Best Types of Hardwood Flooring

The decision regarding the type of floor coverings can completely change the atmosphere of your house, while hardwood remains the most popular choice through generations. It is durable, classic, and adds a lot to the property valuation. Still, there are a lot of different kinds of hardwood to choose from, and the right one may turn out to be a tough decision. The type of hardwood will affect whether it is a living room, a kitchen, or a bedroom, the functionality and aesthetic of the room.

What method of selection do you prefer? Your decision is influenced by factors such as price, the extent of wear on the floor, and the desired appearance. A concise overview of some of the most popular hardwood flooring options in Raleigh, NC,  is given below, which will help you choose the ideal one for your room.

Common Types of Hardwood Flooring

Here are some of the best hardwood flooring options available in Raleigh, NC.

White Oak Hardwood

In North America, white oak is one of the most popular woods. It has a light to medium brown hue with a yellowish tint that makes it look airy and versatile. Its close-grain pattern adds to its durability, hence making it suitable for areas with high traffic.

Furthermore, staining with a low level of difficulty can be done easily; you can change the color until it matches your interior design flawlessly. White oak is an excellent material for offering the aesthetic of a very stylish and modern home while still taking the punishment of heavy use, whether it is in a busy living room or a calm dining area.

Red Oak Hardwood

Red oak displays an extraordinary grain and comes with a very warm reddish colour, which is highly appreciated by people. It has lower hardness than white oak, but still, it is suitable for most houses.

Red oak creates a warm and slightly antique feeling that matches very well both classical and rustic styles. Furthermore, it is a cost-effective choice and, just like white oak, it can be stained in such a way that it blends with your furniture and décor. Hence, it is a sensible and stylish choice for many homeowners.

Maple Hardwood

Maple is widely appreciated for its gentle, buttery hue and silky quality. It produces a fresh, timeless look that is very compatible with modern houses.

Maple, though tough, however, it can easily get scratched, which can be more visible than oak hardwood. It is nevertheless an excellent option for areas with medium foot traffic where you desire a smooth and uncluttered floor.

Hickory Hardwood

Hickory is the one that really catches your attention if strength is the main consideration. It is hard overall, one of the hardest hardwoods, and besides that, it has amazing grain patterns and color variation from light brown through dark brown.

Hickory has the strength to withstand heavy use easily and is, therefore, suitable for hallways, kitchens, and family rooms with high activity. Its astonishing appearance fits perfectly with rustic or farmhouse-style homes, but it might be a limitation for some consumers.

Cherry Hardwood

Cherry wood has a gorgeous and dark red-brown color, which, over time, darkens further, creating a very luxurious and rich look. The wood is first-class, smooth, and very well finished, thus being ideal for a living room or a formal dining room, because it gives the place a very elegant look. 

It is softer than oak and hickory, thus making it more suitable for very low-traffic areas. On the other hand, if you are willing to maintain it, cherry will give you a very warm and classy look that gets richer as time goes by.

Walnut Hardwood

Walnut is the most dark shade of hardwood, also it has great aesthetic appeal. The beautiful and elegant wood can be defined as luxury just by its deep, rich brown colors and the light streaks that it has.

The walnut is still softer than oak; however, it will still be able to withstand the medium use of living rooms, bedrooms, etc. Its luxurious look is just right for those homeowners who want a refined touch in their homes.

Ash Hardwood

Ash Hardwood is the tree that provides an even lighter, virtually white golden hue, very much like the white oak. The durability and elasticity of the wood, plus its adaptability, have made it widely accepted for both contemporary and country style interiors.

Unlike other woods, ash is considered a very nice choice for the living rooms or home offices, but not for such areas where humidity is high, like bathrooms or basements. This wood is reasonably priced, but it is long-lasting, which makes it a smart choice for plenty of households.

Birch Hardwood

Birch has a very soft yellow color to a brown shade, which looks pure and gentle. It is not as hard as oak or hickory and thus is best for less busy areas.

Birch is very receptive to staining, so the choice of stain can be adapted to different home styles. It is very cheap compared to other hardwoods, making it a good choice if you want a hardwood look without being excessively expensive.

Exotic Brazilian Oak

Brazilian oak is a very luxurious choice. It is characterized by its extreme thickness, hardness, and natural resistance to abrasion. Its dark colors and pattern of the grain make it a most noticeable choice for any place.

Brazilian oak is quite costly but it is still the best choice for very lively households that require both the strength and the impressive, exotic appearance of wood. The flooring can be a very long-lasting investment of up to several decades.

Conclusion

The right hardwood selection is a matter of specific needs, likes, and traffic conditions. For a classic look, oak or maple would be the choices, while for the top-of-the-line luxury, cherry stands top in the list, but walnut also brings a luxury element. The toughest ones among all, hickory and Brazilian oak, are also the most daring choices that can be made into floors that are a masterpiece.

Think about the location of the floors, how much traffic there will be, and your house’s design. Choosing the right hardwood flooring in Raleigh, NC, will not only give you a floor that will be a focal point of your room but also a long-lasting one, thus enhancing the beauty and value of your place.