Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

The Best Hardwood Flooring for Your Home 

Choosing the right hardwood flooring can transform your home's ambiance, but navigating the vast array of wood species can be daunting. This guide empowers you, whether you're a homeowner, interior designer, or DIY enthusiast, to make an informed decision. We'll delve into the characteristics, styles, and benefits of popular hardwood flooring species, helping you find the perfect match for your needs and dreams.

 

When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are five popular wood species that stand out from the rest: Each of these species has the unique features that make it an excellent option for different home styles and preferences.

 

Popular Hardwood Flooring Species at a Glance:

1. Red Oak: Classic beauty, affordability, reddish-brown tones, prominent grain pattern (great for traditional and rustic interiors).
2. White Oak: Durable, warm golden-brown color, straight grain pattern (ideal for modern and contemporary spaces).
3. Maple: Light-colored with subtle grain, incredibly durable (perfect for high-traffic areas and complements various design styles).
4. Hickory: Distinctive with prominent grain patterns and natural color variations, exceptionally durable (adds a unique touch and ideal for high traffic).
5. Brazilian Cherry: Luxurious, exotic, warm reddish-brown color, fine grain pattern (elegance for high-budget projects).

Dive Deeper: Unveiling the Character of Each Wood

Each wood species boasts unique characteristics that influence aesthetics, functionality, and maintenance. Let's explore them in detail:

 

 

Maple Hardwood Flooring

Maple is a light-colored hardwood flooring option with a subtle grain pattern. It is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of your home. Maple is a versatile wood species that complements a wide range of interior design styles, from modern to traditional.

 

• Color & Grain Pattern: Light-colored with a subtle, straight grain pattern.
• Durability: Exceptionally hard and resistant to wear and tear.
• Style & Design: Versatile, complements various styles from modern to traditional. Often sealed to showcase the natural beauty of the wood, but can also be stained.
• Maintenance: Relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning.

 

 

 

Walnut Hardwood Flooring

 

When it comes to tone and color, walnut hardwood is a unique flooring option available, and it is a charming addition to any home. Walnut hardwood isn’t just for flooring; however – furniture, décor, woodwork, and decking are common uses for walnut hardwood, primarily because of its impressive durability. Walnut trees grow in the Eastern United States and are less abundant than other species of hardwood. Walnut trees grow higher than fifty feet tall and can have an extremely wide diameter.

 

• Color & Grain Pattern: Rich brown tones with a hint of purple, ranging from light to dark with some boards showcasing irregular graining alongside the generally straight pattern. This creates a unique and luxurious aesthetic.
• Durability: Moderately hard, walnut performs well in specific applications. Its medium texture makes a matte finish ideal for minimizing the appearance of scratches or scuffs. The natural darkness of walnut can also help hide minor dents.
• Style & Design: Exudes sophistication and luxury with its rich tones and unique graining. Walnut complements various design styles, from modern to traditional.
• Maintenance: Requires moderate maintenance due to its open grain, which can be more susceptible to showing dirt. However, the dark color helps hide minor scratches.

 

 

Hickory Hardwood 

 

Hickory wood flooring is a durable and distinctive hardwood flooring option with a prominent grain pattern and natural color variations. It is an excellent choice for those who want to add a unique touch to their home's interior, as Hickory's grain patterns can vary from wavy to straight, giving it a rustic and natural appearance. Hickory is also one of the most durable hardwood flooring options available, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

 

• Color & Grain Pattern: Wide range of color variations from light to dark brown with prominent straight or wavy grain patterns, creating a rustic charm.
• Durability: One of the hardest domestic hardwoods, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Style & Design: Adds a rustic and natural aesthetic to your space.
• Maintenance: Requires a bit more maintenance due to the open grain, but a good choice for high-traffic areas due to its durability.

 

 

Brazilian Hardwood 

Brazilian Cherry is a luxurious and exotic hardwood flooring option with a warm reddish-brown color and a unique grain pattern. It is an incredibly durable wood species and an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their home's interior. Brazilian Cherry is also one of the most expensive hardwood flooring options available, making it ideal for those who have a higher budget.

 

• Color & Grain Pattern: Rich, reddish-brown color with a fine, interlocked grain pattern. Darkens naturally over time.
• Durability: Exceptionally dense and resistant to dents and scratches, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Style & Design: Exudes luxury and elegance, perfect for creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Maintenance: Requires moderate maintenance due to its density, which can hide minor scratches.

Find Your Perfect Match: Shop All Hardwood Flooring

Now that you've explored the world of hardwood flooring, it's time to find the ideal match for your project. Visit our extensive hardwood flooring collection to browse by species, color, style, and more.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Flooring Experts

Our flooring experts are here to help! Schedule a free estimate to discuss your project needs, receive personalized recommendations, and explore the perfect hardwood flooring for your dream home.

 

FAQ's

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to address any lingering concerns you may have about hardwood flooring.

1. Q: How do I know which hardwood flooring species is best for my home?

   A: The best hardwood flooring species for your home will depend on your personal style preferences, as well as the level of durability and maintenance you require. Consider factors such as the amount of foot traffic in your home, the overall interior design style, and your budget when choosing a hardwood species.

    

2. Q: How do I maintain my hardwood flooring?
   A: To maintain your hardwood flooring, you should regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris, wipe up spills promptly, and use a hardwood-specific cleaner to clean the floors as needed. It's also a good idea to use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents.

    

3. Q: Can I install hardwood flooring in a basement or other below-grade areas?

   A: Hardwood flooring is generally not recommended for below-grade areas, as moisture can cause the wood to warp and buckle. Instead, consider engineered hardwood or other flooring options specifically designed for below-grade installations.

    

4. Q: How long will my hardwood flooring last? A: The lifespan of hardwood flooring will vary depending on the species, the level of foot traffic, and how well the floors are maintained. However, with proper care and maintenance, hardwood flooring can last for decades.

    

5. Q: Is it possible to change the color of my hardwood flooring?

   A: Yes, it is possible to change the color of your hardwood flooring through staining or refinishing. However, it's important to note that these processes can be time-consuming and may require professional assistance to achieve the desired results.