Which Wood Is Best For Flooring?

Recently, hardwood flooring has become a favorite among homeowners. However, choosing the right type of flooring is a significant decision.

In this blog, we will compare various hardwood flooring options that will not only withstand daily use and last for years, but define the overall aesthetic of your home.

Choosing Hardwood Flooring For Your Home: What Are Some Things To Consider?

Selecting the right type of flooring is more than just picking a wood type. It often ties into larger home projects, like home remodeling services in Cypress, requiring careful consideration of various factors discussed below.

  1. Type of Wood
    There are hundreds of wood types for flooring. Each having a unique style, cost and durability. Before you decide on one, make sure to thoroughly research your options or take professional advice.
  2. Solid Vs. Engineered Wood
    Solid hardwood is considered a traditional type of flooring option. It is a raw plank that is cut into desired thickness.
    Alternatively, engineered wood is more modern and consists of many layers of wood glued together. It is scratch and moisture resistant, offers better durability and longevity.
  3. Finished Vs. Unfinished
    One other classification when it comes to choosing the type of hardwood floors is finished or unfinished. Finished hardwood floors refer to sanded and stained options. This will cut down extra costs of labor for finishing.
    However, if you want a custom stain color that matches with your existing hardwood flooring – you may opt for unfinished hardwood options.
  4. Hardness
    Every hardwood flooring has a rating – in terms of hardness and how well it will withstand everyday wear and tear. You may want to check out hardwood flooring options with a higher rating. It will be more scratch and dent resistant.
  5. Grain Pattern
    The three main grain patterns, also referred to as lines within the wood flooring, are: straight grain, spiral grain, wavy grain. You can choose the style that you like the most.
  6. Color
    Hardwood flooring options range from dark to light and grays. You can consider your overall style like furniture, built-ins, lighting, and wall colors to choose the best option of all.

Types of Wood Options You Can Consider For Your Flooring

Let’s now talk about some of the popular types of wood materials for flooring.

  • Oak
    Oak is the most popular wood flooring option right now, making it an excellent choice for flooring installation in Cypress. It offers durability, color options, and is reasonably priced at $5-$15 per square foot.
  • Maple
    It is lighter than oak and less grainy. It can be difficult to stain and cost around $5-$10 per square foot.
  • Hickory
    Hickory is a durable hardwood flooring option. It is variably grainy and has a rustic look. It can be difficult to install due to hardness. It costs around $5-$8 per square foot.
  • Cherry
    A warm hue leaning towards red or orange. It is less hard than oak which means less durability over time; costing around $5-$10 per square foot.
  • Walnut
    It has a distinctive dark brown color and offers similar durability as oak and hickory. However, it is more expensive than other hardwood flooring options. Costs can range from $8-$15 per square foot.
  • Ash
    It is light colored but with pronounced grains. It is a durable option costing around $7-$12 per square foot.
  • Mahogany
    A deep and intricately grained hardwood flooring option – also counting as the most beautiful one. It is very durable and moisture resistant.
    It is comparatively more expensive than other options, costing between $10-$20 per square foot.

Choose Your Personalized Style in Hardwood Floors

We have discussed the factors and type of wood which can give you a head start on the process. Other things that you must consider while making a final hardwood flooring choice are:

  • Area of flooring
  • Home traffic level
  • Aesthetic
  • Budget

Overall Insights

Picking the right hardwood flooring option can be overwhelming, especially if you’re considering it as part of broader home renovation services in Cypress, given the number of choices and factors to consider. If you are stuck in a flooring dilemma, AMS Designer Floors & Interiors In Cypress can help you choose the best flooring option based on your personalized requirements. Call us at (281) 780-9990 for queries and details.