Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring involves numerous considerations—from wood species and construction methods to finishes and installation techniques. At Hardwood Floor and More, we believe in empowering our customers with comprehensive knowledge to make informed decisions. This guide explores the multifaceted world of hardwood flooring, providing detailed insights into every aspect you should consider when investing in new floors for your home or business.
Understanding Hardwood Flooring Construction
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring consists of planks milled from a single piece of timber, typically ranging from 3/4″ to 5/16″ in thickness. These floors represent the most traditional form of hardwood flooring, with a heritage dating back centuries.
Key Characteristics:
- Composition: 100% natural wood throughout the entire plank
- Thickness: Typically 3/4″ (19mm), though thinner profiles are available
- Lifespan: With proper care, can last 100+ years
- Refinishing Potential: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times (typically 5-7 times for 3/4″ thickness)
- Installation: Traditionally nail-down or staple-down installation; some engineered products offer click-lock or glue-down options
Ideal Applications:
- Main level and above-grade spaces
- Areas with stable humidity levels
- Homes where owners plan to stay long-term and may want to refinish floors
- Historic renovations seeking period-appropriate materials
Limitations:
- Not recommended for below-grade installations (basements)
- Susceptible to expansion and contraction with humidity changes
- Generally not suitable for radiant heat systems (though some species perform better than others)
- Higher installation costs compared to some alternatives
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of high-quality plywood or HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) substrate. This multi-ply construction provides superior dimensional stability compared to solid hardwood.
Key Characteristics:
- Composition: Real wood veneer (typically 0.6mm to 6mm) atop engineered substrate
- Thickness: Usually 3/8″ to 1/2″ (9mm to 14mm)
- Lifespan: 30-80 years depending on wear layer thickness and quality
- Refinishing Potential: Depends on wear layer thickness; premium products with 4-6mm wear layers can be refinished 2-3 times
- Installation: Versatile installation methods including floating, glue-down, and some nail-down options
Ideal Applications:
- All levels of the home, including basements
- Areas with fluctuating humidity levels
- Installations over concrete slabs
- Compatibility with radiant heating systems
- Wider plank installations where dimensional stability is crucial
Limitations:
- Limited refinishing capability compared to solid hardwood
- Lower-quality products may have thin wear layers that cannot be refinished
- Some engineered products use adhesives that may contain VOCs
Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring
Reclaimed hardwood is sourced from dismantled structures such as barns, factories, and warehouses, giving new life to wood that often dates back 50-300 years.
Key Characteristics:
- Origin: Salvaged from historic buildings, industrial structures, river bottoms, or wine casks
- Age: Typically 50-300 years old
- Appearance: Distinctive character marks, patina, and color variations
- Density: Often higher than newly harvested wood due to old-growth forestry
- Sustainability: Repurposes existing materials, reducing demand for new logging
Ideal Applications:
- Character-rich designs where each plank tells a story
- Historic renovations and period-appropriate restorations
- Projects seeking LEED certification or other environmental credentials
- Spaces where weathered appearance and character are desired
Limitations:
- Limited availability and higher costs
- Potential for hidden damage or contamination if not properly sourced
- Typically requires specialized installation knowledge
- May contain old nails or other metal fragments that require careful preparation
Hardwood Species Guide
The species of wood you select significantly impacts your floor’s appearance, durability, and performance characteristics. Here, we explore the most popular domestic and exotic hardwood species.
North American Hardwoods
Red Oak
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,290 Appearance: Warm reddish undertones with prominent grain patterns Characteristics: The standard against which other hardwoods are measured, red oak offers excellent staining capabilities and consistent performance. Its pronounced grain helps mask minor dents and scratches, making it practical for active households. Best Applications: Versatile enough for most residential settings; particularly well-suited for traditional and transitional design styles.
White Oak
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,360 Appearance: Light tan to pale brown with occasional gray undertones; straighter, tighter grain pattern than red oak Characteristics: Slightly harder than red oak with superior water resistance due to closed cellular structure. White oak features more subtle grain patterns and tends to show fewer dramatic color variations than red oak. Best Applications: Excellent for contemporary designs; suitable for kitchens due to moisture resistance; ideal for wide plank installations.
Hard Maple
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,450 Appearance: Pale cream to light reddish-brown; tight, subtle grain pattern Characteristics: Exceptionally hard and dent-resistant with a clean, uniform appearance. Maple accepts stain less readily than oak, making light to medium stain applications more challenging to achieve uniformly. Best Applications: High-traffic areas; modern and Scandinavian-inspired designs; spaces where a clean, consistent appearance is desired.
American Cherry
Janka Hardness Rating: 950 Appearance: Rich reddish-brown that deepens and darkens with age; smooth, straight grain with occasional swirls Characteristics: Softer than oak but prized for its natural warmth and color development over time. Cherry will darken significantly with exposure to light, developing a rich patina that many homeowners prize. Best Applications: Formal dining rooms, libraries, and lower-traffic areas; traditional and Federal-style interiors.
American Walnut
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,010 Appearance: Chocolate brown with occasional purple undertones and straight to wavy grain patterns Characteristics: Moderately hard with exceptional character and color variations. Walnut floors feature distinctive sapwood/heartwood contrast that creates visual interest across wider installations. Best Applications: Statement floors in formal living spaces, master suites, and areas where luxury appearance is prioritized over maximum durability.
Hickory/Pecan
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,820 Appearance: Light cream to reddish-brown with dramatic color variations and distinctive grain character Characteristics: Exceptionally hard and dent-resistant with the most dramatic color variation of domestic species. Hickory’s pronounced character makes it ideal for rustic and country designs. Best Applications: High-traffic areas, rustic designs, and spaces where dramatic natural variation is desired.
Ash
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,320 Appearance: Light blonde to medium brown with prominent, straight grain patterns similar to oak Characteristics: Excellent hardness with superior shock resistance, traditionally used for baseball bats and tool handles. Ash accepts stain well and offers good flexibility in finishing options. Best Applications: Active households, contemporary designs seeking lighter color palettes, sports courts, and dance studios.
Exotic Hardwoods
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
Janka Hardness Rating: 2,350 Appearance: Deep reddish-brown that darkens with age; striking grain patterns with occasional black streaks Characteristics: Exceptionally hard and dense with dramatic photosensitivity that causes significant darkening over time. Its high density makes it more challenging to cut and install. Best Applications: High-traffic areas where maximum durability is required; formal spaces seeking rich, exotic character.
Brazilian Walnut (Ipe)
Janka Hardness Rating: 3,680 Appearance: Olive-brown to blackish with fine, interlocked grain patterns Characteristics: One of the hardest woods available commercially, with exceptional resistance to decay, insects, and wear. Ipe’s extreme density makes it challenging to work with and requires specialized installation techniques. Best Applications: Commercial settings, extremely high-traffic residential areas, indoor-outdoor transitions.
Tigerwood (Goncalo Alves)
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,850 Appearance: Orange-brown background with dramatic black streaking resembling tiger stripes Characteristics: Highly distinctive appearance with excellent durability and dimensional stability. Tigerwood tends to mellow slightly with age but retains its dramatic patterning. Best Applications: Statement floors in modern or eclectic spaces; areas where unique visual impact is desired.
Acacia
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,750 Appearance: Golden brown to dark amber with distinctive grain swirls and natural luster Characteristics: Excellent hardness with natural water resistance and unique grain patterns. Acacia features dramatic color variations that create visual interest across larger installations. Best Applications: Contemporary designs, spaces that transition between indoor and outdoor areas, coastal homes.
Teak
Janka Hardness Rating: 1,070 Appearance: Golden to medium brown with straight grain and natural oil content that creates a subtle sheen Characteristics: Moderate hardness but exceptional stability and natural water resistance due to high oil content. Teak weathers to a distinguished silver-gray if left untreated. Best Applications: Bathrooms, kitchens, humid climates, indoor-outdoor transition spaces.
Hardwood Flooring Grades and Cuts
The grade and cut of hardwood significantly impact its appearance and price point, offering various aesthetic options to suit different design preferences.
Wood Grades
Clear/Select Grade
The highest grade available, featuring boards with minimal knots, uniform color, and consistent grain patterns. Clear grade offers a formal, refined appearance ideal for contemporary and formal interior styles.
Character/Natural Grade
Features more color variation, mineral streaks, and small knots while maintaining overall consistency. This grade offers a balance between uniformity and natural character, suitable for most residential applications.
Rustic/Tavern Grade
Embraces the full character of wood, including larger knots, dramatic color variations, and natural imperfections. Rustic grade creates visual interest and authentic appeal, particularly suited to farmhouse, country, and industrial design styles.
Cabin Grade
The most character-rich option, featuring significant knots, color variations, and natural markings. Cabin grade offers excellent value while showcasing wood’s natural imperfections as design features.
Wood Cuts
Plain-Sawn (Flat-Sawn)
The most common cutting method, producing boards with distinctive “cathedral” grain patterns. Plain-sawn boards are the most economical and display the most pronounced grain character.
Quarter-Sawn
Cut perpendicular to the growth rings, producing straight, vertical grain patterns and distinctive “flecking” in species like oak. Quarter-sawn boards offer superior stability with less expansion and contraction.
Rift-Sawn
Similar to quarter-sawn but cut at a slightly different angle to eliminate flecking while maintaining straight grain patterns. Rift-sawn boards are prized for their consistent, linear appearance ideal for contemporary designs.
Live-Sawn
A cutting method that incorporates plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn grain patterns within the same boards. Live-sawn floors feature wide planks with the full range of grain variations, creating distinctive, character-rich installations.
Plank Dimensions and Layout Patterns
The width, length, and installation pattern of your hardwood flooring dramatically influence the overall aesthetic impact and perceived spaciousness of your interior.
Plank Widths
Strip Flooring (2-1/4″ to 3″)
Traditional narrow boards create a classic, timeless appearance that visually expands smaller spaces. Strip flooring shows less expansion and contraction compared to wider planks and tends to make spaces appear more formal.
Medium Plank (3-1/4″ to 5″)
The most versatile width range, appropriate for most residential applications. Medium planks balance traditional and contemporary aesthetics while showcasing wood grain characteristics without overwhelming the space.
Wide Plank (5″ to 10″+)
Creates a bold, dramatic appearance that showcases the natural beauty and character of the wood. Wide planks create a sense of luxury and spaciousness but require more careful installation and climate control to prevent excessive movement.
Installation Patterns
Traditional Straight Lay
Boards installed parallel to one another and typically oriented to run in the direction of the longest dimension of the room. This classic installation creates a clean, cohesive appearance that complements most interior styles.
Diagonal Lay
Boards installed at a 45-degree angle to the walls, creating visual interest and the perception of a larger space. Diagonal installations work well in smaller rooms or narrow hallways to create a sense of expanded width.
Herringbone
Short boards installed in a zigzag pattern creating a distinctive V shape. Herringbone installations add formal elegance and old-world charm, ideal for entryways, dining rooms, and traditional interiors.
Chevron
Similar to herringbone but with boards cut at precise angles to create perfect points where they meet. Chevron patterns offer a more contemporary interpretation of traditional parquet, creating striking visual impact.
Versailles Pattern
An intricate geometric pattern consisting of squares within squares, often incorporating multiple species or colors. Versailles patterns create formal, dramatic floors that serve as the centerpiece of elegant interiors.
Basketweave
An interwoven pattern resembling a woven basket, typically created using contrasting wood tones. Basketweave installations add texture and visual dimension to traditional and transitional interiors.
Finishes and Treatments
The finish applied to your hardwood floor determines not only its appearance but also its durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact.
Surface Treatments
Smooth Finish
Traditional smooth-sanded surface that showcases the wood’s natural character while providing a refined, formal appearance. Smooth finishes highlight the wood’s natural grain patterns but may show scratches and dents more readily than textured options.
Hand-Scraped
Artisanally textured surface that replicates the look of hand-worked wood, with distinctive undulations and character marks. Hand-scraped finishes add rustic charm while helping conceal minor wear and dents acquired through daily use.
Wire-Brushed
A technique that removes the soft grain from the wood’s surface, creating subtle texture and emphasizing the natural grain pattern. Wire-brushed finishes offer a contemporary interpretation of weathered wood that effectively conceals minor scratches and dents.
Distressed/Antiqued
Heavily textured finish featuring artificial wear marks, dents, and character to simulate aged flooring. Distressed finishes create instant character and effectively mask the inevitable marks that accompany daily living.
Cerused/Limed
A technique that involves rubbing white pigment into the open grain of the wood, creating a distinctive two-tone effect. Cerused finishes add sophisticated texture and dimension, particularly effective on oak and other open-grain species.
Finish Types
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Traditional finish offering excellent durability and amber warmth that enhances the natural color of the wood. Oil-based polyurethane creates a plastic-like protective layer that resists wear but can yellow over time.
Advantages:
- Exceptional durability and scratch resistance
- Fewer coats required compared to water-based finishes
- Enhances wood’s natural warmth with amber tones
- Lower cost compared to other finish options
Limitations:
- Strong odor during application requiring temporary relocation
- Extended drying time (24+ hours between coats)
- Yellows with age, particularly noticeable on light-colored woods
- Higher VOC content than water-based alternatives
Water-Based Polyurethane
Clear, non-yellowing finish that preserves the wood’s natural color while offering good durability and faster drying times. Water-based finishes provide excellent clarity particularly appropriate for gray, white, and natural-toned floors.
Advantages:
- Low odor during application
- Rapid drying (2-3 hours between coats)
- Non-yellowing formula maintains wood’s natural color
- Lower VOC content than oil-based finishes
Limitations:
- Typically requires more coats for equivalent durability
- Slightly less scratch-resistant than oil-based formulations
- Higher product cost (though partially offset by faster installation)
- May raise wood grain, requiring additional sanding steps
Aluminum Oxide
Factory-applied finish incorporating aluminum oxide particles for enhanced durability, typically found on prefinished hardwood flooring. Aluminum oxide finishes offer exceptional scratch resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic residential and light commercial applications.
Advantages:
- Superior scratch and wear resistance (up to 5-10 times more durable than standard urethanes)
- Factory-controlled application ensures consistency
- Immediate occupancy after installation
- Typically backed by longer manufacturer warranties (25+ years)
Limitations:
- Cannot be touched up invisibly if damaged
- May create a slightly plastic appearance on wood’s surface
- Difficult to refinish without professional equipment
- Limited repair options compared to site-finished floors
Natural Oil Finishes
Penetrating oils that become part of the wood rather than forming a surface film, highlighting natural grain patterns and texture. Oil finishes create a natural, matte appearance with excellent touch-up capabilities but require more regular maintenance.
Advantages:
- Enhances wood’s natural appearance and tactile quality
- Easily spot-repaired without refinishing entire floor
- Low VOC content with excellent environmental credentials
- Stunning depth and natural appearance
Limitations:
- Requires more frequent maintenance (every 1-3 years depending on traffic)
- Less resistance to staining compared to surface finishes
- More vulnerable to water damage without proper maintenance
- Higher lifetime maintenance costs
Hard-Wax Oil Hybrids
Modern finishes combining the penetrating qualities of oils with the protective characteristics of wax, offering improved durability over traditional oils. Hard-wax oils create a natural matte to satin appearance with good repairability and moderate maintenance requirements.
Advantages:
- More water-resistant than traditional oil finishes
- Natural appearance without plastic-like surface film
- Easy spot repair capabilities
- Good durability with appropriate maintenance
Limitations:
- More expensive than traditional finishes
- Requires specialized knowledge for proper application
- Needs periodic maintenance to maintain protection
- Limited availability compared to polyurethane finishes
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability Certifications
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The gold standard for responsible forestry certification, ensuring that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. FSC certification tracks the chain of custody from forest to consumer, verifying sustainable practices throughout.
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
An international non-profit organization promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. PEFC certification focuses on small forest owners and operates as an umbrella organization that endorses national forest certification systems.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
A North American forest certification standard that promotes sustainable forestry practices, responsible purchasing, and continuous improvement. SFI certification addresses key environmental, social, and economic forest values.
Indoor Air Quality Certifications
GREENGUARD Gold
Rigorous certification ensuring that products meet stringent chemical emissions limits, helping reduce indoor air pollution and chemical exposure. GREENGUARD Gold certified products are acceptable for use in schools and healthcare facilities where vulnerable populations may be present.
FloorScore
Certification specifically for hard surface flooring and adhesives, ensuring products meet strict indoor air quality requirements. FloorScore certified products comply with California Section 01350, one of the most stringent indoor air quality standards in the country.
CARB Phase 2 Compliant
Compliance with the California Air Resources Board regulations for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. CARB Phase 2 represents the strictest standard for formaldehyde emissions in North America.
Low-VOC Options
Many modern hardwood flooring products and finishes are formulated to minimize volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution and potential health issues. Advances in water-based and natural oil finishes have significantly reduced VOC content without compromising performance.
Installation Considerations
Subfloor Preparation
Proper subfloor preparation is critical to the long-term performance of your hardwood flooring. Subfloors must be clean, flat (within 3/16″ per 10-foot radius), structurally sound, and at appropriate moisture levels before installation begins.
Acclimation Requirements
Hardwood flooring must acclimate to the environment where it will be installed, allowing the moisture content of the wood to adjust to the home’s conditions. Typical acclimation periods range from 3-14 days depending on species, product type, and local climate conditions.
Moisture Testing and Control
Professional moisture testing of both the subfloor and the hardwood flooring material is essential to prevent future problems. Appropriate moisture barriers and vapor retarders must be installed based on site conditions and flooring type to ensure long-term stability.
Expansion Space Requirements
All hardwood flooring requires expansion space around the perimeter of the installation to accommodate natural movement with seasonal humidity changes. Typically, a 1/2″ to 3/4″ gap is maintained around all vertical obstructions, later covered by baseboards or quarter round molding.
Compatibility with Radiant Heat
While many engineered hardwood products are compatible with radiant heating systems, careful selection of appropriate species and products is essential. Lower density, quarter-sawn, and engineered products typically perform better with radiant heat than high-density or plain-sawn solid hardwood options.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Regular Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Sweep or dust mop to remove abrasive particles
- Weekly: Vacuum with hard floor attachment or microfiber mop
- Monthly: Clean with manufacturer-recommended hardwood floor cleaner
- Annually: Professional deep cleaning and maintenance coat application as needed
- Every 3-5 Years: Screen and recoat to refresh finish without full sanding
- Every 10-20 Years: Complete refinishing as needed based on wear and damage
Climate Control Recommendations
Maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels between 35-55% year-round is essential for hardwood floor stability. Significant fluctuations may cause cupping, crowning, or gapping between boards, particularly with wider solid hardwood planks.
Refinishing Process and Timeframe
The refinishing process typically involves sanding down to bare wood, stain application (if desired), and applying new finish coats. This process typically takes 3-5 days depending on square footage, with light traffic possible after 24 hours but full cure taking up to two weeks.
Making Your Selection: Practical Considerations
Budget Planning
When budgeting for hardwood flooring, consider not only the product cost but also:
- Removal and disposal of existing flooring
- Subfloor preparation and repairs
- Installation labor
- Trim and transition pieces
- Finishing costs (for site-finished floors)
- Future maintenance requirements
Expect to invest $8-$15 per square foot for quality engineered products installed, and $12-$20+ per square foot for premium solid hardwood installed and finished on site. Exotic species, wider planks, and custom installations can increase costs substantially.
Lifestyle Factors
Consider your household’s specific needs when selecting hardwood:
- Presence of children and pets
- Expected traffic patterns
- Planned length of ownership
- Tolerance for maintenance
- Sensitivity to chemicals and VOCs
- Desired aesthetic and consistency
Resale Value Considerations
Hardwood flooring typically returns 70-80% of its investment at resale, making it one of the better home improvement investments. Classic species in medium tones with traditional installation patterns typically appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring involves balancing aesthetic preferences, performance requirements, and practical considerations. At Hardwood Floor and More, our flooring specialists guide you through this complex decision-making process, ensuring you select the ideal combination of species, construction, finish, and installation method for your specific needs.
We invite you to visit our showroom to experience these options firsthand, where you can walk on different species, compare finish options, and visualize how various choices will complement your interior design. Our experts are available to answer your questions, provide samples, and help you navigate the world of hardwood flooring with confidence.
Your floor is more than just a surface—it’s the foundation of your home’s beauty, comfort, and value for decades to come. Let us help you make this important investment with the knowledge and confidence it deserves.