The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

Before picking the type of wood, you must consider the kind of flooring. Traditional hardwood floors are made of solid wood. They are lifetime floors since they can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, they can be costly. Engineered hardwoods are a composite of several layers of wood. It is hardier and more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, but you can only sand and retain it once or twice. However, the main benefit of pre finished hardwood flooring, solid or engineered, is that the finishes are very durable and sanding or refinishing is rarely ever needed.

As mentioned, you can choose finished or unfinished wood. Finished wood has been sanded and stained at the factory. Unfinished hardwood is raw, so stain it to the desired color. Installing finished wood is more accessible and less expensive, but unfinished hardwood gives you much more flexibility.

Oak is a popular flooring type. It is reasonably priced, durable, and comes in various colors, which can be stained. Oak has a visible grain, which helps hide scratches. Plus, oak comes in red and white bases, which provide more significant opportunities. It is a traditional-looking floor, which does not match modern décor. However, oak can turn yellow over time, especially if exposed to sunshine.

Maple is another excellent option. It is usually lighter because it is difficult to stain. It is more durable and less likely to yellow. So, it is a perfect option if you do not want a darker floor.

Hickory is a very affordable and durable wood flooring. It has a noticeable grain pattern, which helps disguise scratches. The hardiness is excellent for durability but can make it difficult to install. Plus, the visual grain pattern lends a rustic look, which is not appealing to everyone.

Cherry is a softer wood, so it is not great for high-traffic rooms. However, it has a warm orange or red natural hue, which darkens over time. The color provides a warm and inviting glow that many people love.

If you love dark, rich colors, you might want to go with Walnut. It is a durable option that can withstand wear and tear. However, it is one of the more expensive types of wood and can be more challenging to source.

Ash is similar to oak and maple, with similar durability and grain. Like maple, ash is lighter. It is more expensive than oak floors. The pronounced grain and light color make it an excellent match for beach or coastal properties.

Mahogany has a deep reddish brown color, is very durable, and is water resistant. It works well in formal and semi-formal settings. However, it is one of the most expensive types of hardwood flooring.