Hardwood floors are durable and beautiful. They are highly desirable, and if you are interested in installing them, you must first research to select the best wood type for your home. Durability must be a key consideration, and it’s better to spend a little more to enjoy longevity than to choose the cheapest option, which may deteriorate fast.
Hardwood floors are an investment, but the results are worth it. Proper care and maintenance allow you to enjoy your hardwood floors for many years without worrying about a replacement. To make informed decisions, you must thoroughly understand the different types of wood. It is recommended that you choose a high-quality, durable hardwood, but this decision is challenging because wood has different degrees of durability.
A rating system determines a wood’s durability. This rating system is called the Janka scale and is an impact test used to measure the hardness of common wood. The test wears and dents a piece of wood to see how durable and hard it is. This test aims to see if the wood is suitable for flooring.
The Most Durable Wood Types for Flooring
Oak
This is one of the most durable woods you can install. Oak is a popular choice because of its durability and appearance, and features tight, dark grains. Several types of oak, such as red and white oak, each offer different durability. Many homes built at the end of the 19th century still have their original oak flooring intact, proving this wood can last!
Due to its availability, oak is more cost-effective than other durable wood types.
Maple
Like oak, maple is one of the most popular and sought-after hardwood flooring materials. It features beautiful patterns and colours that give it a distinctive look. Its natural finish and subtle grain patterns make it ideal for contemporary spaces.
Maple does not take well to staining, but you don’t have to worry because its natural colour is visually stunning. Where Maple is harvested will result in variations in its aesthetic, although this aspect is always pleasing to the eye.
Maple harvested from the outer wood of the trunk usually has a lighter white colour, while maple harvested from closer to the tree’s center has more dark browns and reds.
Hickory
This is one of the densest flooring options available, although it is difficult to find. Many homeowners need help finding hickory when shopping for hardwood floors. If you find it, you will notice it is pricier because while it has a style similar to oak, it is the harder of the two.
Hickory is reddish-brown with natural brown stripes, but if harvested from the outer wood, it can be white with hints of pink and brown lines. Its unique graining pattern is slightly less prominent than that of ash or oak.
Brazilian Cherry
This type of wood comes from 100-—to 130-foot trees in the Brazilian rainforests. It is extremely hard and has a deep red colour. It takes staining and finishes very well, which is one of the reasons why it is a popular flooring choice.
Professional services are required to install Brazilian cherry solid hardwood planks.
Mahogany
Not only is mahogany one of the most beautiful hardwood flooring options, but it is also one of the most durable. This kind of hardwood floor will elevate the appearance of your home while providing you with durable flooring. The colour of mahogany is unique and rich, and its grain design is also very beautiful. Mahogany is a great way to add beauty and durability to your home.
There are different types and variations of mahogany hardwood flooring, although they are all durable.
Engineered hardwood flooring
Some homeowners may be interested in engineered wood flooring. This flooring is hardwood with many layers of fibre boards or plywood underneath the hardwood. You will get to choose the type of hardwood you can use at the top because this type of hardwood has intentional designs.
The Janka test rating depends heavily on the solid wood at the top of the wood. For example, if the hardwood at the top is hickory, you will have durable engineered hardwood flooring.
Enjoy the durability of hardwood floors by installing this type of flooring today!
Hardwood Floors for Your Home
Now that you know more about the most durable and popular hardwood options, you can make informed decisions regarding your home. Hardwood flooring is durable and very beautiful and will instantly elevate the appearance of your home. Additionally, hardwood floors will increase your house’s value because this is a desirable feature that potential buyers want.
Hardwood floors are a wise investment; you will have beauty, colour, strength, and durability options. You must select a type of wood that has the strength to withstand your home’s load. This decision cannot be taken lightly because you want your investment to last! When choosing new hardwood floors, you must consider options that will stand the test of time. Strength and durability are very important factors that must be prioritized during this process.
Get Floored With Us!
Do you want hardwood floors for your home? Floor Country Canada has been serving customers in Winnipeg for years. By understanding your needs and preferences, our experts provide you with professional recommendations. Contact us today to learn more about our flooring solutions!