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There are many of us who dream of having authentic hardwood flooring throughout our homes. Hardwood is charming, classic, and provides a rich appearance. Furthermore, wood can last your entire lifetime and even deepens in aesthetic and style over the years. It’s a long-term investment that makes sense. However, you still need to select the right wood for your new hardwood flooring. There are so many choices on the market today. How do you select the best material? We’ll break down some top choices for you.
Domestic Wood for Hardwood Flooring
Let’s start right here at home. There are a variety of domestic flooring options, such as Red Oak, White Oak, and Maple. These domestic wood species are the perfect option for a more traditional hardwood flooring setup, or if you have existing furniture or cabinets in the same color/scheme. Currently, Red Oak Natural is one of the single most sought-after types of wood for hardwood flooring, which means it does come at an increased price.
When selecting domestic wood, you’ve got a few options available: solid, engineered, natural, and stained, for example. However, it’s important to remember that no matter what type of wood you select and the style, hardwood flooring will always react to excess moisture. The material will contract, leaving gaps in between the planks. Too much moisture may allow the wood planks to buckle entirely. The wood must acclimate to your household temperature for up to one week before installation.
Some other domestic wood species to consider include:
- Birch
- Walnut
- Hickory
- Yellow Pine
- Beech
Exotic Wood for Hardwood Flooring
If you prefer a bit of color in your flooring, then exotic wood is going to catch your eye. Exotic wood species tend to have more color variation between each board and varying grain patterns. They also offer a more natural warmth to a household and a unique appearance when compared to more traditional, domestic wood flooring.
Of course, exotic wood is also usually more expensive. You’re paying for a certain level of elegance, quality, and social benefits. We all want our neighbors to envy our hardwood flooring, right?
Some types of exotic wood commonly used for hardwood flooring include:
- Brazilian Cherry
- Mahogany
- Tiete Chestnut
- Brazilian Walnut
- Bamboo
Choosing Hardwood Flooring
When it comes time to select the perfect wood for your hardwood flooring, your decision will last a lifetime. As such, think long and hard. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Value for money
- Durability
- Stability
- Appearance
With these factors in mind, and the above-mentioned types of hardwood flooring, you’re now better equipped to make a decision.
When it’s time to install hardwood flooring, contact D&R Floors & Home Solutions. We provide homeowners with unique opportunities, high-quality flooring services, and long-term investments. Give us a call for hardwood flooring services at 972-625-4100. We will help you select the right wood for your needs, then install each plank professionally for the best results.