Choosing the best kind of wood flooring can be a daunting task. With so much information out there, it’s impossible to learn everything there is to know about hardwood flooring before you make a decision. Floor Coverings International has spent over 25 years working with hardwood floors and can help steer you in the right direction. We’ve narrowed down some of the most popular types of hardwood floors to help you make the best selection for your home.
POPULAR SPECIES OF HARDWOOD
No matter which species of wood you choose, hardwood flooring is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Most of your decision will come down to functionality and preference. Here are the most popular species for homeowners:
- Oak
Of all of the wood species, oak is the most commonly chosen for hardwood floors in North America. It comes in two primary varieties: red oak and white oak, so named for their respective colors. Oak is highly resistant to scratches and denting and looks great in traditional style homes.
- Cherry
Cherry wood flooring is another popular choice for American homeowners. The two most common varieties of cherry are American cherry and Brazilian cherry. Of the two, American cherry wood flooring is the softer hardwood and has a lighter coloration than Brazilian. Brazilian cherry hardwood is also typically more expensive.
- Hickory
Hickory hardwood is known for its extreme durability. This hardwood is particularly popular in rustic and log cabin homes. Its coloration ranges from medium-tan to reddish-brown. Hickory’s durability makes it an ideal choice for homeowners expecting a lot of foot traffic, such as those with families and pets.
- Maple
A distinctive wood with a lighter coloration, maple flooring is a mainstay of American homes. Its high level of durability means it stands up well to foot traffic. It is often chosen as a favorite because of its
low maintenance needs. After a period of time, the exterior of this floor will take on a yellowish coloration.
- Birch
Birch wood is an abundant flooring material, which makes it an affordable option for someone looking into hardwood flooring for their home. Birch wood has a creamy exterior with a light coloration ranging from white to yellow. It is also a relatively soft wood, which should be noted before buying, especially if you need durable flooring that can stand up to heavy foot traffic.
- Mahogany
For a classy, elegant hardwood floor, many homeowners are turning to mahogany
flooring. In addition to being used for floors, mahogany can been seen in high-end furniture pieces, sailing boats and musical instruments. Its classic and timeless look is attractive to many, which only adds to the fact it is also durable and water resistant.
- Ash
Ash is characterized by its light coloration and high level of durability. It is harder than red oak but softer than hickory and maple. It can also be stained to imitate the look of other species of wood, which is an attractive benefit to some homeowners. In addition, it is a relatively affordable hardwood flooring option.
- Bonus: Bamboo
While bamboo is technically a grass and not a hardwood, don’t let its classification fool you. Bamboo is extremely strong, with many varieties known to have a
greater tensile strength than steel. This flooring type is exotic and beautiful, elevating the style of any room with its elegance and sophistication. It is also an eco-friendly flooring material, adding to its long list of benefits.
Now that you know a little more about hardwood flooring, you can start considering which kind is the best for you. Floor Coverings International is here to help! For more information about types of hardwood floors or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today!
New Jersey: 856-283-4588
Pennsylvania: 215-607-6236
Vermont: 802-448-8121
We look forward to hearing from you!
