How To Match Wall Color With Wood Floor

How To Choose A Color Palette To Match A Wood Floor

To choose a color palette to match a wood floor, first decide if you're going for a bolder or softer effect.

For instance, if the floor is dark brown, choosing a paler hue can be visually pleasing while still giving the room a warm feel.

On the other hand, if there's a lighter tone, it may work best to choose something that stands out more distinctly.

Then, keep in mind that wood floors often show wear over time, so your chosen colors should hold up well.

If you're not sure what kind of mood you want to create, take some photos of rooms in magazines or online where the color scheme matches the type of wood used in the floors.

You'll see which styles suit you best.

If you're working with laminate or linoleum flooring, it might help to use a dark-colored rug to balance the space.

And with hardwood floors, you can easily cover scratches by refinishing the area with a high gloss finish.

Another option is to paint the entire room in one color, whether that's a bold statement like black, white or red, or a quieter neutral such as cream or tan.

Another great solution is to install new floors.

Once you’ve decided on a plan, find a reputable flooring store in your area and ask for their recommendation - most stores will offer free estimates when you bring samples.

One way to achieve an all-over gradient color is to use two different kinds of paints: a matte base coat followed by a glossy topcoat.

First, apply the base coat to the surface you wish to protect (the kitchen countertop in this case).

Then, let it dry completely before applying the second layer. Your goal here is to get a nice smooth, even coverage without any brush strokes showing through.

After the base coat has dried, apply the topcoat. As with the base coat, allow the topcoat to dry thoroughly before moving furniture back into place.

How To Match Paint Colors

When deciding on a color palette for your home remodel, consider what else will be happening in the space.

Will it be a formal dining area or a casual breakfast nook?

A dark hued kitchen may work better in a formal setting, whereas a brighter color would look great in a relaxing spot with a view.

How To Treat Wood Flooring

To treat wood floors, sand down any loose particles, then apply a quality sealer. This adds protection from moisture and stains.

Professional cleaning services are also recommended because they can remove dirt and grime quickly and efficiently.

They can also repair damage caused by water spills.

Floor Care & Maintenance: How To Keep Hardwoods Looking New

If you have pets, make sure to check with the local animal shelter or veterinarian about what types of pet foods are safe for them to eat.

Also, remember that certain flea treatments can contain toxic ingredients that are unsafe for animals. If your dog is being treated, always follow the directions carefully.

Tips For Painting Walls

To paint walls, first prepare your surfaces by removing any electrical outlets, light switches or other fixtures using a utility knife.

Remove any peeling wallpaper; if necessary, cut away the paper at least 1/4 inch below the surface using a utility knife.

Then fill small holes with spackle, plaster or joint compound. Sand lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any excess dust and smooth out rough edges.

Apply several coats of primer to areas where you want to add texture, such as ceilings and cabinets, or where you don't want a uniform color, such as trim or moldings.

Allow each coat to dry before applying another. Use a putty knife to mix up a batch of thinned latex paint to match your existing paint color.

Finally, apply one finishing coat of paint over the entire room.

How To Stain Furniture

After painting a piece of furniture, let it dry overnight before staining.

Make sure the surface is free of waxes, oils or finishes, which can prevent the stain from adhering properly.

Clean spots around hardware, such as hinges and handles, with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.

Some pieces of furniture require specific prep techniques, including stripping and refinishing hardwood and restoring metal parts.

Consult with a professional to learn more about proper techniques.

When using a finishing product, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly and avoid touching the finished product with bare hands.

Choosing Wood Flooring

To choose wood flooring, look for boards made of soft maple, oak, cherry, mahogany, or teak.

These woods tend to hold their shape well, so they'll last longer than some hardwoods that might warp or split when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity.

Choose a floor that has a minimum thickness of 3/8 inch, or you could end up having to replace the board sooner than expected.

As a general rule, thicker planks cost more per square foot but last longer.

Wood Drying Tips

For best results, wood needs to be allowed to air dry thoroughly after installation.

It should not be stacked against any wall or placed under heat lamps or lights until completely dry, nor should it be stored near an open window.

Moisture will condense on the underside of the boards and cause rot.

Once all moisture evaporates, the new floor should be protected with polyurethane varnish or lacquer.

How To Install Wood Flooring

To install wood flooring, nail through the subfloor into previously nailed joists or rafters in order to provide support.

Place tongue-and-groove strips underneath the floorboards and press boards together until flush with the subfloor.

Fasten the strips along the perimeter of the room, then drive 2-inch galvanized steel nails through the subfloor and into the tongue-and-grooves every 4 inches.

Drive these nails close to the ends of the wood strips, leaving at least 1/2 inch between the strips and the edge of the boards.

If desired, you can glue the strips down instead of nailing, but this method may require additional maintenance.

Interior Design Tips

To design your space, consider what activities occur most often in the rooms.

You'll need sufficient storage space for everything from a TV set to a coffee table. Closets are great places to store items like blankets and chairs that people use frequently.

A large dining area allows guests to eat comfortably, while smaller spaces work better for living rooms and bedrooms.

Include lighting to help define different areas. Consider whether there's enough natural lighting.

For example, a bright kitchen would benefit from windows on both sides of the sink, rather than just one side.

How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets

Paint must be applied in multiple coats, and dried thoroughly between applications. After priming, apply two coats of oil-based primer to all surfaces except where it meets the baseboard moldings.

Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next layer.

On concrete countertops, first sand with 120-, 240- or 400-grit sandpaper to roughen it slightly, then prime and paint.

Apply two coats of latex enamel to create an even finish.

Sand again lightly with 320- to 600-grit sandpaper. Then, use a high-quality brush designed specifically for finishing concrete.

How To Find The Right Wood Flooring Installation Company

Hiring professionals to do the job is wise because they know how to safely handle materials, take care of tools, keep dust and debris out of the home and clean up promptly after themselves.

They're also trained to pick the right types of products for the project, such as fasteners, sealants and other supplies.

Wood Flooring - Tips And Tricks For Storing Hardwood Floors

If you have carpeting in your basement, lay down newspaper and cardboard to protect the surface, so moisture doesn't soak through and ruin your hardwoods.

When purchasing hardwood, choose only solid pieces of wood, avoid veneers that contain plywood and avoid laminated woods that peel apart easily.

Also, make sure the product has been kiln-dried or pre-treated to prevent warping if exposed to humidity for long periods of time.

Lastly, make sure the pieces you purchase are the largest sizes available and ask about discounts for larger orders.

Conclusion

To conclude, installing hardwood flooring can lead to a number of benefits, including increased comfort, improved aesthetic appeal and lower maintenance costs.

While this type of flooring may seem expensive initially, it usually pays for itself within five years due to its durability.

And, it’s easy to match wall colors to the wood floor!

As the average lifespan of hardwood flooring is 25 to 30 years, it makes economic sense to invest in quality hardwood flooring at the beginning.