Nothing beats a brand-new hardwood floor if you’re looking to spruce up your space. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the most popular choices for homeowners; Hardwood flooring is strong, durable, renewable, and beautiful. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your home? To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the most popular types of hardwood used for flooring.
Oak
Oak flooring ranks quite high as a popular flooring choice. It comes in two main varieties that offer different benefits. First, red oak is a versatile wood that is suitable for any type of home, from modern to classic to rustic-chic. It features a prominent swirled grain and comes in shades of dusty pink to a deeper golden-brown.
Though it also comes from a related tree, white oak is very different in appearance from the red variety. Instead of warm orangey tones, white oak showcases finer grain patterns and cooler grey hues.
Maple
Maple is one of the finest woods for flooring, thanks to its durability. Grain patterns on this wood come in all varieties, from prominent to subtle. Maple is also a lighter wood, coming in shades of cream and beige. This is a perfect choice if you want to feature a clean, tidy appearance in a neutral palette.
Cherry
Like oak, cherry hardwood floors come in two varieties: Brazilian and American. Both of them are strong woods that can withstand a lot of foot traffic, and they both exhibit a smooth and delicate grain. The only real difference between the two types is in color. While both possess a reddish tint, the Brazilian is often more of a deeper red. Meanwhile, the American cherry is not quite as dark.
Walnut
For homeowners that love the style of natural wood but want a more sophisticated style, walnut is a perfect choice. It is generally a dark shade of brown, ranging from milk chocolate to rich espresso. The grain pattern tends to be more straight than swirly, which further adds to the sleek appearance.
Hickory
One of the sturdiest choices for hardwood flooring, hickory is a perfect match for a busy home. It comes in shades of warm brown, often with reddish undertones. Hickory is also a “knotty” wood, so each floorboard will have its own unique look, making it perfect for country style homes.
Contact Central Mass Hardwood
If you aren’t sure which of the options above will be best for our home, our experts can help! At Central Mass Hardwood, we have more than 20 years experience installing hardwood floors for residential and commercial spaces. We’ll be able to provide expert advice, high-quality materials, and the best installation services for your new hardwood floor. Get in contact with us today to learn more!
