Types of Hardwood That Make the Best Floors

Wood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners, but it can be difficult to decide which type of wood is the right one for your home. There are so many options available at a Hardwood Floor store that it might seem overwhelming. The good news is that there are some guidelines you can follow to help make this decision easier and ensure you choose the best wood for hardwood floors for your needs.

The first thing you will need to do when deciding on what type of flooring to install in your home is to determine its level of durability. If you live in an area with high humidity levels or receive a lot of traffic, then engineered bamboo may not be the best option as they tend to warp more easily than other types of woods. On the other hand, if you only have a few small children and the room is not in an area that will experience high levels of foot traffic then engineered bamboo would be a great option as it is more durable than other types.

Maintaining your hardwood flooring can also affect what type of wood to choose. If you plan on refinishing your hardwoods every five years or less then preservative-treated woods such as oak are often recommended since they do not require special care when finishing unlike some species like maple which requires sanding between coats for optimal protection against warping. However, if you prefer non-toxic finishes, cork floors may be better suited for your needs because these products use natural oils instead of chemicals to coat their boards.

For those who experience a lot of foot traffic or live in an area with high humidity levels, we highly recommend the use of plywood as it is much more durable than other types. Plywood can also be found at a lower price point which makes this option especially attractive for homeowners on tight budgets. If you have children then one type that may work well would be Baltic birch since they are not easily scratched like softer woods such as bamboo and cork. However, if your home has low levels of traffic but still experiences significant changes in temperature throughout the year then red oak would be better suited because it typically does not warp when subjected to these conditions unlike some species such as maple and ash.