If you’re looking for durable flooring that adds value to your home, look no further than hardwood flooring. It comes in a range of beautiful natural tones and has stood the test of time.
But what is a hardwood floor? What types of hardwood floors are available? Do you wonder “why should I choose one of these types of flooring for my home”?
Read on for our handy guide on hardwood floors.
What Is a Hardwood Floor?
Let’s begin to answer the question ‘what is a hardwood floor?’ by telling you what it is not.
There are many types of flooring that are alternatives to hardwoods. These include laminate, vinyl, tile, and bamboo. They have some great features, but they should not be confused with the real thing.
Manufacturers harvest the wood that makes hardwood flooring from trees that grow slowly. The result is that the wood is more dense and hardwearing. The downside is that you pay more because of this longer growing time.
The good news is that hardwood floors last and last. They’re very durable against knocks and everyday wear and tear. You can easily refinish them to look new again.
It is also a beautiful, characterful material. Every plank is unique with different markings and colors. While most products look worse as they age, hardwoods actually improve the longer they’re down.
Types of Hardwood Floors
There are many types of hardwood floors on the market currently, and the most popular is oak. Red oak tends to be the most commonly used hardwood flooring in the U.S. and is the most affordable.
Although it is not the hardest wood on the market, it is very hardwearing. It’s easy to refinish.
Maple hardwood flooring is another popular choice, as it is common in North America. It comes in lighter shades than oak and is a little more expensive. It has an interesting grain pattern.
Its light, natural look, which is predominantly light grays and beige, makes it the best wood for floors in contemporary homes.
If you’re looking for more affordable types of wood floors, consider ash wood and birch wood floors. They are both common native species and are easy to work with.
Birchwood floors can give you a similar look to maple, at a lower price point.
Why Choose a Hardwood Floor?
The main reasons for choosing are:
- Beautiful, natural appearance
- Hardwearing
- Gets better with age
- Does not need to be replaced regularly
- Can be refinished
These are just a few of the reasons why hardwood flooring is one of the best flooring choices you can make. There are endless varieties to suit all styles of home decor and budget.
The Best Types of Flooring for Your Home
We hope that we’ve comprehensively answered the question ‘What is a hardwood floor?’ If you can afford it, hardwood floors are a choice you’ll never regret. They’re hardwearing and beautiful and will bring joy for years to come.
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