Wood flooring comes in many different types, matching any decor. Hardwood flooring is growing in popularity due to its durability, easiness to clean, and ability to go in any room. Hardwood floors can last over a century. Solid hardwood flooring comes 5/8 to 3/4 inches thick and can be sanded and refinished many times. Refinishing your floors allow you to change the color and make them look new again
Yellow / White Pine
Popular due to affordability, character, and strength. Both are the same color ranging from yellow to off-white. Yellow pine is a denser, harder flooring, and tends to have a more pronounced grain pattern then white.
Hickory
Hickory flooring can look rustic or modern. Hickory flooring is one of the hardest species, making it ideal for active households. Graining is the most varied and distinct, therefore boards installed side by side can vary significantly in look.
American / Brazilian Cherry
American Cherry and Brazilian are both very similar due to their natural reddish hue. Brazilian is a little darker and redder, where as American is more medium toned. American is softer, where as Brazilian is one of the hardest floor types.
Maple
More color variation, creamier and lighter in complexion than the other woods. Small knots occasionally and grain lines vary from quite straight to wavy or curly. Wood pieces are 3-1/4″ wide and comes in 4″, 5″ or 6″ widths. Slightly stronger then oak, and a little cheaper.
Red Oak
One of the most popular wood types due to its longevity. Top grade wood, 2-3/4″ wide. Contains very few little knots and little color variation. Different species come in different widths. Red oak is more traditional with its light golden to reddish pink tones and wilder patterns.
White Oak
Very popular due to its longevity. Top grade wood, 2-3/4″ wide. Contains very few little knots and little color variation. White oak has warmer golden brown tones, and is harder, accepting stains more easily.
Wood Flooring Stains
While you can’t go wrong with a classic neutral color, trends are showing homeowners are increasingly desiring more bold colors to make their hardwood flooring stand out. While dark flooring is trendy and contrasts light walls nicely, they typically require more cleaning and can make a space look smaller. Lighter floors tend to make spaces look bigger and brighter and do not require cleaning as frequently, and the natural look match interiors more easily. No matter the stain, different flooring types will affect the way the stain looks. Red oak and white oak stain more uniformly, where as maple and pine may stain more unevenly due because they are tight grained woods with small pores.
Not sure which one is best for your home?
Give us a call to speak to a wood flooring expert or to see some samples.