When people hear the word “rustic,” they might associate it with old, cheap, and unstylish. But the designation of “rustic” doesn’t mean that it’s low quality; “rustic” is a design element that differs from a traditional, formal hardwood flooring design. Rustic hardwood flooring is meant to recreate the beautiful floors of the past that were crafted by hand. Rustic flooring uses random widths of strip and/or plank wood flooring.
While rustic hardwood flooring obviously goes well with Country, Southwestern, and Cabin-style décor, it can go well with any décor or personal taste. In fact, rustic hardwood flooring accentuates more types of designs than traditional, formal hardwood flooring.
So, if you’re interested in choosing rustic hardwood flooring, keep reading on. Here are some common questions people have about rustic hardwood flooring.
What is rustic wood flooring? What is rustic grade hardwood flooring?
Anything— like fake distressed plank laminate—can look “rustic.” But “rustic grade” is a flooring industry term. It means that the hardwood falls between the better natural grade and tavern or cabin grade flooring. Rustic is the opposite of a formal hardwood floor: While formal hardwood floors are smooth, uniform, and polished to a high shine, rustic hardwood floors are rough, come in various colors, and feature any kind of finish, from matte to high shine.
Rustic grade (also known as utility grade, cabin grade, and #2 common) comes in one of the lowest grades. Rustic grade accepts a range of defects, such as medium to small knots, missing tongues, sander burns, short pieces, and splits. While it lacks first grade standards, rustic grade hardwood flooring is still a great option.
“Rustic” can refer to a variety of options, such as hand scraped hardwood floors (boards that are scraped with a knife by hand to make a new floor look old) or distressed hardwood floors (which are also meant to make a new floor look like it has been in a house for years). Distressing is generally done by machine rather than by hand. Rustic hardwood flooring can come in a wide variety of color tones and species, such as antique oak or darker tone rustic walnut.
Why choose rustic hardwood floors?
Rustic hardwood flooring has built-in character. While it will have some natural imperfections—like knots, wormholes, saw teeth marks, and cracks—this is what gives it character. Rustic hardwood flooring adds warmth, charm, style, and personality to your home, and it has an authentic, lived-in look.
How much does rustic hardwood flooring cost?
Rustic hardwood flooring can save you a lot of money while still providing character to your house. The pre-finished solid hardwood can save you half of what it would cost to buy unfinished wood flooring.
There is a wide range of pricing when it comes to rustic hardwood floors: it depends on what process gave it the designation of “rustic. For example, if it’s considered rustic because it was hand scraped for hours by local artisans, then it will expensive. But if it’s “rustic” because the boards are reclaimed or a lower grade, then it will be more economical.
Where should I install rustic hardwood flooring?
Rustic hardwood floors can look great in any room, with any decorating style, because so many different types of rustic hardwood flooring exist. Rustic hardwood floors are not just for the den, study, or mudroom, or study—they can look just as great in kitchens and bathrooms.
How to make rustic hardwood floors
You can create rustic hardwood flooring using eco-friendly, reclaimed materials or synthetic vinyl flooring that’s engineered to look rustic. Vinyl options are a great option for high-traffic areas or for rooms that are below ground level.
How to clean and maintain rustic hardwood floors
To keep its look and sound structure, rustic hardwood flooring needs to be cleaned and maintained. Keep water off of it as much as possible and quickly clean up spills.
You should also use rugs and mats at doors, under sinks, and at high-traffic areas. This will catch dirt, debris, and water. Don’t use rubber-backed mats that seal in moisture. You should also broom sweep or vacuum on the bare floor setting.
Interested in installing rustic hardwood flooring in your home? Call M Craft today!
M Craft is a family-owned business of floor installers and refurbishers that has served Naperville and Chicagoland for twenty years. We’ve built our company with a simple mission: deliver an outstanding product with superb service while respecting customers and demonstrating a hardworking, professional attitude at all times.
When we come in to do a free estimate, we’ll look at what you have and talk about what you want. Then, we’ll discuss options at varying price points to accomplish the job within your desired timeline. Above all, we’ll endeavor to turn your suburban Chicago home into something that fills you with pride and joy.
