Choosing a Wood Species for Your Hardwood Flooring
There are many factors that go into choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home or business. You’ll need to consider the conditions it will need to endure, what your budget is, the appearance, and the various features of each style. Another thing to think about is the wood species that will be best for your situation. There are several species used in hardwood flooring and to go into all of them would be a very long discussion. Since you can get that information from your hardwood flooring provider, let’s focus on just a few of the most popular options.
● Hickory – Hickory hardwood flooring measures 1,820 on the Janka hardness scale, making it harder than maple, ash, and oak. It is exceptional for high traffic areas and can also withstand moisture better than many other species.
● Oak – Oak is one you have to be careful to consider what type of oak is involved. The hardness can vary from 1,360 to 2,680 depending on which oak subspecies is involved. There are also many different color variations with oak hardwood flooring. One trait that makes it popular is that it ages to a unique shade.
● Ash – While ash is a softer wood species, it does remarkably well in rooms where humidity and temperature fluctuate. It is also popular because it is comfortable to walk on due to its shock-absorbing tendencies.
● Maple – The hardness of maple is better than ash and some species of oak, but less than hickory. It has an appealing grain pattern that makes it a popular choice for modern décors.
● Brazilian cherry – If you are looking for hardwood flooring that is both beautiful with the warmest red hues and extremely durable, this may be the one to go with. It has a hardness rating of 2,350.
● Brazilian ebony – Popular for its dark shades that deepen with age, this species of hardwood flooring is also perfect for high traffic areas as it has a hardness rating of 3,700, making it one of the hardest on the market.
● Bamboo – If you want to get as close to the hardness of ebony as you can but in a lighter color, consider bamboo. It isn’t technically hardwood flooring as bamboo is a grass, but its sustainable nature makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate eco-friendly options. It is also ideal for homes with underfloor heating.
Keep in mind that there are many more wood species for hardwood flooring and many variances in each species. Not only is hardness something to think about, but also the overall appearance you are hoping to achieve.
