There is a huge variety of wood flooring options that you can consider for your home. Each type offers different benefits and drawbacks. Wondering to know a detailed introduction to wood flooring and its types? Continue reading this guide;
What Is Wood Flooring?
When it comes to flooring, wood is one of the most versatile materials that come in a variety of colors, styles, and species. Engineered wood and solid wood are two different types of wood flooring.
- Solid Hardwood Flooring
The solid, wide planks of solid wood floors are fitted together through the tongue and groove method. This hardwood is the most durable and long-lasting type of wood yet expensive. The only drawback to having these floors is that they can get warped from humidity. So, it is wise to not install these floors in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Sanding down these floors every few years helps extend their life span.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring
In engineered wood floors, the top layer of wood is laid over a subfloor (multiple wood layers or synthetic materials like concrete). As compared to solid wood flooring, this flooring type is a bit cheaper. Even though hardwood flooring is not completely moisture-resistant, it can hold up better against humidity and moisture than solid wood flooring. However, these floors can’t be sanded and refinished several times that solid wood flooring can.
Types Of Hardwood Floors
Let’s explore some of the different types of hardwood floors with their benefits and drawbacks.
- Oak
One of the most common hardwood species that is usually used in flooring is oak. This is the most affordable, durable, and long-lasting wood type. White oak (golden brown appearance) and red oak (darker red appearance) are the most popular flooring options. The hardness level of oak flooring is around 1360. And this is what makes these floors extremely durable for higher-traffic areas.
- Maple
Maple is also considered a good hardwood species. These floors are often used in bowling alley lanes and are usually harder than oak.
- Parquet
Parquet is not a wood type, but it is a fashion of laying wood plank flooring. In parquet flooring, small wood panels are arranged into a geometric, angular mosaic. Patterns of these floors include chevron parquet, square parquet, or herringbone parquet. Even though parquet floors require frequent upkeep, their natural grain pattern can spruce up your home’s value.
- Pine
Pine is one of the most sustainable and cheap flooring materials. As compared to other wood types, these pine floors can get scratched easily. However, the versatile yellow and white hues and charming grain of pine make it a popular flooring material.
So, there you have it….Just a few of many hardwood flooring types. Now that you know different types of hardwood species and their uses and drawbacks; you can better understand which flooring type you should consider for your home. No doubt, wood flooring is one of the most popular options among others of course for so many good reasons.
