Depending on what and where you need to put down as flooring. Engineered offers water resistance and wider plank options, while solid boasts timeless authenticity and refinishing potential.

There are several species of hardwood that beautifully serve as flooring, including oak, ash, birch, walnut, and hickory. The best option really depends on your design style! From the perspective of durability, the densest hardwood flooring is hickory, followed closely by white oak and red oak.

The more popular colors and species are light, natural hardwood floors like ash, red oak, and birch which are trending these days, largely because the lighter hues open up smaller spaces and make them feel bigger. You can also apply lighter finishes to other hardwood species to have a similar effect.

Like anything else in this world, you do have to have a modicum of care for the Hardwood for it to keep looking its best. However, hardwood flooring can handle your toughest days, though the actual strength will depend on the wood species you choose. Hickory, oak, and ash are among the hardest wood flooring types, and each species will age gracefully and patina over time.

Wood floors are notoriously long-lasting, just look at the weathered wooden planks found in decades-old historic homes across America. Once you’ve decided on hardwood floors for your home, you will actually have a big impact on how well they wear over the years to come. We recommend you opt for our professional installers, who will not only arrive with all the necessary tools but also follow the tedious steps required for a beautiful installation. You’ll be happy, headache-free, and grateful the warranty protection is still intact once they’re on their way.

Is it worth it to spend your money on a shiny new hardwood floor or should you go with a more budget-friendly option and spend elsewhere? Compare this pro/con list to determine what really matters to you.

Advantages of hardwood include:

• Beautiful planks with a natural character that complements any design aesthetic
• Innate durability
• A return on investment with an increased property value
• Durability to withstand decades of family foot traffic, gatherings, and pets
• Easy to clean and maintain

Addressing Your Concerns: We understand potential hesitations:

• Not appropriate for high-moisture areas since they can buckle, warp, or bow
• Higher upfront cost
• Can gouge or scratch from pet nails or moving heavy objects

No matter if you’re looking to update your rustic farmhouse with a hand-scraped oak or create a mid-century modern oasis with honey-hued maple, there’s a hardwood floor out there to complement your design style. It all comes down to the color and tone of the hardwood, its grain pattern, and the plank width.

• Color and grain – Light wood, such as birch and oak, as well as grey or whitewashed finishes fits naturally into a coastal cottage, a contemporary condo, or a modern farmhouse. If you’d prefer to add a more dramatic touch, consider darker finishes or hardwood with intricate grain patterns, like pine or walnut.
• Plank width – Most hardwood is available in either standard width (5 to 6 inches) or wide plank hardwood flooring (7 inches or more). The latter has fewer seams, which plays a trick on the eye to give the illusion of more space.

Choosing hardwood flooring is a decision that many homeowners carefully weigh, as it brings a range of lasting benefits. From boosting property value to offering a timeless style, hardwood floors are more than just a surface—they’re an investment in your home’s beauty and longevity. Their natural warmth and classic appeal make any space feel more inviting and create a stunning first impression.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, hardwood floors are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, or a quick steam clean keeps them looking great without much effort. Unlike carpets, they don’t trap pet dander, dust mites, or other allergens, which means a cleaner, fresher air quality inside your home. Plus, hardwood’s stain-resistant surface ensures that spills or messes can be wiped away with ease, making maintenance worry-free and simple.