A Classic Style

Hardwood flooring is a timeless look. It has evolved over time to become much more durable and diverse, suiting any home decor style. Hardwood is now available in many shades and styles and is a great way to set the tone of a space.

There are many things to consider before choosing which kind of hardwood is right for your home. How much traffic does the area experience? What kind of climate do you live in? What size planking do you prefer? Are you planning to install the flooring yourself? Take into account the following factors before you decide on your hardwood flooring.

Construction

Solid Wood

Floors are described as solid wood when the entire plank is crafted from one solid piece of wood. One benefit of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times. Solid wood flooring can be installed at grade level or above, but is not ideal for basements (below grade) areas.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is also made of real wood, but includes multiple layers of support planks topped by a thick high-quality hardwood top layer. This versatile version of hardwood can be installed virtually anywhere, including below grade, because it expands and contracts less than solid wood flooring. Engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished as well, but fewer times than solid hardwood.

Installation Methods

Floating

Floating floors are referred to as such because they are not attached to any subfloor, but “float” above it. Floating floors can be installed over almost any surface. Boards are made to fit tightly together or adhesive is applied to the boards to bind them. Often a pad is placed over the subfloor to protect against moisture.

Glue

Engineered wood floors can be glued down to the subfloor with a strong adhesive.

Nail

In this installation method, often used with thinner wood flooring, a nail or cleat (a nail with an “L-shaped” head) is used to attach the wood to the subfloor.

Staple

Similar to the nail down method, but staples are used to attach the floor to the subfloor.

Tongue and Groove

In tongue and groove flooring, one side has a protruding ridge (the tongue) that runs the length of the board on one side and a groove that runs the length of the board on the other side. The tongue of one board fits snugly into the groove of the adjacent board. The short sides of the flooring planks have a groove as well, which interconnects with adjacent boards when installed.

Installation Location

Above Grade

Above grade refers to the portion of the home that is above the ground.

Below Grade

Below grade refers to the portion of the home that is below the ground.

On Grade

On grade refers to the portion of the home that is on the ground.

Wood Species

Selecting the right wood species is key to getting the desired flooring look. Wood species are generally separated into two distinct groups; classic/natural and exotic. The natural group tend to have a more classic wood look and the exotics often have much richer and deeper colors, which brings out the characteristics in the wood.

Choosing the species of wood flooring for you is really a matter of your style, budget, and taste. Each wood species has unique visual characteristics, and should be explored for preference.

Some examples of classic/natural wood species are: Acacia, American Walnut, Birch,

Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Northern Red Oak, Sweet Gum, Walnut, White Oak, and Yellow Birch.

Some examples of exotic wood species are: tigerwood, mahogany, merbauh, and santos mahogany.

Hardness Rating

Each wood species is rated for its hardness and durability using a spectrum called the Janka scale.

The Janka scale gives a good indication of how likely a wood is to dent or show other wear. For example, domestic black cherry is ranked at 950 on the Janka scale, while Brazilian cherry is ranked much higher at 2,820, nearly three times the hardness of the domestic species. The domestic black cherry would be a good choice for the retired couple since their floor will see less traffic, while the Brazilian cherry might be a better choice for a busy family with young children and pets.

Character Variation

Character is the unique complexity of the wood or the elements that make up the overall look and feel of the wood that makes up your flooring. These elements are knots or cracks, which are naturally occurring or intentionally produced with methods like scraping or wire brushing.

Shade Variation

The natural colors of wood are often highlighted within each wood floor. These natural colors may be toned up or down to create darker or lighter versions of the wood itself.

Light

White oak, ash, and maple fall under the light shade variation category. These species generally make a room appear more open and airy.

Medium

Hickory, Oak, and Maple fall under the medium shade variation category. These species generally make a room feel more warm and cozy.

Dark

Walnut, Mahogany, and some imported species often fall under the dark shade variation category. These species generally make a room appear more stately and refined.

Gloss Level (low, medium, high)

The sheen or degree of surface shine of your wood floor finish is a matter of personal preference, lifestyle, and desired level of upkeep.

High Gloss

High gloss finishes offer the most shine and reflect the most light. These will require a higher amount of upkeep, however.

Medium Gloss

Medium or semi-gloss finishes offer some shine and reflect some light. They are easier to maintain than high-gloss floors.

Low Gloss

Satin finishes and Matte finishes are low gloss, have the least shine, and reflect the least light. These floors have a more dull finish and don’t require as much upkeep because they don’t attain a high gloss.

Surface Texture

Having a textured surface aids in hiding dents, dings or any blemishes that would lead to a premature refinish of your flooring, as well as giving it an authentic look.

Distressed

Distressed wood appears gouged and slightly damaged to create an authentic, rustic-looking floor.

Handscraped

Hand-scraped hardwood flooring is wood that has been tooled to appear less perfect and more worn.

Resawn

With resawn wood, the look will be very rustic and include dense grain patterns, character marks, knots, and weathering.

Semi-gloss

If you're looking for the drama and appearance of the highest sheen level, yet want to invest in hardwood that will hide imperfections and last longer, semi-gloss wood floors work very well.

Smooth

Smooth wood highlights the wood species and contains no added texture from a machine or woodworker.

Textured

Textured hardwood floor is slightly textured and can add just enough character to create and more casual look.

Wirebrushed

Wirebrushed floors offer a smooth appearance with just a bit of texture. Wirebrushing pulls the soft grain from the growth ring leaving the heart wood exposed to the surface.

Set The Tone

The hardwood you choose will set the tone of the room. Color, texture, character and more all play a role in the overall look and feel of the room. Consider the decor style and purpose of the room before choosing. As always, Build.com’s project experts are here to help you get started or answer any questions.

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