The floor is the most significant factor when you construct or remodel your house. Replacing the flooring material is challenging and costly. A simple accessory to add beauty to your room is the floor vent. The main purpose of installing floor vents is to supply air to your rooms.
Vents are the main part of your HVAC system, and you can place them on your floor or walls. But, which type of vent should you choose if you have hardwood floors? There are several options for floor vents for hardwood floors.
Flush Mount Vent
A flush-fitting vent is a popular choice for hardwood floors. Manufacturers need to measure the floor thickness before installing this vent. The flush mount style ensures that the vent cover will lay flat with the wood flooring surface to provide a seamless and smooth look. This vent style is available in various prefinished colors. Some smaller models do not use frames like the standard flush mount vent. It is easy to fit them into narrower openings and install them on pre-existing floors.
Self-rimming Vent
A vent with a self-rimming cover includes a rim, which extends beyond the hole. The rim ensures that the cover will stay intact. This vent style will properly conceal the edge of your flooring. One demerit is that the top part will be slightly raised. If your vent is in an inconspicuous site of your house, you may choose this model. During measurement, the external dimensions are larger than your duct opening.
Grate or Egg Crate Style
Some hardwood floors have egg crate vents consisting of wood strips. The crisscross pattern makes a perfect square across the vent cover’s face. The egg crate-style vent is durable and attractive.
Egg crate floor registers are customizable and lay flat on the wooden flooring surface. These accessories will provide a seamless, smooth look. The major benefit of this vent is that it increases the air volume. Moreover, its interlock design boosts the strength of the register. You may also use it as the vent for your walls and ceiling.
Guide to Choosing the Vents for your Wood Floor
Before determining the vent for your floor, you should focus on a few factors:
Wood Type
Consider the wood type, as it affects the durability of the vent cover. The best woods for your flooring vents are:
- Maple
- Cherry
- Walnut
- Brazilian Cherry
- White and red oak
The grain patterns and durability of these wood species are different.
The Vent’s Size
The vent’s dimension varies with the HVAC system installed in the house. But, some floor vents are available in standard sizes. However, most manufacturers allow you to choose a custom vent size to serve your purpose. The best vents are aesthetic and robust to provide a perfect solution.
Check the quality of the vent cover and make the right purchase. Wooden vent covers are available in different finishes that last long. There are also metal vents and modern decorative vents for your floor.