10 Popular Hardwood Floor Types You Should Consider

Choosing the right hardwood floor for your home can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which one will be the best fit for your style, needs, and budget. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll break down 10 of the most popular hardwood floor types to help you make a more informed decision.

Whether you’re updating your living room, kitchen, or entire home, we’ll cover all the critical details. From the grain patterns to the durability, we’ll help you find the perfect wood floor that fits your taste and lifestyle.

Why Should You Choose Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are not only beautiful, but they are a significant investment. The following are just some reasons why most homeowners prefer to use hardwood in their homes using hardwood:

• Classic Style: Hardwood floors possess an old-fashioned appearance that cannot be out of fashion.
  
• Durability: When well-maintained, hardwood floors can have a lifetime
  
• Value of Home is raised: Due to their hardwoods, the homes sell quicker and beyond expectations.

• Simplified Maintenance: Hardwood floors do not pose a problem to clean, hence a good choice for a busy family.

Hardwood would be a good choice if you want a gorgeous floor that is both practical and has a long service life.

What Are the Best Hardwood Floor Types to Consider?

Benchmarking on the choice of the appropriate hardwood floor, there are a couple of types. It depends on your money, your way of life, and the appearance you are trying to achieve. The 10 most popular types of hardwood floors are as follows:

10 Popular Hardwood Floor Types You Should Consider

This is the core of the post, and we explore more on the types of timber flooring that homeowners are opting for in the construction of their homes. Regardless of whether you are seeking wood floor boards or the types of floorboards, this part will provide the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.

1. Oak Hardwood Floors

Oak is a type of hardwood floor that is among the most popular. It is powerful, tough, and beautifully grained. Oak is available in two major varieties: Red Oak and White Oak.

• The colour of red oak is warm and reddish, and the grain is very strong.
• White Oak is a tad more neutral and has a light medium brown colour.

The two are very good in high-traffic places such as living rooms and kitchens due to their longevity.

Best For:

• The old-fashioned or country interiors.
• Homes with kids and pets are in demand because of their good surf.

2. Maple Hardwood Floors

Maple is reputable in terms of fine grain and light and creamy tone. It is an excellent option in modern houses or rooms that require a feeling of lightness and airiness. Also, maple is more durable than oak, which is why it can be used in areas with high foot traffic.

• Hardness: Maple is a little more complicated than oak, and therefore is not easily scratched
  
• Colour: Light colour, fine grains.

Best For:

• Modern, minimalist designs
• Well-used kitchens and hallways.

3. Hickory Hardwood Floors

Hickory is a solid and tough wood, and its grain is salient and distinctive. Its colour is light brown and reddish in colour, hence its suitability in rustic or country homes.

• Sturdiness: It is considered one of the most resistant hardwoods, which is appropriate in the case of heavy foot traffic.
• Look: Truly different grain, which gives it much character.

Best For:

• Farmhouse, rustic, or country style houses.
• Areas with a high level of traffic and require additional durability.

4. Walnut Hardwood Floors

There are luxurious floorings that are made of walnut hardwood. Walnut floors are known as being very deep and dark brown, and provide a room with a classy appearance. It is, however, a softer wood than oak or maple; therefore, it can be more easily scratched.

• Colour: Obsidian brown (deep chocolate) and some tinges of purple or reddish.
• Grain: It is smooth with a deep, polished look.

Best For:

• High-end houses or areas that require a proper, classy atmosphere.
• Dining rooms, living rooms, or home offices.

5. Cherry Hardwood Floors

Cherry hardwood is characterised by its richness and reddish colour, which becomes deeper with time. It boasts a smooth grain and is thus popular in traditional and antique-style houses. Remember, cherry is a softwood; therefore, it can be easily scratched or dented, unlike other hardwoods.

• Colour: Begins as a light-brown, which darkens to a darker brown with age.
• Feel: Soft and smooth, with slight patterns of grains.

Best For:

• Homes that are of classic or antique styles.
• Areas that are not heavily trafficked.

6. Birch Hardwood Floors

Birch hardwood is comparable in colour and texture when compared to maple, but is usually cheaper. Its grain is not prominent, and this makes it look smooth and clean. Birch would suit any environment, both in traditional and modern homes.

• Colour: pale yellow to light brown with slight differences.
• Durability: Soft as compared to oak, and yet very durable in most cases.

Best For:

• Houses of contemporary or traditional style.
  
• Living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.

7. Ash Hardwood Floors

Ash is a light and straight-grained hardwood with a clean and sleek look. It is also a cheaper hardwood and is very durable.

• Colour: Light yellow-brown to medium and straight grain.
• Positive: Ash is a strong material, so it is good when there is high traffic.

Best For:

• Houses that require cheaper hardwood.
• Interiors that are modern or industrial.

8. Pine Hardwood Floors

Pine hardwood is the one that is considered to be rustic. It is not as hard as other hardwoods such as oak or maple, which may be easily targeted by scratches and dents, but it has got a warm, inviting appearance.

• Colour: Pale yellowish-brown, knotted and imperfect.
• Feel: No hardness, natural to touch with much character.

Best For:

• Homes that are country or rustic.
• Areas with low traffic or those with a vintage appearance.

9. Teak Hardwood Floors

Teak is an exotic hardwood that has the color of a brown colour and a smooth texture. This is naturally water-resistant and, as such, it is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and even outside.

• Colour: Warm golden-brown fine, straight grain.
• Moisture Resistance: Teak is water and decay-resistant in nature, and so it is excellent in damp conditions.

Best For:

• Kitchens, bathrooms, or high moisture places.
• Houses that are exotic and tropical.

10. Bamboo Hardwood Floors

Technically speaking, bamboo is a grass, although it can be compared to hardwood because of its strength and resistance. It is environmentally friendly and, therefore, is a good alternative for eco-friendly homeowners. Bamboo is available in different colours, from light to dark, and has a modern appearance.

• Eco-Friendly: Bamboo is a renewable material and hence an eco-friendly material.
• Durability: More robust than a variety of traditional hardwoods, such as oak and maple.

Best For:

• Eco-friendly homes
• Modern or new-aged interiors.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

The use of hardwood flooring has a number of advantages that can help increase the style of your house and its value. The following are some of the reasons why hardwood floors are a good investment:

• Durable: Hardwood floors are very long-lasting and can even take decades or centuries before they need replacement.
• Easy to Clean: Hardwood floors are easy to sweep, mop, or vacuum, so they are perfect in a house that has pets and/or kids.
• Adds Value: Hardwood floors enhance the resale value of your home, hence making a sure investment in the future.
• Classic Appeal: Hardwood floors never go out of fashion and can blend well with all home interior designs.

Conclusion

During the purchase of hardwood floors, one has to take into consideration factors such as durability, appearance, and maintenance. You want the classic appearance of the oak, or the depth of the colours of walnut; there is a type of hardwood floor that suits your preferences and style.

You can find more information by visiting Ace Wood Flooring, where you can find high-quality hardwood flooring and professional advice.

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