Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

When selecting new hardwood floors, there are many varieties to choose from and oftentimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Some homeowners don’t even know where to begin or what the different types of hardwood flooring and wood options are. Use this guide to explore the different hardwood flooring options – finished and unfinished wood, solid and engineered wood, and types of wood. 

Finished vs. Unfinished Wood

There are many differences between finished and unfinished hardwood floors and one of the biggest differences is the cost. Unfinished hardwood comes at a lower price point because, well, it’s unfinished. You’ll have to stain and seal your flooring once installed. The best part, however, is that you get to design the look of the floors yourself by choosing the stain and finish you prefer. Finished hardwoods come ready to be installed, already stained and sealed so they will generally have more expensive upfront costs. It’s important to note that while unfinished flooring may be less expensive initially, be sure to include the stain and seal you choose in your budget for new hardwood flooring.

Solid vs. Engineered Wood

Solid wood is, you guessed, solid wood! It is durable, resilient and can be refinished many times during its lifetime. On the other hand, engineered wood is designed with a veneer layer of real wood with multiple layers of wood underneath. Due to its nature, it cannot be sanded down and refinished more than once or twice in its lifetime, however, it is engineered to be adaptable with shifting foundations and other environmental factors. While engineered hardwoods are less expensive, they are unable to change with styles and trends like solid hardwoods can. 

Popular Types of Wood

Oak. There are two types of oak wood – white oak and red oak. Both are fairly durable and hard woods, suitable for most rooms of your home. While both white oak and red oak can compliment a variety of styles, they have very different appearances in color and texture.

Walnut. This is a consistently patterned wood and is ideal for those who want a smoother look. It is a softer wood so it is not recommended for high-traffic areas as it may show wear and tear over time. 

Maple. This is a very durable type of wood and can be installed in most rooms of your home. It also has a very unique design of colors and textures which easily match with any style.

Cherry. This type of wood is softer than most other types of wood and is not recommended for high-traffic areas of the home. It boasts beautiful textures and colors, but over time, the color may change if exposed to heavy sunlight.

Hickory. This type of wood is highly recommended for high-traffic areas of your home such as the front entry, kitchen and living spaces. It’s uniquely large knots and colors in the wood grain make it ideal for rustic and farmhouse inspired homes. 

With so many different styles and factors, let the experts at Zack Hardwood Flooring recommend the flooring option that best suits your wants, needs, and most importantly, your budget. We have an extensive inventory of hardwoods to choose from to make getting new flooring that much easier.