Hardwood floors bring timeless elegance and natural warmth to any space. Their durability and enduring style offer a valuable investment that can enhance any home. But with so many hardwood floor types available, selecting the perfect match can feel overwhelming.
| Flooring Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | Timeless beauty, refinishing potential | Costly, moisture sensitive | Living rooms, bedrooms, low-moisture areas |
| Engineered Hardwood | Moisture resistant, versatile installation | Limited refinishing, quality can vary | Living spaces, kitchens, basements (with proper subfloor) |
| Exotic Hardwood | Unique visuals, extreme hardness | Expensive, ethical sourcing concerns | Statement rooms, high-end design |
| Bamboo | Eco-friendly, some types very hard | Prone to scratching, can be moisture-sensitive | Bedrooms, low to moderate traffic areas |
| Cork | Soft, warm, sound-dampening | Fades in sunlight, requires sealing | Bedrooms, playrooms, home offices |
Key Takeaways:
- Hardwood flooring offers diverse options – solid, engineered, exotic, bamboo, and cork.
- Each type has unique pros and cons in terms of durability, cost, and moisture resistance.
- Choose a hardwood floor that suits your room's use, budget, and personal style.
- Don't focus solely on looks – consider practical factors like installation and maintenance needs.
Table of Contents
- Solid Hardwood Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring
- Exotic Hardwood Flooring
- Bamboo Flooring
- Cork Flooring
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Floor Types
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring consists of planks milled from a single, solid piece of wood. This classic flooring type offers a timeless look and feel that has been prized for centuries.
Advantages
- Unmatched Beauty: The natural variations and character of solid hardwood create a stunning aesthetic that can't be replicated by other flooring types.
- Refinishing Potential: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, extending its beauty and increasing home value.
- Long Lifespan: With proper care, solid hardwood floors can last for decades or even generations.
Disadvantages
- Sensitivity to Moisture: Solid hardwood can expand and contract with changes in humidity, making it less suitable for moisture-prone areas like basements or bathrooms.
- Higher Cost: Solid hardwood tends to be a more expensive investment compared to some other flooring options.
Popular Species
- Oak: Classic choice with strength, various colors, and grain patterns.
- Maple: Clean look, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear.
- Cherry: Warm, reddish tones that darken over time.
- Walnut: Luxurious, dark chocolate tones and elegant grain.
- Hickory: Distinctive grain, rustic appeal, extreme hardness.
| Species | Janka Hardness Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) | 3680 | Extremely hard |
| Hickory | 1820 | Rustic look, very durable |
| White Oak | 1360 | Classic, versatile |
| Maple | 1450 | Clean look, hard |
| Cherry | 995 | Warm tones, darkens with age |
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed with a core of layered plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) and topped with a layer of solid hardwood veneer. This construction offers increased dimensional stability and versatility.
Advantages
- Moisture Resistance: Engineered hardwood is less susceptible to warping, cupping, or expansion compared to solid hardwood, making it more suitable in areas with some moisture fluctuation.
- Installation Versatility: Engineered hardwood can often be installed over various subfloors, including concrete, and can even work with radiant heating systems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Engineered hardwood can be more budget-friendly than solid hardwood, especially with wider planks.
Disadvantages
- Limited Refinishing: The solid hardwood veneer can be sanded and refinished, but not as many times as solid hardwood floors.
- Potential for Varied Quality: Some lower-quality engineered hardwoods may have thin veneers or less durable core materials.
Popular Species: Engineered hardwood is available in the same wide variety of wood species as solid hardwood, including oak, maple, hickory, walnut, and more.
It's important to choose engineered hardwood with a thick enough wear layer (the top hardwood veneer) to accommodate your desired refinishing potential.
Exotic Hardwood Flooring
Exotic hardwoods come from a vast array of tropical tree species sourced from regions worldwide, including South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. They offer striking visual appeal and, in some cases, exceptional durability.
Advantages
- Unique Visuals: Exotic hardwoods boast rich colors, dramatic grain patterns, and a sense of luxury that's hard to match with domestic woods.
- Extreme Hardness: Some exotic species, like Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), are significantly harder than common hardwoods, offering superior resistance to dents and scratches.
- Statement Piece: Exotic hardwood floors create a stunning focal point and elevate the design of any room.
Disadvantages
- Higher Cost: Exotic hardwoods generally come with a higher price tag due to sourcing and transportation.
- Ethical Concerns: It's essential to ensure exotic hardwoods are sustainably sourced. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to support responsible forestry.
- Installation Challenges: Some exotic hardwoods can be more difficult to work with due to their density and hardness.
Popular Examples
- Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Deep reddish-brown tones, exceptional hardness.
- Tigerwood: Striking striped pattern with orange, brown, and black.
- Teak: Golden brown color, natural oily content for moisture resistance.
- Santos Mahogany: Warm, reddish color with a straight grain.
Exotic hardwood flooring adds a touch of the extraordinary. Do your research to find a reputable supplier and choose a species that aligns with your budget, style preferences, and ethical values.
Bamboo Flooring
While technically a grass, bamboo is processed into flooring planks that offer a similar look and function to hardwood. It's a rapidly renewable resource that provides a unique and eco-friendly flooring choice.
Advantages
- Sustainability: Bamboo grows incredibly quickly, making it a highly renewable material and a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
- Unique Appearance: Bamboo flooring offers a distinctive look with visible nodes and interesting grain variations.
- Hardness: Certain types of bamboo flooring, particularly strand-woven bamboo, can be remarkably hard and resistant to wear and tear.
Disadvantages
- Scratching: Like any flooring material, bamboo can be susceptible to scratches, especially from pets or furniture movement.
- Moisture Sensitivity: Some bamboo flooring may be vulnerable to swelling or warping in high-humidity environments.
- Color Variation: Bamboo can be prone to color changes over time, especially with direct sunlight exposure.
Types of Bamboo Flooring
- Traditional Bamboo: Lighter in color with distinctive nodes.
- Strand-Woven Bamboo: Made from compressed bamboo strands, resulting in exceptional hardness and durability.
- Carbonized Bamboo: Bamboo that has been heat-treated to achieve a darker, richer color.
When choosing bamboo flooring, look for quality products with reputable certifications that ensure sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, a renewable resource known for its unique properties. It offers a soft, comfortable surface and a distinct natural aesthetic.
Advantages
- Comfort Underfoot: Cork's natural cellular structure provides a cushioned feel, making it gentle on your feet and joints.
- Warmth and Insulation: Cork is a natural insulator, helping to keep floors warm in cooler weather and offering sound-dampening qualities.
- Eco-Friendly: Cork oak trees are harvested sustainably without cutting them down, and the production of cork flooring has a low environmental impact.
- Hypoallergenic: Cork is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Disadvantages
- Sun Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading of cork floors.
- Susceptible to Scratches and Dents: While resilient, cork can show scratches and dents from sharp objects or heavy furniture.
- Requires Sealing: Cork flooring needs periodic sealing to maintain its water resistance and protect against stains.
Styles and Options: Cork flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from natural cork looks to tiles that mimic wood or stone. It's available in both glue-down tiles and click-together floating floor formats.
Cork offers a distinctive choice for those prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and a unique flooring texture. Its softness makes it an excellent option for bedrooms, playrooms, or areas where you stand for extended periods.
| Flooring Type | Average Price Range per Square Foot (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | $8 - $25+ |
| Engineered Hardwood | $6 - $20+ |
| Exotic Hardwood | $10 - $30+ |
| Bamboo | $5 - $15+ |
| Cork | $5 - $12+ |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Floor Types
Choosing the perfect hardwood floor type is more than just visuals. Here are some key factors to think about to ensure your floors function well in your home and fit your lifestyle:
Room Usage
- High-Traffic Areas: For hallways, living rooms, and kitchens, choose hardwoods with high durability ratings (think oak, maple, hickory, or exotic options). Consider harder engineered hardwoods or bamboo for these spaces too.
- Bedrooms & Low Traffic Areas: These rooms offer more flexibility in species choice, prioritizing look and feel.
- Moisture-Prone Areas: Opt for engineered hardwood or other flooring types (like luxury vinyl) for bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms.
Budget
- Solid hardwood often has a higher upfront cost, but offers the potential for multiple refinishings over its lifespan.
- Engineered hardwoods can be more budget-friendly, with varying price points based on quality and veneer thickness.
- Explore budget options like bamboo and cork for eco-friendliness and unique benefits.
Visual Style
- Color: Do you favor warm tones, cool hues, or dramatic dark shades? Consider matching existing furniture or creating a contrast.
- Grain Pattern: Choose from subtle grain patterns (maple) to distinctive markings (hickory, exotics).
- Board Width: Wide planks create a modern, spacious feel, while narrower planks offer a classic look.
Installation Requirements
- Subfloor: Some flooring types require specific subfloor conditions. Consult with a professional for advice.
- DIY or Professional: Consider your experience level when deciding between DIY-friendly click-together flooring or more complex installation types.
It's always recommended to get samples of different hardwood flooring types to see them in your home's lighting and alongside your existing decor.