Solid hardwood flooring is a great addition to any home. It adds warmth and a level of coziness that you just can’t get with other flooring types. TongueAndGroove.com has created a guide to teach you everything you need to know about solid hardwood flooring! Read on to find out all the pros to making this flooring upgrade, how to maintain it, and more!
The four most popular types of hardwood flooring are maple, red oak, white oak, and hickory, each offering its unique aesthetic and feel! Maple works best if you’re looking for a mid-century modern or Scandinavian feel for your home. Red oak is very popular because it is one of the most affordable options, and also the most versatile when it comes to color options. It is very durable and holds up well to heavy traffic. White oak is very similar to red oak, but it is slightly harder and the colors tend to lean more on the gray to the golden brown side. Finally, hickory. This is one of the hardest, most durable types of wood. The colors range from brown to red and tan and often have mineral streaks and knots in the wood providing very unique and rustic details.
There are three pretty big factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the type of hardwood flooring you want for your home or business. The first is whether you’ll want to invest in solid wood or engineered flooring. Solid hardwood is created from one type of wood throughout the entire plank. If maintained properly, it can last for decades! On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring is comprised of multiple layers of wood positioned in different sections, with only the top layer made of solid wood. This type of wood is a little easier to maintain but is not solid hardwood flooring. Next, you’ll want to consider possible color changes. Sunlight can affect the shade of your flooring. Some wood becomes more yellow while others get darker over time. The type of finish you use on your floor will help to protect it from discoloration. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the hardness of your floors. The Janka hardness test is utilized to measure the amount of force needed to embed a steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. The softer the wood, the more indentations you’ll see over time.
Maintaining your wood floors is vital to ensure they last for as long as possible. Clean up any spills quickly to avoid stains or damage to your finish, and never use steam to clean. Use a soft-bristled broom while cleaning and only mop with properly diluted wood cleaners.
TongueandGroove.com is your one-stop shop for flooring, millwork, wall paneling, lumber, and stair parts! We can help you upgrade your flooring thanks to our connections with fine wood manufacturers all around the country! After making your purchase on our easy-to-navigate website, we’ll ship your order directly to your home or business. If you’re ready to purchase quality wood products, check out our online inventory, and give us a call at (800) 689-9006!
