When it comes to wood flooring, you have options galore! There are many different types of wood for flooring, and they all have a place in your home. But trying to narrow down the best option for your home can be extremely difficult. There are just so many options out there, and you will hear conflicting reviews of each one. Some of the different types are good for homeowners who have kids; some are better for pets. If you wear heels, you will need to factor that into your decision-making as well.
So, what wood flooring is best for you? What are your options? Let’s find out!
Basic Types of Hardwood Flooring
When picking our hardwood flooring, there are two main types that you will look at:
- Solid Hardwood Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is what most people think about when they envision their homes with hardwood flooring. This is made out of solid pieces of wood from one specific type of tree. Each plank is made out of that wood. People use this during the building process when they want to install high-quality flooring. It is expensive and is more susceptible to damage. However, it is long-lasting, beautiful, and warmer than engineered hardwood flooring.
Engineered hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is made out of several layers of wood pressed into a composite. Then, a layer of the hardwood of choice is pressed on top, in the middle, and at the bottom. This is a more affordable option and is extremely durable for humidity changes. It is also a much more flexible option.
What Are the Types of Wood for Floors?
There are dozens of types of wood to choose from when it comes to your wood floor project. These include more exotic species that are expensive and domestically grown trees that are commonplace and affordable. We’ll give a brief overview of the different types to help you choose:
Ash Wood:
Ash is beautiful and used in many upscale homes. The wood is lighter in color, taking on a white cast in some lights. It is medium in hardness, but it is known as an extremely “comfortable” flooring.
Bamboo Flooring:
Bamboo flooring is a good choice for your home if you have kids or pets because it is somewhat more resistant to scratching than most other types. Since bamboo grows so quickly and is so readily available, it’s usually fairly inexpensive. However, you do want to get it from a reputable dealer because it can be of varying qualities.
Birch Wood:
Birch is a popular option during construction because of how abundant it is, which makes it easy to find. Birch hardwood flooring is a clear, simplistic look that matches with just about any home. It can be stained and customized, which is why it is used in many basic constructions. However, it is a softer wood.
Cherry Wood:
This is one of the most popular options for wood flooring because it has a pink or red hue to it. It is soft but has good stability. It is best used in homes where there isn’t a ton of direct sunlight.
Hickory Wood:
When looking for the most extreme durability, hickory wood floors are popular. They come in different colors, ranging from white to a medium tan. There is some natural variability. If you have a log cabin or a rustic-style home, it’s a great choice.
Mahogany Wood:
For deep, dark floors, it doesn’t get any better than mahogany flooring. Admittedly, it is expensive, but it is so durable and hard that it will be a lifetime investment.
Maple Wood:
Maple wood is more distinct than other types of wood because it has a grain pattern that is gorgeous, but not everyone loves it. The flooring is light and durable; it doesn’t scratch easily. If you plan to have a lot of animals or kids, it’s a great option.
Oak Wood:
Oak is a popular option because it is a classic: it’s the type of wood flooring that people automatically think about. There is red oak or white oak, with each one reflecting its name in color.
Pine Flooring:
Pine flooring is beautiful and is another common option. It is the type of hardwood flooring that ages and becomes more “lived in” and beautiful over the years. It is also one of the most sustainable options. Still, it is soft and scratches easily, but the good news is that it can be repaired.
Teak Wood:
Teak is a growing type of wood for flooring because it is extremely durable and has a natural shine and finish that is hard to replicate. While it does look beautiful, it’s good to know that it requires plenty of maintenance.
Walnut Wood:
Walnut is popular as well because it is a rich, brown color that looks beautiful and stately in a home. It is softer, so you may not want to use it in rooms where you will have chairs moved frequently (i.e., not the dining room or kitchen). It is a better option for homes that have a ton of natural sunlight.
Exotic Woods:
Of course, there are plenty of other options out there as well. Wood comes in so many varieties! So, go as exotic as you want (or as simple) with your wood choices, but just be sure that you buy from a trusted, reputable dealer because people are trying to fabricate the more exotic woods without the quality.
In Conclusion: Love the Wood You’re With
In the end, you have a ton of options when it comes to choosing your wood flooring, but you want to love your final pick! Clearly, there are so many different types of wood that it’s best not to make a choice without doing some research. If you like the look of a certain type of wood, but you want something that is more durable or something that is softer under your feet, you will still be able to make a good choice fairly easily.
Remember, you also want to pay attention to the amount of maintenance that your floor will need. Some floors require only basic cleaning, whereas other floors require regular oiling. So, make sure to explore and weigh the pros and cons of all your options before choosing the hardwood flooring of your dreams.
Sources:
Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: What's the Difference? | The Spruce
11 Most Expensive Woods in the World | Ventured
How to Clean Hardwood Floors and Keep Them Looking Fresh | Better Homes and Gardens
