Hardwood floors are a sought-after feature in many homes. They are beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, long-lasting, and durable. Using hardwood material can also increase your home value, making it an excellent investment if you are not planning to stay on your property forever. However, before you choose hardwood flooring, you need to consider what type you need and whether you are equipped to care for it. Here are 5 types of hardwood flooring for your home:
1. Oak Flooring
Oak is one of the most common and popular types of hardwood flooring. It is a versatile material, coming in many different colors and varieties. You can choose from white, red, and light oak for your floors. But color and variety are far from this material’s only strength. Oak floors are also hygienic for numerous reasons. When sealed and cared for, oak does not retain lingering odors from spills and accidents. Additionally, it does not trap microbes, allergens, or moisture. In fact, it is resistant to fungus and unlikely to foster mildew growth. What’s not to love?
The costs of oak vary. You may spend more or less depending on the type of oak you purchase and installation costs. On average, you can expect oak hardwood flooring to cost between $7–18 per square foot.
2. Cherry Flooring
Cherry has a beautiful, natural color ranging from pink to deep hues of red. Because its natural color is so appealing, manufacturers rarely stain it. There are few materials you can choose from that will lend you the same show-stopping beauty. The only downside of choosing cherry is its softness, which makes it vulnerable to scratches and dents. If you have children or pets, cherry may not be the best flooring option because of potential damage.
The costs of cherry flooring vary, but this material is affordable. You can expect to pay between $5 and $12 for cherry flooring. That includes installation costs!
3. Maple Flooring
Maple flooring is another excellent choice for your home. This material suits contemporary interior designs. Because maple trees grow quickly, flooring made from this wood is eco-friendly and has a low environmental impact, making it excellent for green homeowners. Maple also lasts a long time when properly cared for.
That being said, maple does have its downsides. Maple is vulnerable to humidity, more so than any other type of hardwood flooring. That means you have to be extra careful to maintain your home’s moisture levels to prevent warping and shrinking. Additionally, this flooring material does not stain well, meaning you’re stuck with only a few color options.
Maple flooring costs between $5 and $12 per square foot, excluding labor. It depends on what type of maple you purchase. Factory stains will also up the price of the material.
4. Walnut Flooring
Walnut flooring is gorgeous. When you install this type of hardwood flooring in your home, you’re sure to receive a lot of compliments. Additionally, your resale value will skyrocket! Walnut comes in rich, dark tones, and it works well in large spaces but can make small rooms feel more cramped because of the color.
Unfortunately, walnut is prone to scuffs if it is not sealed correctly. You have to be careful when you move furniture or set up your children with toys that roll on the floor, like small cars. Other than that, there are few downsides to walnut. Its beauty is unparalleled, and it lasts a long time with proper care!
Because walnut is a more rare wood choice, its initial costs are between $6 and $10 per square foot. That is not including installation costs, of course. How much more you pay depends on the contractor you choose.
5. Hickory Flooring
We saved one of the best for last. Hickory, like oak, is highly durable and resistant to fungal and insect infestations. However, it is more bold than oak. It has an intense grain pattern full of swirls and knots, which gives it an intriguing but busy appearance. Hickory typically costs between $3 and $8 per square foot, excluding labor fees.
Get Your Flooring Installed With BetterBuilt Builders!
We hope that this article has been helpful as you learn about the different types of hardwood flooring. The team at BetterBuilt Builders is here to answer any questions and concerns you may have as you select a hardwood material for your home. Contact us today for assistance!