Shopping for new hardwood flooring?
If you’re already in the weeds, you know that there are a myriad of hardwood flooring options available for you to choose from.
Before narrowing down what plank sizes you’d prefer, you must select which species of hardwood flooring is best for you and your lifestyle.
Each wood species has its own “personality”, and can vary in grain pattern, colour, durability and ease of installation.
Here’s a quick guide to the top trending wood species on the market today, and which is best for your project.
White Oak Hardwood Flooring
Oak hardwood is a common floor covering found in homes. White Oak is a domestic wood species with natural colouring ranging from golden to brown with distinct grey undertones.
Its colouration has very little variation, if you’re looking to install floors with a uniform look and feel. Click here to see what white oak floors look like.
The wood is also exceptionally stable, and has been used for boat building and barrels for quite some time, in addition to traditional flooring.
Although all woods will expand and contract with changes in indoor temperature and humidity, oak’s stability make it an excellent choice for a family home.
Maple Hardwood Flooring
Maple is another domestic wood species commonly used in furniture as well as flooring. Its grain patterns are subtle, will not overpower your current home décor, and a popular choice among homeowners.
Because of this, Maple is a great choice for resale value. On top of that, not only is Maple widely available, but it’s also extremely durable with a high hardness rating on the Janka scale.
The higher the hardness rating on the Janka scale, the more resistant the wood is to dents and scratches. Be sure to differentiate “soft” Maple and “hard” Maple when you’re shopping, however. The Wood Database has a great explanation on the differences.
Exotic Hardwood Flooring
Species that are not native to North America are considered to be “exotic” hardwoods. These are a great addition to your home if you want to be truly unique in grain pattern, colour and tone.
Most exotic wood flooring will come unstained to feature its natural colour, striping and knots. If you want your floors to be an instant “hit”, go exotic.
Acacia Hardwood Flooring
The Acacia species is one of the hardest species available on the market, and is known for its striking and dynamic grain pattern. Its swirling grain and creamy coloration will instantly become a centrepiece in a room.
Due to its high durability against scratches and dents, Acacia has become increasingly popular in homes with pets. See how beautiful Acacia hardwood flooring is: http://www.gohaus.com/wood-flooring/acacia.
