Here at Zack Hardwood Flooring, we specialize in providing the best in hardwood flooring options to give you beautiful, durable floors that will perfectly suit your home’s style. Because hardwood floors are one of the most popular and sought-after features in, or upgrades to, a home, there are a wide variety of woods, styles, colors, and finishes to choose from. When faced with so many choices, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by them. To help you navigate the decision process, our team at Zack Hardwood Flooring has put together this brief overview of some of the key features that set hardwood floor options apart from each other, so that you can get a better idea of what you want.
- Wood Type- One of the biggest factors when choosing hardwood floor options is finding the right wood type. Different kinds of wood have different strength and durability levels, as well as different colors and grain patterns, making wood selection a big decision from both a practical and design perspective. Some of the most readily available North American hardwoods include oak, walnut, ash, cherry, and maple, or you can choose an exotic species like eucalyptus or mahogany for some extra flair.
- Lumber Cut or Grain Pattern- Another difference in hardwood floor options is the way the lumber is cut, which affects the grain pattern. Plain-sawn lumber produces a traditional wood grain with patterns known as cathedrals. Rift-sawn boards, in contrast, have a straight, consistent grain without these undulations. The last option, quarter-sawn boards, appear similar to rift-sawn ones, but they have an iridescence and light play that the other option lacks.
- Plank Width- In addition to the wood type and cut, the width of the planks makes a big difference in the overall appearance of your hardwood floor. Although two- to three-inch planks were once the standard, many hardwood floor options include wider planks that create a more luxurious feel. Though seven-inch planks will certainly look elegant, wider boards are more expensive than thinner ones, so you will need to factor that into your decision process.
We hope this article helps you get started in your flooring selection process. If you would like further advice, you can contact our team with any questions you may have.