Do you want to upgrade your home style but don’t know how to do it? Well, hardwood flooring can do wonders for you. When you’re choosing the hardwood floor it’s crucial to find the right type for your space. This process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this guide, we’ll explore different hardwood floor types and help you find the perfect match for your home. Let’s dive into the world of wood flooring and make your decision easier.
Understanding Hardwood Floor Types
Regarding hardwood flooring, you must consider two main types: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Each has its own set of characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood that is typically ¾ inch thick. Such type of flooring is known for its durability and longevity. Another good thing about it is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which can extend its lifespan significantly. Solid hardwood offers a timeless aesthetic and a rich, natural feel that many homeowners desire.
However, various factors like humidity and temperature can affect solid hardwood and cause it to expand and contract. This makes it less suitable for areas like basements or spaces with fluctuating moisture levels.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is the second among hardwood floor types. It consists of a top layer of real wood veneer attached to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This construction makes it more stable and saves it from moisture and temperature, making it an excellent choice for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished, but usually less often than solid hardwood, depending on the thickness of the veneer. It also typically comes in a wider variety of finishes and styles, offering more flexibility in design. Understanding these two primary types of hardwood flooring can help you make an informed decision that best suits your home’s needs and environment.
Popular Wood Species for Flooring
Choosing the best wood for wood floors can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your space. Here are some of the most popular options:
Oak
If you’re thinking of getting wood flooring, Oak is one of the most common choices for you. Popular for its durability and versatility, it comes in two varieties: red oak and white oak.
Red oak has a warm, reddish tone with a pronounced grain pattern, making it a great choice for traditional and rustic interiors. Whereas, the white oak, on the other hand, has a slightly cooler tone and a more subtle grain, suitable for contemporary or minimalist designs.
Maple
Maple hardwood flooring has a light, creamy color, and a smooth, uniform texture. It is incredibly hard and resistant to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Maple’s understated grain pattern makes it a versatile choice that can complement both modern and classic interiors.
However, its hardness can make it challenging to stain evenly, so natural or light finishes are often preferred.
Walnut
Walnut flooring has a rich, dark color and luxurious appearance. It has a fine, straight grain with occasional waves that add glamour to any room. Walnut is softer than oak and maple, which means it’s easy to get dents and scratches.
However, its stunning aesthetics often outweigh these concerns, making it a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms where elegance is paramount.
Cherry
Cherry hardwood flooring has a warm, reddish-brown color that deepens with age, creating a rich and inviting atmosphere. Its smooth, satiny texture and fine-grain pattern add elegance to any space.
Cherry is relatively soft compared to other hardwoods, so it’s best suited for areas with lighter foot traffic. Its unique color and aging process make it a favorite for those seeking a distinctive and warm ambiance.
Finishes and Textures
Finishes protect the wood and enhance its beauty. There are several options to consider:
- Matte Finish: Offers a natural, understated look and hides scratches well. It’s ideal for busy households or those seeking a more rustic appearance.
- Semi-Gloss Finish: Balances sheen and practicality, providing a bit of shine without being too reflective, making it suitable for most rooms.
- High-Gloss Finish: Delivers a shiny, polished look perfect for formal settings, but it shows scratches and dust more easily.
Choosing the right finish and texture for your hardwood floor types depends on your aesthetic preferences and the room’s function. Consider how much foot traffic the area receives and how much maintenance you’re willing to undertake to keep the floor looking its best.
Types of Wooden Floorboards
The type of floorboard you choose can significantly impact the appearance and functionality of your hardwood floors. Here are the main types:
Plank Flooring
Plank flooring consists of wide boards ranging from 3 to 8 inches in width. This type of flooring creates a classic, timeless look and can make a room appear larger.
It’s versatile and works well in both rustic and modern interiors. The wider boards beautifully showcase the wood’s natural grain and color variations.
Strip Flooring
Strip flooring consists of narrower boards, typically 2 to 3 inches wide, giving it a more uniform and traditional appearance.
The narrow boards can create a sense of depth, making a room feel longer. This type of flooring is often used in smaller spaces or areas where a more formal look is desired.
Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring is made up of small wood pieces that are arranged in geometric patterns, like herringbone or chevron. This unique style makes your room look elegant and sophisticated to
Parquet floors are highly customizable and can be tailored to fit various design preferences. They are especially popular in formal living areas, dining rooms, and entryways.
Why Choose Houston Custom Carpets for Your Hardwood Flooring Needs?
At Houston Custom Carpets, we offer unparalleled expertise and dedication to quality. With over 25 years of experience, this family-operated business specializes in custom installations using premium materials.
Our store is located in Kingwood, TX, and we serve both residential and commercial markets by offering them exceptional customer service and a wide range of options for hardwood floor types. Our experts pay close attention to detail to guarantee the perfect installation of the hardwood flooring.
Therefore, Houston Custom Carpet is the go-to choice for Flooring Services in the Greater Houston area. Not only that, we offer the best options for flooring coverings. You can trust us blindly to transform your space with our high-quality hardwood flooring solutions.
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