Best Wood Types for Flooring

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: hardwood floors are one of the best types of flooring. They are elegant, durable, easy to clean and go with every style of decor, from vintage to modern. In a word, they are timeless. But how do you know what type of wood flooring to go with? There are a huge number of options on the market, and buying all new hardwood floors is a large investment. There are several options to consider, such as your style, budget, and future plans for the house. Here are some of the best wood types for flooring, divided into domestic and exotic species.

Domestic

Oak Oak has been one of the most popular flooring choices for centuries because of its durability, stability, and moderate graining and color variations. White Oak has golden brown and gray undertones, while Red Oak has pinkish undertones. Because it’s so hard, Oak takes color stains very easily.  Walnut Also referred to as Black Walnut or American Walnut, this species is a beautiful, rich, brown color close to chocolate. It features a fine, straight grain and often has lovely grain variations and knots in it. It is a bit softer of a wood, so there might be better options for high traffic areas. Maple Maple is pale and creamy, and often has slight shade variances in each board. It is known to be very hard, but if it’s not conditioned, it may take a stain unevenly.  But no worries, you can always buy pre-stained maple. Hickory Hickory flooring is hugely popular because it is exceptionally hard, and has a unique look. This species hosts a very unusual type of graining and varies vastly in shades.

Exotic

Bamboo Bamboo flooring is quickly becoming very popular. It is considered environmentally friendly, and has a beautiful light to medium tone. However the quality can vary greatly. Be sure to do some research and find a reliable bamboo flooring brand. Mahogany Santos mahogany is a very popular exotic choice. It features a wide color variation with hints of orange and red. Exposure to light makes the colors even richer, and the wavy grain patterns make this a truly unique species. Any one of these options is a great choice. And of course there are even more species of hardwood flooring that will make your house the perfect home. If you have any questions about hardwood flooring, give Naffco a call at (813) 254-4066 or stop into one of our 3 locations in the Greater Tampa Bay Area to talk with one of our friendly experts.