Types of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice for any home. Known for its beauty, durability, and ability to increase property value, hardwood is often a top choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring. However, with so many types of hardwood flooring available, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this blog, we will explore the different types of hardwood flooring, helping you decide which one is best suited for your style, lifestyle, and budget.

Solid hardwood flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood and is typically around ¾ inch thick. It’s a classic choice for homeowners looking for a traditional, long-lasting option. Since solid hardwood is made from one continuous piece of wood, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime, which adds to its appeal for long-term use.

Benefits of solid hardwood:

• Durability: With proper care, solid hardwood floors can last a lifetime.
• Refinishing: Sanding and refinishing can restore the wood's appearance if it becomes worn or damaged.
• Natural beauty: Each plank is unique with natural grains, knots, and color variations.

Best suited for:

• Traditional and formal homes
• Homes with stable humidity levels

Engineered hardwood flooring

Engineered hardwood is made from multiple layers of wood, with a top layer of real hardwood veneer. These layers are stacked in a crisscross pattern, giving the flooring added stability and making it more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity compared to solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood comes in various thicknesses, with the top layer providing the authentic look of hardwood.

Benefits of engineered hardwood:

• Moisture resistance: Ideal for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms where moisture can be an issue.
• Stability: Less likely to warp or expand with humidity changes.
• Variety of styles: Available in various wood species, finishes, and sizes.

Best suited for:

• Homes with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels
• Areas where solid hardwood may not be suitable, such as basements

Hand-scraped hardwood flooring

Hand-scraped hardwood flooring offers a rustic, vintage look with unique, texture-rich surfaces. The scrapping process adds character to each plank, highlighting natural wood grains and imperfections. While this style was originally done by hand, many manufacturers now use machines to replicate the hand-scraping technique.

Benefits of hand-scraped hardwood:

• Unique appearance: Each plank is one-of-a-kind, offering a truly custom look.
• Scratch-resistant: The texture hides minor scratches and dents, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

Best suited for:

• Country, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes
• Homes with pets or high traffic areas

Prefinished hardwood flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring is coated with a protective finish at the factory, which means that it’s ready to install right out of the box. This finish protects the wood from scratches, stains, and wear, and it also saves time during installation.

Benefits of prefinished hardwood:

• Convenience: No need to sand, stain, or apply finish after installation.
• Durability: Factory finishes are typically more durable than those applied on-site.
• Faster installation: Since it’s already finished, installation time is quicker compared to unfinished hardwood.

Best suited for:

• Homeowners looking for a faster and more convenient installation process
• People seeking a more durable, hassle-free option

Exotic hardwood flooring

Exotic hardwood flooring comes from wood species that are not native to your region. Some popular exotic wood species include Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, and Acacia. These woods are known for their unique colors, patterns, and textures.

Benefits of exotic hardwood:

• Unique appearance: Exotic woods have distinct colors and grains that stand out.
• Durability: Many exotic hardwoods are incredibly dense, offering excellent durability.
• Value: Exotic hardwoods can increase the value of your home due to their rarity and beauty.

Best suited for:

• Homeowners seeking a more unique and luxurious look
• Those willing to invest in high-end flooring options

Reclaimed hardwood flooring

Reclaimed hardwood comes from old buildings, barns, and other structures that are being dismantled. This type of flooring is eco-friendly because it reuses wood that would otherwise go to waste. Reclaimed hardwood has a rich history and often features a weathered, vintage look.

Benefits of reclaimed hardwood:

• Eco-friendly: It’s made from recycled wood, helping to reduce environmental impact.
• Unique character: Reclaimed wood often has a story, with imperfections, nail holes, and weathered textures.
• Sustainability: It’s a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Best suited for:

• Eco-conscious homeowners
• Those seeking a vintage or antique aesthetic

The right hardwood for your home

Choosing the right type of hardwood flooring depends on several factors, including your home's climate, budget, and style preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you make your decision:

• Climate: If you live in an area with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, engineered hardwood or reclaimed wood might be a better fit for your home.
• Traffic levels: High-traffic areas may benefit from hand-scraped hardwood or prefinished hardwood, which are both durable and able to withstand wear and tear.
• Style: Choose a wood species, finish, and texture that complements your home's interior design.

Conclusion

Hardwood flooring is a versatile and long-lasting option that can elevate the look of any room in your home. By understanding the various types of hardwood flooring, you can make a more informed decision about which option best fits your needs and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of solid hardwood, the stability of engineered wood, or the eco-friendly nature of reclaimed wood, there's a hardwood flooring type that's perfect for your home.

At Archview Flooring, we take pride in offering top-quality flooring solutions and expert installation services. Serving Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, IL, and St. Louis, MO since 2008, we are committed to providing our customers with flooring that fits their needs and enhances their spaces. Visit our showroom in Edwardsville to explore our wide selection of flooring options and experience exceptional customer service firsthand. Let us help you transform your home or business with beautiful, durable floors today!