Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice among homeowners for its timeless appeal, warmth, and natural beauty. When selecting hardwood floors for your home, consider various factors to ensure you choose the right option for your space and lifestyle. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of choosing hardwood flooring, from types and species to finishes and installation methods. By understanding these key elements, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your home’s aesthetic and value.
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Understanding Hardwood Flooring Types
Before discussing hardwood flooring’s specifics, you must understand the two main types available: solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Each type has its own characteristics, benefits, and limitations that can impact your decision.
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring consists of thick, solid wood planks joined with a tongue and groove along each side. Due to their thickness, these floors offer authenticity and can be sanded down and refinished multiple times. On the other hand, engineered hardwood is made with a thin veneer layer of hardwood on top of multiple layers of composite material and plywood. This construction helps prevent shifting over time but may limit refinishing options.
Key Difference
- A ¾-inch-thick solid wood strip can be refinished up to 10 times over its lifespan, compared with roughly three times for the best engineered floors. That’s because engineered boards use a cross-ply construction — veneer layers that crisscross like plywood — which provides superior strength and moisture resistance but limits how much material can be sanded away. This construction also makes engineered flooring suitable for basements, where the moisture that gathers can wreak havoc on solid wood.
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood
When purchasing hardwood floors, you can choose between prefinished and unfinished options. Prefinished hardwood arrives with stain and topcoat already applied, allowing for quicker installation and immediate use. Unfinished hardwood, or site finish, comes raw and is finished after installation. This method offers more customization options and can result in a smoother overall appearance.
Selecting the Right Wood Species
The wood species you choose for your flooring will significantly impact its appearance, durability, and overall performance. Consider both aesthetic preferences and practical needs when making your selection.
Popular Hardwood Species for Flooring
Some popular hardwood species for flooring include:
- Ash
- Bamboo (technically a grass, but often grouped with hardwoods)
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Maple
- Oak (red and white)
- Walnut
Each species offers unique characteristics in terms of color, grain pattern, and hardness.
Understanding the Janka Scale
- The durability of a wood species is ranked by the Janka hardness rating, which measures the pounds of force per square inch needed to embed a steel ball into the surface. The higher the number, the harder the wood and the more resistant it is to denting. Flatsawn red oak, with a Janka rating of 1290, is the industry benchmark against which other species are measured. White oak comes in slightly harder at 1360, while hickory rates considerably higher at around 1820—making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. On the softer end, species like yellow pine (690) and Douglas fir (660) will show wear more readily.
For homeowners seeking character and sustainability, reclaimed wood is worth considering. Weathered wood salvaged from old barns and factories, or milled from logs pulled from river bottoms, has a timeworn appeal—nail holes and patina included—and means fewer trees harvested from forests. This reclaimed wood may also be harder than freshly cut boards because it comes from old-growth trees with compact growth rings. Quartersawn white oak, widely used in Arts and Crafts–era homes, reveals a signature flake pattern that remains prized by period-home restorers today.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Wood Species
When selecting a wood species, consider the following:
- Hardness and durability (especially important for high-traffic areas)
- Color and grain pattern
- Compatibility with your home’s existing decor
- Availability and cost
- Sustainability and environmental impact
For example, oak is known for its durability and versatility, while walnut offers a rich, dark color but may be softer and more prone to denting.
Design Tip
- Gideon Gelbar, an interiors specialist for architect Dennis Wedlick, notes that color choice can dramatically affect a room’s feel: “Lighter woods, such as oak, ash, maple, or hickory, tend to make a room look smaller. And very dark floors against light walls tend to make a room feel airier and bigger.” Brazilian cherry, Santos mahogany, and black walnut all deliver that darker look naturally, without the need for stains.
Evaluating Hardwood Grades and Appearance
The grade and appearance of hardwood flooring can significantly impact its overall look and price. Understanding these factors will help you choose the right option for your home.
Hardwood Flooring Grades Explained
Hardwood flooring grades are based on the wood’s appearance, including the number of knots, mineral streaks, and color variations. Common grades include:
- Clear: Few to no knots or color variations
- Select: Minor imperfections and slight color variations
- 1 common: More knots and color variations, creating a rustic look
- 2 common: Significant color variations and imperfections
Higher grades typically cost more but offer a more uniform appearance.
Grain Patterns and Their Impact on Aesthetics
The way wood is cut affects its grain pattern, which can dramatically influence the floor’s overall look. The three main types of grain patterns are:
- Plain sawn: The most common and popular, featuring traditional wood grain with cathedral patterns
- Quarter sawn: Similar to rift-sawn but with irregular specks creating a unique, sometimes 3D pattern
- Rift sawn: Long, consistent grain without cathedrals, typically the most expensive option
Consider how these grain patterns will complement your home’s style and existing decor.
Why Quartersawn Costs More
- Quartersawn wood is prized for its stability and distinctive flecked grain pattern, but as a TOH flooring expert explained on the show, “It’s more expensive because of the way that they have to mill it. You don’t get as much yield from the log as you would with the plain sawing.” White oak, in particular, shows off its signature flecked, open-pored grain beautifully when quartersawn — a look that was especially prized by Arts and Crafts–era builders.
Determining the Ideal Board Width and Thickness of Hardwood Floors
Board width and thickness are important factors that can affect both the aesthetics and performance of your hardwood flooring.
Standard Board Widths for Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring planks come in various widths:
- Narrow planks: 2–3 inches wide
- Standard planks: 3–5 inches wide
- Wide planks: 5 inches or wider
Wider planks can create a luxurious feel with fewer seams but may be more expensive and prone to expansion issues.
Strips vs. Planks
- In industry terms, wood flooring sold in widths up to 3 inches is classified as “strip” flooring, while anything wider than 3 inches is considered “plank” flooring. Narrow strips are less expensive than wide planks and have a more traditional look, but rustic-feeling wide planks are more sensitive to seasonal movement. As TOH Magazine notes, some species, such as white pine, can be milled to wider dimensions, although broader boards are prone to more expansion and contraction throughout the year.
Recommended Thicknesses for Different Applications
Solid hardwood flooring typically ranges from 5/16–3/4 inches thick. Thicker planks allow for more refinishing over time but may not be suitable for all installations. Engineered hardwood thickness can vary, with the top veneer layer ranging from 1/16–1/6 inch thick.
Exploring Hardwood Floor Finishing Options and Colors
Your hardwood flooring’s finish and color can dramatically impact your space’s overall look and affect maintenance requirements.
Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes
Common hardwood floor finishes include:
- Oil-based polyurethane: Durable and amber-toned
- Water-based polyurethane: Clear and quick-drying
- Aluminum oxide: Extremely durable, often used on prefinished floors
- Natural oils: Penetrate the wood for a more natural look
Each finish type offers different levels of durability, sheen, and ease of maintenance.
- For a truly custom color, consider a layered approach used by professional floor finishers: Apply a water-based dye coat first to establish a background tone, then follow with an oil-based stain on top. As one TOH project flooring specialist explained on a recent project, the dye “will achieve a background tone for the overall color, which you can’t typically get with a regular stain.” After the dye and stain dry, three coats of oil-based polyurethane lock in the color and provide lasting protection.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Space
When selecting a hardwood flooring color, consider the following:
- Room size (lighter colors can make spaces feel larger)
- Your home’s overall style and existing decor
- Natural light
- Long-term design flexibility
Remember that darker hardwood flooring is currently popular and may boost resale value, but trends can change over time.
Considering Hardwood Flooring Installation Methods
The installation method you choose can affect your flooring’s performance and longevity. When deciding on an installation method, consider the subfloor, moisture levels, and your home’s specific needs.
Nail-Down Installation
Nail-down installation is the traditional method for solid hardwood flooring. It involves nailing planks directly to a wood subfloor, providing a secure and long-lasting installation.
- Solid-wood strips and planks must be fastened to a plywood subfloor because the boards shrink and swell with seasonal humidity changes, and they can’t be laid directly over concrete. For best results, keep your home between 60 and 80 degrees F and 30 to 50 percent relative humidity, and leave flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least a week. This allows the wood to acclimate and prevents issues like cupping and gapping down the road.
Glue-Down Installation
Glue-down installation is often used for engineered hardwood and can be applied over concrete subfloors. This method provides excellent stability but can make future floor removal more challenging.
Pro Tip
- TOH master carpenter Norm Abram explains that engineered flooring’s glue-down installation is straightforward: “The fastening system is glue. No nails. It’s a Yellow Carpenter’s Glue. You put a bead about eight inches long, every 18 inches along the groove side of the floor.” This makes it an accessible method for experienced DIYers.
Float Installation
Floating installation doesn’t attach the flooring to the subfloor. Instead, planks are connected, “floating” above the subfloor. This method is often used for engineered hardwood and can be a good option for DIY installations.
Factoring in Durability and Maintenance of Hardwood Flooring
Think about the durability and maintenance of different hardwood options to ensure your flooring will withstand your lifestyle and remain beautiful for years to come.
Janka Hardness Scale and Its Importance
The Janka Hardness Scale measures wood’s resistance to denting and wear. Higher numbers indicate harder woods. For example:
- Red oak: 1,290 (often used as a benchmark)
- Hard maple: 1,450
- Brazilian cherry: 2,350
Choose a hardwood with a Janka rating appropriate for your home’s traffic levels and usage.
Maintenance Requirements for Different Hardwoods
Maintenance needs can vary based on the wood species, finish, and installation method. Generally, hardwood floors require the following:
- Regular sweeping or vacuuming
- Periodic damp mopping with a wood-safe cleaner
- Prompt cleaning of spills to prevent staining
- Refinishing every 7–10 years, depending on wear and tear
Consider your willingness to perform regular maintenance when choosing your hardwood flooring.
- Installing hardwood flooring in the home can be challenging for the average homeowner. Real wood floors are a big investment, so it’s important to install them correctly the first time. Also, many contractors will be able to properly dispose of your old floors. That’s why many people choose to hire a professional flooring company to help them out—they have the skills and equipment to get the job done.
Budgeting for Your Hardwood Flooring Project
Understanding the costs associated with hardwood flooring can help you make an informed decision and stay within your budget.
Cost Factors in Hardwood Flooring
Several factors influence the cost of hardwood flooring:
- Wood species (exotic woods typically cost more)
- Grade and appearance
- Plank width and thickness
- Finish type
- Installation method
On average, you can expect to pay between $6 and $16 per square foot for materials and installation, depending on these factors.
Ways To Save on Hardwood Flooring
To reduce the cost of your hardwood floors without sacrificing quality, consider the following:
- Choosing a less expensive wood species
- Opting for engineered hardwood in some areas
- Installing flooring yourself (if you have the skills and tools)
- Shopping for sales or bulk discounts
- Considering reclaimed hardwood for a unique, potentially cost-effective option
Our Recommended Flooring Expert
When you’re planning a flooring renovation in your home, shop around for a provider you can trust. One of our team’s top recommendations for flooring replacement is LL Flooring. Founded in 1993, LL Flooring has become one of the largest retailers of hardwood flooring in the country, with products in many varieties like oak, maple, hickory, and walnut. To request a quote for your next flooring project, schedule an appointment online.
FAQ About Choosing Hardwood Flooring
How do I choose the right hardwood floor for my house?
Questions to consider when you’re deciding which hardwood floor is the best for your home include whether you prefer solid or engineered wood flooring, and which wood species, grain patterns, and over appearance appeal to you. You should also decide on the board width and finishing options you prefer, what your budget is and how you’d like to have your floor installed.
What color hardwood floor is best for resale?
Dark hardwood flooring is a very popular option right now, which may make your home easier to sell and boost its resale value.
What thickness of hardwood flooring should I buy?
Solid hardwood flooring is often between 5/16 and 3/4 inches thick.
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