The best type of wood for flooring depends on your personal preference, budget, and the style of your home. However, some of the most popular and durable options are oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and cherry. These hardwoods have different characteristics, such as color, grain, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear, that make them suitable for different flooring needs. In this article, we will compare and contrast these five types of wood and help you choose the best one for your flooring project.
Oak is one of the most common and versatile types of wood for flooring. It comes in two varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a warm, reddish-brown color and a prominent grain pattern, while white oak has a cooler, grayish-brown color and a smoother texture. Both types of oak are hard and durable, with a Janka hardness rating of 1290 for red oak and 1360 for white oak. Oak is also easy to stain and finish, which means you can customize its appearance to match your decor. Oak flooring is suitable for most rooms in the house, except for bathrooms and basements, where moisture can damage the wood.
Maple
Maple is another popular and widely available type of wood for flooring. It has a light, creamy color and a fine, uniform grain that gives it a clean and modern look. Maple is also very hard and resistant to scratches and dents, with a Janka hardness rating of 1450. However, maple is not very porous, which means it does not absorb stains well and tends to have a blotchy appearance when finished. Maple flooring is best for rooms with low to medium traffic, such as bedrooms and living rooms, and for contemporary or minimalist styles.
Hickory is a type of wood that is known for its strength and durability. It has a rich, brown color and a varied grain that adds character and warmth to any room. Hickory is also one of the hardest types of wood for flooring, with a Janka hardness rating of 1820. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and hallways, where it can withstand wear and tear. However, hickory is also one of the most expensive types of wood for flooring, and it can be difficult to cut and install due to its density. Hickory flooring is best for rustic or farmhouse styles, or for adding contrast and interest to a plain space.
Walnut
Walnut is a type of wood that is prized for its beauty and elegance. It has a dark, chocolate-brown color and a fine, straight grain that gives it a sophisticated and luxurious look. Walnut is also moderately hard and durable, with a Janka hardness rating of 1010. However, walnut is also one of the softest types of wood for flooring, which means it can dent and scratch easily. Walnut flooring is best for low-traffic areas, such as dining rooms and offices, and for traditional or classic styles.
Cherry
Cherry is a type of wood that is known for its rich, reddish color and its smooth, even grain. Cherry is also moderately hard and durable, with a Janka hardness rating of 950. However, cherry is also one of the most sensitive types of wood for flooring, which means it can change color and fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and moisture. Cherry flooring is best for rooms with moderate to low light, such as bedrooms and libraries, and for elegant or formal styles.
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to the question of what type of wood is best for flooring. The best type of wood for flooring depends on your personal preference, budget, and the style of your home. However, some of the most popular and durable options are oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and cherry. These hardwoods have different characteristics, such as color, grain, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear, that make them suitable for different flooring needs. We hope this article has helped you compare and contrast these five types of wood and choose the best one for your flooring project.
