Installing hardwood flooring in your home is a decision you can truly take pride in. Not only does it enhance the value of your property, but it also elevates the beauty and aesthetics of your space.
We’ve already explored why hardwood floors are a great choice and how to assess the specific needs of the room you’re working in. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into selecting the right species of wood flooring. Along with species, you’ll need to consider important factors such as whether to choose pre-finished solid hardwood, engineered or floating wood flooring, as well as color, grain, hardness, and other essential considerations.
By carefully weighing all these factors, you’ll ensure your hardwood flooring choice perfectly matches your home’s style and practical needs.
Wood Species
Some of the most common species used in hardwood flooring include Oak, Ash, Cedar, Chestnut, Walnut, Cherry, Redwood, Teak, and Tiger Wood. While there are many more species available, rest assured that you’ll find a wood that suits the style and needs of your project.
Janka Hardness Scale
The hardness of a hardwood floor is determined by its Janka rating, which is based on the Janka Hardness Scale. This scale measures how well a type of wood can withstand denting and normal wear and tear in your home. The rating is determined by the amount of force required for an 11.28 mm (0.444 in) steel ball to embed itself halfway into the wood. The Janka scale ranks woods from hardest to softest. Red Oak is often used as a reference point in the industry since it is considered a medium-density wood. Understanding the Janka rating helps you choose the right wood for your specific needs and the conditions it will be exposed to.
Your Environment
It’s important to remember that hardwood flooring is a natural material that will expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. Additionally, some wood species are more sensitive to natural sunlight, which can cause them to fade, darken, or change shades over time. When selecting your hardwood, be sure to inform the staff at Unique Wood Floors about the amount of sunlight the room receives through windows and doors. You should also consider the level of foot traffic the room will experience. In general, the higher the traffic, the harder the wood should be to ensure durability and longevity.
Your Financial Investment
Several factors affect the cost of installing hardwood floors, with the overall quality being the most significant. One of the primary considerations is where the hardwood comes from, as this influences its price. Exotic hardwoods, which are imported into the U.S., often have higher costs due to overseas shipping expenses. In contrast, domestic hardwoods are sourced locally, resulting in lower transportation costs. Another key factor is choosing between solid hardwood or engineered hardwood floors. Additional elements that impact price include the type of finish (e.g., pre-finished or unfinished), any special distressing (such as hand scraping), the size of the planks, and the warranty offered with the product.
Unique Wood Floors Has the Answers
This series of posts aims to guide you through the key considerations when making such an important investment in hardwood flooring. While tips, guides, and articles can provide helpful insights, there’s no substitute for the expertise you’ll find with our team. With over 20 years of experience in the industry and hundreds of thousands of square feet of flooring sold and installed, the knowledge we offer is both unique and invaluable.
Let us help you make the best decision for your flooring needs. Feel free to give us a call or email anytime at 952-994-9696 or [email protected]. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about this important decision.