For those looking to install wood floors in their home, there are quite a few options. Each of the wood species has their own advantages and disadvantages and specific looks and lifespan. Where before knowing if it was hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate flooring, when it comes to resale value. Today, we at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to briefly discuss the common wood species.

Types of Hardwood Flooring Materials

Bamboo: With its sustainability, bamboo is a very popular eco-friendly choice. Compared to for some harder woods to take 50 plus years to mature, bamboo is technically a grass, only requiring 4-6 years for it to mature. However, hardness is not lost in bamboo as strand woven process, as the procedure will leave it harder than ok. Traditionally, bamboo is a light color, but darker shades can be found in caramelized options.
Brazilian Cherry: Brazilian Cherry has a dark red color, as the name suggests, that will deepen with age. Looking exceptionally fine in a study or den, this flooring is very inviting and elegant. Its very durable because Brazilian Cherry is very hard, which can prove challenging to install and perform hardwood flooring refinishing services.
Cork: Another eco-friendly option like the bamboo is cork. Cork planks are produced from the bark of the cork oak tree as opposed to the wood itself which makes it more sustainable. Cork flooring has that same bounce-back feel as the cork boards do, which is both cushy to walk on and self-repairing from the indentations from furniture. It is also mold and mildew-resistant as cork is impermeable to gas and liquid; making it one of the few wood floors that can be installed in basements or even bathrooms.
Maple: Similar to oak, maple is harder and darker. For a more smooth and sleek feel, maple has a lighter grain color to produce it. Although it doesn’t absorb stain well and can yellow over time in rooms with sunlight exposure, maple is still a popular hardwood flooring choice in modern homes.
Oak: Oak is economical, strong-grained, and efficient and the stain absorbs well. It is a commonly used as hardwood flooring in North America. Its popular because the graining hides flaws, like scratches and dents easily, which helps to retain the luster as they age and in homes where there are kids and pets. There is red oak, which has pink undertones and white oak that has gold and brown undertones.
Pine: As one of the softer woods, pine is noted as an allure among homeowners as a hardwood floor option instead of a flaw. The softer pine is easier to cut and work with during installation, and dents and scratches are minimal to boost the wood’s authenticity. The surface becomes harder because the as the pine flooring ages the fibers will compress on themselves.

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If you need help deciding on which hardwood floor type is best in your home and ensure it is efficiently installed, call the specialists of Mike’s Custom Flooring and let us take care of you.