How to Use Multiple Woods in a Floor Layout

Natural hardwood floors are timeless, sophisticated and durable. You can distinguish your hardwood floors from those of your neighbors and friends by designing a pattern using different hardwoods. Some varieties of hardwood are very dark, like walnut, ebony and mahogany. Others are rather light, such as oak and ash. By combining two contrasting colors in one room, you can achieve dramatic results. When deciding what two types of hardwood to combine, research the coloring of the wood as it changes over time. Many woods grow darker over time. Pick woods that will complement one another for years to come.

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Make a plan for your room. Take measurements and draw a to-scale sketch of the floor layout on paper. Draw your plan for the wood layout. If you're undecided, make several drawings as you consider the different options. A very basic way to use multiple woods in a single floor layout is to lay a striped border around the room. This border can have one, two or more stripes of a different type of wood. You may also lay a pattern in the center of the room -- maybe something octagonal or rectangular.
- 2
  Place a border in a small room close to the perimeter of the room. For example, in a 12- by 10-foot room, place the border less than a foot away from the perimeter. In a large room of 16 by 18 feet, place the border between 1 foot and 2 feet away from the perimeter.
- 3
  Position the wood in your room in such a way that it will draw attention to any special features in the room. For example, place the octagonal wood design you're planning to install in the floor directly beneath the skylight in your ceiling. This will create a natural relationship between the floor and the skylight, establishing both parts of your room as a natural focus point.
- 4
  Choose high-contrast woods. There are many shades of wood -- light, dark and in-between. Choose your woods from the ends of the spectrum so the pattern in your floor will be clear. For example, install a Brazilian cherry border in a room with a white ash floor. The white ash floor should be so light that anyone who enters the room will instantly notice the attractive and interesting border running the perimeter of the room.
- 5
  Consider purchasing a special hardwood medallion or inlay. Inlay borders and medallions can be very elaborate and expensive, so save these options for a focus point in your home where they will be most appreciated and appropriate.
- 6
  Lay the floorboards in a pattern that will be attractive with different types of wood. For example, rather than laying parquet wood floors in one single color of wood, use alternating light and dark woods to emphasize the checkerboard effect.

Problems With Elfa Drawers

Large Toilet and Shower Designs

Home Design