Different Hardwood Floors (3 May Shock You!)

Did you know that installing hardwood floors can boost your home’s market value by up to 5%? It’s true! This beautiful flooring not only elevates your interior but also acts as a solid, long-term investment.

I’ve been a flooring contractor for over 15 years, and I’ve seen it all when it comes to hardwood. Most people think of oak or maple, but the world of hardwood is so much bigger!

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of hardwood floors, exploring some familiar favorites and a few surprising options that might just change how you think about flooring.

Understanding Hardwood Flooring

So, what exactly is hardwood flooring? Simply put, it’s any flooring made from wood harvested from dicot trees. These trees are typically slower-growing than coniferous (softwood) trees, resulting in a denser, more durable product.

There are two main types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered.

• Solid Hardwood: This is exactly what it sounds like – planks made from a single piece of wood. It’s durable, can be refinished multiple times, and adds significant value to a home. However, it’s susceptible to moisture and temperature changes, which can cause warping or gapping.

• Engineered Hardwood: This consists of a thin layer of hardwood veneer bonded to a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). It’s more stable than solid hardwood, making it suitable for basements and other areas with higher moisture levels. It’s generally less expensive than solid hardwood, but it can only be refinished a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the veneer.

Think of solid hardwood like a classic car – it’s beautiful and valuable but requires more care. Engineered hardwood is like a modern SUV – practical, versatile, and can handle more challenging conditions.

Common Hardwood Species

Now, let’s talk about the different species of hardwood. Each species has its own unique characteristics in terms of color, grain pattern, hardness, and durability. Here are some of the most common:

• Oak: This is the most popular choice, and for good reason. It’s readily available, relatively affordable, and incredibly durable. Oak has a prominent grain pattern and comes in two main varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a slightly pinkish hue, while white oak has a more neutral tone.

• Maple: Maple is known for its light color and smooth, uniform grain. It’s a hard and durable wood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. However, it can be more susceptible to dents and scratches than oak.

• Cherry: Cherry is a beautiful wood with a rich, reddish-brown color that deepens over time. It’s a softer hardwood than oak or maple, so it’s more prone to dents and scratches. However, its stunning appearance makes it a popular choice for formal living spaces.

• Walnut: Walnut is a luxurious wood with a dark, chocolate-brown color and a distinctive grain pattern. It’s a relatively soft hardwood, but its rich color and unique character make it a highly sought- after option.

To give you a better idea of the hardness of different wood species, we use the Janka hardness scale. This scale measures the force required to embed a steel ball into the wood. The higher the number, the harder the wood.

Here’s a quick look at the Janka hardness ratings of these common species:

(Source: National Wood Flooring Association)

Understanding Hardwood Grading

Another important factor to consider is the grading of hardwood flooring. Grading refers to the appearance of the wood, including the number of knots, color variations, and other imperfections.

• Clear Grade: This is the highest grade of hardwood flooring. It has very few knots and minimal color variation, resulting in a clean, uniform look.

• Select Grade: This grade has a few more knots and color variations than clear grade, but it still has a relatively clean appearance.

• Common Grade: This grade has the most knots, color variations, and other imperfections. It’s the most affordable option, and it can add character and warmth to a space.

The grade of hardwood flooring you choose will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you want a clean, uniform look, clear or select grade is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more rustic, natural look, common grade might be a good choice.

Traditional Hardwood Floors

Now that we’ve covered the basics of hardwood flooring, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular traditional options:

Oak Flooring

As I mentioned earlier, oak is the most popular choice for hardwood flooring. It’s durable, affordable, and readily available. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, making it a versatile option for any home.

Pros:

• Durability: Oak is a hard and durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Affordability: Oak is relatively affordable compared to other hardwood species.
• Versatility: Oak comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, making it a versatile option for any home.
• Availability: Oak is readily available at most flooring retailers.

Cons:

• Grain Pattern: Some people find the prominent grain pattern of oak to be too busy.
• Susceptibility to Moisture: Oak is susceptible to moisture, so it’s not a good choice for bathrooms or basements.

I remember one client who had oak floors installed throughout their entire home. They loved the classic look and durability of the oak, but they were concerned about the prominent grain pattern. To address their concerns, we used a stain that toned down the grain and created a more subtle look.

Maple Flooring

Maple is another popular choice for hardwood flooring. It’s known for its light color and smooth, uniform grain. It’s a hard and durable wood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Pros:

• Light Color: Maple has a light color that can brighten up a room.
• Smooth Grain: Maple has a smooth, uniform grain that creates a clean, modern look.
• Durability: Maple is a hard and durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic.

Cons:

• Susceptibility to Dents and Scratches: Maple can be more susceptible to dents and scratches than oak.
• Can Be Difficult to Stain: Maple’s tight grain can make it difficult to stain evenly.

I once installed maple floors in a modern condo. The client wanted a clean, minimalist look, and the light color and smooth grain of the maple were perfect. We used a clear finish to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Hickory Flooring

Hickory is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available. It has a distinctive grain pattern and a wide range of colors, from light brown to dark reddish- brown.

Pros:

• Extreme Durability: Hickory is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available.
• Unique Grain Pattern: Hickory has a distinctive grain pattern that adds character to a space.
• Variety of Colors: Hickory comes in a wide range of colors, from light brown to dark reddish-brown.

Cons:

• Cost: Hickory is typically more expensive than oak or maple.
• Can Be Overwhelming: The distinctive grain pattern of hickory can be overwhelming in large spaces.

I worked on a project where we installed hickory floors in a farmhouse-style kitchen. The client wanted a durable floor that could withstand the wear and tear of a busy family. The hickory floors were the perfect choice, and the distinctive grain pattern added to the rustic charm of the kitchen.

Lesser-Known Hardwood Options

Now for the fun part! Let’s explore some lesser-known hardwood options that might surprise you. These options offer unique benefits and aesthetics that can set your home apart.

Bamboo Flooring

Okay, technically, bamboo isn’t a hardwood – it’s a grass! But it’s often used as a hardwood flooring alternative due to its durability and appearance. Bamboo flooring is made from bamboo stalks that are cut into strips, processed, and glued together.

Pros:

• Sustainability: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, making it an eco- friendly flooring option. It matures in just 3-5 years, compared to decades for hardwood trees.
• Durability: Bamboo is surprisingly durable, especially strand-woven bamboo, which is one of the hardest flooring options available.
• Unique Aesthetic: Bamboo has a unique look that can add a modern, exotic touch to your home.

Cons:

• Varying Quality: The quality of bamboo flooring can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of bamboo used.
• Susceptibility to Scratches: Softer types of bamboo can be susceptible to scratches.
• Formaldehyde Concerns: Some bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde-based adhesives, which can off-gas into the air. Look for bamboo flooring that is certified low-VOC.

I installed bamboo flooring in a client’s yoga studio. They wanted a sustainable and durable flooring option that would create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The bamboo flooring was a perfect fit, and the client was thrilled with the results.

Shock Factor: Many people are surprised to learn just how durable bamboo flooring can be, especially strand-woven bamboo. It’s often harder than many traditional hardwoods!

Teak Flooring

Teak is a tropical hardwood known for its water resistance and luxurious appearance. It’s naturally oily, which makes it resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Teak flooring is often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is a concern.

Pros:

• Water Resistance: Teak is naturally water-resistant, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Durability: Teak is a durable wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Luxurious Appearance: Teak has a rich, golden-brown color and a beautiful grain pattern that adds a touch of luxury to any space.

Cons:

• Cost: Teak is one of the most expensive hardwood flooring options available.
• Sustainability Concerns: Teak is often harvested unsustainably, so it’s important to choose teak flooring that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Can Darken Over Time: Teak can darken over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.

I installed teak flooring in a client’s outdoor shower. They wanted a durable and water-resistant flooring option that would complement the natural surroundings. The teak flooring was the perfect choice, and the client was delighted with the results.

Shock Factor: Teak’s natural water resistance is truly remarkable. It’s one of the few hardwoods that can withstand constant exposure to moisture without warping or decaying.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark is harvested every 9 years without harming the tree, making it a sustainable and renewable resource. Cork flooring is known for its comfort underfoot, insulation properties, and unique texture.

Pros:

• Eco-Friendliness: Cork is a sustainable and renewable resource.
• Comfort Underfoot: Cork is naturally cushioned, making it comfortable to walk on.
• Insulation Properties: Cork provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Unique Texture: Cork has a unique texture that adds visual interest to a space.

Cons:

• Susceptibility to Damage: Cork can be susceptible to dents and scratches.
• Limited Color Options: Cork flooring typically comes in a limited range of colors.
• Moisture Sensitivity: While naturally water-resistant, prolonged exposure to standing water can damage cork flooring.

I installed cork flooring in a client’s bedroom. They wanted a comfortable and eco-friendly flooring option that would help to insulate the room. The cork flooring was a perfect fit, and the client was impressed with its comfort and insulation properties.

Shock Factor: Many people are surprised by how comfortable cork flooring is to walk on. Its natural cushioning makes it a great choice for bedrooms, playrooms, and other areas where you spend a lot of time on your feet.

The Impact of Hardwood Floors on Home Environment

Hardwood floors offer benefits that go beyond aesthetics. They can significantly impact your home environment in positive ways:

• Indoor Air Quality: Unlike carpets, hardwood floors don’t trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.

  According to the EPA, choosing hard surface flooring like hardwood can reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants trapped in your home.

• Hypoallergenic Properties: Hardwood floors are naturally hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies or asthma.
• Acoustic Benefits: Hardwood floors can help to reduce noise levels in a home. They don’t absorb sound like carpets, but they don’t amplify it either. Adding rugs can further improve the acoustic properties of hardwood floors.

Trends in Hardwood Flooring

The world of hardwood flooring is constantly evolving. Here are some of the current trends:

• Wide Planks: Wide planks (5 inches or more) are becoming increasingly popular. They create a more spacious and luxurious look.
• Matte Finishes: Matte finishes are gaining popularity over glossy finishes. They hide scratches and dents better and create a more natural look.
• Gray and White Tones: Gray and white tones are trending in hardwood flooring. They create a modern and sophisticated look.
• Herringbone and Chevron Patterns: Herringbone and chevron patterns are making a comeback. They add visual interest and a touch of elegance to a space.

Technology is also influencing hardwood flooring design. Digital printing allows manufacturers to create hardwood floors with realistic wood grain patterns and textures. Prefinished options are becoming more popular, as they offer convenience and consistent quality.

Mixing different wood types or colors in design is also a growing trend. For example, you might use a lighter wood for the main floor and a darker wood for the border. This can create a unique and eye-catching look.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article, from the basics of hardwood flooring to some surprising and lesser-known options. I hope you’ve learned something new and that you’re feeling inspired to explore the possibilities of hardwood flooring in your own home.

Remember, there’s more to hardwood than just oak and maple. Bamboo, teak, and cork offer unique benefits and aesthetics that can set your home apart. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider these alternatives when choosing your next floor.

The future of hardwood flooring is bright. With new technologies and design trends emerging all the time, there’s never been a better time to invest in this timeless and beautiful flooring option. So, go ahead, explore the possibilities and create a space that you’ll love for years to come!

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