Most property owners know that installing high-quality hardwood flooring in a property is an excellent investment. Though there are many wood species to choose from, there are many equally important considerations to make when choosing the right wood for your flooring project. From bamboo and maple to oak and engineered options, every property owner has a big decision to make. Here are the top hardwood flooring options you should know.
1. Popular wood flooring options
Maple
Maple has a predictable colour and pattern with a hint of unique character. Compared to oak, this wood flooring option is lighter in colour, has a less pronounced grain, and is more like a latte compared to cappuccino.
Oak
Property owners seeking durability and style can choose oak flooring. Oak is a durable species with a dark, tight grain that works perfectly for nearly every room. If you need hardwood flooring in your home, oak is the ultimate choice as it is available at an affordable price and offers durability without compromising style.
Brazilian cherry
Step up your home’s interior beauty by installing Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring. This wood has tight, flowing grain and a reddish hue that depends on exposure to light. Brazilian cherry hardwood is scarce but can last as long as your property. Most Brazilian cherry products have a transferable century-long warranty.
Bamboo
Though bamboo technically belongs to the grass family, it deserves to rank among hardwood flooring options for its durability and appearance. It is darker than maple and oak but weaker than ironwood. Since it is a grass, the bamboo plantation can grow and be harvested sustainably within three to five years.
Many manufacturers produce flooring boards by shaving strips into sizable strips that are kiln-dried and glued together. This creates a hard flooring with striking beauty, colour, and texture, just like other hardwoods.
2. Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers a somewhat similar look like solid planks that’s easier on the property owners’ budget. The boards have a base which is usually plywood and a thin veneer of hickory, oak, or maple.
You can sand and refinish engineered wood just like you would with solid boards. Engineered hardwood planks have a unique composition that makes it possible for them to be installed as a floating floor. That means you can safely install it in various places like the basement where solid hardwood shouldn’t be installed.
Some of the popular engineered hardwood options you may want to consider include distressed hardwood flooring, hand-scraped hardwood flooring, prefinished wood flooring, and reclaimed hardwood flooring. Each of these options has both benefits and downsides. So, it is in your best interest to consult with flooring experts who can help you make the ultimate choice depending on your budget, location, and other factors such as weather or climate.
Summary
There are many hardwood flooring options you can choose from. This requires you to compare different hardwood floor brands and choose one that offers durability, easy maintenance, and outstanding functionality depending on the specific room in which you intend to install.
