiled floors is that scratches can be touched up on the spot with a bit of extra oil. Acrylic finished floors can be recoated if the floor is damaged. If you have particularly rowdy pets, we always recommend choosing a more rustic floor – knots and cracks help disguise scratches.
What factors are there to consider when it comes to types of hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors can either be solid or engineered. Our floors are engineered, which means they have a top layer of oak and faster growing pine and spruce underneath. They also have a locking system built in that makes installation a breeze. Solid hardwoods are beautiful too, but they can be more costly, take more work to install, and use more resources from slow growing oak forests.
Different species of wood each have their own quirks as far as grain patterns and colors. We use only white oak for its beautiful graining and the way that it takes stain – it’s really versatile. Other species like cherry, hickory, or red oak are common in flooring, but they just don’t achieve the same look.
How do you know if the hardwood is sustainably sourced?
Sustainable sourcing is complex, which is why third-party certifications like FSC are really helpful. They track the chain of custody, ensuring that end products only come from responsibly managed forests. Look for environmental certifications that you trust and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What about installation of hardwood floors in an existing house with, say, carpet?
Replacing carpet with wood is a huge upgrade in terms of resale value, but also for your indoor air quality. If anyone in your household has allergies or asthma, they’ll breathe easier once the carpet is removed. Glued floors can be tricky to remove and some subfloors need work before you can install new wood floors. But it’s so worth it when you walk on your new floor for the first time!
Stuga offers free color samples, and you can visit their website for more information. While you’re researching your flooring options, you can also consult Flooring 101: Materials galore for a just right retro floor. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for your daily dose of mid century inspiration!
