Hardwood flooring will continue to rule the hearts of homeowners. It looks timeless and attractive for years. Most importantly, refinishing it after every few years will make it look like new. Occasional maintenance can also make it last for decades. Moreover, you can install hardwood floors in any room except your bathroom and kitchen. Don’t install them in rooms that have high moisture content. Wood warps if it absorbs water. Therefore, don’t install it in laundry rooms, either.
Types of hardwood floors
One of the crucial factors you should pay attention to is the different types of hardwood flooring options. We can be your go-to hardwood flooring specialist near me. We offer as many varieties as possible so that you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Primarily, there are four types of hardwood floors.
- Unfinished hardwood
- Prefinished hardwood
- Solid hardwood
- Engineered hardwood
Let’s take a look at these floors.
Unfinished hardwood
Do you want custom stains applied before finishing the installation process? If yes, go for unfinished hardwood. Many people want to match the hardwood floor color with the color of their existing floors. If you also fall in the same category, select unfinished hardwood over other variants. Our professionals give several coats of protective finish after installing the hardwood. It is a three-fold process. The installer will install the hardwood planks, stain them correctly, and then add protective coats.
Unfinished hardwood is ideal for kitchens. Usually, you don’t see kitchens with hardwood floors because they have the risk of warping. However, the protective coat will seep through the seams and prevent water from penetrating the planks.
Prefinished hardwood
As the name suggests, prefinished hardwood comes sealed and sanded, making the installation process easier. All the installer has to do is align the planks in order and staple them correctly. It doesn’t require additional staining or protective coats. However, you will not be able to match its color with other floors.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood means pure wood. It comes in various thicknesses, from 5/8-inch to ¾-inch. You can refinish and sand solid hardwood many times. But, it is vulnerable to moisture and humidity changes. You shouldn’t install solid hardwood in below-grade basements.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a fusion of real wood attached to several layers of wood below, such as plywood. As a well-known hardwood flooring specialist near me, we always provide high-quality engineered wood. These wooden floors are highly durable. We use glue to stick all the layers. Plus, it is a versatile flooring option. You can install it in every room you want, including your kitchen and bathroom.
Engineered hardwood comes in various thicknesses. This allows you to refinish and sand it once or twice in its lifetime. That is more than enough to keep the shine going for years.
Types of wood used in hardwood floors
Selecting a durable hardwood material can save a lot of money in the long-run. As your go-to hardwood flooring specialist near me, we offer almost every type of wood you can think of for floors.
Maple
No material comes close to maple for hardwood floors. It is the most popular, but it comes at a price. Maple is expensive. However, it is worth every penny you spend. It has a subtle grain pattern, making it suitable for both small and large spaces. Plus, it is more durable than any other hardwood. Thus, it can support significantly higher foot traffic.
Maple is also less porous. This means you will not get a lot of stains on it. If stain is your preference, you should look for other hardwood materials and not maple. Moreover, you cannot add stain separately. Its low porosity makes it impossible for the maple to absorb the stain.
Oak
It is the second-most-popular hardwood material. Oak is widely famous for its durability and timelessness. It can successfully tolerate daily wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for rooms with high traffic. Most importantly, there is an elegant visual appeal when it comes to oak. However, oak takes long to season. This makes it a rare variant. You may have to search extensively for hardwood flooring specialist near me, but once you find us, you should rejoice because we provide high-quality oak for hardwood floors.
Walnut
Walnut hardwood has different species. Some are used in making doors and windows, while the harder ones for making floors. Walnut is famous for its strength. It is stronger than other hardwood varieties, making it perfect for rooms with high traffic. Walnut hardwood floors look dark and exotic. Most importantly, it is highly versatile. You can use it in almost every room in your house except for your bathroom and laundry room.
Hickory
Hickory floors look rustic. If you love antique looks, go for hickory. It has tons of benefits as a hardwood flooring option. First, it is durable. Hickory floors can last for decades if you maintain them properly. Don’t allow it to soak water. Moisture and humidity are the two biggest enemies of hickory hardwood. Second, it gives a distressed look. Many people want that type of look on their floors. The rustic finish of hickory makes it a preferable choice for many. Thirdly, it is highly versatile. It can withstand high foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.
Mahogany
Mahogany is slightly more expensive than other hardwood variants. However, it makes up the cost with its beauty and elegance. Moreover, mahogany improves with age. That means your floor will look more beautiful after ten years. However, you need to maintain mahogany floors frequently. Make sure water doesn’t stay on it for long periods.
It is hard not to notice hardwood floors. They look elegant and classy right from the moment you step in. Installing hardwood floors will mean changing the interior look of your house completely. Consult with us to know the best hardwood material that will suit your budget.