We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: hardwood floors are
one of the best types of flooring. They are elegant, durable, easy to clean
and go with every style of decor, from vintage to modern. In a word, they are
timeless.
But how do you know what type
of wood flooring to go with? There are a huge number of options on the
market, and buying all new hardwood floors is a large investment. There are
several options to consider, such as your style, budget, and future plans for
the house. Here are some of the best wood types for flooring, divided into
domestic and exotic
species.
Domestic
Oak
Oak
has been one of the most popular flooring choices for centuries because of
its durability, stability, and moderate graining and color variations. White
Oak has golden brown and gray undertones, while Red Oak has pinkish
undertones. Because it’s so hard, Oak takes color stains very
easily.
Walnut
Also
referred to as Black Walnut or American Walnut, this species is a beautiful,
rich, brown color close to chocolate. It features a fine, straight grain and
often has lovely grain variations and knots in it. It is a bit softer of a
wood, so there might be better options for high traffic
areas.
Maple
Maple is
pale and creamy, and often has slight shade variances in each board. It is
known to be very hard, but if it’s not conditioned, it may take a stain
unevenly. But no worries, you can always buy pre-stained
maple.
Hickory
Hickory
flooring is hugely popular because it is exceptionally hard, and has a unique
look. This species hosts a very unusual type of graining and varies vastly in
shades.
Exotic
Bamboo
Bamboo
flooring is quickly becoming very popular. It is considered environmentally
friendly, and has a beautiful light to medium tone. However the quality can
vary greatly. Be sure to do some research and find a reliable bamboo flooring
brand.
Mahogany
Santos
mahogany is a very popular exotic choice. It features a wide color variation
with hints of orange and red. Exposure to light makes the colors even richer,
and the wavy grain patterns make this a truly unique
species.
Any one of these options is a great choice. And of
course there are even more species of hardwood flooring that will make your
house the perfect home. If you have any questions about hardwood flooring,
give Naffco a call at (813)
254-4066 or stop into one of our two
locations in the Greater Tampa Bay Area to talk with one of our
friendly experts.
