Hardwood Floors and Cabinetry Add Style and Value to Kitchens

One of the top ways to bring the element of luxury into any kitchen is with hardwood floors and cabinet upgrades. With interest rates at all-time lows, many homeowners are refinancing, then getting cash back to make effective home improvements.

For anyone looking to add style and value to their home, the timeless appeal and warmth of hardwood floors will pay dividends for years to come.

A natural place to start when planning a kitchen upgrade is deciding which wood type best reflects your home’s character, and what color will provide a timeless look.

Below are a few relatively new and classic wood types popular among homeowners today:

Cherry: The sapwood is creamy white and the heartwood runs a rich red to reddish brown. Can be stained and polished.

Maple: The sapwood is creamy white with a reddish brown tinge and the heartwood varies from light to dark reddish brown. Can be stained and polished.

Northern/Southern Red Oak: The sapwood is white to light brown and the heartwood is a pinkish, reddish brown. Can be stained and polished.

Lyptus: A new, environmentally responsible wood harvested from Eucalyptus trees. This hardwood features a grain similar to mahogany with color similar to cherry. It also can be stained and polished.

In short, today’s homeowners can have it all in their hardwood choices -- a wide choice of styles, good value and responsible environmental practices. Couple these characteristics with natural aesthetic advantages and a high return on investment, hardwood flooring and cabinets are destined to be a favorite for many years to come.