Hardwood floors are a timeless choice that can fit into a range of interior styles. The texture you choose can also dramatically affect the look of your wood floors.
If your household has kids and pets, consider choosing a hard species that can stand up to high activity — hickory and oak are among the most durable options.
Walnut
Walnut is a rich and dark wood that works well with any design style. It’s a durable choice for any room in the house, and it can stand up to heavy traffic. It’s also relatively easy to maintain and can be refinished when needed. It has a beautiful and unique grain pattern that adds interest to a space. It’s a great option for those who want a traditional look or something with more character and warmth.
While walnut has a lot to offer, it is important to consider its pros and cons before making a decision. For example, it’s not as durable as oak or hickory. It also doesn’t hide scratches as well as other types of wood flooring. Additionally, it may not hold up to the weight of a large furniture piece like a dresser or a buffet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that walnut tends to be more expensive than other types of hardwood floors. This is largely due to the fact that it’s a more rare and exotic species of wood. However, the beauty of walnut floors can often make up for this additional cost.
If you’re interested in a similar wood but don’t want to pay for an exotic walnut floor, consider domestic ash. This durable and attractive hardwood is what baseball bats and axe handles are made of, so it can handle a lot of wear and tear. It has a fine, straight grain and offers a wide range of color tones from light tan to grayish brown.
Regardless of which type of wood you choose, hardwood floors are a smart investment for any home. They can last for generations and are a great way to increase the resale value of your property. Additionally, they’re one of the top features that potential buyers look for when looking at homes. So, if you’re considering upgrading your home with a new wood floor, be sure to check out our wide selection of quality products and styles! Then, you can be confident that your investment will pay off when it comes time to sell.
Hickory
If you’re looking for a wood floor that is strong and rugged, hickory is the perfect choice. This domestic hardwood has a higher Janka hardness rating than any other species used for wood plank flooring in the United States. It is also known for its dramatic color variation and mineral streaks that give it a natural, rugged appearance. It is very durable, and it can withstand the heavy use of busy households.
Hickory is available in a wide variety of color tones, including cool and warm shades. Its grain pattern is very distinctive, with a straight to wavy grain. It is full of natural character, with plenty of knots, mineral streaks, and color variation. Hickory floors are very versatile and can complement many different styles of decor.
In terms of maintenance, hickory is less expensive than oak and can withstand a greater range of activities. Oak, however, has a lower Janka rating and is more susceptible to dents and scratches than hickory. It is best to choose a hard wood like hickory for active households with children and pets.
The strength and durability of hickory makes it an excellent choice for high traffic areas. It will be able to hold up to heavy foot traffic and frequent activity, unlike softer woods such as pine or ash. It will not dent or scratch as easily as a soft wood, and it is much less prone to the damage that can happen when furniture is dropped on a hardwood floor.
Another benefit of hickory is that it is less sensitive to moisture than other domestic hardwoods. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you live in a humid area or have a sunroom where the humidity fluctuates greatly. It is best to invest in a pinless wood moisture meter like Wagner’s Orion to check for any problems before and during installation.
It is also important to remember that hickory is not as resistant to mold and water as some other domestic woods, so it might not be ideal for kitchens or bathrooms. However, you can usually find engineered hickory that has been treated to be moisture resistant for those rooms in your home.
Maple
Maple is one of the more common hardwoods and can be found in homes throughout the country. Its light, creamy color lends itself to a wide range of styles and colors, but it also holds up well under pressure from furniture. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas, since it resists dents and scratches better than some other hard woods. Maple also has a beautiful grain pattern that masks dings and scuffs, making it a good option for households with kids or pets.
Oak is another popular hardwood flooring species that’s very durable. Its neutral color can be stained to match any decor, and its fine, subdued grain is easier to stain than some other types of hardwood. However, oak can be prone to splintering and may need extra care when moving furniture or cleaning the floors.
Cherry is similar to oak in terms of durability, but it’s a bit more expensive and less readily available. Its warm tone leans slightly red or orange and can be stained to match a variety of design styles. However, like walnut and hickory, cherry can be more susceptible to dents and scratches than some other hard woods.
Another great alternative to hickory or oak is walnut, which can be found in both domestic and exotic varieties of wood flooring. It has a rich, dark hue that complements many historical and midcentury design schemes and is extremely durable. However, it isn’t as easy to stain as some other hardwoods and tends to be more expensive than oak.
Lauzon is one of the few companies that offers wood floors made from a variety of different species, including walnut and maple. They stock a hundred unique hardwood floor products spread across several collections and have narrow and wide plank options along with various texture styles. Additionally, they don’t use any VOC-releasing finishing liquids and are committed to environmental sustainability. They also work directly with local mills to cut out the middleman, potentially saving their customers money and providing a more transparent process. In addition, they offer a range of custom options such as hand-scraped and hand-planed finishes.
Ash
Ash wood floors are a great option for homeowners who want durability in their kitchen. It is known for its strength, and it holds up well to moderate amounts of foot traffic without scratching or dents. It also has a distinct color and grain pattern that works well with most stain colors. Another benefit of this hardwood is that it has a higher Janka hardness score than oak, beech, and heart pine. This means it is harder than most domestic woods and can stand up to heavier furniture better.
Like many other hardwoods, ash is available in both solid and engineered planks. Solid wood floors have a natural beauty that pairs well with almost any design style. They are durable and can last for generations if properly cared for. They can also be sanded and refinished to keep them looking new. However, solid wood is more susceptible to moisture and dimensional changes than engineered wood flooring.
While not as common as other types of hardwood, birch wood is a unique choice that has a light color and distinctive grain pattern. It also has a high Janka hardness rating and is incredibly durable. It is also a renewable resource, making it a greener option than some other hardwoods.
Other domestic wood options include white oak, beech, red birch, and southern yellow pine. Each of these wood species has their own unique characteristics that make them a good choice for different types of wood floors.
Another option is to use reclaimed wood in your kitchen. Reclaimed wood has a rich history that can add character and charm to any room. It is often cheaper than new wood floors and can be more environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that reclaimed wood floors can contain nail holes, cracks, and other imperfections that may not be desirable for some homeowners.
Choosing the right wood floor for your home is a personal choice that should take into account all of your needs and desires. There are many factors to consider, from the type of wood to the stains and textures that will be used.