Do you want to change to wood flooring in your home? Or perhaps you’re already looking through different options?
There are many types of wood flooring to choose from, so finding the perfect one takes time. They vary in wood used, finish, colors, and more. But with such a broad collection available, where do you start?
If you need answers, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s your guide to wood flooring options to help you find the ideal one. Let’s start!
Oak Floors
You probably know oak as the most popular wood flooring choice in the US. It’s affordable and easy to find because most flooring services offer it.
It usually comes in two kinds: red oak for warmer tones and white oak for cooler tones. Many recommend getting red oak if you want more character and white oak for a smoother texture.
Mahogany Floors
Compared to oak, mahogany flooring costs more because it doesn’t grow in the US, so most consider it exotic.
The charm of mahogany floors comes from their warmth and richness. And so it makes an ideal choice to pair it with leather chairs and old-fashioned décor or antiques.
On the Janka hardness scale, a measurement to record wood resistance and strength, mahogany tops most options on this list.
Cherry Floors
Another type of wood flooring that’s probably familiar to you is cherry wood floors. Although it’s popular, it’s pricier than other types because of its attractive appearance and versatility.
It’s one of the softest wood materials out there, so it’s vulnerable to scratches, dents, and warping. It’s also sensitive to light and may either darken or stain in just a few months.
Pine Floors
If you want cheaper types of flooring, consider pine floors. Like cherry wood, it’s also soft, making it prone to cosmetic damage. Although it’s known for being a softwood, its Janka rating is considerably high.
It also comes with charming grains in yellow and white hues. So, it’s popular among homeowners who like rustic vibes. If you’re a fan of that, you can learn more about how to achieve those themes with the rustic hardwood flooring found here.
Bamboo Floors
While bamboo floors aren’t natural wood, they’re popular for having an appearance that replicates it well. On top of that, it’s cheaper and about twice to thrice as hard as natural wood!
It’s an excellent choice if you want to go for eco-friendly flooring options since bamboos grow fast. But for some, it might lack customization features. It’s harder to stain than natural wood, so you’re likely to find them for sale prefinished.
Walnut Floors
Walnut is on the softer side of hardwood floor options on the Janka scale, so it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas.
If you want something neat for rooms with less activity, walnut is a great choice. It features a rich brown color and smooth, detailed grains. Many find it the perfect pair for luxury themes.
Maple Floors
Second to oak in popularity, maple floors offer a wider range of colors and tones. They’re great if you want finer grains and smoother-looking textures.
Although neutral finishes work well with maple flooring, it’s difficult to stain. When you find them in the store, they’re likely finished already.
Nonetheless, maple floors have pros over other options, like durability. It’s one of the hardest flooring options for a domestic space!
Teak Floors
If you want wood flooring that stands out, consider getting teak floors. Its natural oils make it shine, with or without finish!
It’s on the pricey side of flooring options, but its quality makes up for the cost. Besides a shiny finish, it’s also one of the most durable choices and has radiant colors.
Hickory Floors
Many suggest hickory if you want wood flooring with lots of character. It goes beyond the uniformity of most floors with grain that varies in shade and style. You can think of it as abstract wood!
But while it’s unique, not everyone is fond of it. Even so, it’s one of the hardest floor options for US-grown wood. That means it’s a good choice either way.
Cork Floors
Another flooring choice that isn’t directly made with wood is cork floors. Instead, these come from tree bark.
It’s one of the most sustainable flooring options available, so you might want to consider it when you get a home renovation.
Cork floors are also comfy for your feet, and they offer excellent insulation and sound properties. But because of its nature, it’s best not to expect it to be as sturdy or resistant as regular hardwood.
Types of Flooring Options
Flooring usually comes in two distinct types. These identify how you would need to install the floors and how they are made.
The types are as follows:
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood floors are hardwood planks that fit together using the tongue and groove technique.
While it’s long-lasting, it’s also the most expensive. Aside from that, it’s vulnerable to warping. If you want to keep them in top shape, avoid installing them in high-moisture areas.
Engineered Hardwood
If you go for engineered hardwood flooring, you get stronger resistance against moisture and humidity. But note that it’s not completely waterproof.
This type of flooring consists of layers of wood along with other synthetic materials, such as concrete and more. So it’s not exactly all-natural compared to solid hardwood.
Learn About Different Types of Wood Flooring Today
If you want to change your floors during a renovation, it’s good to know the different types of wood flooring available. That way, you can pick the ideal one based on your needs and preferences!
So, why wait? Get the best floors for you today!
Check out our blog to learn more tips and guides.